The nintendo-switch Nintendo Switch may not be the most powerful console on the market, but the sales numbers don’t lie. It’s one of the most profitable systems of all time, and many agree that it offers some of the best gaming experiences available today. But which games have risen to the top of the charts? In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 Nintendo Switch games, according to user ratings on Metacritic. We’ll also include games that are exclusive to the console, so don’t expect to find them on PlayStation or Xbox.
1. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – 8.8
The first game on our list is an instant win. The Switch remaster of the beloved 2010 game Xenoblade Chronicles makes a grand entrance. If you enjoy rich worlds, captivating characters, sci-fi aesthetics, and solid RPG gameplay, then Xenoblade Chronicles is for you. Originally released 13 years ago on the Wii, this game has become a spiritual successor to the XenoGears and XenoSaga Chronicles games. It won over players with its gripping narrative, fun mechanics, and incredible setting of two battling Titans. The Definitive Edition is an enhanced version with numerous quality-of-life improvements, graphical updates, an improved UI, gameplay enhancements, and music. Plus, it includes a new epilogue centered around the character Melia. The success of Xenoblade Chronicles is therefore not surprising, and the main character, Shulk, even made an appearance in Super Smash Bros.
2. Kirby's Return to Dreamland Deluxe – 8.8
Kirby, one of Nintendo's iconic mascots, makes an appearance on our list. Kirby may not have the same fame as Mario or Link, but he's one of Nintendo's most recognizable characters. Kirby's Return to Dreamland Deluxe is another Switch remaster that takes the acclaimed Wii title Kirby's Return to Dreamland and manages to capture the nostalgia of the original while adding new features. Aside from the visual upgrades, it includes an epilogue that lets you play as the previously non-playable character Magalor. The game also features an awesome co-op mode that lets you and three friends navigate levels as various characters from the franchise. The original game released in 2011 and marked the return of the traditional platforming format for Kirby after an 11-year wait. The fact that this remake ranked so highly proves that it was worth it.
3. Super Mario Odyssey – 8.9
It’s no surprise to see Super Mario Odyssey on our list. Mario is one of Nintendo’s most iconic mascots, and this game proves that the character is still relevant decades after his video game debut. Super Mario Odyssey is a great platformer with unique gameplay loops and exciting realms to explore. Each world is full of fun things to do and places to discover. Plus, the mechanics of the cap, called Cappy, add a fresh touch. Whether you throw it around as a weapon or use it to possess NPCs, it’s a must-play experience. It’s surprising to see this game ranked as low as number eight, especially considering its status as one of the best Mario titles on the list.
4. Astral Chain – 8.9
Police officers battling interdimensional monsters with sci-fi weaponry isn't the usual premise for a Nintendo game, but Astral Chain is an exception. While some of you may not be familiar with Astral Chain, it's a sci-fi action game set in a futuristic megalopolis where dangerous creatures called Chimeras are invading Earth. As a member of Neuron, a special police force, you take on these creatures in thrilling action sequences using the Astral Chain mechanic, which allows you to attack in unique ways. Another key feature is the ability to control a series of captured Chimeras, which you can use as living weapons. This gives a unique feel to the game's gameplay. Astral Chain may have sold in smaller quantities than Super Mario Odyssey, but for those who did buy it, it seems to have been well-liked.
5. Kirby and the Forgotten Land – 8.9
It seems Nintendo fans can't get enough of the little pink guy, and Kirby and the Land of the Forgotten is one of his best games. Released on Nintendo Switch in 2022, it quickly received critical acclaim. This is Kirby's first time venturing into 3D platforming, and he's succeeded in his debut outing. You can run around as this endearing character, explore fun environments, fight bosses, and use his iconic copy ability to take control of other creatures. Plus, the "Breakdown" mode lets you stretch to take control of objects, setting it apart from its predecessors. It was unexpected to see a 3D Kirby game in 2022, but it won players over.
6. Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes – 8.9
Many expected a Fire Emblem game to make this list, but it was perhaps the unexpected form of Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes that caught people by surprise. This fast-paced action game is an offshoot of the main Fire Emblem Warriors game, but it offers a different take on the franchise. Despite selling much less than Super Mario Odyssey, those who bought it seemed to enjoy it. This non-canon title puts you in the shoes of a new character, Byleth, and lets you choose one of three houses to join, each with a different story and ending. You can then dive right into the action, taking down countless enemies with satisfying gameplay mechanics. It's a perfect marriage of Fire Emblem and Warriors, and if you enjoy both franchises, you'll be in heaven.
7. Pikmin 4 – 8.9
Pikmin might not be everyone's first choice among Nintendo's iconic franchises, but this endearing series deserves its success. Coming in at number four on our list, Pikmin 4 is the first mainline game in the series since 2013's Pikmin 3, a decade later in 2023. The game proves that the core concept of Pikmin is still incredibly fun. It features fun levels to explore, strategy to consider, plenty of items to collect, great music, and a charming art style. It also comes with plenty of content for the game in New Game + mode, including Night Expeditions, which transform the game into a tower defense mode, adding some welcome variety to the gameplay. And I love green Pikmin! This game captures what makes Nintendo special, which is why it ranks so highly.
8. Monster Rancher 1 and 2 DX – 9.0
Here’s where the surprises start to kick in. No one would blame you if you weren’t familiar with the Monster Rancher series, as these games are more popular in Japan than in the rest of the world. That’s why it’s surprising to see it ranked so high on this list, surpassing well-known franchises like Fire Emblem, Kirby, and Super Mario. The Monster Rancher 1 and 2 DX games, released in 2021, are remastered versions of the first two games in the series, which originally came out on PlayStation. In these games, you collect and raise monsters in a life simulation format. You then train them to compete in tournaments where they face off in battles. While this may be reminiscent of Pokémon, these two series started around the same time. However, one has achieved worldwide fame, while the other has remained relatively unknown in the West. So it’s a surprise that Monster Rancher 1 and 2 DX rank well above Pokémon Scarlet.
9. Touken Ranbu Warriors – 9.2
Yet another Warriors game, but this time set in a completely different universe. Touken Ranbu is a free-to-play collectible card game in Japan, but it's not very well-known outside of the country, so it's a surprise that it ranked high on this list. The series has players traveling back in time to stop a malevolent force from changing the course of history by bringing legendary swords back to life and gathering enough of them to form an army. However, these swords are depicted as attractive men. This game features basic hack-and-slash gameplay, with card game elements and dating sim elements. Unlike other Warriors games, Touken Ranbu Warriors' gameplay is pretty basic, which is a contrast to the other games on this list. Reviews are mixed, but in terms of popularity, this game has clearly succeeded.
10. Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher – 9.4
Finally, the first on our list is Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher, a game that brings together the Monster Rancher series with the Kaiju universe of Ultra-Man, the beloved Japanese superhero. In this game, you raise giant Kaiju monsters and have them fight. It features over 200 Kaiju, many of which are from the Ultra-Man series, such as Garamon, Alien Baltan, Gomora, Zetton, and many more. The game features all the elements that Monster Rancher fans love: fun levels to explore, strategy, collectibles, great music, and a charming art style. Additionally, it offers a wealth of content in New Game + mode. One notable feature is the Night Expedition mode, which turns the game into a tower defense mode, adding variety to the gameplay. While the core gameplay remains similar to the Monster Rancher series, the giant Kaiju battles bring a unique dimension. It's the highest-rated game on this list, despite iconic titles like Metroid Dread, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild not making the top 10.
And there you have it, the top 10 Nintendo Switch games, according to players on Metacritic. While some of these choices may seem surprising, they are a testament to the diversity of gamer tastes and the depth of the Nintendo Switch library. There’s something for everyone, whether you prefer RPGs, platformers, strategy games, or life sims. The Switch continues to captivate gamers around the world with its diverse and captivating titles. What are your favorite Nintendo Switch games? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
