Nintendo Switch continues to delight gamers with many exciting and unique projects that can absorb attention for hours. Coregamer is ready to list the best Nintendo Switch games that are ideal for both short sessions and long gaming marathons based on our players’ feedback.

P.S. As there are no free Nintendo Switch games, we suggest that you read the short descriptions below to purchase those titles that truly suit your preferences.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The first one on our Nintendo Switch games list should be one of the Zelda series for sure. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the biggest step forward in the series since Ocarina of Time and one of the best games of the last decade. It combines modern gameplay with an open world, offering perfectly balanced difficulty.

The game features crafting, destructible weapons, many activities, and a gentle story that players discover on their own. Even without DLC, the game provides a huge amount of content and challenges for gamers of all levels.

Pokemon: Let’s Go, Eevee!

What makes this part outstanding? The interaction with your partner, Eevee (truly, one of the cutest and most popular Pokemon ever), was very pleasant. Scratching and feeding this tiny fennec fox is accompanied by a lot of funny sounds and snorts, and from time to time, the creature happily extends its paw to “high-five” the master. Pokémon can be dressed up in cute outfits, customize appearance elements; it reacts to story events, brings gifts as a sign of friendship – it all really creates a bond with the pocket monster, and you feel more involved in the in-game world. Ideally, it would be great to see more mini-games with a partner. 

In general, it reminds us of the good old Red/Blue series for Nintendo GameBoy, with the only exception: it’s easier to pass, which makes it rather attractive to newbies in the Pokeworld.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel to the cult Breath of the Wild, which significantly develops the ideas of the original. Players will once again have to explore Hyrule with its dozens of shrines and quests, as well as travel to a new underground and mysterious celestial world with floating islands.

The game introduces unique challenges and new dangers, as well as new abilities for Link, including the Ultra Arm, which allows him to build practical and creative structures.

Tears of the Kingdom expands on everything that made Breath of the Wild great, taking the gaming experience to a whole new level. While Nintendo Switch games sale is still on, hurry to purchase this one with a discount!

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

It’s impossible to imagine a list of Nintendo Switch games without Mario. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a fresh take on the classic side-scrolling platformer. The game delights with vivid graphics, smooth gameplay and innovative mechanics with Wonder Seeds and Flowers that transform levels and characters by adding unexpected elements.

Local and online multiplayer make the game accessible and fun for all players, creating an unforgettable gaming experience.

Bayonetta 3

Bayonetta 3 is a bright and absurd action game that enhances all the best features of the series. Stylish combat, unusual transformations, such as turning into a hell train or a giant spider-like creature, and the unique feel of Bayonetta 3 make the game memorable.

The third installment demonstrates that, despite the increased weirdness, the series retains its satisfying and dynamic gameplay.

Animal Crossings: New Horizons

As for the new Nintendo Switch games, you should definitely try this one. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the best part of the series, offering simplified gameplay and a lot of motivation to form an ideal island community.

Colorful graphics, cozy sound design, and the ability to personalize a virtual home create a relaxing atmosphere that is ideal for escaping from reality. This game has become a benchmark for the genre, combining comfort and creativity. It is also one of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids. Yep, it’s truly one of the best Nintendo Switch games 2024.

Pentiment

Pentiment is a 2D adventure novel set in 16th century Bavaria. You play as Andreas Mahler, a young artist who is caught up in a murder investigation while working on a masterpiece.

The game is distinguished by its artistic design, reminiscent of a medieval manuscript, and outstanding writing that combines warmth and causticity.

At first, the game seems like a detective story, but it gradually turns into a deep reflection on the nature of history, power, community, and truth. Pentiment undermines the popular belief that “your choices matter” by offering a unique approach to creating meaningful decisions.

It is one of Microsoft’s best Xbox games, now available on Switch, and is an improvisation on Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose. It is one of the relatively cheap Nintendo Switch games.

Astral Chain

Here’s one of the top-rated best Nintendo Switch games for adults (though kids may enjoy it as well). The story takes place in the future, where the world is attacked by creatures from another dimension. The player controls an officer of a special unit capable of taming these creatures, turning them into Legions to help in battle and solve problems.

The gameplay combines detective work, puzzles and battles, where the main character and the Legion are controlled simultaneously. Battles with waves of enemies and challenging bosses are complemented by the use of Legions for exploration and movement.

Despite the template plot with anime tropes, the 20-hour campaign and final content make the game exciting and memorable.

Hollow Knight

Out of all Nintendo Switch games, this one can be found on PlayStation, too. Hollow Knight is a 2D action-adventure game in the style of Metroidvania that became an unexpected hit and exceeded the expectations of players. The action takes place in a gloomy and vast world full of secrets, where the story is conveyed through the atmosphere and environment without the use of dialogues.

The game has a perfect difficulty curve: you will start with a feeling of helplessness, but gradually master new skills and abilities.

Mechanics such as the need to return for resources after death add tension, and colorful NPCs and enemies add lightness and humor to the gloomy atmosphere. The combination of excellent animation, addictive gameplay, and affordable price makes Hollow Knight a must-have for all fans of the genre.

Cocoon

Cocoon is the debut game from Geometric Interactive, a studio founded by former Playdead employees. The player controls a beetle that explores mysterious worlds imprisoned inside balls, which also unlock new abilities and allow you to move between worlds.

Simple controls (an analog joystick and one button) are combined with the high complexity of puzzles created by the environment. The lack of dialogs and tutorials is reminiscent of games like Tunic and Hyper Light Drifter.

The game offers a limited number of mechanics that have been carefully redesigned and creatively implemented. It takes about seven hours to complete and leaves a vivid impression, making Cocoon one of the most memorable games of the decade.

Earlier, we discuss PS5 games that will be available in 2025 — check them out now >>