It has been three years since Nintendo first launched its Switch gaming console in New Zealand. A lot of players are drawn to its convenience and colourful design – we are too. Limited-edition consoles and Nintendo Switch Lite consoles then followed.
The Nintendo Switch has a variety of games for everyone of all ages to enjoy because of its vast library of indie games, AAA titles, and Nintendo exclusives.
Many players have a few games up their sleeves and opinions on what is the best, so we’ve gathered reviews from IGN and Metascore to see what games are absolutely on fire! Let’s just say; we are a bit shocked that Animal Crossing: New horizons didn’t even make the top 10.
#16 Splatoon 2
IGN: 8.5/10
Metascore: 83/100
Splatoon 2 is an online multiplayer game which you can also connect locally. It reminds us of a digital version of paintball. It gets messy, competitive but way less painful.
#15 Xenoblade Chronicles 2
IGN: 8.5/10
Metascore: 83/100
If you are into JRPGs, then Xenoblade 2 should definitely be on your to-play list. Great graphics aside, Xenoblade 2 has around 70 hours of gameplay accompanied by a fascinating storyline and well-developed characters. Its interface and mapping system, on the other hand, is rather unintuitive and the gameplay is seemingly complicated.
#14 Luigi’s Mansion 3
IGN: 8.3/10
Metascore: 86/100
Luigi is on a mission to save his friends this time in the Hotel of Last Resort. It makes ghost hunting fun and hilarious. You can even play with up to 8 friends in a special game mode so you don’t have to face the ghosts alone.
#13 Animal Crossing: New horizons
IGN: 9/10
Metascore: 90/100
Yes! We are just as surprised as you! Animal Crossing didn’t even make it to the top 10 on this list. However, it is still loved by many of all ages. Animal Crossing lets your creativity and imagination run wild with adorable animal villagers and items. You can create and decorate your island from scratch whilst attending special events and quests.
#12 Super Mario Maker 2
IGN: 9.5/10
Metascore: 88/100
So, you think Super Mario is just not challenging enough for you? Then why not make your own? With Super Mario Maker 2, you can experience the endless possibilities of creating your own game levels. To add more brownie points for this game, it also has a story mode which is so in-depth, it almost acts as its own separate game altogether.
#11 Hollow Knight
IGN: 9.4/10
Metascore: 90/100
Hollow Knight is a wonderful indie game from 2017. It was then later ported to the Nintendo Switch console. Discover a kingdom of bizarre insects and heroes fighting each other on a cute 2D action-adventure.
#10 Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
IGN: 8.8/10
Metascore: 91/100
Another JRPG made it onto the list! Published by Square Enix, this is a classic game of fighting monsters, discovering dungeons and finding treasures. If you are looking to try a new JPRG game, perhaps give Dragon Quest XI a try!
#9 Inside
IGN: 10/10
Metascore: 91/100
Inside won the Independent Game of the Year for best art direction and best camera in a game engine.
It’s a different kind of adventure. Players play as a protagonist, a nameless brave boy in a red shirt. The setting is gloomy, dark and surreal – filled with uncanny sounds and characters.
#8 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
IGN: 9.3/10
Metascore: 92/100
Do we even need to say more? Mario Kart is a classic and enjoyable game for all ages. Unlock the colourful game modes, annoying items and a variety of upgrades as you progress through the game.
Race with your friends or play by yourself today!
#7 Bayonetta 2
IGN: 9.5/10
Metascore: 92/100
We’re a total sucker for games with beautiful graphics. No wonder Bayonetta 2 is so high up on the list. Along with amazing graphics, it is a 3D action-adventure game with unique fighting styles; the cherry on top for its hack ‘n’ slash gameplay.
#6 Celeste
IGN: 10/10
Metascore: 92/100
Celeste is a precision platformer video game created by Matt Thorson and Noel Berry and game art by the Brazilian studio, Miniboss. It’s a narrative-driven, single-player adventure. Players play as ‘Madeline’ who sets foot on a journey to the top of Celeste Mountain. Even though the graphics aren’t out of this world – instead it reminds us of a retro gameboy-esque style, the gameplay is incredibly fluid and challenging.
#5 Undertale
IGN: 10/10
Metascore: 93/100
Undertale is praised a lot by its players before being ported to the Nintendo Switch console. Its energising music and the humorous atmosphere is what we love about it. Undertale is part of the classics that is definitely worth a try (once we get over the primitive aesthetics…).
#4 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
IGN: 9.4/10
Metascore: 93/100
All your favourite gaming characters gathered, standing together or against each other, fighting for their lives. What’s not to love? With over 70 characters to choose from and each with their own unique playstyle, let the fight begin!
#3 Divinity: Original Sin II
IGN: 9.6/10
Metascore: 93/100
Divinity: Original Sin II is the sequel of a unique turn-based strategy role-playing game. You are able to play with up to four players and with over five races and six unique original characters to choose from.
Expect some epic gameplay to see who will become a god!
#2 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
IGN: 10/10
Metascore: 97/100
The legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a new boundary-breaking game to a beloved franchise. Breath of the Wild is an exclusive Nintendo game that takes full advantage of what the Nintendo Switch has to offer. Whether you are an old fan or a new one, you will definitely fall in love with it all over again.
#1 Super Mario Odyssey
IGN: 10/10
Metascore: 97/100
And Super Mario Odyssey takes it home with the top spot! It’s an adventure puzzle game that takes you on a fantasy and illogical journey. It’s an absolute delight to play with Cappy the cap and Mario to stop Bowser’s “wedding” with Princess Peach!
You have to try it for yourself!
