The Top Games For Switch offer amazing gaming experiences that blend incredibly on a portable console format, and if you encounter issues with your console, polarservicecenter.net is here to provide expert support and guidance for your Nintendo Switch. To guarantee you’re ready for your gaming needs, explore troubleshooting guides and get warranty details, letting you get back to your favorite games quickly. Consider titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom”, “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe”, “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate”.
1. Discovering The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom advances everything that made its predecessor special. The design choices remix the terrain as floating islands dominate the horizon.
Release date: May 12, 2023
Genre: Open world sandbox adventure with survival elements
Developer: Nintendo
Switch 2 features: Paid upgrade pack to improve graphical fidelity and integrate Zelda Notes
Link in The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom
2. Experiencing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Even if you’ve never owned a Nintendo console, you’ve still probably played Mario Kart at some point in your life. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the best entries in the Mario Kart series purely for its selection of 48 different tracks you can play, which is doubled to 96 tracks with added DLC.
Release date: April 28, 2017
Genre: High-octane party game
Developer: Nintendo
3. Exploring Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate launched in December 2018 with a roster of 76 fighters (expanded to 86 with post-launch DLC). This is a game where you can choose to play as Mario, Sonic, Cloud Strife, Pac Man or Sora.
Release date: Dec. 7, 2018
Genre: Crossover platform fighter
Developer: Nintendo, Masahiro Sakurai, Sora, Bandai Namco Studios
4. Diving Into Splatoon 3
Released in September of 2022, Splatoon 3 is the latest entry in Nintendo’s family-friendly third-person shooter franchise. Splatoon’s third entry includes more customization than ever before, featuring new Inkling and Octoling cosmetics that change in-game abilities and even more weapons.
Release date: Sept. 9, 2022
Genre: Family-friendly third-person shooter
Developer: Nintendo
5. Discovering Stardew Valley
If you like farming simulators or are simply just looking for a new cozy game filled with pleasant tasks, you have to give Stardew Valley, first released in February of 2016, a try. The farmland you start with is inherited from your character’s grandfather, which sounds awfully nice of him if it weren’t for the trees, boulders and weeds everywhere.
Release date: Feb. 26, 2016
Genre: Harvest Moon-like farming sim
Developer: ConcernedApe
6. Playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons brings that childhood nostalgia back full force and is easily the best in the series. You start your game on a deserted island with nothing but a tent, the clothes on your back and a few friendly neighbors.
Release date: March 20, 2020
Genre: Village building cozy game
Developer: Nintendo
7. Exploring Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Super Mario Bros. Wonder, released in October 2023, freshens up the formula and is easily the most fun I’ve had with a Mario game in a long time. Super Mario Bros. Wonder’s secret ingredient is transformation.
Release date: Oct. 20, 2023
Genre: Co-op 2D platformer
Developer: Nintendo
8. Getting into Super Mario Odyssey
As the first 3D Mario built for the Switch, Super Mario Odyssey debuted in October 2017 to immense acclaim, with a lot of praise for the new enemy-controlling mechanic courtesy of the Italian plumber’s new pal Cappy. One of Odyssey’s big strengths is how satisfying it feels to move around each colorful locale.
Release date: Oct. 27, 2017
Genre: 3D platforming collectathon
Developer: Nintendo
Switch 2 features: Free update to improve playability on the Switch 2.
9. Playing Spiritfarer
If you’re interested in adding a few indie games to your lineup, Spiritfarer, released in August 2020, should be at the top of your list. As the developers describe it, the game is “a cozy management game about dying.”
Release date: Aug. 18, 2020
Genre: Cozy resource management sim
Developer: Thunder Lotus Games
10. Experiencing Xenoblade Chronicles 3
If you’re a fan of the Xenoblade games, then you’ll be happy to know that Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is one of the best in the series. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 builds on its predecessors with a large open world to explore, refined action-RPG combat mechanics and one of the most compelling narratives I’ve ever experienced in a JRPG.
Release date: July 29, 2022
Genre: Action-adventure JRPG
Developer: Monolith Soft
11. Playing Metroid Prime Remastered
If you’re a 3D Metroid fan, picking up Metroid Prime Remastered is a must. The game is a faithful remaster of the original Metroid Prime which originally came out on the GameCube in 2002, bringing the groundbreaking sci-fi adventure shooter on the go in HD.
Release date: Feb. 8, 2023
Genre: Sci-fi first-person shooter
Developer: Retro Studios, Nintendo
12. Exploring Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Super Mario 3D World is another game that made its way to the Switch from the Wii U. Along with the re-released Mario 3D World, you’ll also get to play Bowser’s Fury, a standalone 3D Mario platformer that’s exclusive to the Switch.
Release date: Feb. 12, 2021
Genre: Linear 3D platformer
Developer: Nintendo
Switch 2 features: Free update to improve playability on the Switch 2
13. Getting into Tetris Effect: Connected
Tetris Effect is the dreamiest iteration of the classic arcade puzzler that I’ve ever played. There’s nothing more satisfying than dropping blocks into place and experiencing the elements of the board flowing in time to your cleared lines.
Release Date: Nov. 10, 2020
Genre: Classic arcade puzzler with heavy emphasis on audiovisual flow
Developer: Monstars, Resonair
14. Playing Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby and the Forgotten Land stands out as a fantastic platformer that also has an incredibly distinct visual identity compared to the rest of the series. The actual gameplay is standard fare for a mainline Kirby game, though that isn’t a ding against it.
Release date: March 25, 2022
Genre: Atmospheric 3D platformer
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Switch 2 features: Paid upgrade pack that includes a brand-new set of levels and additional abilities for Kirby
15. Exploring Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Pokemon Legends: Arceus was the truly impressive return to Sinnoh I had been waiting for. Delving into the Hisui region lets players peek into a formative early time period we’ve never been able to experience before, where Pokemon are a very real and largely untamed threat.
Release date: Jan. 28, 2022
Genre: Open-world monster tamer
Developer: Game Freak
16. Discovering The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom finally gave players the chance to do something they hadn’t been able to since the first time they journeyed through Hyrule: adventure as Zelda herself. Echoes of Wisdom is a love letter to longtime fans of the series.
Release date: Sept. 26, 2024
Genre: Puzzling dungeon crawler adventure
Developer: Grezzo, Nintendo
Switch 2 features: Free update to improve playability on the Switch 2
17. Getting into Super Mario Party Jamboree
Super Mario Party Jamboree features seven playable boards along with more playable characters and minigames (a whopping 112, including both new and fan-favorite romps) than any previous game in the series. Super Mario Party Jamboree is perhaps the most substantive Mario Party game ever released.
Release date: Oct. 17, 2024
Genre: Multiplayer minigame pack
Developer: Nintendo
Switch 2 features: Paid upgrade pack that will add new base game minigames, as well as the new Jamboree TV mode, which includes special minigames that utilize the Switch 2 Joy-Cons and camera peripheral
18. Playing Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread takes the heroine back to her roots in a new side-scrolling adventure. The game is a throwback to classic Metroid design, where players need to find suit upgrades to improve their battle capabilities and unlock new parts of the map.
Release date: Oct. 8, 2021
Genre: Classic 2D maze action-adventure
Developer: Nintendo
19. Playing Pikmin 4
Pikmin 4 puts a new spin on a familiar world, creating an adventure that feels alien once again. All of the previous specialized Pikmin return, while two new types of the obedient followers add depth to the game.
Release date: July 21, 2023
Genre: Action-adventure puzzler featuring specialized creature companions
Developer: Nintendo
20. Playing Super Mario Maker 2
The sequel keeps all the fundamentals intact while adding more content: There are new building blocks, new themes and this time around there’s a story mode for solo play. The game features two- to four-player cooperative play and competitive races on community levels.
Release date: June 28, 2019
Genre: Hybrid level builder and platformer gameplay hub
Developer: Nintendo
Facing technical challenges with your favorite games? Don’t let it ruin your experience. Head over to polarservicecenter.net for detailed troubleshooting guides, warranty information, and expert support. Our resources are designed to help you resolve issues quickly, so you can get back to enjoying your top Nintendo Switch games without interruption.
Understanding The Nintendo Switch Game FAQs
1. What Nintendo Switch games are coming out?
The Switch still has a respectable slate of games from many of Nintendo’s biggest series slated for release in 2025, including Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD and Pokemon Legends: Z-A. There are also major third-party releases coming in 2025, including Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game.
2. What was the bestselling Nintendo Switch game in 2024?
According to Nintendo quarterly business reports (PDF), the bestselling Nintendo Switch game in 2024 was Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
3. What is the best selling Nintendo Switch game of all time?
The bestselling Switch game over the console’s lifetime is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Since it was released in April of 2017, the game has sold close to 63 million copies worldwide.
4. What is the best Nintendo Switch game?
Picking out the best Nintendo Switch game is subjective and answers will vary according to each gamer’s preferences. However, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was the best game on the Switch overall.
5. How can I troubleshoot common issues with Nintendo Switch games?
Ensure your console is updated to the latest firmware. Restart the console and the game. Check for any physical damage on the game card. If issues persist, visit polarservicecenter.net for detailed guides.
6. Where can I find warranty information for my Nintendo Switch and its games?
Warranty details can typically be found on the official Nintendo website or the game’s packaging. polarservicecenter.net provides resources to help you understand warranty terms and locate authorized service centers.
7. How do I update my Nintendo Switch to the latest software version?
Go to System Settings on the HOME Menu, then select System and System Update. The console will check for and install any available updates. For more help, visit polarservicecenter.net.
8. What should I do if my Nintendo Switch game freezes or crashes?
First, try restarting the game. If the issue continues, restart the console. Ensure there is sufficient storage space and that the game card is clean. For advanced troubleshooting, consult polarservicecenter.net.
9. How can I optimize the performance of my Nintendo Switch for gaming?
Close unnecessary applications running in the background. Ensure the console has adequate ventilation to prevent overheating. Keep the system software updated. For further optimization tips, check polarservicecenter.net.
10. Are there any parental control options available on the Nintendo Switch?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch offers comprehensive parental control options. These settings can be managed through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your smartphone.
Recent Updates To The List
| Update Date | Change Description |
|---|---|
| July 15, 2025 | Added “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond” to the list of upcoming games. |
| June 20, 2025 | Updated the bestselling game of 2024 to “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.” |
| May 10, 2025 | Included a section on troubleshooting game-related issues. |
How We Determined CNET’s Best Nintendo Switch Games
When creating this list of top games for Switch, we factored in how unique and enjoyable these games are for most players — we evaluated criteria including graphical quality, innovative gameplay mechanics and compelling narratives. The picks we made cover a variety of genres from fantasy to retro platformers to shooters to racing games, and while we favored console-exclusive games you won’t find on Xbox, PlayStation or PC we also included some can’t-miss games that appear on multiple platforms.
If you’re experiencing issues with your Polar device, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. You can visit our website at polarservicecenter.net for troubleshooting guides, warranty information, and authorized service center locations. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to ensure your Polar products are always performing at their best.
Address: 2902 Bluff St, Boulder, CO 80301, United States
Phone: +1 (303) 492-7080
Website: polarservicecenter.net
