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The Best Nintendo Switch Games (For All Ages)

Last updated on November 4, 2020
Best Nintendo Switch Games (For All Ages)

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Our Picks For The Top Nintendo Switch Games (For All Ages)

Show Contents
Our Take
  Our Top Pick

Nintendo Mario Cart 8 Deluxe Nintendo Switch Game

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Nintendo

Mario Cart 8 Deluxe Switch Game

Overall Take

Fun-Filled Character RacingThis is a great choice for gamers who enjoy a competitive and surprisingly pulse-pounding multiplayer experience.

  Best Classic

Nintendo Microsoft Minecraft Nintendo Switch Game

Nintendo

Microsoft Minecraft Switch Game

Overall Take

Crafting and Exploring WorldsA great choice for the gamer who enjoys creativity and exploration with the option to set their own level of difficulty.

  Best Open World

Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch Game

Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Overall Take

Save the PrincessA beautifully crafted game that will entertain long-time fans of the series as well as players who enjoy open-world exploration for many hours.

Nintendo Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch Game

Nintendo

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch Game

Overall Take

Guide written by Danielle Smyth
Last updated on November 4, 2020

When buying a Nintendo Switch video game, there are a few things to take into consideration. First and foremost, be aware of what gaming system you are buying for.

Several different systems have similar-sounding names, such as the Nintendo DS as opposed to the DS Lite or the 3DS, or the Nintendo Wii as opposed to the Nintendo Wii U. They’re similar sounding names, but the games designed for one system are not playable on the others.

Another important consideration is the desired play style. Some gamers enjoy playing competitively against other humans in real time, while others prefer to pit themselves against the computer AI.

Alternately, there are gamers who prefer to play in a non-confrontational way, exploring and creating or cooperating to achieve a common goal. Some people simply love solving puzzles. There are as many play styles as there are personalities.

The Best Nintendo Switch Games (For All Ages)

1
  Our Top Pick

Nintendo Mario Cart 8 Deluxe Nintendo Switch Game

A deluxe release of the classic party game, this version is capable of supporting up to four players, connected locally or online. You also have the option of playing offline against the computer in a race to the finish line. This release for the Nintendo Switch includes “Smart Steering” and “Auto Accelerate” options for the younger racers who are still getting the hang of a racing game format.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Nintendo
Model
2
  Best Classic

Nintendo Microsoft Minecraft Nintendo Switch Game

An updated version of the famously well-known block-crafting game, players can choose to fight for survival as they explore their own personal world, or use unlimited resources to build intricate and imaginative sculptures, cities and inventions. This version includes the original offline option as well as the ability to connect to servers and explore other players’ creations or explore a world together with friends.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Nintendo
Model
3
  Best Open World

Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch Game

An open world addition to the historic franchise, this is a sprawling game allowing immense freedom in the path the chosen knight takes on his way to save the kingdom (and the titular princess, of course). As an offline game for the Wii U console, the player can choose if they will explore every nook and cranny of the world, crafting potions and food, collecting armor and weapons until they are as powerful as possible, or to charge straight into the castle waving a stick to confront the ancient evil.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Nintendo
Model
5
  Best Throwback

Nintendo Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Nintendo Switch Game

An old-school, 2-D platformer brought up to date, this latest addition to a classic monkey-based side-scroller series has been tweaked for the Switch after its initial release on the Wii U. New playable characters and a “Funky” mode, which makes gameplay easier for less experienced or coordinated players, make this game both exciting and accessible.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Nintendo
Model

Our Nintendo Switch Game (For All Ages) Buying Guide

When buying a Nintendo Switch video game, there are a few things to take into consideration. First and foremost, be aware of what gaming system you are buying for.

Several different systems have similar-sounding names, such as the Nintendo DS as opposed to the DS Lite or the 3DS, or the Nintendo Wii as opposed to the Nintendo Wii U. They’re similar sounding names, but the games designed for one system are not playable on the others.

Another important consideration is the desired play style. Some gamers enjoy playing competitively against other humans in real time, while others prefer to pit themselves against the computer AI.

Alternately, there are gamers who prefer to play in a non-confrontational way, exploring and creating or cooperating to achieve a common goal. Some people simply love solving puzzles. There are as many play styles as there are personalities.

DWYM Fun Fact

The Nintendo company is more than 100 years old — far older than video gaming. Founded in 1889 as a playing/trading card company, Nintendo stayed relevant by focusing on each wave of fad toys and games. Their marketing strategy of remaining fluid and exploring all options eventually established them as one of the most robust game-centered businesses in operation today.

Nintendo has many branching markets in comics, figurines, toys, TV shows, music and movies. Nintendo’s first game system was initially released in 1989 and called the Famicom. Later renamed the NES, or Nintendo Entertainment System, this gaming system was sold from 1989 until 2003, making it the longest-selling console of all time.

The Nintendo Switch Game (For All Ages) Tips and Advice

  • Set a budget when shopping for games. Many games have extra features, add-ons, posters, figurines, comics, game guides and more. These are tempting and confusing if you don’t have a clear goal in mind. While extras are nice, they are not inherently necessary and can add up quickly
  • Be aware of which games require an internet connection, and which ones do not.
  • The Nintendo Switch Online Membership is a separate, monthly subscription not included in the purchase of any game. Having an internet connection is not enough. Buying a fun new game only to discover that you cannot afford the monthly online membership can be disappointing.
  • Consider what will make the game experience most fulfilling for the person who will be playing. You know your own preferences and needs better than anyone, but if you are purchasing a game as a gift, be aware of the recipient’s play style. Buying a real-time racing game for someone who doesn’t enjoy competition or being ranked may not be received well, and getting a free-form creative game for someone who enjoys high-intensity action may also fall flat.

About The Author

Danielle Smyth 

Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketing expert based in New York. She has been writing on business and finance, home and garden, DIY, travel and tourism, and a variety of other topics for over a decade, and she holds a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University. Danielle loves working on product reviews and helping others find the highest quality items at the right prices. She loves classic movies, classic rock, and the latest in entertainment, and she's committed to seeking out the greatest values and trends.