Nintendo’s hybrid console has literally taken the industry by storm. Since launching in March, the Switch has gained a strong foothold in the market due to its portability, which allows people to bring ‘big’ AAA releases on the go (a first in the Video Game industry). Since its launch in March, the Switch has sold over 10 million units according to Nintendo. This is in stark contrast to the Wii U, which reached a paltry 12 million units 5 years after its release. There’s no questioning the Nintendo Switch’s success.
The Switch has also amassed an incredible library of games during its short lifespan, and this guide has been created to help you decide which games to buy this Holiday season.
The following ‘Top Picks’ are personal recommendations from our staff:
8.) Tiny Barbarian DX (Nicalis):
Tiny Barbarian DX is an NES-style 2D hack ‘n slasher that looks and plays great on the Nintendo Switch. Despite its difficulty, Tiny Barbarian’s gameplay is simple, but difficult to master. Some of the game’s levels are less conventional in their execution, and they require some skill (and patience) to complete, but the end reward is very satisfying.
7.) Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 (Bandai Namco):
The Nintendo Switch version of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 retains the gameplay of its console counterparts. It also has a rock-solid fighting engine that runs at a steady 30fps. This release is every bit as good as the PS4 and Xbox One versions.
6.) Disgaea 5 Complete (NIS America):
NIS America’s isometric JRPG feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch. The game includes all previously released DLC and a second story that involves the protagonists from prior Disgaea games. The game literally lives up to the ‘complete’ in its title.
5.) Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap (Lizardcube):
Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap should be on the top of every Nintendo Switch gamer’s ‘want’ list. The Dragon’s Trap retains the same gameplay and level design of the original game, and this due to the developer backward engineering the game’s code from the Sega Master System version. The level of detail spent on the sprites alone is staggering, with some of the best animation ever seen in a modern 2D platformer. No Switch gamer should be without this game.
4.) Doom (ID):
Doom on the Nintendo Switch is a technical marvel. It manages to retain all the blood, gore and intense action of the original game, while also providing a steady 30FPS throughout most of the single-player campaign. A game like Doom should be a no brainer; it’s worth every penny.
3.) The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Bethesda):
The highly-anticipated open world RPG has finally arrived on Switch, and it doesn’t disappoint. The exploration, character interaction and quests that made the original so popular are present in this version. The graphics look good whether the Switch is docked or used in portable mode. This is one game you shouldn’t miss out on.
2.) LA Noire (Rockstar Games):
The talented developers behind the Grand Theft Auto series have decided to release LA Noire for Switch, a 1930s action-adventure detective game where the player must arrest criminals and solve crimes. The action sequences are intense, as they involve fist fights, gun battles and hostage situations. La Noire should be at the top of your Christmas ‘want’ list.
1.) Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo):
Nintendo’s Mario game for Nintendo Switch utilizes an open world that is just waiting to be explored. The classic platforming mechanics that made the series a household name are still present in this release, but now Mario can control his enemies with Cappie — an intelligent hat that takes on the likeness of Mario’s cap after it gets ruined during a battle with Bowser. This game (above all else) should be at the very (and we mean ‘very’) top of your ‘want’ list for the Holidays. Don’t start the New Year without it.
The Nintendo Switch has hundreds of games in its library (both physical and even digital releases on the Nintendo eShop). Many of these games deserve a mention in the aforementioned list, but unfortunately there are too many to list here.
What games do you have on your Holiday ‘want’ list for Nintendo Switch? Tell us below; we would love to hear from you.
