The Switch is one of the most popular and prominent Nintendo systems ever. There's something special about taking home-console-quality gaming equipment everywhere you go. But to find out what to play—becoming that's harder every year, as the list of first-party and independent games expands larger and deeper.
Luckily, WIRED has a number of Nintendo fans on the board, and we've placed our heads together to assemble a collection of the best Switch titles. We've mentioned the digital edition for most of them here, so make sure you have a spacious MicroSD card to hold all of your game data. (We will suggest this one.) Be sure to read our Switch Tips and Passwords, Favorite Switch Accessories, and Pack Offers as well.
Mega Mario Odyssey for All
If it weren't for Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey would have carried home even more game-of-the-year trophies. The game plays like a 3D Mario game, à la Mario 64, except instead of gathering the stars, you're looking for nearly 1,000 moons that will propel your airship. The environments are sloppy and tightly filled with a completely fresh gameplay, including Mario's latest feather hat that make him embody iconic Super Mario monsters like Chomp Chains. In our analysis, we named it a "surrealist achievement."
1-2 teams are eligible to play together
For holidaymakers
Nintendo Pet Crossing: Fresh Horizons
The newest Animal Crossing instalment is ploping you on a deserted island. With the aid of DIY ingredients, crafting tools, your neighbours and your beloved capitalist raccoon, you will transform the island into a buzzing paradise. Robust social features encourage you to live your island dreams alongside your real-life mates (though local co-op is a little lacking). This title is really appropriate if you might use a mental break.
1-8 players can communicate with each other
To the Explorers
Zelda's Legend: Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild is a beautiful re-imagination of the series The Legend of Zelda. The linear plot of the previous Zelda games is gone altogether, replaced with a wide-open universe of dungeons and hidden mysteries that can be played with as you wish. At times, the air of the Wild is more complicated and keeps your hand less, but it's so incredibly enjoyable to discover Hyrule, and you'll love making errors. Did we note the Connection might ascend some of the mountains you see in this picture? Read the entire analysis.
1 player is permitted to explore Hyrule
Shipbuilders
Spiritfarer's
It's funny how many games you place a pistol in your lap. What was the last game you played without a fight? Spiritfarer is a death-game, but even so, you spend your time creating, crafting, and caring for the souls of the recently deceased. The only thing you're trying to fight is the desire to scream. You guide them as they cope with their deaths, their futures, and their traumas. You carry them on the other side—the afterlife—when you've finished your work.
This game feels like walking into a Miyazaki movie—from the beautiful graphics, score, and exciting gameplay to the thoughtfully written characters that make you weep. Each and every character can leave an impression on you—even the characters you're loosing. Oh, we're talking about Giovanni. Don't fret, you're going to see. Go for a couple spirits.
1 player is permitted to lead spirits to the afterlife