As a gamer, you know that Nintendo Switch always has great games every year. Are you curious about the best Switch games for 2024?
Look no further because we’ll cover all the top Switch games from all genres. We’ll also give you a sneak peek of the upcoming Switch games that most gamers are anticipating.
Ready? Let’s get into it and have some fun.
28+ Best Switch Games You Must Play in 2024
These are the top Switch games that you can play in 2024 from your console or TV :
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Developer: Nintendo
- Genre: Open World
- Price: $69.99
- Rated: E 10+ for Everyone 10+
One of the best Switch games on our list is Tears of the Kingdom. This game is the newest Legend of Zelda game made exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
In this game, you become Link and explore the huge lands and skies of Hyrule. With his amazing new skills, you will save Princess Zelda and try to defeat Ganon.
The Legend of Zelda games feature challenging puzzles and great gameplay, making them some of the best open-world Switch games out there. Tears of the Kingdom continues this trend.
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Developer: Nintendo EPD
- Genre: Racing
- Price: $59.99
- Rated: E for Everyone
For the best Switch games of all time, look to the Mario series. And Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a top pick for racing genre, allowing you to race against friends or online.
Choose your favorite characters like Mario, Luigi, or Peach. They each have their own cool karts and powers. Race on fun tracks with secret paths. Use bananas and mushrooms to beat your friends, just like in Nintendo Switch Mario games
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Developer: Nintendo
- Genre: Simulation
- Price: $59.99
- Rated: E for Everyone
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is another good Switch game that is suitable for all ages. It’s a calming game where you can experience a virtual life on your console.
As a new resident on a deserted island, you can create your ideal home, make friends with charming animal villagers, go fishing, and participate in exciting seasonal events. What sets this game apart is that it moves in real-time, matching the current time and seasons.
4. Minecraft
- Developer: Mojang Studios
- Genre: Sandbox, Survival
- Price: $14.99
- Rated: E 10+
Minecraft needs no introduction. This is surely one of the best multiplayer Switch games, boasting gameplay that involves mining materials, crafting tools and weapons, and building shelters.
In Minecraft, you can explore a large world made of blocks, gather resources, and build shelters. The Creative mode lets you have unlimited resources and fly. The Survival mode challenges you to gather resources, manage hunger, and protect yourself from monsters.
Minecraft is also a cheap Nintendo Switch game available for only US$14.99 at the time of writing.
5. Detective Pikachu Returns
- Developer: Creatures Inc.
- Genre: Adventure, Detective
- Price: $49.99
- Rated: E for Everyone
Detective Pikachu Returns is one of the top Nintendo Switch games for kids. First announced in 2019, this sequel to the 2016 game Detective Pikachu for the Nintendo 3DS had a significant period of silence until its official release on October 6, 2023.
You’ll step into Ryme City, where humans and Pokémon peacefully coexist. Join Tim Goodman and Detective Pikachu on a new adventure to uncover the mystery behind Tim’s missing father, Harry Goodman.
The game combines investigation and adventure elements. Players will search for clues, interview witnesses, and use various Pokémon’s special abilities to solve puzzles. It’s a must-try game on the Switch.
6. Fortnite + LEGO
- Developer: Epic Games
- Genre: Action, Shooter
- Price: Free
- Rated: T forTeen
If you’re looking for the best free Nintendo Switch games, Fortnite is the way to go. Top gamers like Ninja and Tfue are all about it, so you know it’s awesome.
The storyline of Fortnite is thrilling and keeps you engaged. In Battle Royale, you can compete to be the last one standing. And the LEGO Fortnite mode offers a unique experience where you can collect resources, craft items, build shelters, and battle enemies.
You can do all of that either solo or with up to seven friends. Yes, Fortnite is one of the best multiplayer Switch games with stunning graphics that enhance the immersive experience.
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7. Bayonetta 3
- Developer: PlatinumGames
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Price: $59.99
- Rated: M for Mature
Bayonetta 3 isn’t in the lineup of new Switch games, but it’s definitely one of the greatest. This exciting game features a witch fighting against terrifying creatures called Homunculi.
The game, which came out on October 28, 2022, impresses players with its stunning graphics and artistic style. It perfectly matches the fast-paced gameplay, so you shouldn’t miss out on it.
Adding to that, the game has a range of new weapons. For example, the G-Pillar which is connected to a monster called Gomorrah and the Ignis Araneae Yo-Yo which can change colors. Each weapon has its own special moves and transformations, making this good Switch game even more fun.
8. Fire Emblem Engage
- Developer: Intelligent Systems
- Genre: Tactical Role-Playing Game
- Price: $59.99
- Rated: T for Teen
Fire Emblem Engage stands out as one of the best Switch games in the tactical RPG category. The game offers a wide range of strategies, thanks to its diverse terrain and environmental challenges.
As Alear, the Divine Dragon, you awaken from a thousand-year slumber to confront a new threat. To save the world, you’ll take charge of a diverse army and engage in turn-based battles.
The Switch game features classic heroes such as Marth, Ike, Celica and more. These heroes, called Emblems, join forces with your units and share their strength using Emblem Rings. Gather all 12 Emblem Rings to take down the Fell Dragon Sombron, who aims to misuse their power.
9. Pikmin 4
- Developer: Nintendo
- Genre: Real-Time Strategy
- Price: $59.99
- Rated: E 10+ for Everyone 10+
Looking for one of the best multiplayer Switch games? Give Pikmin 4 a try. In this game, you’ll lead cute Pikmin through a mysterious planet. Your mission is to save stranded explorers and collect treasures along the way.
What’s great about this Nintendo Switch game is that it is designed to be easy for newcomers to jump in. You can even use a rewind feature to fix mistakes and prevent frustration, especially in tricky cave levels.
Pikmin 4 is among the best Switch games to play in 2024. With its cute characters and tough challenges, it promotes teamwork and problem-solving that everyone can enjoy.
10. Octopath Traveler II
- Developer: Square Enix & Acquire
- Genre: Role-Playing Game
- Price: $59.99
- Rated: T for Teen
What are your preferences for the best Switch games to play in 2024? If you’re into games with engaging storylines, great characters, and beautiful HD-2D graphics, Octopath Traveler II might be the one for you.
Yes, this Nintendo Switch game combines retro pixel art with modern 3D effects. Plus, the awesome soundtrack makes it even more enjoyable. Octopath Traveler II is one of the top Switch games available on PlayStation and PC.
The fun fact about this Switch game is that the first letter of each traveler’s name spells out the word OCTOPATH: Osvald, Castti, Temenos, Ochette, Partitio, Agnea, Throné, Hikari.
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11. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
- Developer: Monolith Soft
- Genre: Open World, JPRG
- Price: $59.99
- Rated: T for Teen
Looking for some open world switch games besides Zelda? Give Xenoblade Chronicles 3 a shot. It may not have the same theme, but it’s also fantastic.
This Nintendo Switch game is a role-playing adventure where you decide what happens to two nations at war. As Noah and Mio, soldiers from opposing sides, you will unite an unlikely group of heroes to uncover the hidden truth behind the endless conflict.
It’s very addictive, with some players spending 118 hours to complete the whole game. The game features a story of friendship, loss, and the courage to change the world.
12. Stardew Valley
- Developer: ConcernedApe
- Genre: Farming
- Price: $14.99
- Rated: E 10+ for Everyone 10+
“Old is gold” perfectly describes Stardew Valley. Released on October 5, 2017, it remains one of the best Switch games of all time.
Stardew Valley is a fun game where you can farm and live a virtual life. It might remind you of Hay Day developed by Supercell. In this game, you inherit your grandpa’s farm and begin a new adventure in the peaceful Pelican Town.
As you might guess, you can grow crops, take care of animals, mine, and explore caves. You can also make friends, get married, and join community events with the people in town.
13. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Genre: Action-Adventure Platformer
- Price: $49.99 (Standard Edition)
- Rated: T for Teen
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is one of the new Switch games you can play in 2024. Developed by Ubisoft, it is an action-adventure game with amazing graphics to create immersive gaming experience.
In the game, you play as Sargon, going from a skilled swordsman to a legendary warrior. You need to master acrobatic combat and unlock new Time Powers. Your mission is to save Prince Ghassan and solve the mysteries of Mt. Qaf.
14. Unicorn Overlord
- Developer: Vanillaware
- Genre: Tactical Role-Playing Game
- Price: $59.99
- Rated: T for Teen
Another new Nintendo Switch game on our list is Unicorn Overlord. It was released on March 8, 2024, as a tactical RPG published by SEGA.
The game uses a turn-based grid system, like Fire Emblem, with added features like morale, unit formations, and gambits, which make battles more strategic and exciting.
In Unicorn Overlord, you play as Alain, a displaced prince whose mission is to reclaim his throne and free the land from the Zenoiran Empire’s control.
15. Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Developer: HAL Laboratory
- Genre: 3D Platformer
- Price: $59.99
- Rated: E for Everyone
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is one of the best multiplayer Switch games in the platformer genre. This new version is fully in 3D, allowing you to explore vibrant environments and uncover hidden secrets.
As Kirby, you find yourself in a mysterious, abandoned world and must rescue the captured Waddle Dees.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a fun and accessible game for players of all ages, featuring charming visuals, catchy music, and engaging gameplay. It’s great to play or share with your fans as a gaming streamer.
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16. NBA 2K24
- Developer: Visual Concepts
- Genre: Sports Simulation
- Price: $59.99
- Rated: E for Everyone
NBA 2K23 was one of the top Switch games in 2023. Now, its new version, NBA 2K24 Kobe Bryant Edition, offers something even more exciting with Kobe Bryant featured on the cover. The game was officially released on September 8, 2023.
Among all Nintendo Switch games, this one is recommended if you are into sports simulation. You can play as your favorite NBA or WNBA teams and stars, competing against other players online.
The game offers various modes, including MyCAREER, where you create your own player, and MyTEAM, where you build a team of current and legendary players.
17. FIFA 23
- Developer: EA Sports
- Genre: Sports Simulation
- Price: $39.99
- Rated: E for Everyone
For 2024, League of Champions Soccer 2024 is a new Nintendo Switch game that may be worth trying. But, FIFA 23 remains the best Switch game in this category.
FIFA 23 has been optimized for authenticity, from player movements to ball physics. The game offers many customization options, allowing you to create your dream team and compete on a global scale.
The graphics in FIFA 23 are impressive. The attention to detail is notable, making you feel like you’re watching a real soccer game. The stadiums are breathtaking, and the player models are realistic.
But bear in mind that the Switch version lacks some of the advanced features found in other console versions.
18. NieR:Automata The End of YoRHa Edition
- Developer: PlatinumGames
- Genre: Action Role-Playing Game
- Price: $39.99
- Rated: M for Mature
If you’re looking for Nintendo Switch games for kids, NieR:Automata might not be the best option due to its mature themes. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a more suitable choice for younger audiences.
However, NieR:Automata is one of the best games on this platform because it explores deep ideas about life, meaning, and humanity, which other games may not focus on as much.
In this game, you play as androids 2B, 9S, and A2. Your mission is to fight against powerful machines and reclaim a post-apocalyptic world ruled by them. The combat is fast-paced with a mix of light and heavy attacks, and dodges.
If you’re a fan of action RPGs, this game is a must-play.
19. Splatoon 3
- Developer: Nintendo
- Genre: Third-Person Shooter
- Price: $59.99
- Rated: E 10+ for Everyone 10+
If your list of Nintendo Switch games doesn’t include Splatoon 3, you’re missing out on something great. This incredibly creative and unique game takes place in a world where humans and squids coexist. Players can battle in both city settings and natural landscapes.
In Splatoon 3, you play as an Inkling or Octoling, where your mission is to cover the most ground with your team’s ink color. Use weapons like splat guns, rollers, and brushes to splatter ink everywhere.
The game features various modes, including Turf War, Ranked Battles, and Salmon Run. If you’re looking for a fun and competitive shooter game, Splatoon 3 is a great choice.
20. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Genre: Open World Action RPG
- Price: $39.99
- Rated: M for Mature
Even though The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was released in 2011, it is still considered one of the best Switch games to play in 2024.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers a stunning world to explore with breathtaking graphics and rich, detailed environments. The gameplay is immersive and engaging, with a variety of quests, battles, and side missions.
In this game, you’ll become Geralt of Rivia, a hunter who fights monsters and has extraordinary powers. The main quest involves finding Ciri, a young woman of immense power hunted by a sinister group called the Wild Hunt.
21. Jack Jeanne
- Developer: Broccoli
- Genre: Visual Novel, Rhythm
- Price: $49.99
- Rated: T for Teen
Looking for something different from RPGs and FPS games? Try Jack Jeanne. This game mixes visual novel and rhythm gameplay for a fresh experience. The story is captivating, filled with emotions, rivalries, friendships, and self-discovery.
Jack Jeanne can be one of your best Switch games especially if you’re a fan of Sui Ishida, the manga artist behind Tokyo Ghoul,
You play as Kisa Tachibana, a protagonist who pretends to be a boy to follow her acting dreams. You’ll handle complicated relationships with classmates, conquer difficult rhythm game parts and more.
22. Paper Mario™: The Thousand-Year Door
- Developer: Intelligent Systems
- Genre: Role-Playing Game
- Price: $59.99
- Rated: E for Everyone
What is the latest Mario game for the Nintendo Switch? It is Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. The game was released on May 23, 2024, and it is an enhanced remaster of the beloved GameCube classic.
The new version has new graphics, an improved soundtrack, and more. These include a better hint system, a new “pipe room” area for easier navigation, and a Battle Master character to help with combat strategies.
In this game, you will explore diverse locations such as the haunted Twilight Town, the glamorous Glitzville, and a mysterious island. All while engaging in humorous and engaging turn-based battles.
23. Metroid Dread
- Developer: MercurySteam
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Price: $59.99
- Rated: E 10+ for Everyone 10+
If you are looking for the best Nintendo Switch games featuring fast-paced combat against a variety of enemies, Metroid Dread can be a great choice. This game is known for its tough gameplay, and traditional Metroidvania exploration.
You can explore the planet ZDR as Samus Aran, a bounty hunter. Your mission is to uncover the mystery behind a strange transmission while dealing with robots known as E.M.M.I that are lurking on the planet.
24. Tactics Ogre: Reborn
- Developer: Square Enix
- Genre: Tactical Role-Playing Game
- Price: $49.99
- Rated: T for Teen
Tactics Ogre: Reborn is one of the popular Nintendo Switch games that fans of tactical RPGs should not miss. It offers stunning visuals, improved gameplay mechanics, and a catchy soundtrack. It’s a great choice for teens who enjoy gaming.
You play as Denim Powell, leading a team through a war-torn land. Your choices determine the story’s outcome. Despite the challenges, the rewarding feeling of success makes it worthwhile.
The battles are turn-based and occur on grid-based maps. To win, you must strategically position your units, use their unique skills, and take advantage of the terrain.
25. Death’s Door
- Developer: Acid Nerve
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Price: $19.99
- Rated: T for Teen
Even three years after its release on November 23, 2021, Death’s Door remains a captivating action-adventure game that is fun to play.
As Crow, you’re the soul reaper in charge of collecting souls from creatures that have overstayed their welcome. Your mission is to explore a stunning yet eerie world, solve puzzles, and engage in intense combat using melee weapons, arrows, and magic.
Death’s Door is one of the cheap Nintendo Switch games known for its challenging gameplay, charming art style, and haunting soundtrack.
26. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
- Developer: Simogo
- Genre: Puzzle, Adventure
- Price: $24.99
- Rated: T for Teen
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, which is released on May 16, 2024, is a great puzzle game. We consider this game one of the best Nintendo Switch games.It has awesome black and white visuals, surreal atmosphere and unique gameplay.
In this game, you will be a woman caught up in a mystery. You will explore an old hotel filled with secrets and optical illusions. To solve the mystery of Lorelei, you must figure out cryptic clues and tackle puzzles.
27. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
- Developer: Capcom
- Genre: Turn-Based Role-Playing Game
- Price: $59.99
- Rated: E 10+ for Everyone 10+
In Monster Hunter Stories 2, you become a Rider who befriends and raises them as companions called “Monsties”. This unique RPG should definitely be on your list of Nintendo Switch games for 2024.
The game is all about your adventure to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of Rathalos and the prophecy of the Wings of Ruin.
In all battles, the game uses a turn-based system and relies on a rock-paper-scissors method of attack types. Choose the right attack (Power, Speed, Technical) to get ahead. Plus, use powerful Kinship Skills with your Monstie for powerful combos.
28. Pentiment
- Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
- Genre: Narrative Adventure
- Price: $19.99
- Rated: M for Mature
Another cheap Nintendo Switch game in the unique narrative adventure genre is Pentiment. It follows the adventure of Andreas Maler, an artist in 16th-century Bavaria. You’ll play as him and investigate a murder in a small village.
In this game, you’ll have conversations with villagers and make choices that impact the story. You will deduce clues through your actions and observations. Your background and skills as Andreas will shape how you approach the investigation.
Top Upcoming Switch Games in 2024
Here are the most recommended upcoming games on Switch you should play when they are released:
| Name | Genre | Descriptio | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo World Championships: NES™ Edition | Racing | Relive the classic NES championship | 18 July 2024 |
| Cat Quest III | Action RPG | Open-world adventure with cats and magic | 08 August 2024 |
| FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time | RPG | Craft, build, and battle in a fantasy world | 10 October 2024 |
| Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog | Visual Novel | Explore a desolate world with a loyal canine companion | 20 February 2025 |
| Morkull Ragast’s Rage | Action RPG | Fast-paced combat and exploration in a dark fantasy world | 20 September 2024 |
| Hot Lap Racing | Racing | Competitive racing game | 16 July 2024 |
| SteamWorld Heist II | Turn-Based Strategy | Lead a crew of steam-powered robots in tactical shootouts | 08 August 2024 |
| The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak | RPG | Story-driven RPG in the Trails series | 05 July 2024 |
| EARTH DEFENSE FORCE: WORLD BROTHERS 2 | Third-Person Shooter | Defend Earth from alien invaders with wacky weapons | 26 September 2024 |
| CyberCorp | Action RPG | Explore a dystopian future and upgrade your character | 30 January 2025 |
| Garden Witch Life | Life Simulation | Grow magical plants and brew potions in a relaxing life sim | 19 September 2024 |
Which are Your Top Nintendo Switch Games to Play in 2024?
We’ve given you the best Switch games of all time across all categories, from RPGs to open-world adventures to sports games like NBA2K24. Which games do you want to play first?
But, don’t just play for fun. Level up your gaming experience and hone your skills to become a pro. Compete in tournaments, join esports leagues, and monetize your gameplay. You can do this through platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Kick and more.
You can even join membership platforms like Gank where you can sell exclusive content to your fans or accept donations. It’s free to join, and you can sign up now to showcase your top skills. Want to give it a try?
