Switch owners need to have these games in their library

$57 at Amazon $50 at Walmart

Pokémon Sword and Shield feature a brand new Pokémon adventure in the region of Galar. Catch, train, and battle other trainers. There are 400 different Pokémon in the base game, and you can get creatures with special abilities by participating in Max Raid Battles.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Best Life Simulator on Nintendo Switch

Bottom line: As we stated in our Animal Crossing: New Horizons review, this game was released just as the world needed it most. It's a chill life and farming simulator that helps both kids and adult players relax while making friends with animals on a tropical island. You can end up spending hundreds of hours fishing, acquiring furniture, collecting creatures for a museum, upgrading your house, and decorating your island just the way you want it. With its relaxing charm, there's a reason why this title has been one of the most successful games to launch on the Nintendo Switch.

Name	Digital	Physical	Price
Animal Crossing: New Horizons	✔	✔	$50 at Amazon
Animal Crossing: New Horizons	✔	✔	$51 at Best Buy
Animal Crossing: New Horizons	✔	$50 at Walmart

Pros

Adorable art design
Relaxing gameplay
Seasonal activities
Multiplayer options
Harvesting and crafting

Cons

Emergency backup limitations
Real-time clock can be restrictive
Many holiday celebrations feel the same

Animal Crossing might seem like a simple island getaway experience, but it's a rather complex simulator. Players arrive on a deserted island with almost nothing to their name but can slowly upgrade their getaway by gathering and then selling bugs, fish, and harvested materials to pay off loans from Tom Nook, a tanuki or raccoon tycoon. As you acquire more DIY recipes, you can craft more items to fill your island with beautiful things.

The game follows a real-time clock, so when it's nighttime in real life, the stars are out over your virtual island, and your animal villagers are asleep in bed. Stores and shops within the game have business hours, so you need to plan your time accordingly to see what clothes and furniture are in stock when things are open.

Different experiences are available throughout the year, including seasonal activities that coincide with real-world holidays. However, one of the big complaints from players is that many of the holiday activities feel the same, just with different themes. Also, if you don't want to lose your progress, you'll need to backup New Horizons manually as it doesn't offer cloud saves.

You can keep the fun going by purchasing the Animal Crossing: Happy Home Paradise DLC which allows you to design vacation homes for animal clients. There are new buildings to unlock, new items to decorate with, and you can even scan amiibo cards to invite specific villagers into the game. Once you complete the DLC, you can even go back to your home island and redecorate your villager's houses.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Start a new life on a tropical island paradise relaxing with friends, crafting items, and customizing your home and outfits each day. Fall in love with the adorable antics of your animal neighbors and see what exciting things happen throughout the year.

$50 at Amazon

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Best Racing Game on Nintendo Switch

Bottom line: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling game on Nintendo Switch as well as one of the best multiplayer games on the console. Up to four players can race against each other while sharing one screen; so as we said in our Mario Kart 8 Deluxe review, it's the perfect party game for friends and family. Choose from a large cast of Nintendo characters and attack your fellow racers with silly weapons like bananas or shells to get ahead. The optional child controls make this a great game for people of all ages.

Name	Digital	Physical	Price
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe	✔	✔	$50 at Amazon
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe	✔	✔	$51 at Best Buy
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe	✔	$50 at Walmart

Pros

Smart steering is perfect for younger children
41 characters to choose from
48 colorful tracks to race through
Up to 4-player local multiplayer
Race against others online

Cons

Single-player mode isn't very exciting

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the quintessential racing game on Nintendo Switch. You can play on your own, or if you have enough Joy-Cons, up to four players can share a screen and compete against each other. If you have a young child who wants to play, just turn on Smart Steering to prevent them from falling off the track, going backward, or bumping into the walls.

There are 48 tracks and a large cast of 41 popular Nintendo characters, including Link from The Legend of Zelda, Inklings from Splatoon, Bowser from the Mario games, Isabelle from Animal Crossing, and more. Another thing that makes it fun is you can hurl silly weapons like cartoon bananas or shells at your friends to get ahead.

Really the only downside is that playing on your own isn't nearly as fun as playing with friends. Fortunately, if you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can race with players all around the world, so you'll always have someone to play against.

By the way, there's also an augmented reality racing game called Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, where players race a real-life remote control kart around their homes using the Nintendo Switch while seeing opponents and items on the Switch screen. Mario Kart enthusiasts will love it.

Other multiplayer Mario fun

Mario Tennis Aces: Play against others or take on the single-player campaign as you work on your backhand on quirky tennis courts.
Mario Maker 2: Love playing Mario sidescrollers? You can design your own and share them with others online. Since you can also play online creations there's always something new to do.
Mario Golf: Super Rush: Run around the golf course playing as one of your favorite Mushroom Kingdom characters. There are unique challenges at each location and special moves for each player.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Take part in whacky races while playing as your favorite Nintendo characters. Is someone getting too far in the lead? Throw a green shell their way and see if you can blast past them.

Metroid Dread

Best Metroidvania

Bottom line: As we said in our Metroid Dread review, this is a gorgeous return to form for Samus. It had been over 19 years since a brand new sidescroller Metroid game had released and this entry doesn't disappoint. You'll need to platform and blast your way through tricky enemies and a host of Metroid Dread bosses as well. It's a challenging yet rewarding game that really goes back to Metroid's roots.

Name	Digital	Physical	Price
Metroid Dread	✔	✔	$59 at Amazon
Metroid Dread	✔	✔	$60 at Best Buy
Metroid Dread	✔	$60 at Walmart

Pros

Challenging bosses
Beautiful visuals
Amazing soundtrack
Great puzzles

Cons

Can easily get lost
EMMI robots can get old

Samus has landed on the planet ZDR to answer a mysterious transmission, but it's all a trick to trap the bounty hunter. Upon landing, she gets hunted by vicious EMMI robots that can kill her with one hit. She'll need to use her stealth abilities to avoid them and explore caverns to become more powerful. The boss fights are incredibly challenging but are worth the experience once you've done it. Samus also gets to show off a few new suit designs along the way, some of which are freaking cool.

The soundtrack meshes perfectly with the gameplay while the visuals are gorgeous and together they will keep you wanting to dive further and further into the story. There are also plenty of puzzles to solve along the way. There are two things to keep in mind: It's very easy to get lost, so you should check your map frequently to see where you are and where you haven't been yet. And secondly, the EMMI robots are relentless and can get a little old after a while. So, you'll just have to learn how to avoid them properly with those new stealth techniques.

All in all, this is one of the very best Metroid games to ever have released. It's a fitting way to bring Samus to the Nintendo Switch.

Metroid Dread

$60 at Amazon $60 at Best Buy

Samus finds herself in the strange regions of ZDR where she is being hunted by EMMI robots. She must make her way through puzzles and destroy enemies to survive.

Among Us: Crewmate Edition

Best Online Multiplayer on Nintendo Switch

Bottom line: Among Us has become the go-to multiplayer game for millions of people around the world. Players take on the role of astronauts trying to repair their ship. However, things take a Mafia or Werewolf turn as some of the players are imposters seeking to sabotage and kill off the rest of the crew members. You'll need to use your social deduction skills to determine who are the real crewmates and who is out to destroy everything. A typical session usually results in raucous laughter and plenty of finger-pointing. It's a hilarious time.

Name	Digital	Physical
Among Us: Crewmade Edition	✔	$29 at Amazon
Among Us: Crewmade Edition	✔	$30 at Best Buy
Among Us: Crewmade Edition	✔	$28 at Walmart

Pros

Quick rounds
Different outfits
Fun social game
Cross-platform play
Easy to learn

Cons

Switch players can't type as quickly
Repetitive tasks

This social deduction game takes its cues from the party games Werewolf and Mafia. Each character is tasked with fixing sections of a spaceship, but some of you are actually imposters bent on sabotaging the experience for everyone else.

If a player spots something shady, they can call a meeting, and then the players discuss who they think the imposter is. If enough votes are cast for a specific player, that player is thrown out the airlock, and the game continues until the imposters win by killing everyone or the real crewmates win by fixing the ship or tossing the imposter.

One of the best things about Among Us is that the game supports cross-platform play. Meaning, Switch players can play with folks who are playing on their phones, PC, or other Switch consoles. It's easy to pick up, making it a great game for all ages. The only downside is that Switch players cannot type as quickly as other players, so the discussion sections might feel more limited. The trade-off is that buttons and joysticks can make it easier to run around the ship and accomplish certain tasks.

Among Us

$29 at Amazon

A group of astronauts is attempting to fix their ship, but some of them are imposters. Will you be able to thwart the sabotager's plans? Or will you be the successful imposter who ruins everything?

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Best Fighting Game on Nintendo Switch

Bottom line: This is seriously a great party game, and as we said in our Super Smash Bros. Ultimate review, we can't recommend it enough. Up to eight players can compete against each other on one screen. You'll choose from a roster of 74 popular characters from various games and then use their specific skills to defeat opponents. There's also a fantastic single-player component as well as online multiplayer modes to keep you entertained even when friends aren't available.

Name	Digital	Physical	Price
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate	✔	✔	$58 at Amazon
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate	✔	✔	$51 at Best Buy
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate	✔	$50 at Walmart

Pros

Supports up to eight players
74 playable characters
Solo modes and online multiplayer
Optional DLC
Each fighter has unique attacks

Cons

Uses peer-to-peer servers
No playable Waluigi!

There are 74 playable characters like Pikachu, Cloud Strife, Toon Link, Bowser, Star Fox, and more. Each character has their own skillset and signature moves that are in line with the games they come from and can be used to propel you to first place. Unfortunately for many fans, Waluigi still has not been added to the roster.

When there are enough controllers to go around, you can play locally with up to eight players. If friends aren't available, you can always compete against others online or check out the solo game modes to keep you entertained. Just note that the online component uses peer-to-peer servers instead of dedicated servers. So, if someone you're playing against has a bad internet connection, it can cause serious lag and other complications for all players involved in the match.

Purchasable DLC includes additional characters, stages, and music. For instance, the very last fighter to be added was Sora from Kingdom Hearts and a little while before that we got Pyra and Mythra from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 added to the roster. Not to mention, Nintendo is making amiibo for every Super Smash Bros. Ultimate fighter. You can train and level up your favorite character and then save your stats to the corresponding amiibo.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Over 70 of gaming's most iconic characters from Nintendo, Capcom, Konami, Square Enix, and more have been packed into the same game, and they're all looking for a fight. Up to eight people can battle in this party brawler for the ages.

$58 at Amazon

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Best Strategy Game on Nintendo Switch

Bottom line: Fire Emblem: Three Houses was a hit when it released in 2019 and is the best-selling Fire Emblem game of all time, and that's for a good reason. As I said in my Fire Emblem: Three Houses review, This is the perfect game for anyone who enjoys complex RPGs, strategic gameplay, and Harry Potter. Players take on the role of a mercenary and direct students under their command into battle in turn-based tactical rounds.

Name	Digital	Physical	Price
Fire Emblem: Three Houses	✔	✔	$50 at Amazon
Fire Emblem: Three Houses	✔	$50 at Best Buy
Fire Emblem: Three Houses	✔	$50 at Walmart

Pros

Tactical turn-based combat
Several ways to level up
Decisions have different outcomes
Plenty of replay value
Romance system

Cons

Lots of tutorial menus
Steep learning curve for children

Fire Emblem has been around since the early 90s, but while the franchise performed really well in Japan, it's only more recently that it's seen huge success in North America. Three Houses has sold more units than any entry in the series before it, and for good reason.

Players take on the role of Byleth — a mercenary who can be either male or female — that gets roped into becoming a professor at the Officer's Academy in Garreg Mach Monastary. Here, the player is introduced to the students and chooses to align with one of the three houses: Black Eagles, Blue Lions, or Golden Deer. Each house comes from a different area of the continent and deals with political issues happening back home that affect how they see each other. You make plenty of decisions and the choices you make lead to different endings. You can even romance various characters if you say the right things.

As a professor, you take charge of your students in battle telling them where to move, who to protect, and which units to attack. Then you have to wait and let the enemy make their move before going again. Each character has specific strengths and weaknesses against other characters. For instance, archers are powerful against Wyvern Riders but are weak to most melee attacks. So you need to place your units strategically and level up their skills at the school to make them more powerful. It's a truly satisfying game that makes you feel like a clever tactician. Plus, permadeath is optional and you can rewind a few steps if your team is in trouble.

More Fire Emblem games

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes — Though not a core series game, this spin-off revisits the students at Garreg Mach in an alternate universe, where key events from the main game have been changed. You still get to choose which house to team up with and while there isn't turn-based tactical elements, players can still strategize by commanding units to specific places in action RPG battles.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses - Nintendo Switch

$60 at Amazon $60 at Best Buy $60 at Walmart

In Fire Emblem: Three Houses, you'll need to align yourself with one faction at a time, and you are in charge of leading your chosen house to victory. Each house has its own specialty, so choose wisely.

Luigi's Mansion 3

Best Co-op Game on Nintendo Switch

Bottom line: I said in my Luigi's Mansion 3 review that I loved every moment and didn't want the plot to end. That's because this is one of those games that is so packed full of comedy and fun puzzles that you'll absolutely love it from start to finish. Best of all, once you unlock Gooigi, Luigi's gelatinous assistant, near the start of the game, you can experience the full adventure with a buddy in two-player co-op.

Name	Digital	Physical	Price
Luigi's Mansion 3	✔	✔	$36 at Amazon
Luigi's Mansion 3	✔	✔	$53 at Best Buy
Luigi's Mansion 3	✔	$50 at Walmart

Pros

Great puzzles
Hilarious ghosts
Fun co-op play
Hotel with various themed floors
Multiplayer minigames

Cons

Can be hard to aim the vacuum
Ends too quickly

Luigi's Mansion 3 opens with Luigi, Mario, Peach, and some Toads getting invited to a luxurious resort. However, the hotel transforms into a spooky place run by ghosts on their first night, and everyone is caught except for Luigi. The green plumber must travel to the tip-top of this skyscraper hotel, defeating ghosts and exploring the fun themes of each floor along the way. It can be hard to angle the Ghostbusters-like vacuum at some points, though.

The spectral opponents he goes up against are incredibly silly and will have you laughing with their hijinks. A good chunk of the puzzles requires Luigi and Gooigi to work together. If you're playing solo, you'll be able to swap between the two characters. However, if you pass a controller to a friend, they can control Gooigi while you control Luigi. They each have some skills that the other doesn't, encouraging you to work together.

Whether you're playing with a younger child or a peer, Luigi's Mansion 3 is a fun co-op game to share with others, which makes it one of the best Switch games of all time. I only wish it was longer since this game only takes about 13 hours on average to beat.

Luigi's Mansion 3

Mario, Peach, Luigi, and some Toads have been invited to a beautiful hotel, but things turn sinister when they realize that vengeful ghosts haunt their lodgings. Now Luigi and his gelatinous double need to run around the various floors catching ghosts and saving their friends.

$36 at Amazon

Mario Party Superstars

Best Party Game for Nintendo Switch

Bottom line: Whether you're having a get-together, sleepover, or family reunion, Mario Party Superstars is one of the quintessential party games on Nintendo Switch. Up to four players play on a virtual board game as their favorite Mushroom Kingdom character and then participate in minigames at the end of each round.

Name	Digital	Physical	Price
Mario Party Superstars	✔	✔	$60 at Amazon
Mario Party Superstars	✔	$60 at Best Buy
Mario Party Superstars	✔	$60 at Walmart

Pros

100 classic minigames
Up to four players
Good replay value
Online play
Five classic boards
Several characters

Cons

Not as many boards as in past games
No voice chat

Mario Party Superstars is one of those games that you can pick up and play at any time. It's perfect for family nights, birthday parties, get-togethers, or just about any other occasion. Up to four players can enjoy the game together from one Switch and choose from a roster of Mushroom Kingdom characters. The goal is to rack up as many Stars as you can while going around a virtual board game. At the end of each round, players are slotted into different groups and compete in minigames to earn Coins.

There aren't quite as many game boards as in previous Mario Party titles with only five options to choose from, but they are classic boards from the N64 era. There are also 100 classic minigames from throughout the series including ultimate best minigames like Bumper Balls, Face Lift, and Bowser's Big Blast.

If you don't have any friends around who can play Mario Party Superstars with you, you can go online and compete against specific friends or random people around the world. You can even use character stickers to express how you feel during different moments. This is important because the game doesn't offer voice chat. Still, it is sure to get you and your crew hollering with laughter in no time.

Other Mario Party fun

Super Mario Party: was the first Mario Party game to release on Nintendo Switch. Many consider it one of the worst games in the series. So if you're looking for Mario Party, make sure to get Superstars.

Mario Party Superstars

Grab some family and friends: it's time to party! Mario Party Superstars brings 100 classic mini-games for up to four players. Whether you're tag-teaming or going all out in a free-for-all competition, it's all about trying to win and having fun doing it.

Ring Fit Adventure

Best Fitness Game on Nintendo Switch

Bottom line: As we showed in our Ring Fit Adventure review, this fitness game provides an impressive workout. You'll jog in place with Joy-Cons strapped to your leg to make your on-screen character run forward. And then, the Ring-Con allows you to work your arms and do various stretches and core exercises. This game costs roughly what you'd pay for a one-month gym membership, but you can use it in the comfort of your home.

Name	Digital	Physical
Ring Fit Adventure	✔	$55 at Amazon
Ring Fit Adventure	✔	$80 at Best Buy
Ring Fit Adventure	✔	$55 at Walmart

Pros

Easy to pick up
Increases difficulty daily
Several workout options
Story distracts your mind from the workout

Cons

Expensive
Adventures can slow workout
Can't buy digitally

Ring Fit Adventure might seem like a workout gimmick that doesn't actually do much. While it won't produce a mind-blowing fitness regimen for hardcore workout enthusiasts, it is a fun way to bring cardio, stretches, and even yoga into your daily routine. The best part is you don't even have to leave the house or get a gym membership to exercise.

This fitness game is more expensive than most other Switch offerings because it comes with a Leg Strap and Ring-Con accessory. As such, it's only available as a physical copy. These devices allow you to slide Joy-Cons into place and then can measure how far you run or how hard you push and pull on the Ring-Con for various exercises.

For those of us who aren't particularly thrilled by the idea of jogging, there's also a fun RPG plot for you to focus on to make the workout sessions more interesting. Dragaeux, a super muscular bro type of dragon, is causing chaos, and it's up to you to defeat him and his minions… with squats, jogging in place, and ring squeezing. If you're consistent, this game can really get your heart going and help you get into shape. You'll take several breaks from running to fight enemies, which is good or bad depending on what you're looking for in a workout game.

More workout fun

Fitness Boxing 2: This is another great Switch workout game. Instead of including jogging and crunches, this game has you hold Joy-Cons in either hand as you bounce and punch to the rhythm. It's another great way to get your heart pumping while distracting you from the unpleasantness of exercising.
Nintendo Switch Sports: While not a game that can give you a serious workout, the Wii Sports successor can get you moving while swinging your Joy-Con to play games like bowling, volleyball, tennis, and even soccer.

Ring Fit Adventure

$55 at Amazon

Get some cardio, stretches, and yoga sessions in while playing Ring Fit Adventure. The game keeps your mind distracted with an engaging RPG while allowing you to get back into shape.

More of the best Nintendo Switch games

The best of the best are listed above, but other amazing Nintendo Switch games are out there. Here are some more of the best Switch games you can buy.

Nintendo Switch Sports

$50 at Amazon $50 at Best Buy

Wii Sports' successor is on Switch bringing with it popular motion control games like bowling, tennis, and volleyball. It also includes a leg strap for a Joy-Con, allowing the game to register kicks for soccer.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet - Nintendo Switch

$60 for Scarlet at Amazon $60 for Violet at Amazon

The first open-world Pokémon game ever made is coming to Nintendo Switch in "late 2022." Explore new locations and capture new and returning Pokémon.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch

$55 at Amazon

In Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Kirby finds himself in a strange land with vine-covered ruins. It's up to him to explore, save the Waddle Dees, and fight big bosses using his Copy Abilities and platforming prowess.

Triangle Strategy - Nintendo Switch

$56 for Brilliant Diamond at Amazon $60 for Shining Pearl at Amazon

Conflict between nations stirs as you navigate tricky situations and strategize to make it through battles. Your decisions determine what happens in this beautiful HD-2D adventure.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus - Nintendo Switch

$55 at Amazon

This adventure takes us away from the standard Pokémon formula, having us explore the ancient Sinnoh region while working on creating the first-ever Pokédex. Catch and battle Pokémon straight from the overworld and craft Poké Balls with items found in the area.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Nintendo Switch

These Gen 4 remakes have you exploring the Sinnoh region in 3D. The art style pays homage to the classic DS games and there are several new features to make the game interesting whether you played the originals or not.

Pokémon Unite - Nintendo Switch

Free at Nintendo

This free-to-play 5v5 MOBA game has you commanding one of five Pokémon in a team as you attempt to defeat opponents and score points. Each Pokémon has a different Battle Type and will need to be used strategically in order to do well.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin - Nintendo Switch

$20 for 12 months at Amazon

As a Monster Rider, you raise Monsties from eggs and add them to a fighting team of six. You've been entrusted with a special Rathalos egg that a mysterious group of people is out to steal. You'll need to keep it safe while fighting alongside your Monsties and exploring a fantasy world.

Nintendo Switch Online - Nintendo Switch

If you want to enjoy the online components of your favorite Switch games you'll need to have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Plus, it gives you access to a library of retro NES and SNES titles like Super Metroid, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Donkey Kong Country.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack - Nintendo Switch

See at Nintendo

This addition gives you access to the Animal Crossing: Happy Home Paradise DLC along with a list of N64 and Sega Genesis games including The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Star Fox. You can even purchase a special N64 Controller for Nintendo Switch to enhance the playing experience.

Monster Hunter Rise - Nintendo Switch

Kamura village is in danger of getting destroyed by rampaging monsters. It's up to you as a newly made hunter to take down these massive beasts. You'll obtain items by looting your prey, and they'll allow you to upgrade your armor. Plus, you'll have a cute Palico and Palimute fighting alongside you. The paid Sunbreak DLC which brings more monsters, attacks, and missions releases June 30, 2022.

Hades - Nintendo Switch

$20 at Nintendo

Hades' son is on a mission to escape the Underworld. He's going to need some assistance from Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, and other Olympian gods to fight his way through this hack and slash adventure.

Cuphead - Nintendo Switch

$20 at Best Buy

This is one of the most challenging sidescrollers to come out in a long time. The wonderful old-timey animation style puts one in mind of the 20s and 30s. Play on your own or with a friend in local co-op.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch

$56 at Amazon

As the Luminary, it's your job to protect the world from an evil force. Your adventure will take you through various lands to meet new party members in this popular RPG. Plus, you can choose to play the game in all its 3D beauty or opt for 16-bit visuals for retro glory.

Spiritfarer - Nintendo Switch

$35 at Best Buy

Play as Stella, a ferry master who helps anthropomorphic animals find rest in the afterlife. This is an item management game filled with feel-good moments and gorgeous visuals.

Octopath Traveler - Nintendo Switch

Play as eight different characters as you make decisions and take control of their unique abilities. This gorgeous game uses a 2D retro art style in a 3D space and is an absolute pleasure to look at.

$68 at Amazon

Splatoon 2 - Nintendo Switch

Splatoon 2 is the sequel to Nintendo's family-friendly shooter game. Play as Inklings and Octolings and shoot to paint your turf. There is a single-player campaign with tons of content, and online is always fun.

Slay the Spire - Nintendo Switch

$25 at Best Buy

This strategy RPG combines deckbuilding with roguelikes. Craft the perfect deck of cards and take down foes as you fight your way to the top of the spire. The dungeon layout changes each time to keep things fresh.

Cadence of Hyrule - Nintendo Switch

$53 at Amazon $50 at Best Buy

Fight your way through Hyrule while playing as Zelda, Link, or Melody. You'll need to time your movements to the music to land hits and defeat enemies.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury - Nintendo Switch

Bowser has captured Sprixies from the Sprixie Kingdom, and it's up to Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad to save them all in this 3D sidescrolling adventure. Plus, a short standalone game called Bowser's Fury has Mario taking on a Godzilla-sized version of his nemesis while trying to save Lake Lapcat.

$33 at Amazon

Paper Mario: The Origami King - Nintendo Switch

$33 at Amazon

The evil King Olly has taken over Princess Peach's castle and is turning Mushroom Kingdom inhabitants into zombie origami. Now it's up to Mario and his friends to defeat this enemy and bring peace back to the world. This is a hilarious adventure filled with witty writing and plenty of puzzles.

LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2 - Nintendo Switch

The silly world of LEGO meets the action-packed characters of Marvel in this collaboration. Run around the Marvel universe, taking down baddies as your favorite superheroes, including Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain American, Spider-Man, and more.

$20 at Amazon

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch

Shulk and his party need to travel around a world where land is actually the bodies of massive titans called the Bionis and the Mechonis. It's considered to be one of the best RPGs with a unique battle system and plenty of characters to meet.

$45 at Amazon

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Nintendo Switch

$70 at Amazon

Rex is a scavenger who stumbles across Pyra, a powerful living weapon. Together, they explore a sea of clouds and learn more about what happened years ago.

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! / Eevee! - Nintendo Switch

In Pokémon: Let's Go, you and your cute companions embark on a journey to become the best team ever. Catch 'em all by yourself or with a partner to cement your status as a legendary Pokémon trainer!

$50 at Amazon

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe - Nintendo Switch

Up to four people can join the fun in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe as you make your way through this side-scrolling platformer. There are over 164 stages to get through in two main game modes.

$36 at Best Buy

New Pokémon Snap - Nintendo Switch

Explore the Lental Region and take pictures of over 200 Pokémon in their natural environment. You might even see some Legendary or Mythical Pokémon.

Legend of Zelda Link's Awakening - Nintendo Switch

$50 at Amazon

This remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is done in a super cute visual style, but it carefully recreates everything in the original. Additionally, there is new content to complete with the Chamber Dungeon.

Super Mario Maker 2 - Nintendo Switch

$42 at Amazon

If you have a creative mind and love classic Mario platforming games, then Super Mario Maker 2 is right up your alley. Create your own Mario levels and let your imagination run wild! You can even play the levels created by other players too.

Hollow Knight - Nintendo Switch

Here's a beautiful game that prides itself on offering that classic 2D platformer feeling we all grew up on. It's tough at times, but the reward for your trouble is an entertaining game with lots to explore.

$35 at Amazon

Mario Tennis Aces - Nintendo Switch

Grab your tennis racket and meet Mario on the court. Mario Tennis Aces brings sporting fun to the whole family. Compete with and against Nintendo's most beloved characters, and immerse yourself by using the Joy-Cons as your make-believe tennis racket.

Yoshi's Crafted World - Nintendo Switch

Yoshi and friends are back at it again in an adorable craft world made from common household items. Play with a friend and help Yoshi make his way through each stage. Discover all of the secrets that the crafted world has to offer.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze - Nintendo Switch

Control Donkey Kong and his monkey buddies as you make your way through several side-scrolling levels. Play by yourself or pass a controller to a friend and play together in local co-op.

$56 at Amazon

Overcooked! 2 - Nintendo Switch

This game won an award for being the best family game to launch on Nintendo Switch in 2018. And that's for good reason — it puts one of the biggest family activities in video game form as an epic cooperative effort. You and your family will be racing around the kitchen, trying to serve all the hungry guests.

$25 at Amazon

Super Mario 3D All-Stars - Nintendo Switch

This collection includes three Mario classics: Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. Replay your favorites on the Switch. It's technically returned to the "Nintendo vault," and the digital download is no longer available from Nintendo's website. However, you can still find physical copies roaming around, though at a high-ish price.

$62 at Amazon $60 at Best Buy

Untitled Goose Game - Nintendo Switch

Sometimes messing with people is the funniest thing, as Untitled Goose Game proves. You play as an ornery goose who's out to mess with people in a village. Whether you're stealing someone's glasses or dropping someone's slippers into a pond, it's a hilarious game to play.

$31 at Amazon

Borderlands Legendary Collection - Nintendo Switch

This collection nets you three games: Borderlands, Borderlands the Pre-sequel, and Borderlands 2. Play as one of six different characters as you work to liberate the planet Pandora from the evil corporate CEO, Handsome Jack. There are plenty of guns to collect and skills to improve upon along the way.

$30 at Amazon

Celeste - Nintendo Switch

Madeline is on a personal journey to climb to the top of Celeste Mountain. Along the way, she'll battle her inner demons and make her way through tough challenges. This platformer will keep you on the edge of your seat while delivering a heartfelt story.

$20 at Best Buy

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Nintendo Switch

Skyrim has been released on so many consoles already, but the Nintendo Switch version lets you play it any time, anywhere, even during a flight. This Switch version also includes outfits and gear from The Legend of Zelda franchise.

Sonic Mania + Team Sonic Racing Double Pack - Nintendo Switch

What's better than a Sonic game? Two, of course! Experience the fun of the original Genesis games with Sonic Mania, a new platformer that uses pixel graphics akin to the originals. Then when you've got a hankering for a racing game, take to the track and race against other players.

$26 at Amazon $30 at Best Buy

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle - Nintendo Switch

Mushroom Kingdom has been invaded by Rabbids, some good and some bad. It's up to Mario, Luigi, Peach, and their rabbid doubles to save the world. You'll need to strategically move characters to the right spots and take advantage of their strengths in this strategic turn-taking game.

$30 at Amazon

Bayonetta 2 - Nintendo Switch

Bayonetta 2 is a hack and slash game that has you playing as a witch, taking down angels and demons. You'll have access to plenty of weapons as you progress further into the game.

$71 at Amazon

Miitopia - Nintendo Switch

You decide what all of your teammates and the NPCs you encounter look like while playing through this lighthearted RPG. The Dark Lord has stolen everyone's face, and it's up to you to defeat him and return the world to normal.

$50 at Amazon $50 at Best Buy

Oxenfree - Nintendo Switch

This supernatural thriller is considered to be one of the very best video game plots. A group of teenagers accidentally opens a ghostly rift that unleashes terrifying monsters. Your decisions change the outcome of the game as you work to put things back to normal.

$10 at Nintendo eShop

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD - Nintendo Switch

Link and Zelda are friends at the Knight Academy on the floating island of Skyloft. But one day, Zelda gets knocked off her flying bird to the land below and it's up to Link to save her. This remaster makes motion controls optional and improves several flaws of the original Wii game.

$60 at Amazon $60 at Best Buy

Stardew Valley - Nintendo Switch

There are so many things to do now that you've inherited your grandfather's old farm. You can upgrade your land, turn it into a gorgeous location, raise animals, grow crops, and maybe even find love with someone in the nearby town.

$15 at Amazon

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity - Nintendo Switch

Hack and slash your way through Hyrule's history and learn what took place 100 years before Breath of the Wild. You'll play as Mipha, Revali, Urbosa, Daruk, Zelda, and many more. Each character has their own special skills and attacks.

1-2-Switch - Nintendo Switch

This is definitely the party game that makes the most out of the Switch's motion controls. You'll compete to do things like milk cows, open locks, and perform old western duels. It's a silly game perfect for any family reunion or game night.

$60 at Amazon $60 at Best Buy

WarioWare: Get It Together! - Nintendo Switch

Looking for some crazy fun? Play a bunch of silly microgames either by yourself or with a friend. Most of them are incredibly zany, and since they're short, it's easy to pick up and stop whenever you want.

$49 at Amazon

ARMS - Nintendo Switch

ARMS puts a spring in the traditional boxing formula. Choose from a cast of characters and take on several foes to prove your fighting prowess. You can also play two-player split-screen in the horde mode.

DOOM - Nintendo Switch

Rip and tear your way through hordes of monsters and demons in this violent first-person action game. Add powerful weapons to your arsenal and fight like hell.

Kirby Star Allies - Nintendo Switch

Kirby is out to stop the evil priest Hyness from reviving a dark force that will destroy everything as we know it. But swallowing enemies and taking their powers isn't enough — he's gonna need the help of some friends. Run through this side-scrolling adventure and see what allies you can acquire.

NEO: The World Ends with You - Nintendo Switch

When Rindo gets pulled into a strange competition known as the "Reapers Game," he realizes that his life is on the line if he loses. He'll need to form a good team, acquire new fighting abilities, and solve puzzles in order to protect himself and his team from a horrible fate.