Nintendo Switch was released only in 2017, and even then it did not have impressive technical characteristics. Some phones of that year were more powerful than the new console. Since then, the Nintendo Switch has had some powerful direct competitors in the portable gaming space, such as the Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally. However, this elderly Nintendo console, the oldest in terms of lifespan, still has a few tricks up its sleeve. First of all, it has exclusive games. And not only.
So, does it make sense to buy a Nintendo Switch in 2024 when its successor, the Nintendo Switch 2, is due out either by the end of this year or next year, in 2025?
The switch that lights up the darkness
In fact, this article was supposed to be published a few days earlier. However, the constant power outages, along with the Internet, made significant adjustments to my work schedule. Right in the middle of writing this article, everything went out, even my cell phone, and I found myself in complete darkness and gadget silence.
But my Nintendo Switch was lying next to me. I started a game and then another. And it was a real comfort on that black, hot night. My OLED version lasts 5-8 hours depending on the game. Usually it's enough to play a few games for a few disconnections or for the trip between the cities where I live now. Plus, it's quite lightweight, and if you take the Nintendo Switch Lite, it's the lightest current "portable" on the console market. That is, both on the road and during power outages - this console is able to fully immerse you in gaming worlds.
In addition, Nintendo Switch is cheaper than all of its branded competitors, and quite significantly so. Today, a new Nintendo Switch Lite can be bought in Ukraine for 7-10 thousand hryvnias, older revisions can be purchased for about 11-14 thousand, and Nintendo Switch OLED - for 14-17 thousand. At the same time, the Steam Deck of the first revision with a minimum amount of memory (a ridiculous 64 GB, to be honest) costs from 19 thousand, and the new OLED version now costs about 30 thousand. Of course, Valve's consoles are much more powerful, but is power so important for a portable, given how it heats up? The Switch heats up much less.
Some might argue that Nintendo's regional policy, or rather the lack of it, is a big problem. I mean, yes, you can buy a console for a good price, but the prices of games are unpleasantly impressive: they are significantly higher than the prices of games on PC and even PlayStation. Most Nintendo exclusives cost $59.99. But... there is a way out of this situation. You can probably guess what it is. We're not promoting you-know-what, but we can't help but mention that this console has stable unofficial firmware, which I'm sure Ukrainians would use much less if Nintendo paid attention to our region. By the way, this point also opens a Pandora's box called "retrogaming".
But the best thing about the Nintendo Switch is that the set of games for this console is extremely diverse. Here you can find multiplatform AAA releases, even if they are not the newest, and great indie projects that often feel even better on the portal than on full-size platforms. And finally, there are exclusives.
Yes, they are not for everyone. Yes, someone may consider them too childish because of the specific graphics (this is only partially true). However, it is difficult to deny their originality, especially the originality of the gameplay. Someone might say that "all Nintendo exclusives are Zelda and Mario," and I'd have to agree. But again, only partially. In general, there is nothing wrong with this. As a rule, games of these series are able to entertain, and some of them can provide a deep, interesting, and unusual (especially for PC players) gaming experience. So, let's move on to the exclusives.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Genre RPG
Year 2017
This may seem like a trite start to a list of the most interesting games for Nintendo Switch, but originality is not our goal. Zelda is a colorful series of role-playing games that has been around for over three decades. Some releases were more successful, some less so. For those who are completely unfamiliar with the series, let us explain: most of the games are not connected to each other in terms of plot, but they all have a protagonist named Link, who wears a green outfit.
In most games, the "Links" are different characters living in different eras. Almost all of the Zelda series take place in the kingdom of Hyrule, but in different time periods. Hyrule can be very different from game to game due to time jumps and alternate timelines. Zelda is the princess of Hyrule, who is usually rescued by the protagonist. The main antagonist is Ganon (just like a beginner pianist, who went to music school will understand what I mean). There is a fantasy vibe, a lot of world exploration, especially dungeons, lots of puzzles, horseback riding, side quests, and collecting items.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an exclusive of the Nintendo Switch launch lineup. It offers a huge open world that can be explored for hundreds of hours in a non-linear fashion. The player can climb any surface, use a paraglider, and interact with the dynamic environment. Here you can cook, use a variety of weapons, and craft items.
As for the plot, this time we have a post-apocalyptic Hyrule. Link wakes up after a 100-year sleep and learns that the kingdom has been destroyed by Ganon. He must regain his strength, free the four Divine Beasts, and rescue Princess Zelda, who is holding Ganon in the castle.
In short, Breath of the Wild is an epic spirit of adventure, a relatively harmless haven to escape reality, and an incredible amount of game content.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Genre RPG
Year 2023
In 2023, another Zelda game was released, which consoled most Nintendo Switch owners who had already studied the previous game inside and out. Tears of the Kingdom is connected to the 2017 Zelda game. It takes place a few years after the events of Breath of the Wild. A mysterious catastrophe splits the land of Hyrule, lifting the castle into the sky. Link and Zelda explore the ancient ruins, but Zelda disappears and a new evil threatens the kingdom. Link must uncover the secrets of the past related to the ancient Zonai civilization and prevent a new catastrophe.
Compared to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom is even more plot-driven. It has great physics. For example, it rained, and the hill you could easily climb became slippery. However, this was also the case in the previous game. But what wasn't there was a craft that allows you to do all the blackouts you want and not even notice it.
You can solve the tasks of the main and side quests in very different ways. For example, a simple quest where you need to get to a fenced camp behind a high fence. The player can attach a rocket to the shield and fly over the fence, or they can assemble a catapult and use it. You can also make an airplane, can you imagine? Or jump on a spring. More bloodthirsty? Please drill a hole and fight or throw explosives over the fence. And this is just one small example.
As a reminder, we have a separate big review of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Super Mario Odyssey
Genre platformer
Year 2017
Super Mario Odyssey is one of the two games that made the console popular at launch. This sandbox platformer about the famous plumber may seem a bit naive or childish if you look only at its graphics (or story). Yes, it's less epic than Zelda or "serious" role-playing games, but the variety and amount of content here is incredible. In huge and creative worlds, you can explore every corner and always find something new and interesting.
Basic platforming is only a small part of what you can do here. One of the most interesting mechanics in the game is the need for constant transformation: there are about a hundred creatures in the game that can be "slapped", that is, adopted their unique abilities. There are a lot of battles, and items for collections are hidden in the most unexpected places, and are sought after with great pleasure. Sometimes you can come across a whole hidden level, such as the Dark Forest.
The races are very nicely done, and you need to learn special techniques and train to complete them. Not so long ago, you were just running, but now it's the next race, and you've learned long jumps that make you invincible.
In short, Super Mario Odyssey is about game content, fun, and variety. But it also has a storyline. The plumber has decided to retire, and Bowser, that mean and evil turtle-dragon, has been kidnapping Princess Peach for the umpteenth time since 1985.
Astral Chain
Genre action/adventure
Year 2019
In 2019, the creators of Bayonetta and Nier: Automata, Platinum Games, released a new game Astral Chain in an unusual setting. The game is set in a futuristic metropolis where humanity is attacked by mechanical monsters that cannot be defeated by conventional weapons. So the Homo sapiens species had to find another way to fight - conquest.
The player takes on the role of a member of a special police unit, and he is one of the few who owns the technique of controlling chimeras. The story is a bit uneven, but it can captivate fans of post-apocalypse, cyberpunk, and science fiction. The game offers players the opportunity to explore a huge open world, complete numerous side quests, and interact with different characters, each with their own unique story.
This slasher has a very interesting combat system. The mechanics of controlling two characters at once may seem complicated at first, but some actions are performed with a single button, so you can get used to it and even love it.
And you can take a break from battles by completing light detective quests. The game has a flexible character customization system. And the graphics and dynamics are among the best on the platform. And all of this is accompanied by hard guitar riffs that complement the atmosphere of the game very well.
Metroid Prime Remastered
Genre action/adventure
Year 2023
Metroid Prime Remastered is an updated version of the classic game first released on the Nintendo GameCube in 2002. It is worth reminding that the Metroid series has actually existed since 1986 and spawned a separate game genre - Metroidvania, and Metroid Prime is its fifth installment.
Players take on the role of bounty hunter Samus Aran. She receives an alert from a space station where she discovers experiments with phosphorescent creatures and a new threat to the galaxy. After traveling to the planet Tallon IV, Samus encounters the remnants of the Chozo who once lived there and learns of the fatal effects of a radioactive substance known as Phazon. Now Samus must stop the threat of Phazon and destroy its source, hidden deep beneath the planet's surface.
At first glance, it may seem like a shooter. This is partly true, although if you play a little bit of this high-quality remaster, which delivers stable 60 FPS on not the most modern hardware, it becomes clear that we are looking at the same Metroid, where there is a plot, puzzles, gameplay changes, collecting upgrades, a map, and exploring locations. The world of the game is quite compact, but at the beginning you can get confused about where to go, and at the end you really miss the fast movement between locations.
You will be interested in Metroid Prime Remastered if you are a fan of Metroidvania games (yes, it is a bit of a stretch, but what can you do) and don't mind when this genre is slightly adjusted and transferred to three-dimensional space. It's even better if you like games where you can get confused and lost, and where you have to solve the puzzles yourself. That is, games that do not lead the player by the hand.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Genre social simulator
Рік 2020
This game was released on March 20, 2020. With all the events that have taken place since then, we have almost forgotten that these were the times of severe anti-covid restrictions around the world. People who were already tired of staying at home found solace in this easygoing virtual life simulator with farm elements and a significant social component.
The first people you start communicating with in the game are three raccoons who are related to each other. The eldest of them offers you to build and equip a base on one of four picturesque tropical islands. In fact, this is the main task, and for this you will have to collect resources, learn recipes and craft items. The time in the game is tied to the real time, so if you enter the game at night, it will be night in the game itself. In addition, there are interesting and lively characters and pleasant interaction with them. You can also visit the islands of other players.
Bayonetta 3
Genre action/adventure
Year 2022
Imagine a witch fighting in 20 cm heels, firing pistols attached to her heels, and using her hair as a weapon. Style, audacity, unusual weapons and dynamics. All this is about the Bayonetta series of slashers.
The magical witch Bayonetta returns in the third installment of the series to show us how to deal with angels and demons. This time, she doesn't just dance the dance of death, but organizes a whole ballet of chaos using fire yo-yos, a chainsaw, and... demon pets. Yes, yes, Bayonetta can tame demons and call them to help. Something like a Pokémon, but instead of a cute Pikachu, it's a huge horned monster that destroys everything in its path.
The game is full of pop culture references. There are quotes from Michael Jackson's Thriller, the arias of the Diva Plavalaguna from The Fifth Element, and the signature Terminator gesture. And the battle scene on the demon train? There's even a reference to 1960s noir films with a femme fatale in a bathtub flirtatiously throwing soap suds. And all this is organically woven into the plot.
He is chaotic but interesting in the game. Bayonetta now travels through the multiverse, meeting alternative versions of herself. Have you ever wondered who you would be if you had done something differently than you did? Well, Bayonetta now knows the answer to that question!
And of course, what is a witch without her friends? Other witches appear in the game, each with their own character and abilities.
And then there was the music! The composers did their best. Some tracks deserve to be added to the permanent playlists of gamers.
So, if you are ready for a crazy journey through the worlds where logic rests and style rules the day during a blackout, Bayonetta 3 is waiting for you.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Genre platformer
Year 2022
No, wait, don't rewind! This game is not just some pink balloon adventures for five-year-olds. And not a mediocre continuation of the previous parts of the series, in case you're not familiar with it. In Forgotten Land, we got a very interesting game with a variety of gameplay, high-quality and non-trivial.
In addition, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a representative of post-apocalyptic games, and we love it very, very much. Yes, it's not epic or scary, but we're still in the post-apocalypse and have to solve puzzles and fight enemies. If you're unfamiliar with Kirby, you don't know the most interesting thing: this pink spherical creature can swallow its enemies, adopting their skills, which will be very useful to the player.
The game offers a wide range of locations - from abandoned cities and industrial zones to mysterious dungeons, each of which is filled with secrets and challenges. The Mouthful Mode mechanic allows Kirby to absorb large objects, such as cars or vending machines, opening up new opportunities for exploration and puzzle solving.
The main goal of the game is to save the little creatures known as Waddle Dee. These cute creatures with round bodies and big eyes are Kirby's old friends and permanent residents of his world. But you rescue them not only because you are a good pink ball, but also with a mercenary purpose. With each rescued Waddle Dee, you not only get closer to unlocking the mystery of this forgotten world, but also unlock new opportunities to develop your base town, turning it into a cozy haven in the middle of a post-apocalyptic landscape.
In addition, Kirby and the Forgotten Land has a very good post-game that significantly extends the duration of the game and adds new challenges for experienced players.
Splatoon 3
Genre third-person shooter
Year 2022
The Splatoon series of games, like many Nintendo exclusives, is unusual. This time, we're looking at an online shooter, but not the kind we're used to. Once again, we find ourselves in a post-apocalyptic world where there are no humans left, but there are squid-like Inklings, very peculiar creatures who love paintball and don't really like rules.
Unlike other shooters, there is no violence as such: Inklings fight each other with colored ink. The main goal in multiplayer is to color the map as much as possible in the color of your team, not to kill the largest number of opponents. This creates a unique game dynamic where strategy and teamwork are more important than just accurate shooting.
Splatoon 3 offers a diverse arsenal - from regular splitters to giant rollers and umbrellas, each with its own unique playstyle. Add to this the ability to turn into a squid and swim in your ink, and you get insanely fast and addictive gameplay.
The game has a story campaign, which, although not impressive in depth, serves as a great introduction to the Splatoon world and helps you master the game mechanics. However, it is the main online mode that is the heart of Splatoon 3 - it is exciting, fun, and can be played for hours on end.
The developer regularly updates the game and offers seasonal events with tournaments. That is, everything that fans of online shooters like.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Genre action/RPG
Year 2022
If you like JRPGs, you should definitely not miss Xenoblade Chronicles 3. It is one of the highest quality games of the genre: it has a fascinating story, a detailed huge world, a very good combat system, non-trivial characters, and a great soundtrack.
In the game, the war between the two sides continues, and suddenly the heroes (on both sides) meet a third force that opens their eyes to the true state of affairs. It turns out that everything is not quite as they thought, and the real enemy is hiding somewhere else. The plot is riddled with deep moral questions and even offers answers to them, forcing players to reflect on the themes of life, death, and destiny.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3's role-playing system is complex and varied. As you progress through the game, you liberate colonies, after which the commanders of the conquered territories join your group, giving you access to their unique classes. Particularly interesting is the ability to mix the skills of your class with those of other heroes, creating unique combinations and strategies.
The combat system in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a separate story. It is dynamic, deep, and requires tactical thinking. You control a team of six characters, each with their own role and abilities. The correct use of combo attacks, synergy between characters, and timely use of special moves are the key to winning challenging battles.
The game's world is also noteworthy, it is large and diverse, from huge open spaces to mysterious dungeons, and each location is filled with secrets, side quests, and unique enemies.
A few more interesting exclusives
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017) – simple but fun and exciting races. Choose a character from the Mario world and go for it.
Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020) – cute adventure RPG with a unique paper style and witty humor.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2024) – the brand new Paper Mario, a remake of the 2004 game.
Super Mario Maker 2 (2019) – create your own Mario levels or play unlimited levels created by the community.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019) – deep tactical RPG with elements of a life simulator and a branching plot.
Luigi's Mansion 3 (2019) – witty action-adventure game where Luigi explores a haunted hotel. Very relevant in light of our blackouts. You can learn from Luigi how to practice with a flashlight in dark rooms.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (2020) – dynamic action game in the Zelda universe with elements of strategy.
Ring Fit Adventure (2019) – fitness game with additional accessories Ring-Con and Leg Strap for attaching Joy-Con joysticks, and character leveling.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle (2017) – unexpected but successful combination of the Mario world with XCOM-style tactical battles.
Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019). Nintendo and not a word about Pokémon? We're sorry, there are a lot of them here, such as these. Cute games about catching and training Pokémon from 2019.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe (2020) – another Nintendo-style cutie. A strategy game about managing an army of tiny creatures to survive on an alien planet. An improved version of the 2013 game for Wii U.
Not exclusives?
This small console has not only exclusives, but also a fairly wide library of games from other consoles. Among them are AAA titles from previous years and a lot of interesting indie projects. Yes, "big" games are better played on "big" platforms, but... The Witcher with the lights off is something! Here are some of these games:
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2019) – epic RPG with a huge open world, an incomparable protagonist, and a fascinating story. The Nintendo Switch version was released in 2019.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2017) – legendary fantasy RPG with endless possibilities for exploration and adventure. The Switch version was released in 2017, while the original Skyrim was released in 2011.
BioShock: The Collection (2020) – collection of cult immersive simulations that impress with their atmosphere and story. The collection was released in 2016, with a Nintendo Switch version coming in 2020.
Read Dead Redemption (2023) – re-release of one of the best open-world westerns with a deep storyline. The original game was released in 2010, the Switch version is due out in 2023.
The Outer Worlds (2020) – sci-fi RPG by the creators of Fallout: New Vegas with unique humor and freedom of choice.
DOOM Eternal – one of the latest versions of the legendary first-person shooter with demonic enemies and a powerful arsenal. Simultaneous release with major platforms.
Hades (2020) – RPG game with a great visual style, exciting gameplay, and a mythological plot.
Hollow Knight (2018) – atmospheric metroidvania platformer with a beautiful hand-drawn world.
Cuphead (2019) – challenging run-and-gun platformer with a unique cartoon style of the 1930s.
Celeste (2018) – touching platformer about overcoming inner demons and challenging obstacles.
Disco Elysium – The Final Cut (2021) – unique detective role-playing game without battles, but with a deep plot, plot branches, and a skill system.
Undertale (2018) – original RPG with a unique combat system and unforgettable characters. Perfect for mobile gaming experience.
Of course, this is not a complete list of interesting games that have been released on Nintendo Switch in 7 years. In total, 11,243 games have been created or adapted for the platform, which is a really impressive figure. If you think there are some good games for Nintendo Switch that were not included in our list, please add them in the comments.