9 Essential Games For Nintendo Switch Owners

With hundreds of amazing titles available, it can be hard to decide what to play.

The Switch is the hottest console around and there are sooooo many games you can choose from if you decide to pick one up. Here are a few games you HAVE to play if you have a Nintendo Switch.

The Legend of Zelda: Breathe of the Wild

Parker Ortolani

The Zelda series is one of the most popular amongst Nintendo’s array of franchises. The first major game for the Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Breathe of the Wild continues to be hands down one of the best games ever made. Its vast open world can be infinitely explored and it’s chock full of fierce enemies, delightful characters and beautiful scenery. Even after completing the main story, you can invest countless hours doing side tasks and exploring the rest of Hyrule.

Get it from Amazon for $51.05.

Watch the Trailer

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Super Mario Maker 2

Parker Ortolani

Super Mario Maker 2 is the Nintendo Switch’s killer app. Not only does it include an excellent story mode where Mario must earn coins to rebuild the castle, it also has an advanced level builder that allows anyone to create their very own Mario levels. You can design your own levels using almost every element seen across decades of Mario platformers. There’s even a new Super Mario 3D World theme that adds more depth and new power ups seen only on the failed Wii U.

Get it from Amazon for $59.99

Watch the Trailer

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Super Mario Odyssey

Parker Ortolani

Lots of people have fond memories of older 3D Mario games like Super Mario 64. Nintendo has built upon that original sandbox concept with Super Mario Odyssey, a game full of unique worlds inspired by an array of places from New York City to the Moon.

Get if from Amazon for $54.38

Watch the Trailer

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Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee

Parker Ortolani

If you really want to be hit with a dose of nostalgia, you’ve got to pick up Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu or Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee. These remakes of the 1999 Gameboy game Pokémon Yellow are faithful to the original while still adding modern Pokémon flare. With these games they’ve brought the same catching mechanics from Pokémon Go as well as newer features from the main series like mega evolution. You can even bring over a select group of Pokémon you’ve caught in Pokémon Go. You can take an adventure through the iconic Kanto region with either Let’s Go Pikachu or Let’s Go Eevee. It can be tough to choose which version you want to pick up, especially since it’ll determine whether or not Pikachu or Eevee will be your partner and what species of Pokémon will be available to you in the wild.

Get Let's Go Pikachu from Amazon for $44.47

Get Let's Go Eevee from Amazon for $36.80

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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Parker Ortolani

With the latest installment of Nintendo’s hit Smash Bros. series, you can take on your friends with dozens of iconic video game characters. You can even build your own stages with this version. Nintendo continues to update the game with new characters to keep fans constantly engaged. Most recently, they partnered with Microsoft to bring Banjo Kazooie to the game.

Get it from Amazon for $49.94

Watch the Trailer

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Cuphead

Parker Ortolani

Cuphead is one of the most unique titles available on any console. Not only does it have a stunning old-school cartoon design, it also challenges you in ways other games wouldn’t dare to. Even though it’s one of the hardest games I’ve ever played, it’s without a doubt one of the most fun and delightful. Cuphead is one of just two games on this list available on other platforms, so if you have an Xbox you can also enjoy this one.

Get it from Amazon for $19.99

Watch the Trailer

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Parker Ortolani

I didn’t want to have three Mario games on this list, but it’s impossible to avoid Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It’s beyond a doubt the most fun game to play with friends, especially on-the-go with a bunch joy cons. Not only will Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bring back memories of rainbow road and being inked by a squid, it’ll bring you and your friends closer together.

Get it from Amazon for $49.99

Watch the Trailer

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Captain Toad Treasure Tracker

Parker Ortolani

There’s no better puzzle adventure on the Switch than Captain Toad Treasure Tracker. Mario’s pal Captain Toad embarks on a journey to get back the power star. The game feels a lot like a Mario one, except you can’t jump. This makes for an interesting challenge and forces you to get really creative in your puzzle solving on individual unique island-like areas.

Get it from Amazon for $39.99

Watch the Trailer

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Firewatch

Parker Ortolani

Firewatch is beyond a doubt one of the most creative games ever made. It takes place deep in the forest of the Pacific Northwest and you play as a fire watcher who must solve mysteries and protect the beautiful scenery. Not only is the story a wild ride that is sure to captivate your attention, it also has breathtaking visuals. The game has been available on other platforms in the past, including PCs, but it becomes truly portable for the first time ever on the Switch.

Get it from Nintendo for $19.99.

The team behind Firewatch, Panic Inc., recently announced their own portable console called Playdate. If you love portable game consoles and you haven’t heard of it yet, you absolutely must check it out.

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Nintendo JUST ANNOUNCED two new Switch models. A revised version of the classic model coming in August and a brand new handheld focused one called Switch Lite coming in September.

Nintendo / Via nintendo.com

What's your favorite Nintendo Switch game? Let us know in the comments below!