These are the best games to play on the Nintendo Switch in 2020
- feb
- 06
It's been a great few years for Nintendo Switch owners. There have been several high-profile launches to get excited for, including big titles for the Pokemon and Super Smash Bros. franchises. Beyond Nintendo's first-party exclusives, we also saw several third-party releases, including new games and ports of existing titles. Here are the best Nintendo Switch games that you can get right now in 2020.
★ Featured favorite
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Over 70 of gaming's most iconic characters from Nintendo, Capcom, Konami, Square Enix, and more have been packed into the same game, and they're all looking for a fight. Up to eight people can battle in this party brawler for the ages.
Defeat Evil
Diablo 3 Eternal Collection
Staff favorite
Diablo 3 is the first Blizzard game to launch on a Nintendo platform in over two decades, and Blizzard definitely did it justice. This port gives you a full Diablo 3 experience on your Nintendo Switch, so you can knock out those bounties and greater rifts while you're out and about.
Get messy
Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2 is the sequel to Nintendo's family-friendly shooter game. Play as Inklings and Octolings and shoot to paint your turf. There is a single-player campaign with tons of content, and the online is always fun.
Rule Empires
Civilization 6
Civilization 6 was one of the more surprising ports to launch on Nintendo Switch. Start from humble beginnings as you work to lead your civilization into the future. Go to war, carry out diplomacy, and grow your empire to become a world power.
Roguelike fun
Into the Breach
Into the Breach is one of the more impressive games to come out of the indie scene. By the makers of FTL, this turn-based strategy roguelike challenges you to save the world from a frightening alien threat using powerful futuristic mechs. No two playthroughs are the same, so get out there and see what awaits you!
Be a Trainer
Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! / Eevee!
In Pokemon: Let's Go, you and your cute companions embark on a journey to become the best team ever. Catch 'em all by yourself or with a partner to cement your status as a legendary Pokemon trainer!
Toy Game
Starlink Battle for Atlas
If your wallet wasn't completely tapped out from the toy craze that was Disney Infinity or Skylanders, Starlink wants to be the one to do it. Collect weapons, pilots, and spaceships to explore new worlds and encounter never-before-seen creatures.
Survive the Storm
Fortnite
The most popular Battle Royale game is now available for your Nintendo Switch. Survive the storm to be the last one standing and get your victory royale, whether you're at home or on the go. And now, you can play with friends no matter which platform they're on thanks to crossplay.
Throwback
Dead Cells
Dead Cells calls itself a "roguevania," a title that calls out its Castlevania and roguelike influences. This 2D side-scrolling action platformer is old school. There are no checkpoints, so if you fail, you'll have to start all over again the hard way.
Ready to die?
Dark Souls: Remastered
It's the game that never dies, but if you play it, you most certainly will. Dark Souls is renowned (or maybe hated) for its old-school difficulty. It also has a meaty story and a satisfying combat system.
Choose your path
Octopath Traveler
There are eight travelers, each with their own roles, stories, and adventures. Whether you're going in as a merchant, a warrior, an apothecary, or even a dancer, this turn-based RPG brings out the best in all of gaming's classic play styles.
Rise Up
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
The scene: America. The year: 1961. Those in control: Nazis. Follow the story of BJ Blazkowicz as he fights for him, his family, and his country to drive the Nazi forces out of America. This tight shooter lets you dole out punishment to history's most disgusting regime.
Party Time
Super Mario Party
Grab some family and friends: it's time to party! Super Mario Party brings dozens of mini-games for up to four players. Whether you're tag-teaming or going all out in a free-for-all competition, it's all about trying to win and having fun doing it.
Classic Platformer
Hollow Knight
Here's a beautiful game that prides itself on offering that classic 2D platformer feeling we all grew up on. It's tough at times, but the reward for your trouble is an immensely fun game with lots to explore.
Match Point
Mario Tennis Aces
Grab your tennis racquet and meet Mario on the court. Mario Tennis Aces brings sporting fun for the whole family. Compete with and against Nintendo's most beloved characters, and really immerse yourself by using the Joy-Cons as your make-believe tennis racquet.
Time to hunt
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
Embark on an epic journey of big monster hunting and slaying, use those parts to craft better armor and weapons, and go out and do it all over again. The armor pieces can grant unique skills and abilities to make hunting easier, and there are 14 weapon types to choose from, with each one having their own unique feel.
Cute and crafty
Yoshi's Crafted World
Yoshi and friends are back at it again in an adorable craft world made from common household items. Play with a friend and help Yoshi make his way through each stage. Discover all of the secrets that the crafted world has to offer.
Get creative
Super Mario Maker 2
If you have a creative mind and love classic Mario platforming games, then Super Mario Maker 2 is right up your alley. Create your own Mario levels and let your imagination run wild! You can even play the levels created by other players too.
Onward to victory!
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
In Fire Emblem: Three Houses, you'll need to align yourself with one faction at a time, and you are in charge of leading your chosen house to victory. Each house has its own specialty, so choose wisely.
We are Legion
Astral Chain
As part of a special task force, you and your Legion partner are all that stands between humanity and mysterious alien-like creatures that have invaded the planet. The game features a unique synergistic action system to take out the threat.
A legend reborn
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
This remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is done in a super cute visual style, but it carefully recreates everything in the original. Additionally, there is new content to complete with the Chamber Dungeon.
Spooky
Luigi's Mansion 3
Luigi is back in Luigi's Mansion 3! Team up with Gooigi, a doppelganger that can slip through tight spaces, walk on spikes, and help Luigi get through obstacles that would be impossible otherwise. Luigi may be cowardly, but he has more tools and abilities than before to get rid of the spooky ghosts.
Be the very best
Pokémon Sword and Shield
Pokémon Sword and Shield feature a brand new Pokémon adventure in the region of Galar. Catch, train, and battle other trainers with 400 different Pokémon in Galar, and take on new challenges with Max Raid Battles.
Workout time
Ring Fit Adventure
Ring Fit Adventure is a video game that makes you work out and build up a sweat. Go through the increasingly difficult Adventure mode, or do custom sets of exercises to focus on building something up. No matter how you play, you're going to sweat!
Island paradise
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons isn't quite here yet, but we're eager to get our hands on it. We can't wait to start a new life on a tropical island paradise, relaxing with friends and crafting items and customizing our home and outfits each day. And hopefully, our favorite animal villagers make their way to our islands.
So many great games
The most exciting part is that there were even more great games that launched on the Nintendo Switch since it was released in 2017. We couldn't list them all, but the ones we present here cover a wide range of genres, and you'll find something appropriate for all ages.
Our personal favorite will always be Super Smash Bros. Ultimate because it's the ultimate fighting game, and it has over 70 beloved video game characters with dozens of stages and plenty of things to do. If you like a daily grind, then Diablo III: Eternal Collection is a great option to consider, especially since there are always competitive seasons going on. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is another grind that's more strategic and challenging if that's what you're going for. And we can't wait to get our hands on Animal Crossing: New Horizons soon.