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More than five years after its release, the Nintendo Switch is still going strong, with an ever-growing library of premium first-party titles, cross-platform hits, and acclaimed indies, giving Switch players a seemingly endless (and frankly overwhelming!) amount of options. Here are some of the best Switch games that, in our opinion, you shouldn't miss out on.
Note: This list is not a ranking and titles are presented in no particular order.
1. Stardew Valley may have started out as a Harvest Moon clone, but in the years since its release, it's become the crowning jewel of modern farming sims and set a new standard for the genre. Aside from just growing crops and developing your farm, you'll befriend (and romance) the villagers of Pelican Town, attend festivals, go fishing, explore mines, and work to restore the local community center to its former glory.
Maybe you picked up Stardew Valley years ago and fell off it; maybe the daily time limit felt stressful. I'm here to say: I totally get it, and I was the same way when I first played it in 2016. If you're new to this style of game (as compared to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, for instance), it can be a bit overwhelming trying to get the hang of Stardew Valley's daily flow and knowing what you should be doing every day, but stick with it and things will start to click (the extremely in-depth and regularly updated Stardew Valley Wiki is also an amazing resource). It went from being a game I couldn't get into to one of my favorite games of all time when I picked it back up years later. And with the *massive* 1.5 update released in December 2020, the game has an abundance of new content, including an entirely new area, new crops, new characters, and more, so whether you've never played Stardew or haven't picked it up for years, there's really no better time to jump in than now.
Get it from Amazon for $36.27 or get a digital download code for $14.99.
2. Ring Fit Adventure is one of the best fitness video games you can buy today. You get a great cardio workout with strength training as you jog (in place) through a gorgeous fantasy world and engage in turn-based combat using exercise moves against fitness-themed monsters. Also, there's a hot bodybuilding dragon in it.
If you have a Switch and are looking for a way to switch up your indoor workouts (or hate the gym like me!!), I can't recommend Ring Fit enough as a way to keep things fresh and interesting while you break a sweat. During the pandemic, I really leaned on this game as one of my main ways of staying active, and it definitely doesn't disappoint. The main campaign has you jogging (in place) through a gorgeous fantasy world, where you engage in turn-based combat using actual exercise moves (targeting your arms, legs, or core) against fitness-themed monsters. You can also find new outfits for your character, blend power-boosting smoothies, and unlock new abilities throughout the game that not only make your character stronger, but also keep the adventure engaging.
As you'd expect of a Nintendo game, it's genuinely fun and extremely charming, but its workouts are also no joke — thankfully, you can adjust the difficulty at any time, and you don't need much room to play. The bundle includes the game along with the Ring-Con, a pilates ring-like accessory used to perform many of the game's exercises. One Joy-Con slides into it at the top, while your second Joy-Con goes into an included leg strap to track your movements with precision.
Get it from Amazon for $69.88. (Note that this game is best played on a TV, so it's not ideal for the handheld-only Switch Lite.)
3. The House in Fata Morgana spins an epic tale of gothic suspense and romance that takes place over nearly a millennium, all revolving around a mysterious mansion, its occupants throughout the ages, and their intertwined fates. For visual novel fans, it doesn't get better than this.
If you love epic visual novels or just a damn good story, The House in Fata Morgana should be on your list. It's easily one of the best games available on Nintendo Switch today, and that's not just coming from me — at the time of writing, this game has the third-highest Metacritic user score of ALL Switch games, right behind two juggernauts, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. Its story is massive in scope, exploring themes of betrayal, violence, tragedy, and human nature, but it's also intertwined with a love story that unfolds against all odds. It's difficult to fully describe The House in Fata Morgana in a few sentences, but just know that this is a story you won't be able to stop thinking about long after it's over.
Get it on the Nintendo eShop for $39.99 or get a Limited Run physical copy from Amazon for $87.90.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild likely needs no introduction if you're browsing this list. If you own a Switch and have somehow managed *not* to play Breath of the Wild before 2022, know that it's deserving of every bit of hype it's received and should probably be the next game you play. Seriously. Go play it.
Like many folks, I've been a Zelda fan since I was a kid, but even if you haven't been following Link's adventures since the series' inception over 30 years ago, you'll find a lot to love in Breath of the Wild. This gorgeous, open-world adventure is super beginner-friendly and encourages exploration — and there's a LOT to explore. Like a mind-blowing amount. You could spend many, many hours just exploring in this game and never fighting a boss. From completing puzzle-filled shrine levels to discovering cute hidden creatures called Koroks and cooking meals (!!) that give you power-ups, there's a ton to do in Breath of the Wild beyond the standard Zelda dungeons and boss fights and dealing with that Ganon guy.
Get it from Amazon for $56.99.
5. Pokémon Legends: Arceus has some (very) rough edges graphically, but gameplay-wise, it's the best Pokémon has been in years. If you check out just one Pokémon game on Switch, go with Arceus. This open-world RPG has you exploring a diverse range of environments to discover, battle, and catch Pokémon in their natural habitats, and jumping in and out of battles has never felt more fluid.
Unlike the linear mainline RPGs, Arceus is an open-world game focused much more on catching and researching Pokémon than trainer battles. It takes place in the Sinnoh region (the setting of Gen 4's Pokémon Diamond and Pearl), except many, many years in the past, back when it was known as the Hisui region, and before the Elite Four or Pokémon trainers ever existed. Your character is tasked with building the region's first Pokédex, which involves exploring every corner of the map and traversing all sorts of landscapes, from snow-covered hills to vast plains and oceans. There's a story involving the legendary Pokémon Arceus (shocker) and time travel, but it's all sort of secondary to the new, improved gameplay and structure that developer Game Freak has introduced with this new take on the Pokémon formula.
Arceus incorporates some of the best elements of spin-off Pokémon games like Pokémon Mystery Dungeon (a darker/slightly more mature story and focus on taking on jobs/missions) and Pokemon Snap (the emphasis on capturing Pokémon performing specific behaviors to fill your Pokédex) — and it works incredibly well. It cuts out a lot of the repetitive tedium present in the recent core titles and lets you explore and progress at your own pace. It's genuinely challenging at times (you've never known fear until you see a wild Snorlax with glowing red eyes charging at you), and that makes exploring its worlds feel particularly exhilarating — you never know what's waiting for you behind every corner.
Get it from Amazon for $56.85.
6. Fire Emblem: Three Houses breaks up its thrilling turn-based combat with free periods of exploration and relationship-building between you, a professor at Garreg Mach Monastery, and your students, who become your warriors on the battlefield. Highly replayable with a colorful cast of memorable characters, Three Houses innovates on the long-running tactics series' formula and succeeds spectacularly.
As the newest professor at Garreg Mach Monastery, you choose at the beginning of the game which of the titular three houses you wish to take charge of: the Black Eagles, the Golden Deer, or the Blue Lions, each of which has a student house leader. You become responsible for instructing your group of students in the art of battle, and as you grow closer with them during your free periods of exploration, you'll become involved in their personal growth as well. The story takes some incredible twists and turns as it progresses, and because each house has its own unique path and story content, Three Houses is one of the most enjoyable Fire Emblem games to replay, letting you get to know all of the characters with time.
Get it from Amazon for $58.26.
7. Triangle Strategy is another one for the tactics fans — this new strategy RPG is similar to Fire Emblem: Three Houses in that it revolves around three powerful nations on the brink of a bloody conflict. With a dense, gripping story fueled by political drama and betrayal, Triangle Strategy puts a greater emphasis on decisions driving the flow of the story, and its combat system is deep and satisfying.
Released in March of this year, Triangle Strategy is already one of my favorite games of 2022 and gives Switch players another fantastic tactical RPG to enjoy. There's a LOT of dense prose and some of the English voice acting is...not great, but in my opinion, the intriguing story, unique party voting system, and the deeply satisfying combat more than make up for it. Periodically throughout the story, you and your party will have to come to a consensus on the path forward, and you'll have to attempt to sway your comrades into agreeing with whatever you think is the best decision. Four distinct endings are possible (including one Golden Ending), and with all the helpful features and rollover you get with New Game Plus, it's actually fun to just start over and keep playing. I don't remember the last game I beat and immediately wanted to start a new file in (maybe Fire Emblem: Three Houses, lol), but Triangle Strategy is the type of game you just don't want to put down once it's over.
Get it from Amazon for $52.96 or get a digital download code for $59.99.
8. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim crafts an epic sci-fi tale told from the perspective of 13 high-school students, who are forced to control giant mechs (called Sentinels) in a war against hostile kaiju, with intertwining stories told in a non-linear fashion. It's part visual novel, part real-time strategy (a surprising mix of genres), and somehow, it works, coming together to tell one of the most intriguing and satisfying sci-fi stories I've ever encountered in a game.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim flew somewhat under the radar when it initially released back in 2019 (and deserved a spot on more Game of the Year lists IMO), but now that it's available on Nintendo Switch, an even bigger audience has the chance to dive in and see what this sci-fi mystery epic is all about. Many agree that the real-time strategy battles are the weaker part of this game (compared to the 2D side-scrolling/visual novel sections), and though I won't dispute that (because the story is what really makes this game a masterpiece), I personally had a fun time with them and loved seeing the students interact while in their Sentinels. Also, I *adore* the art style of the visual novel sections.
Get it from Amazon for $57.84 (also available for PS4).
9. Spiritfarer is a cozy resource-management sim about death, to put it simply. In it, you play as Stella, whose job is to ferry spirits (who've taken the form of friendly animals) to the afterlife, building them homes on your ship, making their favorite foods, and fulfilling any final requests they have before moving on. With a beautiful, expansive map to explore, fun platforming, and memorable characters you'll fall in love with, Spiritfarer will tug at all of your heartstrings in the best way.
Spiritfarer is one of the only games that has ever made me sob uncontrollably on my couch, multiple times. I played it not long after my cat died, and having lost close family members in the past, its themes just hit me particularly hard — so if you've ever experienced a loss, it'll likely resonate with you in that way too. That said, it's not a depressing game despite its heavy themes; it's a beautiful, contemplative journey about learning to cherish relationships, enjoy the little things in life, and let go when it's time. It's also extremely fun moving around the world as Stella — you unlock abilities as the story progresses that makes it easier to jump and glide around the world, and there are countless secrets and hidden areas to discover. You'll be shocked at how big the map is — it might seem like it'd be a short game, but you can easily spend 35 to 40 hours exploring every corner of Spiritfarer's ocean and islands and completing every task.
Developer Thunder Lotus also released free DLC in 2021 that added four new characters, new story content, improved co-op, and more, so you'll automatically have access to the definitive version of the game if you jump in now.
Get it from Amazon for $34.98 (also available for PS4) or get a digital download code for $29.99.
10. Gris falls into a similar vein as Spiritfarer in that it centers around themes of loss and grief, but in a much more abstract way. It follows a young girl as she travels through a dreamy watercolor world, with distinct areas and colors representing each stage of grief. There's no dialogue or overt story, no enemies to fight; instead, Gris presents more of an emotional journey through its shifting environments and swelling music, with light platforming and puzzles progressing you through each area.
Gris isn't a long game, taking around three to five hours to beat depending on your speed, so it's a good pick if you're looking for a more compact experience. The gameplay isn't difficult, as Gris is more interested in making you feel a certain way as you play through it, and the visuals and score definitely take center stage. There's really no other game quite like it on Switch (or elsewhere), and I think everyone should experience it.
Promising review: "This game is gorgeous. Absolutely recommended for...anyone. It's emotionally heavy without being depressing, it's puzzle-challenging without making you want to scream. Seamless cutscene transitions, beautiful artistic styling, and music that matches perfectly. This is easily one of my favorite games." —T. Byrnes
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 or get a digital download code for $16.99.
11. Kirby and the Forgotten Land might be the best game the adorable pink puffball has starred in to date, with gorgeous 3D platforming and strange new powers for Kirby to absorb by sucking up monsters through his mouth. It's easily played in digestible chunks, making it a great game to pick up in your brief periods of free time. Besides that, it's ridiculously fun and absolutely oozing with charm.
One thing I particularly love about Kirby and the Forgotten Land is how digestible it is — you can pick it up and play through a stage in 10, maybe 15 minutes tops depending on how speedy you are, which makes it a great fit for anyone with a hectic schedule. If you loved Super Mario Odyssey, you'll find a lot to love here as well, and like Odyssey, it *also* has two-player local co-op so a friend, significant other, or kiddo can grab a second controller and jump into the action as well. If you're a Kirby fan, it doesn't get much better than this.
Promising review: "It's so cute, sometimes overwhelmingly so, that I have to put it down; it's just too much. The way Kirby mouth-ifies random objects makes me giggle. The graphics are great and the gameplay is smooth, just like you'd expect from a premier Nintendo title. I've never been into the series before myself, but deffo recommend" —Amy Lockwood
Get it from Amazon for $54.99 or get a digital download code for $59.99.
12. Super Mario Odyssey is *the* Mario game on Switch, with the iconic mustached plumber setting off with a sentient cap (named Cappy) through gorgeously detailed 3D worlds filled with all sorts of secrets to uncover and enemies for Mario to trounce — all in the name of rescuing Princess Peach from (yet another) kidnapping by Bowser.
In Super Mario Odyssey, 3D platforming as Mario is better than it's ever been, and this time, Mario has a new ability thanks to his friend Cappy: the ability to possess enemies and use them to solve puzzles and fight other foes (you get to control a literal T-Rex with a Mario cap on its head, folks!). Each of the game's levels (or "Kingdoms") is set in a distinct and vibrant environment, from New Donk City, a New York-inspired metropolis, to Shivera, a snow-covered region inhabited by adorable seal creatures. Exploring every corner of these worlds is a real treat, with collectible Power Moons hiding behind every corner and strange new powers to unlock as you encounter enemies. And if you want to play through it all with someone else, you can! The local co-op in Super Mario Odyssey allows one person to take control of Cappy while the other maneuvers Mario through the world, letting you work together to knock out enemies and solve puzzles.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Tasia Bass says, "I grew up loving the Mario franchise, but Super Mario Odyssey has risen to be one of my favorites. While there's supposed to be a sense of urgency (because you are chasing after Bowser), the game is MASSIVE and open world, so it's easy to get distracted by mini games like jump roping or slots. This game introduces so many unique and fun elements to the Mario franchise, the most important being Cappy's capture ability (yes, I did spend a significant amount of time running around as a T-Rex.) It is visually beautiful and the music is so darn catchy. The game doesn't end just because you rescue Peach either, and being able to keep playing after the main storyline is always a bonus in my eyes — not to mention you will be busy for quite a while trying to 100% it."
Get it from Amazon for $48.99 or get a digital download code for $59.88.
13. The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe follows an office worker named Stanley, who sits in a room pushing buttons as instructed by messages on his computer screen, only to discover one day that all of his coworkers have disappeared and the office is empty. This first-person story game has many possible endings based on decisions you make as Stanley, with an ever-present (and fourth wall-breaking) narrator serving as your "guide." If you loved Severance, you should definitely check this one out.
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is a reimagining of the acclaimed 2013 story game that released on PC, expanding even further on the game's endings and adding new routes and environments. It has a ton of throwbacks that players of the original will appreciate, but if you've never experienced The Stanley Parable, this is an excellent way to jump in and see what it's all about. Without getting too specific (because you should just experience it yourself), this is a game about choices, with extensive commentary on itself as a game, players, and the industry as a whole.
Get it on the Nintendo eShop for $24.99.
14. Danganronpa Decadence contains all three mainline Danganronpa games, each of which is about a group of high school students forced into a killing game by an unknown mastermind. Mostly visual novels with detective, adventure, and dating sim elements, the Danganronpa games have gained a cult following for their dark humor, memorable casts of characters, and unpredictable story twists.
Danganronpa Decadence brings Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair, and Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony to Nintendo Switch in the form of one physical collection, though they're also available individually on the eShop. (The physical collection also includes a spin-off called Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp.) I'm recommending all three mainline games here, which I just recently played through for the first time. This is a wild and gruesome story-driven series that's been popular for years, and now that it's available on Switch, it's a must-play (IMO) for fans of visual novels, detective games, and story-focused gamers in general.
The dialogue is simply off the rails with countless laugh-out-loud moments (my Switch is just full of Danganronpa screenshots at this point), and the murders that you investigate in the game so expertly designed that I never quite knew how the class trials (in which you review all the clues to find the culprit) would end. Putting together the clues for each murder while trying to solve the overarching mystery of WHY these kids are stuck in a killing game is a thrilling ride, one that'll keep you on your toes until the very end.
Get it from Amazon for $56.98.
15. Monster Hunter Rise was designed for the Switch, and it's one of the most accessible Monster Hunter titles to date. Like other games in Capcom's massively popular action-RPG series, Rise casts you as a hunter tasked with tracking and slaying monsters, looting their bodies in order to forge new gear.
There are 14 weapon types available to master and new features that make traversing its world easier than ever, including a new animal companion called a Palamute that you can ride and a Wirebug that allows you to grapple onto higher locations or monsters.
Monster Hunter is known for its robust and challenging combat, but it's a deeply satisfying experience once you find a playstyle that works for you and take the time to learn how different monsters move in battle, figuring out exactly when and how to land your attacks for maximum effect. And there's truly no better time to pick up Rise if you've held off so far, as its brand-new Sunbreak DLC was just released in June, adding new monsters, locations, and more for hunters to discover.
Get it from Amazon for $36.90, or if you're ready to go all-in, get the full game plus the Sunbreak expansion for $69.99.
16. Hollow Knight remains one of the best Metroidvanias ever made, with tightly tuned controls and countless paths for you to go down in whatever way you like, taking on new skills and abilities as you go. Though challenging, Hollow Knight is also immensely rewarding with enough patience, and its incredible world-building and soundtrack also contribute to its long-standing status as a gaming masterpiece.
Promising review: "Every once in a while, I come across a game that hooks me right out of the gate. Hollow Knight's music, ambiance, and gameplay are mixed in a perfect combination that encouraged me to keep playing. Despite the sharp difficulty curve I encountered for the main bosses, the stakes made me continue the journey all the way to its conclusion (at least one of the few different endings, that is). There is nothing more rewarding than feeling so close to defeating a boss, only to mess up and need to try again and finally succeeding. For an affordable indie game, Hollow Knight is filled with content. Even if I found myself stuck at a particular junction, I could merely explore some other facet of the gigantic map until my skills improved to the point where I could defeat the roadblock in my way. All the while, I marveled at the unique visuals for each area and got chills at Christopher Larkin’s soundtrack. If you haven’t played this game yet, you are missing out." —Benjamin M. Weilert
Get it from Amazon for $32.49 (also available for PS4).
17. Celeste isn't *just* a challenging platformer; it also weaves a relatable story about dealing with anxiety, self-doubt, and insecurities as its protagonist, Madeline, makes her way up the dangerous slopes of Celeste Mountain. Its thoughtful and accurate depiction of mental health struggles along with an *incredible* soundtrack, precise platforming, and accessibility options make Celeste one of the all-time greats.
Even if you're not someone who enjoys particularly challenging games or side-scrolling platformers, I *highly* recommend giving Celeste a go on Switch. It includes an extremely handy Assist Mode that'll help you toggle various gameplay options to make the platforming easier — or you can even make yourself invincible if you just need help getting past a particularly difficult screen. Though I was able to get through the vast majority of the game on default difficulty, having these additional difficulty options makes Celeste far more approachable than some other games in this genre, so it's a great one to jump in with if you're looking for a good challenge with a fantastic story and memorable characters.
Get a digital download code from Amazon for $19.99.
18. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been available on Nintendo Switch practically since launch and remains the bestselling game on the console, but in this case, commercial success aligns with critical acclaim — this enhanced version of Mario Kart 8 is an *essential* title in the Switch library, bringing back all that classic Mario Kart fun you remember having as a kid with dozens of tracks, karts, abilities, and characters to try out as you compete against friends or family (and potentially make enemies of them).
If you own a Switch and have yet to pick up Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, there's a pretty good reason to do so in 2022: This year, Nintendo announced the Booster Course Pass that will add 48 (!) remastered tracks from previous Mario Kart games over the course of six waves through the end of 2023, and the first wave has already been released.
Get it from Amazon for $49.94 or get a digital download code for $59.88. The Booster Course Pass is available as a digital download code for $24.99 — or for free with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
19. Hades garnered widespread critical acclaim when it launched in 2020 and has you play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, in his numerous attempts to escape the Underworld and reach Mount Olympus. This roguelike dungeon-crawler's story unfolds over the course of multiple runs and you gain new abilities and rewards along the way, keeping the gameplay loop (of repeatedly dying) fresh and engaging.
You'll also encounter many figures from Greek mythology, like Eurydice, Megaera, Achilles, and Charon, some of whom you'll have to fight and others who will help you in various ways.
Promising review: "I haven't really played roguelikes before; it's not my genre of game. I went into this game having seen some gameplay in trailers and thinking 'Oh. That looks really cool.' Then I saw it raking up award after award and I was like 'Ok, now I really have to give this a try.' This is hands down one of the best games I've ever played in my life. No contest. The artwork is outstanding and enthralling. The voice acting is impeccable with such a small cast. The story is deep and compelling; there's still new dialogue I'm reading/hearing after 200+ hours and I've had my jaw hit the floor from twists or details several times. The music is wonderful and engaging. The action is constant and fast-paced, yet you know exactly what's going on at all times. The main character is likable! That's big for me. I actually give a care about him, his goals, his connections and his story. And best of all, the idea that once an encounter is done, you have another room ahead is actually where the game pulls you in. Hades is a masterpiece. If this isn't a genre you've liked or played before, it doesn't matter. This game should be in your library." —Ben Sperduti
Get it from Amazon for $29.88.
20. Metroid Dread was released on Nintendo Switch amid much fanfare, marking the first 2D Metroid game in 19 years. A follow-up to 2002's Metroid Fusion, Dread lets you jump back into action as bounty hunter Samus Aran, who's exploring the planet ZDR while avoiding deadly robots called EMMIs. With slick controls, fantastic boss fights, and an ever-growing arsenal of weapons and abilities that make combat and platforming a blast, Dread was worth the long wait and a treat for fans new and old.
Promising review: "I am delighted to say that this game absolutely exceeds ALL expectations. I've not beaten the game yet, but I'm willing to say this may be the single most perfect Metroid game Nintendo has ever given us. This game, unlike so many others in the last few years, gets a 10/10 from me, and this is high praise, as I am a very harsh critic. The reason I'm able to give Dread such a high score is because it doesn't hold back in the slightest. If it's going to punch you, it's going to give you everything it has. Bosses are beautifully crafted and not one single boss has been too easy or lame. Every single one has challenged me, killed me, and forced me to think outside the box to beat them. Each death adds to your skill in ways most other games don't even touch on. The ambience is superb. The soundtrack makes your heart race. Just a disclaimer for the weak of heart: This game is named Metroid Dread for a reason. This game will fill you with dread as you watch helplessly as you die. There are zones where you are powerless against the specific type of foe. I find it helps to tell the enemies, 'Please sir, do not hurt me for I am just a wee baby.' Enjoy this masterpiece!" —HiveTyrant36
Get it from Amazon for $54.95 (special edition with additional collectibles also available).
21. Animal Crossing: New Horizons dominates the chart of Switch bestsellers right behind Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and it'd be impossible not to include it on a list of essential Switch games. It doesn't get much cozier than Animal Crossing, and between designing your island, befriending villagers, gathering resources, and attending K.K. Slider concerts, there's enough to keep you busy in New Horizons for months to come, especially since there's a limit on how much you can do every day.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons will always be remembered for the time period in which it released: March 2020, AKA the beginning of COVID-19 lockdowns and people staying at home desperate for something to do. It was always destined to be a hit, but no one could have foreseen the external factors that blew New Horizons up into the phenomenon it was — for months, you couldn't go anywhere online without people talking about Animal Crossing. At this point, New Horizons is over two years old and many players have moved on, but a dedicated community of hardcore fans remains, posting photos and videos of their island aesthetics, sharing QR codes for patterns they've designed, and creating elaborate in-game music videos.
If you're a new Switch owner (or just never got into Animal Crossing: New Horizons at launch) and like cozy games with lots of customization, you shouldn't miss out on New Horizons. Since launch, the game has received a series of free content updates as well as its only paid expansion, Happy Home Paradise, so it's now in its most complete state, making now as good a time as any to jump in.
Get it from Amazon for $49.94 or get a digital download code for $59.99. The Happy Home Paradise expansion is available as a digital code for $24.88 — or for free with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
22. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate contains a whopping 89 playable characters in its cast of fighters that hail from a variety of beloved gaming franchises, from Smash Bros. veterans like Link and Mario to new additions like Final Fantasy 7's Cloud and Persona 5's Joker. Whether your Smash Bros. history goes back to the N64 days or you're a total newbie to this fighting game franchise, facing off against your friends on iconic stages (like Peach's Castle and Yoshi's Island) and beating up Donkey Kong as Pikachu is as fun as it's ever been.
Promising review: "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is another great addition to one of the most successful video game franchises in history! As someone who has not played a Smash game regularly since Melee, I can say that this game is very accessible to newcomers. Just prepare to be dominated in online matches until you put in quite a number of hours of training and learn how your favorite characters play. The roster is very diverse and ensures that everyone can find a character they enjoy playing as in addition to the DLC characters that have come out. If you have a Nintendo Switch and you haven't bought this game, what are you doing?" —Justin T.
Get it from Amazon for $49.94.
23. Unpacking takes one of life's most mundane tasks — unpacking allll those cardboard boxes after a big move and figuring out where all of your possessions should go in a new home — and turns it into a peaceful, contemplative experience with a delightful soundtrack and a dialogue-free story told entirely through objects and the changing environment. It's a cozy, stress-free game that's perfect for those days when you need to empty your mind and focus on a simple, relaxing task.
Bonus: It'll let you ignore your own IRL pile of laundry that needs to be put away while you're hanging up a fictional video game character's clothes.
Promising review: "This game was simple but lovely. It’s almost meditative unpacking someone’s belongings into these rooms and finding the story of their lives in the boxes. Loved it." —Ash
Get a digital download code from Amazon for $15.99.
24. Undertale is one of those rare indie games made by a single person that went on to garner widespread critical acclaim, sell over one million copies, and is considered by some to be one of the best video games ever made. This 2D RPG has some of the best dialogue in games, a cast of strange and iconic characters, multiple possible endings, and a creative combat system where you don't *have* to kill a single enemy you encounter.
It's best to go in without reading much about Undertale and experience its surreal world for yourself. Oh, and its soundtrack is simply *fantastic*.
Promising review: "Don't let the fandom hold you back from enjoying this; trust me on that. Undertale is a remarkable game that offers many playthroughs with varying outcomes in addition to satisfying turn-based bullet hell gameplay. You'll never look at games the same way again after this, and in my opinion, that's for the better. One of the greatest games of this generation. Not THE greatest, but it earns its spot up there, undoubtedly." —Michael Rowland
Get a digital download code from Amazon for $14.99 or get the physical standard edition for $49.97.
25. Luigi's Mansion 3 once again plops Mario's cowardly brother Luigi into a ~spoOoooOOky~ setting (this time, a haunted hotel), forcing the poor freaked-out hero to face mischievous ghosts and solve puzzles in order to save Mario and friends once more.
In addition to single player, almost all of Luigi's Mansion 3's main story can be played in two-player co-op, with your Player 2 taking control of Gooigi, Luigi's green gooey doppelgänger who can access areas Luigi can't, such as squeezing through vents and walking across spiked floors.
Promising review: "Luigi's Mansion 3 takes some of the best bits of the first two games and mashes them into something new. Big shiny hotel, lots of floors. It's very pretty on the big screen but is a treat to play in the pocket, too. There's a good number of floors for this game to feel like a good value, but it's also just a lot of fun to play through. If you enjoy Super Mario games, or liked either of the previous Luigi's Mansion games, you can't go wrong here. For yourself or as a gift, this game will be loved by just about anyone that decides to pick it up. You can have a second player controlling Gooigi, and there are a number of multiplayer levels. Plenty to do and so far all of it has been an absolute blast." —Nate R.
Get it from Amazon for $55.99.
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