The Nintendo Switch is a great Nintendo console. Its strengths lie in its incredibly dense — some may argue too dense — catalog of independent gaming gems and the established Nintendo flagship franchises. People new to the Switch may boot it up and not know where to start.
This is a new problem for Nintendo, one that many fans have been dreaming about — a pack of strong, enjoyable titles to sink your gaming teeth into. Here are 10 such games to start playing on your shiny new Nintendo Switch.
Lumines
Lumines is an addictive, eye-thumping, beat-based puzzler. The original was released on the PlayStation Portable and later made its way to the Xbox 360 and PS3. Today, the Switch is blessed with this entrancing Tetris-like block puzzler.
The basic premise is matching four of the same color blocks into squares to remove them from the level. All of it set to rhythmic, captivating music. You will reach level 100 in no time … granted your hand-eye coordination is up to snuff.
Fortnite: Battle Royale
Epic’s, well … epic battle royale game Fortnite has taken over many households across the country. Parents have resorted to hiring Fortnite coaches, so their kids don’t lose a ton of games. (Sheesh.)
The animated mayhem is difficult to master but easy to enjoy. Newcomers can drop right in and start having fun without learning the intricate building system right away. It is perfect for the Switch as well. You can get a quick match in before bed or lose hours racking up Victory Royales.
Rocket League
Rocket League is a perfect blend of fast-paced action and skill. Like Fortnite, you can hop right in and have a blast with friends or get gud and rack up some competitive wins.
The sheer volume of customization, expansions, and playstyles opens the game up to almost everyone. The controls are easy to use but hard to master, which lends itself to pick-up-and-play moments, something the Switch is perfect for. It’s also reasonably inexpensive, and all updates, excluding customization options, are free. If you just bought a Nintendo Switch, you would be doing yourself a disservice not picking this gem up.
Oxenfree
The interactive storytelling of Oxenfree is an excellent alternative to a standard shooter or platforming games. Taking control of a group of teens, you guide them through a wild, creepy night as they uncover the mysteries of a ghostly rift.
Digesting the story in small chunks is a wonderful way to spend a few hours on the couch. The action is light, and you are able to focus on the story being told, which is very well-written and performed.
Super Mario Odyssey
This list would not be complete without a Mario game. Super Mario Odyssey is the Nintendo Switch’s flagship entry for the red-hatted plumber series. Mario’s new sentient hat takes the spotlight in this game, joining a host of other weird, story-specific items like a ghost-catching vacuum and a water jetpack.
All Mario game entries are required playing for a Nintendo console. The fun, colorful world Mario inhabits is always a great place to start with a new Nintendo console. You simply have to get these Mario games, folks. It’s written on a stone tablet somewhere on Nintendo mountain.
Hollow Knight
Let’s get serious. Do you want a Dark Souls experience, but with bugs instead of people? Hollow Knight is for you. As the mysterious Knight, dive into the underground town of Dirtmouth to destroy evil bugs, sit on save benches, and die a whole bunch.
This gorgeous game is dripping with atmosphere and tension. The bosses are enormous pains in the butt, and your progress is hampered by your own inadequacies. Just like a good Souls-like should be.
Dead Cells
Sticking to the “you’re going to die in this game” train we’re on, Dead Cells is an engaging Soulsvania entry into the Switch catalog of must-have gems. Originally a PC Early Access game, Dead Cells drops you into a world where you must traverse an ever-changing castle, die a lot, gain loot and experience, and go at it again. This retro-styled game is backed by tight controls, refreshing dark humor, and a bevy of unique weapons to try.
Octopath Traveler
If you love a good JRPG, you will adore this great one. Octopath Traveler is a retro-styled RPG that follows the stories of eight protagonists. Choose your hero and explore their individual journey through the world.
The game has a deep combat system and Jobs mechanic, that will especially entice Final Fantasy Tactics fans. With the ability to go back and play any of the eight characters’ stories, this game will keep you busy for quite some time.
Wizard of Legend
Do you want to be a wizard? Do you yearn to chuck magic at enemies that require magic chucked at them? Wizard of Legend should satiate your desires with over 100 spells and numerous spell combinations to explore.
This fast-paced rouge-lite puts you in the shoes of a wizard traversing dungeons and cutting through foes with magic. If you have ever wanted to chain magic together to eliminate groups of enemies, you will find a lot of love in this title.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
What would this list be without Zelda? The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is fantastic. It’s an open world, epic adventure that puts you in the shoes of Link as he once again sets out to save Hyrule from Ganon. The plot remains the same, but the execution is fresh and beautiful.
The game is a gorgeous blend of dungeon exploration, open world traversal, boss battles, and RPG mechanics. The list of things to do in the game is too exhaustive to go over here. Suffice it to say, you can pump a good chunk of your life into this game and come out the other end begging for more.
