Best To Worst: Ranking Nintendo Switch Games
Hey everyone! Ever find yourself staring at your Nintendo Switch library, totally overwhelmed by the sheer number of games and wondering which ones are actually worth your time? You're not alone! With so many titles vying for your attention, it's tough to separate the gems from the duds. That’s why I’ve put together this guide – a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point ranking of Nintendo Switch games, from the absolute must-plays to the ones you might want to skip. Let's dive in and sort out your gaming priorities!
The Pinnacle: Top-Tier Nintendo Switch Games
When we talk about the best of the best on the Nintendo Switch, certain titles consistently rise to the top. These aren't just games; they're experiences that define the console and offer countless hours of enjoyment. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild immediately come to mind. Its open-world design, coupled with incredible physics and a deeply engaging storyline, sets a benchmark for adventure games. You can literally spend hundreds of hours exploring Hyrule, discovering secrets, and mastering combat. What makes it so special is the freedom it gives you; there's no right or wrong way to play, and the sense of discovery is always rewarding.
Then there's Super Mario Odyssey, a game that reinvents the 3D Mario formula. With its vibrant worlds, innovative capture mechanic, and sheer creativity, it’s a joyous celebration of everything that makes Mario great. Each kingdom is brimming with unique challenges and collectibles, and the game is constantly throwing new ideas at you. It’s the kind of game that makes you smile from beginning to end. Another standout is Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Released at a time when many of us were stuck at home, it provided a much-needed escape to a virtual paradise. Its charm lies in its simplicity and endless customization options. Whether you're designing your island, collecting bugs, or chatting with your villagers, there's always something to do. It's a game that you can pick up and play for a few minutes or lose yourself in for hours.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is another essential title. It's the definitive version of an already fantastic kart racer, with a huge roster of characters, tons of tracks, and rock-solid multiplayer. Whether you're playing with friends on the couch or racing online, it’s always a blast. The controls are tight, the power-ups are chaotic, and the sense of speed is exhilarating. And let's not forget about Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the ultimate crossover fighting game. With its massive roster of characters from all corners of gaming, endless stages, and deep combat system, it’s a dream come true for fighting game fans. There’s so much to unlock and discover, and the competitive scene is thriving. These games aren't just great; they're essential additions to any Nintendo Switch library. They represent the console at its finest, offering unforgettable experiences that you'll want to revisit again and again. So, if you're looking for the absolute best the Switch has to offer, start with these titles.
The Good Stuff: Highly Recommended Games
Alright, let's move on to the next tier – the games that are really good and definitely worth checking out. These might not reach the legendary status of the top-tier titles, but they offer unique experiences and are often just as enjoyable. Think of them as the hidden gems and consistent performers in the Nintendo Switch library. One game that consistently gets high praise is Hollow Knight. This indie Metroidvania is a masterpiece of atmosphere, exploration, and challenging combat. Its hand-drawn visuals are stunning, its world is vast and mysterious, and its boss battles are incredibly rewarding. It's a game that will test your skills and patience, but the sense of accomplishment you feel when you overcome a tough challenge is unmatched.
Stardew Valley is another indie darling that deserves a spot on this list. This charming farming simulator is more than just planting crops; it's a deep and engaging RPG with a heartwarming story, memorable characters, and tons of secrets to uncover. You can spend hours fishing, mining, building relationships, and customizing your farm. It's a game that's easy to pick up but hard to put down. For fans of strategy and tactical combat, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a must-play. This epic RPG features a branching storyline, deep character customization, and challenging battles. You'll spend hours building relationships with your students, training them for combat, and making tough decisions that will shape the fate of the world. It's a game that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. And let's not forget about Astral Chain, a stylish action game from PlatinumGames. With its unique combat system, cyberpunk setting, and intriguing story, it's a breath of fresh air in the action genre. You'll control a police officer who can summon and control powerful creatures called Legions to fight against interdimensional threats. It's a fast-paced, visually stunning game that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Luigi's Mansion 3 is another standout title. This spooky and charming adventure game is a perfect blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and lighthearted humor. You'll explore a haunted hotel as Luigi, using his trusty Poltergust G-00 to capture ghosts and solve mysteries. It's a game that's perfect for both kids and adults. These games are all highly recommended for anyone looking to expand their Nintendo Switch library. They offer diverse experiences, high production values, and countless hours of entertainment. Whether you're into action, adventure, RPGs, or simulation games, there's something here for everyone. So, give them a try and discover your next favorite game!
The Middle Ground: Decent but Not Essential
Now we get to the games that are... okay. They're not bad, per se, but they don't quite reach the heights of the previous tiers. These are the games that might be worth checking out if you're a fan of the genre or if they're on sale, but they're not essential additions to your collection. Think of them as the solid, dependable titles that offer a decent experience without being particularly groundbreaking. One example is Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. While it's a fun action game set in the world of Breath of the Wild, it doesn't quite capture the magic of the original. The combat can get repetitive, and the story isn't as compelling. However, if you're a fan of the Warriors formula and love the characters from Breath of the Wild, you might enjoy it. Another game in this category is Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. These are remakes of the original Pokémon games with simplified mechanics and a focus on catching Pokémon in the overworld. While they're charming and accessible, they lack the depth and challenge of the core Pokémon games. They're a good entry point for newcomers, but veteran Pokémon fans might find them a bit too simplistic.
Super Mario Maker 2 is another game that falls into this category. While it's a powerful level editor with endless possibilities, it can also be overwhelming. The sheer number of levels can make it hard to find the good ones, and the online community can be a bit toxic. However, if you're creative and love building levels, you might find it to be a worthwhile purchase. Yoshi's Crafted World is a charming platformer with a unique art style, but it's also incredibly easy. The levels are visually appealing, but the gameplay is too forgiving, and there's not much challenge to be found. It's a good game for kids, but adults might find it a bit boring. And then there's Kirby Star Allies, a fun but forgettable platformer with a focus on cooperative play. The game is easy, the story is generic, and the level design is uninspired. However, it's a good game to play with friends, and it's charming in its own way.
These games aren't necessarily bad, but they're not essential. They offer a decent experience, but they don't stand out in any particular way. If you're a fan of the genre or if they're on sale, they might be worth checking out, but don't expect them to blow you away. They're the kind of games that you'll play once and then forget about.
The Bottom of the Barrel: Games to Avoid
Okay, guys, now we're getting to the stuff you might want to avoid. These are the games that are either poorly made, uninspired, or just plain boring. They might have some redeeming qualities, but overall, they're not worth your time or money. These are the games that collect dust on your shelf, the ones you regret buying. One example is Override: Mech City Brawl. This fighting game features giant robots battling in destructible arenas, but the gameplay is clunky, the controls are unresponsive, and the graphics are underwhelming. It's a repetitive and uninspired experience that's not worth the price of admission. Another game in this category is Fitness Boxing. While it might seem like a good way to get some exercise, the gameplay is repetitive, the music is generic, and the instructions are unclear. It's a boring and unmotivating fitness game that's not worth your time.
Cooking Mama: Cookstar is another game to avoid. This cooking game is riddled with technical issues, including glitches, crashes, and poor performance. The gameplay is also repetitive and uninspired, and the graphics are outdated. It's a broken and unpolished experience that's not worth your money. Arcade Spirits is a visual novel with an intriguing premise, but the writing is poor, the characters are bland, and the story is uninspired. It's a boring and unengaging experience that's not worth your time. And then there's Tiny Racer, a racing game with simplistic graphics, uninspired gameplay, and poor controls. It's a generic and uninspired experience that's not worth your money.
These games are the bottom of the barrel. They're poorly made, uninspired, and just plain boring. They might have some redeeming qualities, but overall, they're not worth your time or money. Avoid them at all costs.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – a ranking of Nintendo Switch games from best to worst. Of course, taste is subjective, and what one person considers a masterpiece, another might find boring. But hopefully, this guide has given you a good starting point for exploring the Nintendo Switch library and finding games that you'll love. Remember to do your research, read reviews, and watch gameplay videos before making a purchase. And most importantly, have fun! The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console with a huge library of games, so there's bound to be something for everyone. Happy gaming!