Forty years have passed since the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), the company’s first console. Since then, Nintendo has made use of all technological innovations and even paved the way for others. All this has culminated in the creation of the Nintendo Switch in 2017. However, the best part of the Nintendo Switch is inarguably the Nintendo Switch games.
It’s hard to know the exact number of games that have come out since the console was released. Still, the console already had 10 titles for players to enjoy on launch day. It’s safe to say the numbers are impressively high 5 years after the console’s launch.
However, this is where the problem arises. With so many titles to choose from, how are we to know which ones are worth playing and which ones aren’t? Well, we have quite the solution for you. All you have to do is check out our list of the top 5 best Nintendo Switch games of all time. Maybe you’ll find your next favorite game!
What are the Top 5 Best Nintendo Switch Games? Our Choice
We proudly present you with our list of the top 5 best Nintendo Switch games of all time! Check out this selection and we would be happy to hear your list of the top 5 best Nintendo Switch Games.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The latest installment in The Legend of Zelda series has more than exceeded fans’ expectations. The epic adventure of Link on his way to save Zelda and stop the Demon King, Ganon, from destroying the world. Interestingly enough, the game is set in the future in a world that is drastically different from the Hyrule we know.
This Zelda game also introduces gameplay innovations with the introduction of the new power system such as the Ultrahand. The sky islands and hidden underground areas in the game provide a fresh and entertaining experience for returning players while also taking the breath away from new players.
Overall, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom deserves the #1 spot on our list for the game’s quality, the story’s engagement, and the overall immersion.
2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is one of the most recent games in the series, having come out July 26th, 2019. Upon loading the game, players will immediately notice it stands out from the rest of the series due to its modern graphics.
The story of Fire Emblem: Three Houses takes us on a grand adventure featuring many of the franchise’s beloved heroes. The three ruling powers of the continent of Fódlan are currently at peace, and you play as Byleth, a mercenary who is teaching the newest class at the academy.
In terms of gameplay, players can utilize all 16 emblems while they strategically battle their way through multiple time periods which proves to be a great way to learn about the core mechanics of the game. The first time period involves the player going through the academy, and there are four different routes to choose from.
All of these transfer perfectly later on and towards the end of the game where the combat becomes more complicated. It serves as a great challenge for players who love the tactical aspect of the Fire Emblem franchise.
3. Portal: Companion Collection
Portal fans will be happy to know that Portal: Companion Collection is one of the best versions of the game you can get despite being a Nintendo Switch exclusive. The Companion Collection essentially compiles both Portal 1 and 2 into one full experience. Players can focus on the gameplay in Portal 1 while enjoying the engaging story in Portal 2.
The game is ported from Windows, but it offers more content due to bonus challenges and levels the other versions don’t have. The performance is amazing in itself, but the devs have also added a new mechanic that allows the player to aim with the gyroscope. Portal: Companion Collection is great for physics nerds, too, with the level of realism it adds. The whole point of the game, though, is the portal which you can use to complete the puzzles throughout the game.
4. CELESTE
Celeste is notorious for being one of the hardest platformers out there. The game is available on multiple platforms, but the Nintendo Switch version is probably the best one you can buy. The game deals with Madeleine, a young woman who aims to climb Celeste Mountain. Along the way, she encounters Badeleine, a personification of her anxiety and depression, and deals with the repercussions of letting her out.
The game’s story teaches a powerful lesson about mental health and overcoming life obstacles. However, the gameplay is no laughing matter, either. The fluidity of Madeleine’s movements as you jump and move around is hard to beat. Additionally, the game introduces new mechanics gradually and in bite-sized pieces, allowing players to learn and improve before moving on to newer and better mechanics. In this way, it also keeps the game dynamic and engaging throughout.
5. THE HOUSE IN FATA MORGANA
Finally, The House in Fata Morgana takes 5th place in our list of the best Nintendo Switch games of all time. The game deals with the player character waking up in a mansion with no recollection of who he is. Upon waking up, he meets The Maid, his servant who aims to help him remember his identity. However, she claims the player character must witness the tragic events that have transpired in the mansion to be able to do so.
The House in Fata Morgana is a visual novel, which means it doesn’t have much to offer in terms of gameplay. However, there are multiple endings to get in the game depending on the choices you make. This lets the player get more playtime out of the game by strategically utilizing their saves and knowing which choices to make.
Where Can I Buy Nintendo Switch Games?
The places you can buy Nintendo Switch games depend if you’re looking to get a physical copy of the game you want, or if you’re going for a digital one.
As always, you can buy digital copies of Nintendo Switch games on the Nintendo store. You can access the store from your Switch as well as a PC, so you can choose whichever one is more comfortable for you.
If you’re not ready to pay full price for the game you want, you can also try looking for third-party key resellers. You can usually find a cheaper deal depending on the game. If not, then you can just wait for the game to go on sale. But how often do Nintendo Switch games actually go on sale?
Nintendo Switch Games Sale
Nintendo will often hold sales for certain games. However, if you want a first-party game that Nintendo has published, you’ll find the sales aren’t all that fruitful. Still, you may be able to snag a two-for-one deal and get a few games you’ve been looking at.
If you’re looking to get a second-party game, you’ll be very happy to know that you can get a great deal on some of them. You’ll just have to wait for the right moment.
In terms of sale periods, Nintendo definitely holds big winter and summer sales. However, they also occasionally hold different themed sales throughout the year. You should definitely be keeping an eye out all year round if you want to snag the best deals.
How To Install Nintendo Switch Games?
Once you buy the Nintendo Switch games you’ve wanted, all you have to do is find the game on the Nintendo eShop and select Download.
You can also access all your games by going to the far right side of your Nintendo Switch main screen and selecting “All Software”. Here, you’ll see a list of all the games you own. Once you find the game you want to download, just select it. You will receive a pop-up menu offering to download the game. Select download to start the installation.
Does Nintendo Switch Come With Games Installed?
Unfortunately, you do not get any Nintendo Switch games pre-installed on your console. However, most retailers who sell the Switch will usually include a game as a package deal. Depending on the retailer, you may even be able to select the games you want to include in your package deal.
Are Switch Games Worth It?
If you like the convenience of a handheld and docked console, buying Switch games is definitely a worthwhile investment. Nevertheless, if you’re not sure that you’d be spending so much time playing on the Switch, maybe you should hold off on buying so many Nintendo Switch games.
The interesting thing about the Nintendo Switch is that it has so many exclusives. Some examples include Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the new Zelda games. Some gamers buy this console purely to play these three games. Clearly, it’s a worthwhile investment for the experience.
How to delete Nintendo Switch games?
Deleting Nintendo Switch games is simple.
To do so, just find the game you want to delete and press the options button in the upper right corner. This will open up a menu with four options.
Move to Data Management and there you will see the option to Delete Software. Upon pressing this option, you’ll get a confirmation menu so you don’t accidentally delete a game you want to keep. If you’re sure about your decision, press Delete and the deletion process will start.
Is Nintendo Switch Better than Playstation?
When it comes to comparisons, it really depends on what type of PlayStation console you’re comparing the Switch to.
Let’s take a look at the matchup of the Nintendo Switch against the PlayStation Vita. The Switch is the clear winner in this situation. The convenience of the Switch along with the choice of games makes it a clear winner.
However, a Nintendo Switch can’t really compare to the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The PS4 and PS5 are less convenient to take with you on a road trip as they’re not plug-and-play. Regardless, the difference in performance is drastic.
Historically, Nintendo has made some pretty good consoles. Nonetheless, Sony has long been one of the strongest video game companies out there. This means that whether you choose a Nintendo Switch or a PlayStation, you won’t be disappointed with your choice.
How to Make the Most Out of the Nintendo Switch?
There are several ways to make the most out of owning your Nintendo Switch. The two most obvious ones are optimization and good deals.
Several tips for optimizing your Nintendo Switch are:
- Connect your Switch to a modem for better internet
- After connecting your Switch to the TV, make sure the TV is in Game Mode for the best picture quality
- Invest in an SD card for more storage space
- If you connect your Switch to Wi-Fi, choose the 5ghz if available, if not, opt for the 2.4ghz
When it comes to getting good deals in the Nintendo eShop, there’s a neat trick for that. Some Switch users recommend changing your region to see where you can get the best price for a game.
