Must-Play Games For Every Nintendo Switch Owner

The Nintendo Switch is a great console even with PS5 and Xbox Series X in the wild; it’s convenient, versatile and has a great library of first party and indie games. Being a new year, if you didn’t already have a Switch (what were you waiting for!) then between Christmas presents and Boxing day Sales you may have had the luck of adding to your console collection. The Switch game library has grown so much since the early days that you may be wondering what to pick up first, here are some great picks:

First Party Titles

• Animal Crossing: New Horizons: It was a long wait for this game, over six years, and it was well and truly worth it. Growing from the previous title New Leaf, New Horizons is a unique experience for this life-sim franchise, with the introduction of terraforming, waterscaping, different hemispheres for seasons and the ability to place furniture outside, leading to a truly customisable experience.
• Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild: One of the most amazing launch titles to this day, Breath of the Wild is also a unique experience for the Legend of Zelda series by allowing you to explore everything you can see and complete your adventure however you like. A great entry point as well if you have never played this franchise.
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Even if you suck at fighting games, Smash Bros. is still fun even if all you can do is button mash due to its great gameplay and multiplayer. This game also has the most amazing level of cross over in video game history, with an astonishing roster that’s still growing! Make sure you own a piece of history that may sadly never be repeated.
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Yes you may already own this game on your Wii U, but this is the ‘deluxe’ version, including all the DLC plus new characters and the return of battle mode. A must own for every Switch owner, though I am hoping that maybe 2021 will be the year of Mario Kart 9. Regardless, buy this game!
• Pokémon Sword and Shield: The latest in the Pokémon series, this game did come with its share of controversy and unfortunate leaks but as a hardcore fan this game had a lot to love and really showed how far we have come. This game also has two great DLC packs available as opposed to the traditional third version so be sure to pick that up as well!
• Super Mario Odyssey: The OG 3D Mario game for the Switch, Odyssey is a bright and vibrant experience for young and old, with interesting gameplay mechanics and a great story.
• Fire Emblem: Three Houses: Even if you’re not one for strategy games, Three Houses is a great entry point into the genre and franchise with the most amazing story, graphics, music and characters. With four possible story paths, the game has heaps of replayability and a great collection of DLC to boot. If you’re still not convinced based on previous games, Three Houses has a different spin by putting you in a professor setting, so it’s essentially Hogwarts x Fire Emblem. What’s not to love?
• Astral Chain: I played this game as part of my backlog pledge last year and holy heck it’s amazing. The game hooks you from the very beginning with smashing tunes, great combat and gameplay and a twisty story through a futuristic world that is intriguing. Even if you suck at games with dynamic combat there is an option to play the game as essentially a virtual novel, making it an accessible experience for all kinds of gamers.

Indie Games

• Stardew Valley: If you do not own this game already, I’m shocked. It’s one of the best farming sims around and it was made by one man! The next update is also coming to Switch early this year so a great time to double dip if you own it elsewhere.
• Sakuna: of Rice and Ruin: This game was one of my absolute top games for last year and I’m not alone in my love of it. It sold 500,000 copies in no time at all. A unique combination of exploration, side-scrolling combat with detailed and relaxing farming simulation, Sakuna takes you to the Isle of Demons which despite the name can be a heavenly experience.
• Hades: If you haven’t heard of this roguelike you may have been living under a rock. Prepare to die a lot but as you are the son of Hades don’t worry it wont be for long. Each run is procedurally generated so the fun is essentially endless.
• Ori and the Will of the Wisps: Again if you haven’t hear of Ori you really want to change that, with its vibrant art style, enchanting music and appropriately challenging platforming. There is also a really stunning collectors edition still available online for the Switch if you’re into that kind of thing.
• Moving Out: Some homegrown gaming action, Moving Out is the most fun you will ever have relocating furniture in multiplayer mayhem all to the beat of 80s style tunes.
• Carrion: If dark and creepy are your kind of thing then Carrion may be for you. This game has you controlling a red, gooey monster and causing terror instead of being on the receiving end for an interesting spin on the horror genre.
• Moonlighter: A addictive mix of shop management and dungeon crawling, Moonlighter is a gem that’s hard to put down. All of the DLC is great as well and the pixel art is stunning.
• The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth +: An oldie but a goodie, though certainly disturbing, this version of Binding of Isaac contains all the currently available DLC for this randomly generated shooter full of poop, bugs and body parts. The long awaited next lot of DLC was just teased so now is a great time to pray at the altar of Isaac.

Which game on this list is your top pick? Think we missed a must buy game, let us know!