Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! (Switch)
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are beautiful reimaginings of a video game classic, updating a 20-year-old game in ways which make it infinitely more accessible and user-friendly for a modern audience, while keeping the magic first discovered all those years ago. Hardcore fans may consider the whole experience too much of a cakewalk, but the game does a superb job of striking a balance between being an easy route of entry for newcomers to the series and offering just enough post-game challenge and competitive play elements (and nostalgia, of course) to please series veterans. As a result, these new titles really do offer something for everyone, which can't always be said of the mainline Pokémon entries. They might not be an absolute masterpiece, but we’d urge any Poké-fans out there to give these ones a go.
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.
Yoshi's Crafted World (Switch)
If you’re new to the series, Yoshi’s Crafted World has colour and charm to spare, even if its inventiveness is largely limited to its looks for returning fans of the series. It’s delightfully presented and makes for another very solid entry in Nintendo’s ever-growing pantheon of material-based platformers from developer Good-Feel. If you’re looking to share a lighthearted romp with the family, or simply relax in a big chair with a cup of something warm and a comfy pair of socks, be sure to have a spare pair ready – Yoshi's Crafted World will charm the ones you’re wearing right off.
Keep your eyes peeled for another Good-Feel-in' game further down this list.
Snipperclips Plus: Cut it out, together! (Switch)
Snipperclips was the Nintendo Switch's indie darling launch title, and it sums up exactly what the Switch is all about: cooperation, creativity, and a dash of competition. You have to work alongside a friend or two to cut shapes out of each other to solve a variety of tricky puzzles, and it's an absolute riot.
Super Mario Maker 2 (Switch)
This is Super Mario Maker but with more of everything that made the original so phenomenal. Enemies, themes, game styles, gizmos, powerups, the Story Mode having an actual story, multiplayer, the list of additional gubbins is truly massive when you take a step back. There are a few small issues here and there, but they're overwhelmingly dwarfed by the sheer joy and unbridled freedom that exceeds the original in spades. Realistically Super Mario Maker 2 poses the question as to whether this is the future for 2D Mario as a whole. For any fan of Mario who owns a Switch – heck, for any Switch owner full stop – buying this game is an absolute necessity.
Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda (Switch eShop)
Brace Yourself Games crafted a unique Zelda game which fits in perfectly with the rest of the family. A transfusion from Crypt of the NecroDancer gives the old top-down template a fresh spin but it still manages to feel like Zelda. By allowing a talented indie developer to play in the universe, Nintendo has gained a fantastic entry in the franchise that feels like a celebration - specifically of its music, a part of the series destined to take a back seat as the majesty of Hyrule is increasingly conveyed through the scale of its world rather than melodies from the days when the 'kingdom' was really a walled garden. Cadence of Hyrule is not just a brilliant game, it's a brilliant Zelda game, and one that you won't want to miss.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Switch)
How does this 'ultimate' version of Nintendo's scrapper stack up? Vocal concerns about past games have been actively addressed, every single fighter from the series is present (even Pichu), the customisability is overwhelmingly vast and it’s all topped off with super-solid single-player modes to boot. We’re not sure how you could make a more robust or pleasing Smash game — Super Smash Bros. Ultimate truly is the ultimate instalment in the series, and it makes you wonder where Sakurai can possibly take this franchise next.
Astral Chain (Switch)
With its amazing visuals, fantastic presentation, varied gameplay and deep, rewarding combat, Astral Chain could well be PlatinumGames' most accomplished game yet. It mixes detective work with exhilarating battle sequences that are inventive, challenging and – perhaps most importantly – breathtakingly cool. The complexity of the game's myriad systems may prove intimidating for some players, but the inclusion of a co-op play and the ability to automate many of the mechanics via the 'Unchained' mode means that even complete newcomers can still enjoy the ride. Astral Chain isn't just one of the Switch's stand-out hits – it was one of 2019's best video games regardless of platform.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Switch)
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening was a technical marvel when it first arrived on the scene back in 1993. Easily one of the great Game Boy releases, it was a first bash at a handheld Zelda that took the formula as perfected by A Link to the Past, jammed it all onto a tiny portable console and, somehow, managed to make it all work while adding a host of new features and concepts to the mix. This beautiful Switch remake rebuilds all of this from the ground up in fine style. It adds modern conveniences, a dungeon creator, amiibo support and lots of little quality of life improvements whilst infusing every single square inch of Koholint – every secret passage, Piranha, Pokey and Pig Warrior – with a level of detail and depth that reinvigorates both its timeless story and classic Zelda gameplay for a whole new generation of gamers.
Luigi's Mansion 3 (Switch)
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is not only a graphical powerhouse and showcase for Next Level Games’ unrivalled mastery of video game animation, it’s also an immense helping of spooky fun as well. The amount of care and consideration poured into every facet of the game is abundantly clear, and it all results in one of the most enjoyable and attractive Switch titles of the year. It's also the undisputed high point of a franchise that deserves love and attention from Nintendo fandom, and the gaming community as a whole.
Ring Fit Adventure (Switch)
Nintendo's latest entry in the fitness games genre succeeds in properly gamifying exercise where Wii Fit never quite hit the mark. If you're a gym addict you probably shouldn't throw out your membership card just yet, but for everyone else looking to get fitter, Ring Fit Adventure is a fantastic way to do it that won't bore you senseless. Play it properly and you'll definitely feel it the next morning – a sure sign that it's at least doing you some good – while the compelling adventure mode with its RPG elements ensures that you'll keep coming back for more.
Pokémon Sword and Shield (Switch)
Pokémon Sword and Shield succeed in bringing some new ideas to the table, although there are areas where it could be pushed further. It's an experience full of highs and lows, from the unadulterated wonder and joy of seeing a brand-new Pokémon in a stadium full of cheering crowds, to the monotonous and dragged-out dialogue we just wanted to skip. The wonders of exploring the Wild Area feel like the true evolution of the series — and hinted at the type of freedom that would later arrive in Pokémon Legends: Arceus (more of which later). On the whole, Pokémon Sword and Shield were a very solid start to the HD generation of Pokémon games, one we wish that Scarlet and Violet had built upon some more, especially on the technical side.
Mario Tennis Aces (Switch)
Mario Tennis Aces is the latest entry in the sports franchise that marks a glorious return of the single-player campaign. This time around it's more of an adventure though, with minigames and boss battles splitting up the matches. There's also plenty of room for multiplayer – both local and online – and you can even play with the Joy-Con's gyroscope just like in the Wii Sports days.
Good Job! (Switch eShop)
Good Job! was a wonderful surprise that everyone should try out. Thanks to its hilarious physics, seemingly menial tasks have the potential to descend into utter carnage – whether intentional or not – and its grading system means there are plenty of opportunities to replay. Slight technical hiccups aside, Good Job! is absolutely guaranteed to have you in fits of laughter.
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...