20. Blaster Master Zero 2 (Switch eShop)
Inti Creates knocked it out of the park with Blaster Master Zero 2, improving on the original in nearly every conceivable way. Tight platforming action, memorable boss battles, plenty of extra side content, and some gorgeous pixel art make this one of the easiest recommendations on the eShop; we’d strongly encourage you to pick this one up. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or are just getting into it for the first time, Blaster Master Zero 2 is a stellar and enjoyable experience from stem to stern, and just goes to further cement Inti Creates’ legacy as one of the best developers in the retro gaming business.
19. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (Switch)
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is an experience unlike any other on the Switch, expertly blending standard RPG tropes with a heartwarming story, innovative art style, and an immersive soundtrack composed by some of the best in the business. In more ways than one, this is a ‘dream project’ that’s very existence is a gift to fans of the genre the world over. That said, it also notably falls short of being an undisputed masterpiece, as pacing issues and shoddy AI drag down an otherwise pitch perfect experience. Those issues aside, this still proves to be lightyears ahead of many other RPGs. If you consider yourself a fan of the genre – or even if you’re just looking to get your feet wet – you owe it to yourself to give Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch a shot.
18. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age (Switch)
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a great example of what developers should aspire to do with remastering old games; this is the best-designed and most enjoyable version of this RPG classic currently on the market, and it can all be played on the go, too. Though the story comes off as being rather disappointing and the visuals are a little dated, the Gambit-focused combat system still proves to be one of the best we’ve seen in an RPG to date, making it dangerously easy for hours to slip by as you work on min-maxing characters to the best of their abilities. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age may not prove to be the best Final Fantasy ever made, but it’s still a pretty darned great game in its own right and certainly worth your time.
17. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy (Switch eShop)
The original Ace Attorney is – dare we say it – almost 20 years old, which is remarkable when you consider just how well it holds up 2019. Sure, it’s been ported plenty of times and the jump to Nintendo DS certainly helped shake off the retro cobwebs, but as a piece of interactive history, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is as utterly addictive and truly rewarding as it was back at the turn of the millennium. Whether you’re brand new to the world of virtual defence law or a veteran attorney, Phoenix Wright’s first adventures are still a fine set of cases to undertake.
16. The Touryst (Switch eShop)
The Touryst is a joyous little adventure that sinks its blocky hooks into you and doesn't let go until it's done. It's got a perfect balance of atmospheric puzzling, leisurely exploring and minigame madness that'll keep you thoroughly entertained from start to finish, and its collection of tiny little voxel islands are a joy to discover, bursting with surprises to uncover and presented in a truly dazzling art-style that's achieved whilst performing flawlessly on Nintendo's console. The puzzles might not be the most taxing you'll ever come across and you'll blow through the whole thing pretty quickly, but overall this is a top-notch – and perfectly priced – little gem.
15. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair (Switch)
Donkey Kong Country fans rejoice: this is the spiritual successor you’ve been waiting for. The worst thing you could say about it is that the overworld exploration may prove to be too involved for those who are in it purely for the runny-jumpy stuff, but those who are happy to mix platforming with top-down adventuring and don’t mind adapting to the constantly changing pace will find the best of both worlds here. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a fantastic sophomore effort that pays tribute to Rare's past and establishes Playtonic as one of the UK's most exciting studios.
14. Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition (Switch eShop)
From its opening moments upon a prison ship bound for Fort Joy to non-stop adventures that take you across the high seas to the Reaper’s Coast, Nameless Isle and beyond, Divinity: Original Sin 2 simply dazzles. In its seemingly endless parade of well-written characters, hilarious narration, deep and rewarding physics-based combat and the myriad ways in which it allows to you to engage and toy and with its systems, this is a truly epic RPG that revels in choice more than any other that’s come before it. It takes the old-school isometric style of Baldur’s Gate, layers it with an unparalleled level of attention to detail and fuses it with a thoroughly modern take on meaningful player decisions, resulting in one of the greatest role-playing games available on any platform; and it’s all here, present and correct on a portable console.
13. Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster (Switch)
Final Fantasy X was a watershed moment for the storied franchise, rightfully gaining widespread acclaim while also ushering the series into the new generation, and while Final Fantasy X-2 hasn’t quite reached the same level of influence, it stands as a fantastic adventure in its own right with a level of quality that surpasses most of the competition in the Switch library. Having both of these incredible games in one package, with all the international content thrown in, and with prettied up graphics and audio makes picking up this release a no-brainer. Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster successfully does justice to these two RPG classics as it brings them to a new age of players.
12. GRID Autosport (Switch eShop)
With over 100 cars and more than 25 different racing venues set over five distinct disciplines (as well as bonus DLC ones like destruction derby and drag racing), GRID Autosport is that rarest of beasts: a jack of all trades that doesn't sacrifice quality as a result. The addition of all previously released paid console DLC – right down to the cynical XP boost – is extremely welcome, but the complete removal of all local and online multiplayer features means this a strictly solo affair, and that might be a turn-off for many. Still, that doesn't change the fact that this is one of the best racing games on Switch.
11. Cuphead (Switch eShop)
Cuphead was an absolute masterpiece when it originally launched on Xbox One and nothing has been sacrificed in its move to the Switch. A run-and-gun boss battler dressed up like a 1930s Fleischer or Disney animated short, it’s the same visually jaw-dropping, aurally delightful, knuckle-whiteningly difficult game it was on Microsoft’s console and the Switch’s library is all the better for its presence. Its focus on intense boss battles won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but as long as you know what you’re getting yourself into we can’t recommend it enough. Just look at it!
Comments (76)
I haven't gotten to play many of the big games on this list yet so I can't really give my opinion on it. What I can say is Luigi's Mansion 3 is by far my most anticipated title of this year as I'm a huge fan of the series and so far the game is looking superb!
I am really enjoying this top three and glad to see FE not right at the top as I had feared. Amazing that Phoenix Wright still appears on a list like this (in the top 10!) despite being pretty much the same game it was on the gameboy advance. Quality lasts.
Can't disagree with DOS2 as the top pick. Was intimidated by the sheer size of it but some 30 hours in and I struggle to find any substantial criticism of it. Just brilliant.
Slay the Spire is probably my game of the year on everything, followed by Dragon Quest XI S
for me Fire Emblem Three Houses is number 1 the game surprised me on how great it is
I'm actually surprised Senuas Hellblade made it to the top 5, i'm gonna have to try it out now.
I wanna give DX11 a chance as I'm an RPG nerd, but I dont know.
Judging by the comments this is a self adepting list that changes depending on the user ratings.
Also, I’d rather see what the nintendolife staff thinks is the top 50 switch games of 2019.
Links Awakening is my nr. 1 this year till now. I can’t wait for Luigi’s Mansion 3. I got the feeling that it will become my number 1 for 2019.
I completely disagree with almost all of this list
@USWITCH64 this list changes depending on user reviews. Check back later maybe you’ll agree than 😂
When I first checked marvel ultimate allience was 50. 5 minutes later it was 47.
Well all I can say is my list looks drastically different. But again, That's only my list.
Lethal League Blaze, Super Mega Baseball 2, Pix the Cat are awesome games as well
@USWITCH64 at least give us your top 5 if that's the case!
For me, the only game that could dethrone Dragon Quest XI S as the best Switch release this year will be Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition. In fact, I'm counting on it. I'm a huge Dragon Quest fan, but Xenoblade's jump to the Switch will be a much greater leap than Dragon Quest's. Xenoblade's masterful choreography, gorgeous environments, beautiful music, and captivating storytelling were enough to make my jaw drop the first time around in 480p, and a modern coat of paint will only emphasize its brilliance.
EDIT: As it was quickly pointed out, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is actually dropping next year. I don't know how I was under the impression it'd be dropping this winter. Dragon Quest XI S will probably sit as my favorite Switch release for 2019.
September, man... What a month!
Dragon Quest XI, Ori and the Blind Forest, Divinity Original Sin 2, Zelda Link's Awakening, Grid Autosport, Spyro Trilogy, Ni no Kuni, Blasphemous,...
I don't have time and money for soooo much!
@jtmnm It's oficial that Xenoblade will be released on 2020.
@Big-Pepsi Why you don't know? I'm an RPG nerd as well, I've never been a DQ fan, but I tell you man, I haven't played an JRPG as good and polished as this one since... I don't remember when lol.
It totally deserves all the love is getting.
@the_beaver Whoops!
Jeez, the whole top 10 at the moment (well 11, gotta include Cuphead), is a love letter to why this year is so great. DOS II, Hellblade, DQ XI, Astral Chain, Mario Maker, Ori, GRID, DQ Builders 2... haven't played all of them but I sure plan on it.
Not like the rest of the list is slouches either... When a list begins with a game as good as Trials Rising and only goes mostly up from there, you know it's been a good year.
for once, this is a great top 10. and i'm yet to play ay of the top 7 despite laying switch every day, so this is just awesome all over really
The fact a widely acclaimed Zelda game can't even scrape the top ten says everything about the quality of year we're having.. and to think there's still three months left to go..
Just. Wow.
Mario Maker 2 has been my favorite game of the year thus far.
@darkswabber Yeah this list a bit of a joke in my opinion. Sone good games, but tons of 20 years and older game ports and small fries I haven't heard of. They're not bad and the ones I hadn't heard of don't look bad, but we don't have even CTR or Sonic in here.
Missed the Contra Collection.
Cuphead, Dragon Quest XI S, and Fire Emblem: Three Houses are absolutely my favorite releases this year. All three are so good in their own unique ways.
Nice to see all the appreciation DQXI S is getting from the playerbase on NL. It's one of the most impressive ports on the system, and S-E clearly put their heart and soul into this port, touching up almost every aspect of the game in the process.
My top 3, in order
1st - Astral Chain
2nd - Grid Autosport
3rd - Virtua Racing
Honorable mentions - Dragons Dogma, Doom 1/2/3, Vasara Collection,Links Awakening once it's been patched.... hopefully.
I'm sure The Witcher 3 will enter my top 3 but can it top the mighty Astral Chain? As could Dragons Quest XI or Divinity Original Sin 2 when I finally play them.
DQ XI S absolutely deserves that top spot.
@JEM Excellent, also see Tales of Vesperia. Seems a bit more like it!
Awesome stuff. That's one hell of a lineup for less than a year. The Switch is quickly becoming my favorite platform of all-time.
Ok here's mine
5.Crash racing
4.Virtua racer
3.Links awakening
2.Sonic team racing
1.SNES online
Good God... 25 of them are old ports
Astral Chains and Fire Emblem... and just got SteamWorld Quest on Sale. That is about it.
@Sakisa I agree. Well deserved. This game is incredible...I'm amazed it fits on this little cartridge.
@the_beaver did Ni No Kuni get mentioned?
Wow, I did not expect DQ11 to take number one, I am so happy
Did I completely miss my GOTY Slay the Spire? It's not there is it?
@Murbs It needs three more ratings (minimum 10) to make the list.
Good to see GRID Autosport get appreciation, fantastic racer and I'm genuinely impressed at the port and attention to detail. Sounds and looks amazing on the Switch.
Hellblade disappointed me. I think I need to try it again when my backlog clears.
It does look stunning but I couldn't get on with the combat - fight and beat the baddies on screen, then get attacked and hit from behind. Defeat those, think you're done... get attacked and hit from behind again... defeat those, think you're done...
I found it tiresome rather than enjoyable.
Only Mario Maker 2 makes my list, while I liked the demo of Ori so will get that in time. Overall, a pedestrian year for Nintendo.
Link's Awakening is my GOTY, even if technically a 1993 game.
"And it's far from over"
One wonders then why you're doing it.
@Joe-b Not in this list I think, but everyone says it's wonderful. Really want to put my hands on it.
@Franklin So far it's already been much better than the whole 2018 lol
@Franklin One wonders then why you're doing it.
Probably to highlight some of the best games that many people may have missed out on, in what has been a very busy year for the console. The list is constantly updated as people rate new games, so why not?
Ni No Kuni deserves a spot. Currently obsessed with it. Doing every single mission. Trying to capture every single familiar. Great music!
Happy to see Baba Is You well placed. One of those hidden gems of the eShop. Fire Emblem is my No1 so far. Still a lot of 2019 to go yet, though!
@the_beaver
Well that's true.
Glad to see one of my favorite franchises of all time currently sitting in the top spot. Still working on Dragon Quest VII on 3DS. I’ll get to XI eventually.
Multiplayer for GRID will come in an update AFAIK
That's a staggering number of quality titles.
@Yoshinator why comment if you didnt experience any of these?
In my opinion, 2019 is probably the Switch's best year so far, and it isn't even over yet!
I agree with the top 3 surprisingly. Although I'd have switched FE3H and DQ11 But I am shocked that Wargroove and Tales of Vesperia placed so lowly. In fact, beyond the top 3 I feel like the whole list is heavily shuffled around from how I'd have done it!
Where the heck is AI: The Somnium Files?
I really wanted to like FFXII but I just can’t get past Vaan. He’s easily the weakest FF lead character in the whole series (and this is series where a game has a lead character called Bartz who faces a villain called ExDeath) and the fact his appearance doesn’t change with job titles is infuriating.
It’s bad enough he’s stuck with that stupid vest top thing for the whole game but when exploring the snowy areas he still wears it! I can suspend disbelief at a lack of realism in FF games pretty easily but making things unrealistic is too far.
Cuphead is overrated.
Was very excited for that, and other than the visuals it's a one trick pony.
The sequel will hopefully improve other aspects of the game this time.
Strong list and only getting stronger. For me GRID comes out top closely followed Zelda and Ori. Witcher 3, LM3 and Ring Fit Adventure (yes I went there) may change this.
M2’s Virtua Racing port is incredible, and it’s on offer. Fantastic arcade conversion.
Mario Maker 2 is way over-hyped... I really regret buying that game.
@EasyDaRon That doesn't change the fact that they're some of the best Switch games ever.
A really good year so far !
@JEM I added mine to that so now it needs 2
A few issues with the also rans, but I broadly agree with most of the top 10. I’d put Fire Emblem the other side of Super Mario Maker 2, but I’m really not a fan of the Mario Maker games. Looking forward to Dragon Quest XI as it’s my next big adventure on Switch. I’ve got the cart in my case already, and I’m moving onto it as soon as I’ve completed Link’s Awakening. If it belongs in the company of Astral Chain and Three Houses, I’m in for a treat.
Pretty solid list.
And what a ridiculously good year so far for the Switch with much more to come. Insane.
Dragon Quest 11 is well deserved as the best game.
I’ve just ordered 7 & 8 (3DS) as a Christmas treat for myself!
@Big-Pepsi Go ahead. It's lovely.
@the_beaver I hear the same thing.
@the_beaver
Yeah, but it reminds me of Chrono Trigger which is on my "list of games I enjoy so much that I end up only playing them once or not finish to savor it" I feel like I'll end up putting 100 hours in and drop it before fighting the last couple of bosses, games like that end up taking me years to finish, and I kid you not this is what happens when I play games I love.
Baba is you number one for me. Utterly unique and very satisfying when you nail a hardcore headscratcher.
Baba is Me
Brain is Melt
Battery is Dead
@Illusion yeah I thought that, there’s more classics in that game than the Castlevania collection.
Seems like I'm not buying enough games as I only have five of these ones listed here and one of them I haven't even played!
Turns out I didn't pick any $60 game yet
Lots of solid exclusives though
This was a good year for indies too, I got Baba is You, Katana Zero, My Friend Pedro, Risk of Rain 2, Pikuniku. Also there was some solid re-releases of games I've never played before, got Cuphead, but will surely pick Obra Dinn and maybe A Hat In Time and Ori
Astral chain is easily my goty
I totally agree on #1 so far - I’m 40 hours in and having an absolute blast, DQ XI S may well become my favourite JRPG of all time.
I still haven't purchased the Link's Awakening Remake. I'll have to rectify that next week. As for this list I agree with it, games like Astral Chain and Dragon Quest XI I'm really enjoying so far. Yoshi's Crafted World is a relaxing Platformer and I hope we get a sequel to it.
@Agramonte FF VIII is a proper remaster, while the prerendered backgrounds could not be saved the in game models are updated in a way they don't feel out of place but have a nice amount of detail to them.
With some quality of life features (no random encounters when backtracking or exploring is great)
Granted it is one of my Favorite FF games I may be a bit biased (and weird)
Apart for the obvious title that was ranked first, Astral Chain and Fire Emblem got my attention too.
About the latter though, I'd rather get some Super Robot Taisen title, if only an English translated version were available in Europe, since they're basically the same game.
Less medieval stuff and more mechs, please.
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