First released in 2017, the Nintendo Switch was the must-have console for its first 3 years of release. Its demand was so high, it was often being unfindable for the casual shopper. Its handheld mobility and television docking made it both a family-friendly and personal use device that homes needed to bring in.
While it has had a steady stream of games released, the Switch has always had massive titles. From The Legend of Zelda to Mario, the Switch exclusives have consistently pulled in a wide market. Adding in massive fan-beloved games, especially independent titles, have only helped to increase the Switch’s popularity.
10 Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition Let Players Achieve Godhood (91)
Divinity: Original Sin 2 follows players through the mystical land of Rivellon as they journey to achieve Divinity and ascend to godhood. The game is a Tactical Role-Playing Game that focuses on exploration and learning.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 offers 6 Races to choose from, including Elves and Undead, and over 200 skills to learn and master. In addition to being a well-received solo-adventure game, it also allows for 4 player co-op — though the story makes sure everyone knows that only one can become a God.
9 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Is Still Releasing Content (92)
Originally released in 2014 for the Wii U, then re-released for the Switch, Mario Kart 8 is the latest release from the long-running kart racer series. A testament to the franchise's influence, Mario Kart 8 is one of a few games to have staying power that's lasted nearly 10 years.
Ever popular, Mario Kart 8 still receives support from the developers to this day. With new DLC releasing between 2022 and 2023 including 48 courses, the game has no reason to fall out of the public eye, nor will it require a new number title release anytime soon.
8 Celeste Tackled Serious Issues With Great Mechanics (92)
Originally released in 2018, Celeste was made by a team of 6 people and immediately took the gaming world by storm. Winning several major awards during its first year — including Best Independent Game and Games For Impact at The Game Awards — the game has been noted as fun to play for casual gamers and speed runners.
Celeste's story follows Madeline, a transwoman, as she scales Celeste Mountain via platforming mechanics and ends on the summit after Madeline has confronted the dark version of herself and numerous obstacles. The story tackles fear, anxiety, and depression with a colorful palette and well-crafted level design.
7 Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Updated An Already Enjoyable Experience (92)
Even though the Dragon Quest XI was released originally in 2017 for the 3DS and PS4, it was re-released in 2019 as an enhanced edition for the Nintendo Switch. The story follows The Luminary, aka Hero, as they travel the land of Erdrea alongside 7 companions who aid him in battle.
Dragon Quest XI reintroduced new elements to the traditional Dragon Quest gameplay — including an overhaul of the alchemy system, an updated battle system, and improved camera controls. Additionally, it brought several brand-new scenes and scenarios that weren't included in the original release.
6 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Brings 82 Combatants To The Battle (92)
The biggest crossover fighting game of the Nintendo Switch, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate reignites the love for the franchise that's missing from Super Smash Bros Wii U/3DS. Released in 2018, Ultimate embodies its name by featuring the most characters in main roster roles than ever before and several rounds of DLC.
The DLC brought in fan-favorite characters from Final Fantasy, Banjo and Kazooie, Minecraft, Persona, and Kingdom Hearts ending the roster with 82 combatants from 40 franchises. With a huge roster and plenty of playstyles, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate fights never get stale.
5 Dead Cells: The Queen & the Sea Is DLC Done Right (93)
Dead Cells is a rogue-lite Metroidvainia-style action platformer where players must attempt to beat all the levels while facing the threat of permadeath. With 13 levels in the base game, plus plenty of different build styles thanks to varied weapons and skills, it's a fun time for fans of the genre.
While Dead Cells' base game is well-regarded, the final DLC — The Queen & The Sea — is what brought the highest rankings across sites. The DLC introduces 2 new levels in the Shipwreck and Lighthouse, several new enemy types, an enjoyable boss, and a pet.
4 Undertale Is One Of The Best Indies Of All Time (93)
Known for his musical stylings in the webcomic Homestuck, and the music he provided for Pokémon and Super Smash Bros. Games, Toby Fox created the 2015 hit game Undertale. The game followed players as they controlled the human child, Frisk, through a grand adventure in an attempt to return home.
Undertale's gameplay was split into several parts including exploration, bullet-hell, and turn-based combat systems. Not only was gameplay different depending on the way players participated — as Pacifist routes are available — but replayability was affected by their choices as well.
3 Hades Gave Greek Myths A New Chance To Shine (94)
Released in 2018, Hades was a top talking point for years due to its story, characters, and gameplay. A roguelike dungeon crawler, the game followed Zagreus as he attempted to escape the underworld using powers bestowed upon him.
Hades takes the lore of Greek myths and adapts it to fit the game, allowing the character — the son of Hades himself — to team up with the Greek Pantheon and change how the game is played. In addition to great Gods like Zeus, players can find other figures of Greek Myth, including Sisyphus’ boulder named Bouldy, giving them boons as power-ups.
2 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Is A Top Tier Open-World Experience (96)
The latest mainline release of The Legend of Zelda franchise, Breath of the Wild is canonically the last game in the timeline, although a sequel is set for 2023. Breath of the Wild is an open-world action-adventure game where Link — the current iteration of the Hero of Hyrule — attempts to save the world and Zelda from the Great Calamity.
Being an open-world game, players can tackle the story in any number of ways, from playing through every section of the map to skipping it all and taking on Calamity Gannon within the first few hours. The new gameplay style changed the franchise and Breath of the Wild will remain the prime example for new open-world games.
1 Super Mario Odyssey Is The Best Switch Game By Rank (97)
Taking the well-worn legacy of blue suspenders and adapting it for a stronger system, Super Mario Odyssey follows the titular plumber on a quest to save Princess Peach from the monstrous hands of Bowser once again. This time, however, the King Koopa is intent on marriage.
Super Mario Odyssey introduces a new mechanic of mind control in the form of Cappy, a sentient creature. Players can become anything from a lowly Goomba to a literal T-Rex, which helps take an already solid game to the top of game charts across the internet.