The 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games of All Time – Ranked!

The Greatest Nintendo Switch Games of All Time (Ranked List)

If you own a Nintendo Switch, you know how stacked its game library is. From epic open-world adventures to fast-paced multiplayer battles, Nintendo’s hybrid console has some of the greatest games of all time.

With over 150 million units sold, the Switch is officially one of the best-selling consoles ever. But with thousands of games available, which ones stand above the rest?

Let’s break down the 10 best Nintendo Switch games of all time—the ones that defined an era, pushed boundaries, and became instant classics.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Release Date: May 12, 2023
Why It’s GOATed: Because it took an already perfect game (Breath of the Wild) and somehow made it better.

Nintendo didn’t just rehash the formula of its 2017 predecessor—they expanded the world with new sky islands, a full underground, and insane building mechanics that turned players into creative geniuses (or absolute chaos gremlins).

Tears of the Kingdom isn’t just a game—it’s an experience, letting you interact with the world in ways never seen before. It’s the ultimate open-world adventure.

2. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Release Date: December 7, 2018
Why It’s GOATed: Because EVERYONE is here.

74 characters at launch. 89 after DLC. From Mario and Link to Banjo-Kazooie and Sora, Smash Ultimate is the biggest crossover in gaming history.

It perfected fighting game mechanics, brought stunning visuals, and gave fans hype-inducing character reveals (we’re still not over Sephiroth’s entry). Sakurai truly delivered the ultimate Smash Bros. experience.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Release Date: March 3, 2017
Why It’s GOATed: Because it redefined open-world gaming.

Launching day one with the Switch, Breath of the Wild shattered expectations with limitless exploration, physics-based puzzles, and emergent gameplay that let players experiment in ways never seen before.

It’s one of the most influential games of all time, inspiring open-world titles for years to come. Even with Tears of the Kingdom, BOTW still deserves a top-tier spot for revolutionizing the Zelda franchise.

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Release Date: March 20, 2020
Why It’s GOATed: Because it was THE game of the pandemic.

When the world was in lockdown, New Horizons let us escape to a cozy virtual island where we could decorate, fish, catch bugs, and vibe with cute animal villagers.

With over 40 million copies sold, it’s one of the best-selling Switch games ever and a perfect chill game for players of all ages.

5. Super Mario Odyssey

Release Date: October 27, 2017
Why It’s GOATed: Because it brought back the magic of 3D Mario.

Odyssey gave us sandbox-style levels reminiscent of Super Mario 64, mixed with insane new mechanics like Cappy, which let Mario possess everything from Goombas to freaking dinosaurs.

With brilliant level design, endless secrets, and incredibly fun platforming, it’s easily one of the best Mario games ever made.

6. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Release Date: April 28, 2017
Why It’s GOATed: Because it’s the best Mario Kart ever. Period.

Originally a Wii U game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe got a massive second life on Switch, selling over 60 million copies, making it the best-selling Switch game ever.

With tons of tracks, tight controls, and chaotic online races, it remains the ultimate party game.

7. Metroid Dread

Release Date: October 8, 2021
Why It’s GOATed: Because it brought Metroid back to life.

After almost two decades, Metroid fans finally got a true sequel—and it was an absolute masterpiece. Tight controls, smooth combat, terrifying stealth sections, and epic boss fights made Metroid Dread one of the best 2D Metroid games ever.

It was so good, it even won Best Action Game at The Game Awards.

8. Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Release Date: January 28, 2022
Why It’s GOATed: Because it finally evolved Pokémon.

Instead of the same old formula, Legends: Arceus took Pokémon into an open world and changed the way we catch and battle. For the first time, players could sneak up on Pokémon, throw Poké Balls in real-time, and explore vast landscapes.

It proved that Pokémon could be more than just turn-based battles, and it laid the foundation for future open-world Pokémon games.

9. Splatoon 3

Release Date: September 9, 2022
Why It’s GOATed: Because it perfected the Splatoon formula.

Nintendo took everything great about Splatoon 2 and made it better—more weapons, more maps, a stronger single-player mode, and a rogue-like DLC expansion.

It’s one of the most fun and unique shooters ever, and it continues to be one of the most-played games on Switch.

10. Mario Party Jamboree

Release Date: October 17, 2023
Why It’s GOATed: Because it’s the best Mario Party ever.

Nintendo finally made a proper Mario Party again. Jamboree brought back classic boards, fun minigames, and introduced hilarious new mechanics like Buddies, which add a whole new level of chaos and strategy.

If you love multiplayer games, this one’s a must-play.

The Ultimate Switch Library

And there you have it—the absolute best of the best on the Nintendo Switch! Whether you're soaring through Hyrule, drifting past your friends in Mario Kart, or flexing your creative genius in Tears of the Kingdom, these games defined a generation.

But let’s be real—the Switch isn't just about the games. It’s about those late-night gaming marathons, those intense Smash Bros. rivalries, and those wholesome Animal Crossing island tours where you flex your five-star paradise. It’s about nostalgia, innovation, and just pure fun.

And as the Switch era winds down and we all start looking toward the Switch 2, one thing is clear—Nintendo delivered one of the greatest gaming lineups of all time.

So, what’s your ultimate Switch top 10? Got a hidden gem we missed? Drop a comment and let’s talk games! Until then, keep your Joy-Cons charged, your turnips stocked, and your victory dances ready. 🎮🔥

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