Top Must-Play Nintendo Switch Exclusives
Since its launch over five years ago, I've witnessed the Nintendo Switch make a huge splash in the gaming world. Selling 114 million units, it now rivals the PlayStation 4—even with the PS4's four-year head start. What makes the Switch so appealing is its innovative design and versatility. As the first true hybrid console, it effortlessly blends handheld convenience with the power of a home gaming system. Its seamless transition from a personal device to a TV-connected console has captivated both casual gamers and dedicated enthusiasts. Coupled with Nintendo’s renowned quality and forward-thinking approach, the Switch stands out as a uniquely desirable gaming platform.
Yet, I believe the Switch’s true magic is in its game library—especially its exclusive titles. Nintendo’s legacy of iconic games and characters shines through in these unique releases. From the vast, immersive world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to the playful adventures in Super Mario Odyssey, each game embodies Nintendo’s dedication to quality, innovative gameplay, and captivating storytelling. These exclusives not only satisfy loyal fans but also draw in new gamers, solidifying the Switch’s status in the competitive gaming landscape. I’m excited to share these gems with you because they truly demonstrate why Nintendo remains a trendsetter in gaming. In this post, I’ll dive into the top 10 Nintendo Switch exclusives every gamer must experience, showcasing the diversity and creativity that make this platform stand out.
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A hidden gem by Platinum Games, not many know about Astral Chain. You are placed in the typical “The world is doomed. Only you can save it.” scenario of most JRPGs. This is not why we’re here, though. We’re here for the action that characterizes other games from this developer studio, such as the famous (now infamous?) Bayonetta. You essentially control two characters: Your human character and a bizarre monster that has been “chained” to do your bidding, all while blazing through hordes of enemies. Perform crazy combos, upgrade your characters, discover secrets, and progress through the story in this action-packed adventure.
I first discovered Bayonetta during the Devil May Cry craze, completely hooked by the hype. Bayonetta 3 kicked off with wild yacht parties, apocalyptic New York waves, and surreal shifts into space shooter and rhythm game modes—each moment brimming with its signature over-the-top style that made me smile. I loved the stunning visuals, inventive combat, and fresh twists with Viola in Bayonetta’s intricate design. However, while the early gameplay reminded me why I adored the series, the final act plunged into confusing time-travel chaos, featuring an ambiguous villain and a final boss that undermined everything I cherished. Overall, the exhilarating start was sadly marred by a disappointing, incoherent ending.
Fire Emblem Engage pleasantly surprised me. The game returns to the series’ tactical roots while modernizing combat, leaving behind the time management of Three Houses in favor of fast-paced, challenging battles. Its revamped weapon triangle and clever break mechanic really keep fights exciting. I especially loved the innovative Emblem Rings that summon heroes like Marth and Ike, adding a nostalgic yet accessible strategic layer. Although I initially worried about missing lore, Engage makes these icons both meaningful and easy to grasp. Despite a few repetitive enemy encounters and minor social hub quirks, the updated UI, overhauled healer class, and creative side missions deliver a truly engaging tribute to Fire Emblem’s legacy.
Fun, simple, and cute — these are the three words that best describe Kirby & The Forgotten Land. The game isn’t too challenging, which makes it perfect for young children. That doesn’t mean those who enjoy a challenge shouldn’t play it, though, as the game also has an ultra hard difficulty called “Wild Mode”. There really isn’t much to talk about, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. This game was not designed to entertain you with features, but rather with simplicity. Jump, eat, platform, fight bosses, and progress through the numerous areas.
The adventure kicks off in true Zelda style—Link takes down Ganon only to get swallowed by a mysterious purple rift, and then Zelda herself bursts in, shattering her crystal prison to take charge. This bold twist felt refreshingly daring after decades of Link-centered stories. I loved the Link’s Awakening style quirky gameplay that lets you call on unexpected allies to solve puzzles in hilarious ways—whether it’s riding a flying critter or stacking mattresses to reach a hidden chest. Sure, the story sometimes slips into familiar territory, but its experimental spirit and playful nods to its own legacy kept me thoroughly hooked. Even if it doesn’t completely reinvent the wheel, Echoes of Wisdom is a charming remix that left me excited for what Nintendo has in store next.
We have all heard of Breath of the Wild’s success. If you ask me, I don’t think the game deserves that much credit. Yes, it’s a different concept from previous Zelda games. However, the game is lacking a lot in actual content. Who needs that big of a world if it’s mostly empty and unrewarding? Why is the story so short? How come the dungeons are so simple? Anyhow, Link’s Awakening if a remake of a 1993 “Game Boy” game. The game looks cute, it’s challenging, and will definitely test the mettle of even the most skilled players.
Playing Mario & Luigi: Brothership took me on an emotional rollercoaster right from the start. I couldn’t help but think back to the golden days of Superstar Saga—and even though my nostalgia had me a bit skeptical, 54 hours of island-hopping adventure completely blew me away. This massive game is a refreshing reintroduction that masterfully mixes classic platforming and turn-based battles with an exciting twist provided by its clever battle plug system. It even spices things up with elements of murder mystery, heist puzzles, and a shockingly eerie horror segment that kept me alert throughout. The story set in Concordia is surprisingly mature, making me really care about the quirky plug characters and their struggle under the Uni-Tree. Sure, the sailing on Shipshape Island felt a bit slow at times, but overall, Brothership delivers a nostalgic yet evolved, big-budget return that sets a new standard for the series.
Playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was an absolute blast from start to finish. I loved the extensive roster of characters, the impressive track selection, and the variety of game modes that kept every session fresh and exciting. Racing with my four kids on a 72-inch split-screen setup was thrilling, and the smooth performance in online multiplayer really stood out. While the tiny Joy-Con controllers felt a bit cramped during intense races, the updated graphics and enhanced features compared to the Wii U version more than made up for it. I also enjoyed both solo challenges and multi-Switch sessions—each mode delivered a fun and engaging racing experience. Overall, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe proved to be the ultimate party game on the Nintendo Switch, perfectly capturing the spirit of the original while adding modern improvements that keep me coming back for more.
Whenever I hear the word “Metroid”, the first thing that comes to my mind is the SNES. Let’s face it, there hasn’t been a good Metroid game since the times of the SNES (Oh, boy I’m old). This all changed when Metroid Dread was released. At a little over a year of its release, it has already sold 3 million copies. This is to be expected, however, since Dread takes what made SNES Metroid great and makes it even better than the original.
Whether you are a fan of Pokemon or not, you should definitely play one of GameFreak’s latest additions. After flopping their Pokemon Sword and Shield release, they decided to test the waters with a new concept. Thus, Pokemon Legends Arceus was born. It plays similarly to other Pokemon games but with an open world and a combat system that’s easier to get into for new or young players. Discover the origins of the Pokemon universe on this great RPG. Arceus would later become core part of the development for their latest entry: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
Prior to the release of Splatoon 3, I had not played a single Splatoon game. I’m not a big fan online-focused FPS. Playing Splatoon 3 changed my mind completely. It has a single player option where you complete challenges in order to “save the world” (Maybe?). This single player option is a game on its own. However, where the game excels is in its online mode. You fight against an opposing team for “turf”, level up, and get rewards in order to buy new gear and weapons that give you an advantage during the battles.
Originally released for the Wii, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definite Edition tells the story of Shulk, his past, and the world around him. It has arguably the best story of the trilogy. Although being a game released in 2010, the combat and movement mechanics can feel a bit clunky. Definitely not up to today’s standards. Don’t let that discourage you, though. Discovering the past in this amazing, open world RPG will definitely leave a mark on you.
Although it does have the “2” in the name, it is not necessarily a direct sequel to the first release. Rather, they just share the same world/timeline in some sense. It also answers some questions about the world not previously answered on the first game. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 brought great improvements to the combat, world, animations, and movement mechanics but the story feels light compared to its predecessor. There is also a lot of unintended cringyness as a result of the developers focusing a little bit too much on fanservice aimed at their male audience. You’ll see what I mean once you play it.
The latest and final release to the trilogy, you are thrown in a world with a similar “doom” setting as the other two. The game brings lots of new additions in the combat area, but it plays and feels essentially like the previous 2 (and in my opinion, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has a better combat system). It is a direct sequel to the other two in terms of story. The plot is great, but story itself plays in a predictable and (too) structured way. You go to a hub — generally a town somewhere on the map — and then you complete some sort of quests to recruit the captain of the town into your party. The game does a good job in telling you what’s happening behind the scenes while you travel from town to town, though.
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