Best Nintendo Switch Games Of 2017

What's up, gamers! Can you believe it's been years since the Nintendo Switch first hit the scene and dropped a bomb on the gaming world? 2017 was a massive year for Nintendo, and it all kicked off with the launch of their innovative hybrid console. Today, we're going to take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the absolute best Nintendo Switch games that defined that epic launch year. Get ready to feel nostalgic, guys, because we're talking about titles that not only showcased the Switch's potential but also became instant classics. From groundbreaking adventures to multiplayer madness, 2017 gave us a taste of what the Switch was truly capable of, and let me tell you, it was delicious. So, grab your Joy-Cons, settle in, and let's dive deep into the games that made 2017 a legendary year for Nintendo Switch owners.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - A Masterpiece Redefined

When you're talking about the best Nintendo Switch games of 2017, you absolutely cannot skip over The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Seriously, this game wasn't just a launch title; it was a statement. Nintendo showed the world that the Switch was a serious contender, and they did it with a Zelda game that completely blew our minds. Breath of the Wild took everything we thought we knew about open-world exploration and just tossed it out the window. The sheer freedom it offered was unprecedented. You could go anywhere, climb anything, and approach challenges in so many different ways. It wasn't just about following a linear path; it was about discovery, experimentation, and forging your own legend in the vast, beautiful, and sometimes terrifying world of Hyrule. The physics engine was revolutionary, allowing for emergent gameplay that made every playthrough feel unique. Remember trying to use a Korok leaf to glide across a massive gap, or experimenting with elemental arrows to solve puzzles? The weapon durability system, while initially controversial for some, encouraged players to constantly adapt their strategies and utilize the diverse arsenal available. And the shrines! Oh man, those bite-sized puzzle dungeons were perfectly designed to offer quick bursts of challenge and reward, fitting perfectly with the Switch's on-the-go nature. It wasn't just a game; it was an experience, a true testament to Nintendo's ability to innovate and deliver unforgettable adventures. It set a new benchmark for open-world games and is still, years later, considered one of the greatest games ever made. If you owned a Switch in 2017, or even if you didn't, this is the game that made you want one. It's a masterpiece, plain and simple, and a cornerstone of the Switch's incredible success.

Super Mario Odyssey - Pure Joy in a Hat

Next up on our list of essential Nintendo Switch games from 2017 is none other than Super Mario Odyssey. If Breath of the Wild was about grand exploration and epic adventure, Odyssey was pure, unadulterated fun packed into a vibrant, globe-trotting package. Mario, in his 3D platforming glory, teamed up with his new best friend, Cappy, a sentient hat, and together they set off on a mission to stop Bowser from forcing Peach into marriage. Sounds wild, right? But that's the magic of Mario! What made Odyssey so special was its incredible sense of freedom and discovery within its sandbox-style kingdoms. Each kingdom was a playground filled with secrets, challenges, and quirky characters. The Cappy mechanic, allowing Mario to possess enemies and objects, opened up a whole new dimension of gameplay. Throwing Cappy and then leaping onto him for an extended jump, or possessing a Bullet Bill to fly across vast distances – these mechanics were not only innovative but incredibly satisfying to master. The sheer variety of movement options Mario had at his disposal was astounding, making traversal itself a joy. And the Power Moons! There were so many of them, scattered everywhere, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny. Whether you were solving environmental puzzles, engaging in platforming challenges, or just messing around with the physics, Odyssey constantly rewarded your curiosity. The game oozed charm and personality, from the catchy music to the hilarious character interactions. It was a return to form for 3D Mario, but also a bold step forward, proving that the franchise could still innovate and surprise us. It’s the kind of game that makes you smile from ear to ear, and it absolutely deserves its spot among the top Switch games of 2017.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - The Definitive Kart Racer

Alright guys, let's talk about multiplayer mayhem and the undisputed king of couch co-op in 2017: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This wasn't just a racing game; it was the racing game that brought families and friends together for countless hours of competitive fun. While Mario Kart 8 originally launched on the Wii U, its release on the Switch as Deluxe was nothing short of a revelation. It bundled all the DLC from the previous version and added new characters, battle modes, and refined gameplay, making it the most complete and polished Mario Kart experience to date. The core gameplay, with its tight controls and iconic item-flipping chaos, was as addictive as ever. Rainbow Road, Bowser's Castle, Mount Wario – these tracks were beautifully realized in HD, offering both nostalgic joy and new challenges. The addition of the Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate options also made it more accessible for newcomers, ensuring that even gamers who weren't typically into racing could jump in and have a blast. But the real magic of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was in its local multiplayer. Gathering around the TV with friends, yelling at the screen as a blue shell was launched just inches from the finish line, or celebrating that perfect triple red shell hit – these are the moments that defined gaming nights in 2017. It was the perfect showcase for the Switch's versatility, playable on the big screen or taken on the go for impromptu races. It’s a game that transcends age and skill level, offering a pure, unadulterated dose of fun that few other titles can match. Without a doubt, it's one of the greatest Switch games released in 2017.

Splatoon 2 - More Ink, More Fun!

If you were looking for something fresh, vibrant, and utterly unique in 2017, then Splatoon 2 was the game you needed. This title solidified the Nintendo Switch's reputation for offering distinct and engaging multiplayer experiences. Building upon the foundation of the original Splatoon, Splatoon 2 took the ink-splattering, turf-warring action to new heights. The core concept – using ink to cover more territory than your opponents, while also transforming into a squid to swim through your own ink – was brilliantly simple yet incredibly deep. The gameplay was fast-paced, strategic, and incredibly satisfying. Mastering the different weapon types, from rapid-fire shooters to massive rollers and charged chargers, allowed for diverse playstyles. The level design was smart, incorporating verticality and unique layouts that encouraged creative use of ink. Beyond the main Turf War mode, Splatoon 2 introduced Salmon Run, a cooperative mode where players team up to fend off waves of increasingly challenging Salmonid enemies. This mode was a fantastic addition, offering a different kind of cooperative challenge that was both frantic and rewarding. The game also boasted a stylish aesthetic, catchy music, and a quirky, memorable cast of characters. Nintendo consistently supported Splatoon 2 with free updates, new weapons, maps, and even special events called Splatfests, keeping the community engaged and the gameplay fresh for years. It was a testament to Nintendo's ability to create new IPs that resonate with players, and Splatoon 2 became a must-have for anyone seeking a colorful, competitive, and incredibly fun shooter experience on the Switch. It’s a standout among the best Switch games of 2017 for its sheer originality and addictive gameplay loop.

Other Notable Mentions from 2017

While the titans like Zelda, Mario, and Mario Kart often steal the spotlight when we talk about the best Nintendo Switch games of 2017, it's important to remember the rich tapestry of titles that also made that year so special. The Switch's launch library and early releases were packed with gems that offered diverse experiences for every type of gamer. For instance, 1-2-Switch was an innovative party game that truly leaned into the Joy-Cons' unique capabilities, offering quirky mini-games that focused on player interaction and reaction rather than on-screen action. It was a perfect showcase for the Switch's novelty, even if it wasn't a deep gaming experience. Then there was ARMS, a surprisingly strategic and accessible fighting game that utilized motion controls in a fresh way. Mastering the different ARMS characters and their unique arm projectiles offered a surprisingly high skill ceiling and a lot of competitive fun. For RPG fans, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 arrived later in the year, offering a massive, sprawling adventure with a deep combat system and a rich world to explore, though it was definitely a commitment for players. We also saw fantastic ports and indie darlings make their mark. Games like Stardew Valley found a perfect home on the Switch, offering its charming farming and life simulation gameplay on the go. The indie scene was buzzing, and the Switch became a haven for these creative titles. Even early third-party support, though limited at first, showed promise with games like DOOM (2016) and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim receiving ports that, while technically compromised, brought huge experiences to a portable platform. These games, along with many others, contributed to a phenomenal first year for the Nintendo Switch, proving that the console was more than just a handful of flagship titles. They rounded out a lineup that cemented the Switch as a must-have console and ensured that 2017 would be remembered as a landmark year for gaming. These titles collectively highlight the incredible breadth of experiences available, making it hard to pick just a few favorites from such a strong year.

Wrapping Up: A Golden Year for the Switch

So there you have it, guys! Looking back at the best Nintendo Switch games of 2017 really underscores just how incredible the console's launch year was. From the genre-defining open world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to the pure platforming joy of Super Mario Odyssey, the chaotic fun of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and the unique shooter action of Splatoon 2, Nintendo absolutely knocked it out of the park. These games didn't just sell consoles; they defined a new era of gaming, showcasing the Switch's hybrid nature and Nintendo's unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. They proved that a console could be both a home entertainment powerhouse and a portable companion, seamlessly blending the two. The sheer variety and quality on display in 2017 set a high bar for the years that followed, and it's a testament to the enduring appeal of these titles that many are still played and loved today. Whether you were a seasoned gamer or someone just jumping into the Switch ecosystem, 2017 offered something truly special. It was a year of discovery, of incredible adventures, and of unforgettable gaming moments. What were your favorite Switch games from that inaugural year? Let us know in the comments below! This lineup is why the Nintendo Switch remains one of the most beloved consoles of its generation, and it all started with a bang in 2017.