Top 10 Must-Have First-Party Nintendo Switch Games (2024 Edition)

Introduction

With hundreds of games on the Nintendo Switch, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide covers the 10 must-have first-party titles that every Switch owner should experience, plus some honorable mentions.

The Top 10

10. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

A mix of 2D and 3D Mario styles with isometric levels perfect for multiplayer. Includes the open-world style “Bowser’s Fury” adventure as a bonus.

9. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

A massive fighting game with over 70 fighters, 100+ stages, and extensive single-player content like the “World of Light” adventure mode.

8. Pikmin 4

A strategy game where you rescue castaways with the help of Pikmin and a space dog named Oatchi. Introduces “Dandori Battles” and night expeditions.

7. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The definitive kart racer featuring anti-gravity tracks, a revamped battle mode, and massive content via the Booster Course Pass DLC.

6. Xenoblade Chronicles 3

A massive RPG following six soldiers from opposing nations. Features a deep story, class-swapping combat, and a 7-character party.

5. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

The latest 2D platformer that innovates with “Wonder Effects” that drastically change levels. Features new power-ups and local multiplayer.

4. Luigi’s Mansion 3

Luigi explores a haunted hotel to save Mario and friends. Features creative puzzles, the Poltergust G-00, and a co-op partner named Gooigi.

3. Super Mario Odyssey

A 3D sandbox adventure where Mario uses his hat, Cappy, to capture and control enemies. Known for its variety of kingdoms and creative movement.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

An open-world masterpiece that reinvented the series with complete freedom to climb anything and go anywhere.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

The sequel expands the world to the sky and underground depths. Introduces building mechanics like Ultrahand and Fuse for creative problem-solving.

Honorable Mentions

• Super Mario Maker 2 – Create and share your own Mario levels or play infinite user-generated courses.
• Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – The remastered RPG classic with updated visuals and a new epilogue.
• Metroid Prime Remastered – First-person adventure focused on exploration, updated with modern dual-stick controls.
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Kirby’s first true 3D adventure featuring “Mouthful Mode” transformations.
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons – A relaxing life-sim where you build and customize your own island paradise.

Final Thoughts

These games represent the best of what Nintendo offers on the Switch. Whether you’re into platformers, RPGs, or open-world adventures, there’s something here for everyone.