For half a decade, the Switch has been wowing casual and long-time fans alike with what seems like an endless collection of incredible games. With the addition of the Nintendo Switch Lite and Nintendo Switch OLED consoles, there’s no sign of slowing down for the platform. For those looking to expand their library, or simply don’t know what to play with their new console first, here are the 7 best Nintendo Switch games to play right now.
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Want to know what other Nintendo Switch games are coming out this year? In that case, check out our list video games release dates for 2022.
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Even half a decade on, Breath of the Wild remains as one of the finest launch games for any console. Among the Legend of Zelda games itself, Breath of the Wild still holds the top spot in the series, as well as being known as one of the greatest open-world adventure games of all time.
A classic epic tale of a lost adventurer looking for answers and to conquer evil, lies in the mere centre of a grand adventure in a living, breathing open world. Brimming with mysteries, wonders, and endless dangers, the possibilities feel endless – with no playthroughs for any players ever being the same. Is Breath of the Wild hard? It most certainly can be, but that entirely depends on the experience you want to make for yourself. You can take on every Guardian, monster, and free Hyrule of terror. Alternatively, you can spend 100 hours exploring the land and getting lost in the endless spectacle that is the masterfully crafted playground. The world is truly yours.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a demonstration of what the Nintendo Switch was capable of in terms of gameplay and storytelling. In 2022, this game is still a perfect entry point for new Nintendo Switch owners, or those looking to expand their catalogue.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is available to .
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Coincidentally launching right at the start of the pandemic to astronomical sales, the joys of Animal Crossing New Horizons go beyond so much further than Covid-19 escapism. Being put in charge of turning a bare island into your own cosy getaway paradise, New Horizons is a blank canvas to which you’re the artist – letting you lose yourself away from the real world, making a new one for you and your adorable animal friends?
Do you want to build yourself a quaint little village to be enjoyed by your island residents? Possibly recreate The Office’s of Dunder Mifflin? Or do you perhaps just want to spend weeks not doing any building at all, instead fishing and catching butterflies? You’re the master of your own domain. No matter which way, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of the most relaxing games you can play.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available to
Mario Kart 8: Deluxe
As one of the most popular gaming series out there, Mario Kart has gotten better each entry with it’s simple yet fun and addictive twist on the racing formula fuelled by Nintendo’s wacky characters and awesome power-ups. Despite being a port of the original 2013 Wii U game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe feels right at home on the Switch – still topping the sales charts years later.
Bursting with iconic tracks old and new, as well as customisation options for each car, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a culmination of the unique and fun gameplay you won’t find anywhere else when playing with friends or playing solo online.
Mario Kart 8: Deluxe is available to .
Metroid Dread
The newest Metroid Dread game carried heavy expectation – given the long wait since the last series entry. Presenting a striking quality of level and art design from the get-go, you’re immediately submerged into an action-space adventure, with a slight horror twist.
Retaining the side-scrolling gameplay of previous Metroid games, Dread feels fantastic to play and explore. This is all whilst avoiding the eery and chilling EMMY robots of which a single touch can mean certain death. Most importantly, however, is the boss battles that make Metroid Dread such a blast. Ranging from gargantuan hulking monsters to peculiar yet mystifying creatures, each boss encounter feels like blast as you learn to pick up their weaknesses and cinch victory.
Metroid Dread is available to .
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Like what Mario Kart 8 does for racing, Super Smash Bros’ Ultimate is a must-play for not only fighting game fans, but also those who may be traditionally put off by the genre. Featuring 74 playable characters, 89 with paid DLC, made up of gaming characters from Nintendo alumni and beyond, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is one of the most fun fighting games out there.
Meanwhile, it’s also one of the most comprehensive. Each character has its own unique moveset and combat capabilities, giving you the wide choice from either sticking with one fighter to master, or sampling each one for a different experience each time. Those who aren’t a fan of local multiplayer can also have a blast online or with its story-light but still-fun campaign. The latter even incorporates stats buffs and de-buffs in the form of equippable “spirits” that possess other fighters – adding a slight and quirky RPG twist to each brawl. Whether you’re entirely new to fighting games or are looking for a new challenge, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has you covered.
Super Smash Bros’ Ultimate is available to buy for .
Pokemon Legends: Arceus
After two and a half decades of games, the Pokémon franchise has never failed to offer a great time no matter which game you play. Nevertheless, a change to its tried and true formula has been well in demand for quite some time. Thankfully, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the most refreshing Pokémon game in years.
By being set in an era far back in time, essentially being a prequel to the rest of the series, Legends: Arceus takes the chance to bring Pokémon back to it’s roots. By doing so, it adds welcome and in-depth twists to its gameplay; crafting, stealth mechanics, Noble/Alpha Pokémon boss battles, a true open world hub for exploration, and an improved emphasis on catching Pokémon; making the series start to grow in an entirely new and overdue direction.
Exploring a vast, untamed wilderness – one where humans and Pokémon are yet to co-exist, the latter seeing the former as truly terrifying creatures – this latest instalment injects new life into a gaming world so many have grown up in. Both in gameplay and story.
In the same manner that Breath of the Wild never fails to create a sense of wonder traversing Hyrule, Pokémon Legends: Arceus will make you excited to start filling up your Pokédex again.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is available to .
That completes our round-up of the best Nintendo Switch games to play right now. If you’re keen to check out some of our other lists, such as the best PS5 games and best Xbox Series X games to play right now.