Best To Worst: Nintendo Switch Games Ranked!

Hey guys! So, you're diving into the world of Nintendo Switch, huh? Awesome choice! But with so many games available, figuring out what's gold and what's, well, not-so-gold can be a real challenge. That's where I come in! I’ve spent countless hours glued to my Switch, exploring everything from epic adventures to quirky indie titles. And now, I'm ready to share my definitive ranking of Nintendo Switch games, from the absolute must-plays to the ones you might want to skip. Get ready for some controversial opinions and hopefully, a few helpful recommendations!

The God Tier: Absolute Must-Play Nintendo Switch Games

Let's kick things off with the absolute best of the best, the games that truly define the Nintendo Switch experience. These are the titles that showcase the console's unique capabilities, offer unforgettable stories, and provide hours upon hours of entertainment. If you own a Switch, these are the games you need in your library.

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Okay, let's be real, this one is a no-brainer. Breath of the Wild isn't just a great Nintendo Switch game; it's a masterpiece of game design. The sheer freedom to explore Hyrule is mind-blowing, and the emergent gameplay possibilities are endless. You can literally spend hours just experimenting with different ways to solve puzzles or defeat enemies. The story is captivating, the world is stunning, and the gameplay is perfectly polished. If you haven't played this yet, stop reading and go buy it right now! Seriously, you're missing out on one of the greatest gaming experiences of all time. From the moment you step out into the vast open world, you're greeted with breathtaking vistas and a sense of adventure that's rarely matched. The game encourages exploration and rewards curiosity, making every playthrough feel unique. Whether you're scaling towering mountains, gliding across vast plains, or delving into ancient shrines, Breath of the Wild offers a constantly evolving and deeply engaging experience. The combat system is intuitive and challenging, allowing you to experiment with different weapons and strategies to overcome your foes. And the story, while familiar, is told in a compelling way that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Breath of the Wild is a must-own for any Nintendo Switch owner, and it's a game that you'll keep coming back to for years to come.
• Super Mario Odyssey: Speaking of masterpieces, Super Mario Odyssey is another shining example of Nintendo's brilliance. This game is pure, unadulterated joy from start to finish. The level design is incredibly creative, the controls are tight and responsive, and the sheer variety of gameplay mechanics is staggering. Cappy, Mario's new hat companion, adds a whole new dimension to the gameplay, allowing you to possess enemies and objects to solve puzzles and traverse the environment in unexpected ways. Collecting Power Moons is addictive, and the post-game content is surprisingly robust. Super Mario Odyssey is a celebration of everything that makes Mario games great, and it's an absolute joy to play. The vibrant and colorful worlds are bursting with personality, and the catchy soundtrack will have you humming along for days. Whether you're exploring bustling cities, lush forests, or exotic beaches, Super Mario Odyssey offers a constantly fresh and exciting experience. The game is also incredibly accessible, making it perfect for both seasoned Mario veterans and newcomers alike. With its charming characters, inventive gameplay, and endless replayability, Super Mario Odyssey is a true masterpiece that deserves a place in every Nintendo Switch library. So, grab your Joy-Cons, throw on your cap, and get ready for an adventure you'll never forget!
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Need a chill game to unwind with? Animal Crossing: New Horizons is your answer. This game is pure relaxation in a cartridge. You move to a deserted island, build a home, make friends with adorable animal villagers, and just generally live a peaceful, virtual life. There's no real objective, which is part of the appeal. You can fish, catch bugs, decorate your house, design clothes, or just wander around and chat with your neighbors. New Horizons is the perfect game for anyone who needs a break from the stresses of daily life. The game's charming characters and relaxing atmosphere make it easy to get lost in its world, and the constant stream of new events and activities ensures that there's always something to do. Whether you're terraforming your island, collecting rare items, or simply enjoying the company of your villagers, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a deeply satisfying and endlessly engaging experience. The game is also incredibly social, allowing you to visit your friends' islands and share your creations with the world. With its adorable graphics, soothing soundtrack, and endless possibilities, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a must-have for anyone who needs a little bit of peace and quiet in their life.

The Great Tier: Highly Recommended Nintendo Switch Games

These games are fantastic and definitely worth your time and money. They might not be quite as groundbreaking as the God Tier titles, but they offer compelling gameplay, engaging stories, and plenty of replay value. You won't be disappointed with these!

• Stardew Valley: Stardew Valley is more than just a farming simulator; it's a life simulator. You inherit your grandfather's rundown farm and must rebuild it, growing crops, raising animals, and befriending the local townsfolk. But Stardew Valley is also a surprisingly deep and complex game, with a rich story, challenging combat, and plenty of secrets to uncover. It's the perfect game for anyone who loves simulation games or just wants to escape to a charming and relaxing world. Stardew Valley is a game that you can easily lose yourself in for hours on end, as you tend to your crops, explore the mines, and build relationships with the villagers. The game's simple yet addictive gameplay loop, combined with its charming characters and heartwarming story, makes it a truly special experience. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the genre, Stardew Valley is a must-play for anyone who enjoys a good simulation game.
• Hollow Knight: If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding Metroidvania, Hollow Knight is the game for you. This game is beautifully designed, with a stunning art style, tight controls, and a vast, interconnected world to explore. The combat is difficult but fair, and the boss battles are epic. Hollow Knight is a game that will test your skills and patience, but the sense of accomplishment you'll feel when you finally overcome a challenge is immense. Hollow Knight is a game that rewards exploration and encourages players to delve deep into its world, uncovering secrets and mastering its challenging combat system. The game's haunting atmosphere and compelling story, combined with its tight controls and satisfying gameplay, make it a true masterpiece of the Metroidvania genre. Whether you're a fan of challenging platformers or simply looking for a game with a rich and immersive world, Hollow Knight is a must-play.
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Gotta catch em all? The ultimate party game, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate brings together every single character from the history of the series, plus a ton of new faces. It's a chaotic and exhilarating experience, whether you're playing with friends on the couch or battling it out online. The sheer amount of content in this game is staggering, with hundreds of characters, stages, and items to unlock. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the perfect game for anyone who loves fighting games or just wants to have some fun with friends. The game's simple controls and accessible gameplay make it easy to pick up and play, while its deep and complex mechanics offer endless possibilities for skilled players. Whether you're a seasoned Smash veteran or a newcomer to the series, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner.

The Good Tier: Solid and Enjoyable Nintendo Switch Games

These games are good, solid experiences that are worth checking out, especially if they're on sale or if you're a fan of the genre. They might not be quite as essential as the games in the higher tiers, but they're still a lot of fun.

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version of the Wii U classic, with all the original tracks and characters, plus some new additions. It's a fast-paced and frantic racing game that's perfect for playing with friends and family. The controls are tight and responsive, the track design is excellent, and the power-ups are as chaotic and unpredictable as ever. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their skill level. The game's colorful graphics and catchy soundtrack, combined with its addictive gameplay and endless replayability, make it a true classic. Whether you're a seasoned racing game veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner.
• Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Pokémon series makes its debut on the Nintendo Switch with Pokémon Sword and Shield. While these games have been somewhat controversial among fans, they still offer a compelling Pokémon experience. The new region of Galar is beautifully designed, the Pokémon are as adorable as ever, and the Dynamax battles are a fun and exciting addition. Pokémon Sword and Shield may not be the best Pokémon games of all time, but they're still a lot of fun for fans of the series. The game's charming characters and engaging story, combined with its addictive gameplay and endless collection possibilities, make it a true classic. Whether you're a seasoned Pokémon trainer or a newcomer to the series, Pokémon Sword and Shield are worth checking out.
• Luigi's Mansion 3: Luigi finally gets his time to shine in Luigi's Mansion 3. This game is a charming and spooky adventure that's perfect for fans of puzzle games. You play as Luigi, who must explore a haunted hotel, capture ghosts, and rescue his friends. The puzzles are clever and well-designed, the atmosphere is spooky and fun, and the gameplay is surprisingly addictive. Luigi's Mansion 3 is a must-play for anyone who loves puzzle games or just wants a good scare.

The Okay Tier: Fun, but with Caveats

These games are decent, but they have some flaws that hold them back from being truly great. They might be worth checking out if you're a die-hard fan of the genre, but otherwise, there are probably better options available.

• Fire Emblem: Three Houses: This strategy RPG has a deep and engaging story, but the gameplay can be a bit repetitive at times. The characters are well-developed, the world is interesting, and the strategic battles are challenging, but the pacing can be slow and the story can be convoluted. Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a good game, but it's not for everyone.
• Astral Chain: A stylish action game with a unique combat system, but the story can be a bit confusing. The combat is fast-paced and satisfying, the visuals are stunning, and the world is interesting, but the story can be difficult to follow and the characters can be underdeveloped. Astral Chain is a good game, but it's not for everyone.
• Yoshi's Crafted World: A cute and charming platformer, but it's a bit too easy for experienced players. The visuals are adorable, the music is catchy, and the gameplay is relaxing, but the challenge is minimal and the game can be repetitive. Yoshi's Crafted World is a good game for young children, but it's not for everyone.

The Skip Tier: Games to Avoid on Nintendo Switch

These are the games that I cannot recommend. They're either poorly made, boring, or just plain broken. Save your money and avoid these titles.

• [Insert Bad Game Here]: Seriously, there are tons of shovelware titles on the Nintendo Switch eShop. Do your research before you buy anything!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, my definitive ranking of Nintendo Switch games! Of course, this is just my opinion, and your tastes may differ. But I hope this guide has been helpful in helping you decide what to play next. Happy gaming, guys! Remember to always check reviews and gameplay videos before buying a game, and don't be afraid to try something new. You might just discover your next favorite game! And most importantly, have fun!