MUST-HAVE GAMES
The Cream of the Crop
If you're wondering what games to get for your brand new Nintendo Switch, then you've come to the right place. We've hand-selected the best titles on the system! Each of the released games listed on this page have received positive scores from our reviewers. A few upcoming titles snuck their way onto the page because we think they have the potential to be fantastic games as well. If they somehow miss the mark, we'll yank them, but we're pretty confident they'll be good.
Clicking the game's title next to our description will take you to that title's Game Hub, which will give you access to all of the screens, videos, news, and reviews we've posted about that game - a great resource! Some of our picks are only available digitally through the Nintendo Switch eShop. If you click or tap on the game boxes or game icons you'll be taken to Amazon where you can order the game cartridges or the eShop currency needed to purchase a digital game. A small portion of your purchase goes to help fund Nintendo Times, so we appreciate your support.
Adventurers At Heart
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - The best game on the Nintendo Switch for those who love to explore and get lost in a vast video game world. If you own a Switch you need this game! MSRP: $59.99
SteamWorld Dig 2 - If you're craving a Metroidvania experience on the Nintendo Switch with great graphics, solid music, and impeccable gameplay - look no further! With tons of upgrades to find, this one's a winner. MSRP: $19.99
Thimbleweed Park - Did you grow up playing classic point and click adventure games like Maniac Mansion? Do you like cryptic puzzle solving injected with off the wall humor? Then this eShop game is the one for you! MSRP: $19.99
Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap - This Sega Master System game has been completely overhauled with new graphics and music that sets the stage for an intense adventure. Don't let the kiddie graphics fool you - this one's tough. MSRP: $19.99
Platforming Perfection
Jump Up, Super Star!
Super Mario Odyssey - A contender for game of the year, Mario is back better than ever with a ton of Kingdoms to explore and enemies to capture. This is THE signature game that every Switch owner will need to own. MSRP: $59.99
Sonic Mania - What? A Sonic game on a must-have list? It's about time! This throwback to the glory days of the 16-bit Genesis combines familiar stages with new twists and gameplay tweaks to create an amazing experience. MSRP: $19.99
Shovel Knight Treasure Trove - If you're into classic 8-bit stylized graphics and amazing chiptune music with rock-solid controls, fantastic characters and captivating level design, then look no further. Mega Man, Castlevania, Zelda II, Duck Tales infuse to make something glorious. MSRP: $24.99
Rayman Legends - We played the heck out of this on the Wii U. If you haven't experienced this glorious 2D side-scrolling platformer, then the Switch is the perfect system to go nuts. You can play couch co-op with up to 4 players! MSRP: $39.99
Hardcore Heroes
Do You Have What It Takes?
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - The first two games in the series were off the charts crazy good. This brand new JRPG promises huge worlds to explore and a revamped battle system that looks more intense than ever. We can't wait for Dec. 1! MSRP: $59.99
Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - This western action/RPG has been incredibly received over the years. Now you can take it with you everywhere you go. With optional motion controls and amiibo support, this one looks fantastic! MSRP: $59.99
DOOM - It's amazing how good this game looks on the Switch. Sure, it loses some of its visual panache, but the game still looks killer and you can play anywhere you want! If you're into intense and gory action, this is for you. MSRP: $59.99
Multiplayer Mayhem
A Blue Shell For Every Occasion
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - The best Mario Kart ever just happens to be on the Nintendo Switch. With a bazillion ways to play online and local multiplayer, this one will keep you coming back for more. A new battle mode is the icing on the cake. MSRP: $59.99
Splatoon 2 - This kid-friendly third-person "shooter" is insanely popular because it's crazy fun. The game requires internet to play multiplayer, but it's so worth it. With a new "horde" mode and a constant stream of new weapons and stages, this is definitely worth the money. MSRP $59.99
ARMS - If you're into one-on-one fighting games, ARMS is a fantastic new IP from Nintendo that's extremely fun to play. You can battle locally or online and, like Splatoon 2, free updates have been adding new modes, fighters, and arenas. MSRP: $59.99
For The Young (At Heart)
Lego My Yono
Lego City Undercover - This is what you get when you combine the open world of Grand Theft Auto with the zany humor of the Lego universe. With tons of pop culture references and secrets to find, this two player co-op game is fantastic for the younger gamers out there. MSRP: $49.99
Lego Ninjago Movie Video Game - If you're looking for more of a traditional Lego game, Ninjago will suit the bill nicely. It adds in some unique moves and offers up enjoyment for up to 2 players at the same time. A no-brainer for fans of the series. MSRP: $59.99
Yono and the Celestial Elephants - This entry-level puzzler stars an adorable elephant who must traverse several areas of the world in order to solve its mysteries. Use his head to smack enemies and his trunk to suck up water to douse flames. MSRP: $14.99
Puzzle Pleasures
A Puzzling Situation
Puyo Puyo Tetris - One of the first puzzlers to arrive on the Switch, and still one of the best. Up to four players can battle it out on one Switch for world domination! Tetris or Puyo Puyo - it doesn't matter! Play how you like and take out your rivals once and for all. MSRP: $39.99
Picross S - Part Sudoku and part crossword puzzle, this unique puzzle game has been around since the original Game Boy. It's super addicting and a fantastic fit for you Switch. You can even play with a friend at the same time for some mind-bending fun. MSRP: $7.99
Death Squared - This is a fantastic brain teaser of a game. You can play solo or with a total of 4 players. You must get your colored cube to your like-colored finish point without anyone dying. It's tricker than it looks. MSRP: $14.99
Tumblestone - Up to four players must act quick to try and solve each round of puzzles. You match three like-colored blocks to get rid of them, but if you have to always think one step ahead or you risk boxing yourself in! MSRP: $14.99
Party Animals
Hop On That Party Bus
The Jackbox Party Pack 4 - The latest in the long-running series of fun party games. This one uses your smart device as a controller. If you like your games infused with humor and filled with lies, deceit, and bad drawings - this one's for you! MSRP: $24.99
Super Bomberman R - A launch title for the Switch, this one has seen numerous updates with added playable characters and levels. The game's core mechanics are solid and it's one of the few that allows up to 8 people on one Switch - providing you have enough Joy-Cons! MSRP: $49.99
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime - This innovative space shooter has you and up to three others piloting a ship through dangerous sectors of the unknown galaxy. You'll have to coordinate your efforts to man the right guns, navigate the stars, and man the shields. MSRP: $14.99
Overcooked: Special Edition - If you ever wanted to work the line at a fast food establishment, this game will surely talk you out of it. It's a fun and zany time where you must cooperate with your friends to multitask and prepare the food orders before the timer runs out. MSRP: $19.99
Retro Renaissance
Throwback Thursday
Blaster Master Zero - One of our favorite games on the Nintendo Switch is this reimagining of a classic NES game. It may start out familiar, but the game has many surprises in store and it's not nearly as brutally difficult as the original. MSRP: $9.99
Graceful Explosion Machine - If you like your shmups to require skill and love shooting for a high score, this is the GEM you've been waiting for. You'll need to focus if you want to combo your way to victory. MSRP: $12.99
Astro Duel Deluxe - Remember Asteroids? Take that game and allow 6 players to go at it head to head. With several modes of play and very quick (and fun!) matches, this is a fantastic way to blow up your friends. MSRP: $14.99
88 Heroes: 98 Heroes Edition - This one's wacky and funny, and just the right amount of crazy. You play as rejected heroes who must save the world in 88 minutes. Each has his/her own special powers and you'll find plenty to do here. MSRP: $29.99
Retro City Rampage DX - Imagine if Grand Theft Auto was on the NES. You don't have to any longer! Here's a game that blends action with copious amounts of nostalgia to create a parody of dozens of video games while still remaining fun to its core. MSRP: $14.99
A Casual Affair
For Those Who Like To Chill
Stardew Valley - This game will take over your life if you let it. If you love games that let you farm, date, mine, build, and craft, then this one is for you. With charming characters, funny writing, SNES visuals, and a great soundtrack, you can live your virtual life anywhere with the Switch! MSRP: $14.99
Golf Story - Remember when the Mario Golf games had an RPG element to them? Well this is just that, except it's zanier and funnier than those games ever were. Drop your ball anywhere you like in your quest to become the world's best golfer. MSRP: $14.99
Snipperclips: Cut It Out Together - Do you like cutting paper? How about solving puzzles and coordinating with friends to figure out how to clear the various stages? If so, you'll enjoy this unique game. MSRP: $19.99
Strategic Synergy
Turn-Based Goodness
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle - Who ever thought that Mario would team up with the Rabbids in an X-COM inspired game? This one is actually quite fun, but does turn into a somewhat difficult affair. Don't be fooled with Mario in the title, this one is for strategic gamers only. MSRP: $59.99
Ironcast - Battle giant mechs as you solve puzzles and take turns trying to disable your opponent before he does the same to you. The game features perma-death so you'll have to really plan your moves carefully or you'll be kicked back out to the title screen. MSRP: $12.99
Conclusion
So there you have it! We've given you the best accessories to purchase for your Nintendo Switch and also the best games currently available (and soon to be released). The system is quickly approaching 200 titles strong, but not all of them are good. Hopefully we've narrowed down your search and made your decisions easier going into this holiday season. Keep checking back for the latest reviews as more games release for the Switch!
Happy Holidays from all of us here at Nintendo Times. We appreciate all of you!