Don’t miss out on the top 5 greatest Nintendo Switch games to experience before the release of the Switch 2. From Zelda to Animal Crossing, these games are solid must-haves.

As Nintendo Switch 2 fever (and controversy over prices) grows and snowballs, there’s no better time to catch up on the games of a must-play nature that defined this last generation. The Nintendo Switch has had an unimaginably strong run, with some of the most iconic, groundbreaking, and just plain old-fun games in recent memory.

Whether you’re new to the system or planning to clear your backlog before the next console arrives, this power-packed list of the top 5 best Nintendo Switch games is your shortcut to gaming greatness.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Let’s be real, Breath of the Wild is the game of a lifetime. It redid what an open-world action-adventure game could be and gave players total freedom to explore, test, and lose themselves in a gorgeous rendition of Hyrule.

It’s a must-play for so many reasons. From climbing any surface to discovering hidden shrines and solving physics-based puzzles, it all feels natural and rewarding. With Tears of the Kingdom continuing from where it left off, now is the perfect time to return (or finally start) the game that revolutionized Zelda. It’s at the top of every “best Nintendo Switch game” search for a reason, after all!

2. Super Mario Odyssey

Clean, unadulterated platforming at its finest. Super Mario Odyssey whisks you away through exquisitely creative kingdoms, packed with life. Mario’s new ally, Cappy, introduces an excellent twist on classic gameplay, where you can possess anything from a T-Rex to a Goomba.

It nearly has perfect level design, plenty of secrets to find, and a damn catchy soundtrack to top it all off. What isn’t to love about this Switch classic? Play only one Switch 3D platformer: play this one.

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

When the world was in dire need of an escape, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offered a gentle, sugary sanctuary in which to unwind. Settle your island, collect fruit, fish, and bugs, and relax with your villagers this game is therapy with a tanuki (who’s VERY keen on collecting debt).

It’s the biggest relax game, and no matter if you spend 20 hours or 200, it feels like returning home. Not only that, but it continuously ranks as best casual Nintendo Switch games and among top family games.

4. Metroid Dread

Metroid fans waited 19 years for a proper sequel, and Dread did not disappoint. Fast, tough as nails (but not extremely difficult), and atmospheric to the point of hell, this game brings Samus back to top form. If you’re into action and exploration with a pinch of intensity, you need this in your library.

It has incredible boss fights, pay-off upgrades, and sustained pressure without frustration. It’s great for those who want a challenge but love tight and precise gameplay.

5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

The name Ultimate is not an exaggeration. Over 80 characters, beautiful stages, and among the most hype-inducing moments in gaming exist in Smash Bros. Ultimate. It’s the most played competitive and casual gamer title.

It has a crazy lineup of characters from everywhere in gaming. Mario and Link to Sephiroth, Sora, and even Steve from Minecraft! It’s perfect with friends, a bag of chips, and no mercy, but it does have a pretty fascinating single-player campaign.

Bonus: What About the Switch 2?

With the Nintendo Switch 2 releasing in June, now’s the time to squeeze out every last drop of enjoyment from the existing console. Nintendo has promised us that your existing digital purchases will carry over, meaning these classic titles will come with you into the next generation. Unfortunately, newer games will cost a pretty penny, and fans aren’t quite happy about that. These games will stay the same prices though!

So why not? Begin building your collection now, learn the best games that Nintendo Switch has in store, and emerge as a master in the Switch 2 generation. Or even wait and relive some of these on Switch 2 in their new and improved forms!

Final Thoughts

The Nintendo Switch is one of the most versatile and beloved consoles of all time, being one of Nintendo’s best-selling consoles to date, and these five games are the cream of the crop. Whether you’re into open-world adventures, heartwarming life sims, tight platforming, or intense boss battles, this list has something for every kind of gamer.

So before the Switch 2 makes its grand debut, give these titles the love they deserve.