The Nintendo Switch has firmly established itself as one of the most versatile and engaging consoles ever made. Now over 6 years old, the exceptionally popular system continues to capture the imagination of gamers with its unique home-and-away design, allowing you to play your favored titles on both the big screen TV when docked or as a handheld on-the-move. As we enter 2024, these are the must-play Nintendo Switch games that should be on your radar this year.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
This sequel to the groundbreaking open-world masterpiece Breath of the Wild puts you again in control of the valiant hero Link as he battles sinister forces in the expansive lands of Hyrule. Tears of the Kingdom builds on the world by venturing into the skies and underground caves, giving Link exciting new terrain to uncover secrets and use enhanced talents to solve puzzles. It’s a deeply immersive adventure brimming with mystery, charm and thrills that no Switch gamer will want to skip.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
After years focused on 3D exploratory platformers and safe New Super Mario Bros. nostalgia cash-ins, Nintendo returns to ambitious 2D Mario innovation with Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Transform levels into psychedelic dreamscapes and customize Mario’s abilities as you try to guide him to the goal. Compete against friends both locally and online. Turn into an elephant. This dazzling reinvention of Mario’s core 2D platforming delivers whimsical creativity in spades.
Bayonetta 3
The climax of PlatinumGames’ slick hack-and-slash trilogy, Bayonetta 3 expands the sassy witch’s tools of over-the-top abilities and giant demon summons for balletic displays of video game action. New characters offer different combat options and perspectives on the ever-escalating multidimensional story. No matter their struggles, Bayonetta always triumphs with confidence, wits and allure.
Splatoon 3
The freshest online shooter around returns with Splatoon 3. Two teams of Inkling kids battle to cover the map in as much colorful ink as possible. Along with ranked battles and co-op Salmon Run, the single-player Hero Mode introduces new moves to master, including zippy squid surfing. Customize your look with the hottest fashions. The post-apocalyptic setting means there’s still so much left to explore about the secrets of Inkling kind and their messy pastimes.
Metroid Prime Remastered
Samus Aran’s first trip to Tallon IV remains one of gaming’s finest exploratory first-person experiences. Metroid Prime Remastered doesn’t simply upgrade the visuals to HD. It incorporates quality of life improvements introduced in later games like dual-analog controls and being able to move in morph ball mode. Nintendo also added new difficulty options to tailor the challenge. For longtime fans or newcomers, this is the definitive way to play the atmospheric, lonely, exhilarating adventure.
Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course
Studio MDHR’s brutal retro cartoon shooter finally gets brand new levels and an additional character. Take control of the elegant new arrival Ms. Chalice and bash bosses with her unique abilities. Or stick with Cuphead and Mugman to take down even tougher challenges full of screen-filling chaos. No matter your weapon or choice of character, The Delicious Last Course retains the dazzling animated visuals and big band soundtrack that made the original game such a delight back on Xbox and PC. Now Nintendo Switch owners can join in on the fun.
Void Bastards
Forget just upgrading your stats and weapons. In this strategic shooter, every new spaceship provides whole new ways to raid enemies as you make your way through the galaxy. Maybe you’ll slash foes with the Ripjack skill. Perhaps you’ll hack machinery with your Augmetrics. Or you could just shoot them with the good ol’ Borm Gun. With so many options, no two playthroughs across the roguelike randomized levels feel the same. Every piece of new gear makes you eager to conduct just one more raid.
Whether you’re a hardcore Nintendo fan eager for the latest Mario and Zelda adventures or a casual gamer looking for entertaining time-wasters, the Nintendo Switch has something for you. For more specific recommendations, check out the best Nintendo Switch games for kids and best Nintendo Switch Lite games. But the diverse titles above encapsulate exactly what makes the system so special. So power up your Switch and enjoy the very best experiences it has to offer in 2024.
