- Page :
- « Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Mario Strikers: Battle League (Switch)
Mario Strikers: Battle League is a masterclass in competitive game design. What it lacks in options is more than made up by just how much fun the game is, and it’s absolutely gorgeous to boot. As it stands it already feels like a complete product, but the promise of future updates down the line gives us even more to get excited about. If arcade sport action isn’t your bag, it’ll likely do nothing to sway your opinion, but if you have even a passing interest in this kind of caper, Mario Strikers: Battle League is the best sports game on Switch right now.
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope (Switch)
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope’s battles suffer from an imbalance between the vast array of options available and the difficulty – a stark contrast to Kingdom Battle’s challenging, curated fights. This doesn't mean it isn't an enjoyable strategy game in its own right; the battles are less an evolution of what came before and more an impressive shift toward freedom and creativity that, unfortunately, can sometimes trivialise Cursa’s attempts to take over the galaxy. An extra couple of notches on the difficulty meter might have forced us to experiment and dig deeper to find winning strategies. However, Sparks of Hope shines in most aspects outside of these Darkmess bouts. Delightful little puzzles, quests, and memorable locales abound, which yet make this Rabbid-themed adventure a must-play for Mario and strategy game enthusiasts alike.
Fire Emblem Engage (Switch)
Fire Emblem Engage is a stellar entry in this storied franchise, but it's also one that takes a noticeably different stance than its most recent predecessor. It's all about the combat this time around, at the expense of the relationships and romance that made Three Houses such a fan favourite, so if you're looking for that social element here, you're bound to be left feeling at least a tad disappointed. However, for those jonesing to get down and dirty with some sweet turn-based tactical action — action that's embedded in a satisfyingly OTT, beautifully presented anime narrative — this is a very fine example of the genre.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp (Switch)
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is a delightful reimagining of two classic GBA strategy titles, and while the originals can be played elsewhere, of course, these remakes are Switch exclusives, so complaints to the usual address if you don't think they hang on this list.
The gameplay here remains as endlessly addictive, finely balanced, and challenging as ever, and the addition of a handful of modern conveniences and the ability to play against friends online makes for a slick overall package. With a crisp, clean new art style that adds lots of new animations and cutscenes, a remastered soundtrack, and voice-acting in the mix, this is a polished return to Advance Wars action that's got us fully addicted to the series all over again. This is the sort of game you'll reserve a permanent space for on your console, a timeless experience you'll keep tucked away on your Switch for the foreseeable future.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch)
It’s impossible to talk about everything that makes The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom so incredible, and making many of those discoveries yourselves is part of the magic. It’s also impossible to overstate just how much there is to do in Hyrule this time around. Much like its predecessor, this is your playground for the next however many years to come, with a little sprinkling of that older Zelda fairy dust mixed into Breath of the Wild’s formula. It’s a glorious, triumphant sequel to one of the best video games of all time; absolute unfiltered bliss to lose yourself in for hundreds of hours. We can’t wait to see what the world will do with the game.
Pikmin 4 (Switch)
Pikmin 4 is a sumptuous strategy adventure that serves up tons of fun for returning fans of the franchise whilst also adding lots to entice new players into giving it a try. Oatchi is the star of the show in our eyes, a very good boy who is woven cleverly into the core of the puzzle action. Series-best dungeons, a hugely inventive overworld, night missions, Dandori battles, and post-credit goodies only sweeten the deal. Yes, the co-op is disappointing, and the campaign's not gonna be challenging enough for some diehard fans, but overall Nintendo has nailed it here, serving up a magical Pikmin adventure tailor-made for Switch.
F-Zero 99 (Switch eShop)
Despite its relatively unchanged look compared to the 16-bit original, F-Zero 99 is unexpectedly refreshing. Though it may not be the return for the franchise that fans hoped for, it's a triumphant and welcome look back at Captain Falcon's first game with a clever twist. F-Zero is simply suited for the -99 style structure in ways that Tetris, Mario, and Pac-Man aren't; it was already an elimination-style battle royale, just a small one. Adding more players doesn't just feel perfect for F-Zero, it feels natural.
This isn't the definitive way to play F-Zero, but it is a brilliant take that supplements what worked so well in the original with thoughtful additions that make chasing victory utterly addictive. What a welcome return, at last — and it will help fill the hole PAC-MAN 99 leaves in October 2023.
Super Mario RPG (Switch)
Look, the remake is a Switch exclusive, alright!?
Super Mario RPG is here in all of its weird, wonderful glory for a new generation to experience, and sets a new standard for how to do a faithful remake right. Delivering a beautifully preserved, pure experience for fans of the original and an accessible entry-point for genre newcomers, the game's infectious charm, writing, and polished gameplay do so much to elevate this beyond what might have been merely a simple RPG starring Mario.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Switch)
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is, quite simply, the best 2D Mario game since Super Mario World. This is the slickest, sharpest, and smartest that two-dimensional Mario has felt since 1991 and in its Wonder Flowers, badges, and online aspects, it serves up an endlessly inventive and impressive platforming adventure that will utterly hook you. From its myriad animation details to its infectious anything-could-happen spirit, it's got charm up the wazoo. A refinement of a well-established formula, it doesn't totally upend the 2D tea table, but with local co-op and online fun adding to the replayability factor, this feels like 2D Mario with its mojo back. It's one of the very best platformers we've played.
Princess Peach: Showtime! (Switch)
Princess Peach: Showtime! sees Nintendo finally give everyone's favourite imaginary princess the rollicking adventure she deserves. We had expected a rather throwaway offering here, a bunch of minigames and Mario-lite platforming maybe, but what we've got is one of the better kid-focused games on Switch. There's creativity, style, and fun to spare here, with levels packed full of secrets, cool outfits, and enough new mechanics to ensure nothing ever outstays its welcome. Come for the fashion, stay for the boss battles, slo-mo bullet dodges, and cardboard horse chases. Besides a few niggling performance issues, this is Nintendo on rather cracking form.
So, does Nintendo Switch have exclusive games? Of course! But are your favourite games included? Did we miss anything entirely that you think deserves a spot? This is an ever-evolving list that will be updated as and when worthy exclusive games crop up (or fall off when they turn up on other platforms). Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
This article is one of our Switch Essentials guides which cover a wide variety of genres, including the Best Switch FPS Games, the Best Switch RPGs, the Best Switch Games For Kids, the Best Switch Couch Co-Op Games and the Best Switch Fitness and Exercise Games. We can also help out hunting down the Best Switch Horror Games, the Best Switch Racing Games, the Best Switch Action-RPGs, the Best Nintendo Switch Roguelikes, Roguelites and Run-Based Games, the Best Free Switch Games, the Best Remakes And Remasters, the Best Switch Music And Rhythm Games, Best Feel-Good Switch Games, Best Switch Open-World Games, Best Switch Soulslike Games, Best LGBTQ+ Switch Games, and even Games to Play After You've Finished Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Whatever your favourite genre, we've got you covered: Strategy Games, Metroidvanias, Puzzle Games, Party Games, Online Multiplayer Games, Local Wireless Multiplayer Games, Shmups, Twin-Stick Shooters, Visual Novels, Kart Racers, Fighting Games, Football Games, Funny Games, Golf Games, 'Walking Sims' And Narrative Games, Switch Games For Lovers And Lonely Hearts, Detective Games, Hidden Gems, 2D Platformers, 3D Platformers, Puzzle Platformers, Tabletop Mode Games, Run and Gun Games, LEGO Games, Sports Games, Survival Games, Beat 'Em Ups, Camera Games, Chill Games, Family Games, Retro-Inspired Games, Short Games, Card Games and Deck-Builders, and Life Sims And Farming Games.
Still hungry for more? Elsewhere we look at Wholesome Games, TATE Mode Games, Flight Sim and Space Combat, Point and Click Adventure Games, and the Best Switch Exclusives, as well as Every Arcade Archives Game, Every ACA Neo Geo Game, Every SEGA AGES Game On Switch, plus the Best Switch Ports, Best Wii U-To-Switch Ports, Best Switch Collections And Compilations, Best Cheap Switch Games, Best Switch Demos, Games That Are Better On Switch OLED, Switch Games Under $10, $20, $50, and Switch games with the Best Soundtracks and the Best Graphics. Phew!
If you're looking for the best Switch games regardless of genre, our reader-voted selection of the Best Nintendo Switch Games To Play In 2023 should help you out, and you can also find the Best Nintendo Switch Games of 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. And finally, if you're interested in other Nintendo consoles and retro games, check out the Best Game Boy Games, Best GBC Games, Best GBA Games, Best Nintendo DS Games, Best Nintendo 3DS Games, Best NES Games, Best SNES Games, Best N64 Games, Best GameCube Games, and Best Wii Games, and Best Wii U Games, as well as Every Available Nintendo Switch Online Retro Game, and ranked lists of Every Nintendo Switch Online NES, SNES, N64 and Sega Genesis / Mega Drive Game.
- Page :
- « Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Comments 32
Let’s be honest…just rename this best Nintendo games. We all buy a switch because of Nintendo games.
My Top 3 choice:
1. Animal Crossing New Horizons
2. ARMS
3. 1-2-Switch
Fantasy Life for Switch will be my next candidate after the game released.
BotW made such a big impact on my life.
Thx for the wonderful games Nintendo ❤️
Personally, my least favorite Nintendo Switch game is Sushi Striker because it's not a Nintendo Switch exclusive. That's the only reason.
Me think that’s Nintendo games. That's why we have the Switch.
Third party games the big AAA don’t really run that well being honest.
Hopefully Switch 2 will give us some better results there. With games like RDR2 running very well.
@Anti-Matter 1-2 Switch….really?
@JRiegler
I mean I like 1-2-Switch and I like silly games.
I have a plan to get Everybody 1-2-Switch to complete the duo madness.
Is that something wrong with my choice ?
Is this a list of the best exclusives, or just an exhaustive list of exclusives?
Isn't fast racing RMX a remake of fast racing neo for the Wii U, thus should be excluded from this list ala Mario 3d world?
the last 7 years was a just one big journey of great quality games and magical moments. within years following i will always look back at the nintendo switch with fond memories.
my son grew up with switch, he was 3 years old in 2017 and now 10, the fun we had together will always stay in my memory, there are probably dad's or mom's here with the same experience.
it is fair to say, it is the best nintendo console ever made, hell maybe even the best console overall,and i doubt it will ever become any better. how can it ever be better then this.
... Just title it "nintendo switch exclusives" if you're going to put everything here. There's no 'best' about this list. Best would be a list of the top 10 or 15, user ranked.
If this were a PS5 or Series X list, it would be one page.
@Lightsiyd
many real exclusives outside nintendo office is something that suits sony playstation better. but i think the switch has managed itself very well, maybe this system could be a initial to somehow start to close this gap.
i am very curious how things will develop on the new hardware
@stinkyx
yeah with more average lower verdicts either.
@PALversusNTSC Yeah, that would be something to see.
No Triangle Strategy? Huge omission there! Especially when there’s a couple middling titles on here instead. Triangle’s perhaps an unsung classic.
I own all but two of these games (sorry but the musuo games are not for me)… What a wild ride the Switch has been. This is arguably the best catalog of exclusives ever put to a console. I’m really curious what big titles we’ll get in the second half of the year.
@somnambulance Triangle Strategy was ported to Windows PC. It's no longer an exclusive.
@Anti-Matter fair enough, you do you . I just thought the game was awful.
@DripDropCop146 Ah, didn’t know that! Well, the world makes sense again.
@JRiegler Don't feed the bear...
One day Boxboy + Boxgirl will get the recognition it deserves, but it seems today is not that day.
Yay Splatoom 3 cover imge is a win.
In no particular order, my favorite Switch exclusives are:
Give me another week and Peach: Showtime may end on the list also because I am loving that game but haven't finished yet.
I also own a dozen other games mentioned in this article and they're all great games even if they aren't quite at the top for me.
Edit: Apparently the order was hours played which range from 600 down to 25. 😝
Astral Chain 🥰🥰🥰 and Xenoblade 😍😍😍😍😍
@JRiegler I’d disagree! Maybe people buy a Switch for the Nintendo games, but a lot of people like myself go on to try a variety of games from different developers. However most of them aren’t exclusive.
@AnonyQ and there’s a Zelda remake on here too. Yet Mario remakes aren’t allowed……
Anyway I play all these games on my PC in higher resolutions and frame rates anyway
I also own every one of them on my switch before anyone complains,
@smoreon All of their lists of "best X" feel like that, sadly. I honestly don't know what's the point. Not hurting anyone's feelings? Being safe-guarded if they forget one game or two?Marvel's Ultimate Alliance 3 as one of the best exclusives on Switch. Really? Sure, I liked the game, but that's really stretching it.
Can't believe you left out Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (and its Torna DLC), MDA: Rain Code and Bayonetta Origins of this list, while including Advance Wars and Super Mario RPG remakes which are technically not Switch exclusives.
The debate of console exclusivity really is a pointless one. Nintendo sits atop an absolute trove of quality exclusives. For SONY and MS they aren’t even close when it comes to this department. Spider-Man for example isn’t even a SONY IP. Nintendo has done an excellent job of expanding its characters and universe into their own standalone offerings. Shoutout to Princess Peach for joining the club. In the end, Nintendo is the only true self sufficient publisher in the business, hardware and software exclusivity wise.
@JRiegler nope. I bought my Switch for SMT V, Xenoblade 2 and Tokyo Mirage Session #FE mostly. I also wanted to play Dark Souls Remastered and Diablo III in portable mode.
@AnVold yeah those are good. I guess maybe steam deck changed my perspective on the portability aspect. Most portable games are better on the deck and if they are not steam it’s pretty easy to add them other ways.
@JRiegler I agree. Deck is more powerfull. But it's giant for me as handheld console. My perfect size is PS Vita or Switch Lite.
Tap here to load 32 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...