Best To Worst: Ranking Nintendo Switch Games

Hey guys! So you're looking to dive into the world of Nintendo Switch games, huh? Awesome choice! But with so many titles available, figuring out where to start – or what to avoid – can feel like navigating a warp pipe without a map. That's where I come in! I've compiled a list, ranking some of the most popular Nintendo Switch games from what are generally considered the absolute best to those that... well, might be best left on the shelf. Get ready for a wild ride through the Nintendo Switch library!

The Pantheon: Top-Tier Nintendo Switch Games

Let's kick things off with the crème de la crème – the games that consistently receive rave reviews and are considered must-haves for any Nintendo Switch owner. These titles often showcase the console's unique capabilities, offer incredibly engaging gameplay, and boast high replay value. Games in this tier often set new standards for their respective genres and leave a lasting impact on the gaming landscape. When you think of the quintessential Nintendo Switch experience, these are the games that immediately spring to mind. They are the system sellers, the titles that convince people to invest in the console, and the games that players will continue to revisit for years to come. From sprawling open-world adventures to meticulously crafted platformers, this category represents the pinnacle of Nintendo Switch gaming. So, without further ado, let's delve into the specifics of what makes these games so exceptional. Consider these titles as the cornerstones of your Nintendo Switch library. Each one offers a unique and unforgettable experience, showcasing the versatility and charm of the console. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the world of Nintendo, these titles are guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment and create lasting memories. Don't hesitate to add these gems to your collection; they are truly worth every penny and represent the very best that the Nintendo Switch has to offer.

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Let's be real, this was always going to be at the top. Breath of the Wild isn't just a game; it's an experience. Its massive open world is brimming with secrets, challenges, and breathtaking vistas. The freedom it offers is unparalleled, allowing you to explore Hyrule at your own pace and in your own way. The physics-based gameplay is incredibly satisfying, encouraging experimentation and creative problem-solving. The story, while understated, is deeply moving, and the characters are memorable. Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece that redefines the open-world genre and sets a new standard for video game design. It’s an absolute must-own for any Switch owner.
• Super Mario Odyssey: Odyssey is a pure joy from start to finish. It's a vibrant, imaginative, and endlessly inventive platformer that captures the essence of what makes Mario games so special. Cappy, Mario's new companion, adds a brilliant new mechanic that allows you to capture enemies and objects, transforming into everything from a T-Rex to a Goomba. The level design is phenomenal, each kingdom offering a unique and visually stunning environment to explore. The game is packed with secrets and collectibles, encouraging you to explore every nook and cranny. Super Mario Odyssey is a celebration of the Mario franchise and a testament to Nintendo's creativity and innovation. It's a must-play for anyone who loves platformers or just wants a dose of pure, unadulterated fun. It's a reminder of why Mario is such an enduring icon in the gaming world.
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons: This game became a cultural phenomenon, and for good reason. New Horizons offers a relaxing and endlessly customizable island getaway. You can build your dream home, collect furniture, catch bugs and fish, and interact with adorable animal villagers. The game's real-time clock and calendar create a sense of progression and make each day feel unique. The online multiplayer allows you to visit your friends' islands and share your creations. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect game to unwind with after a long day. It's a charming, heartwarming, and endlessly addictive experience that will keep you coming back for more. It's a digital escape that provides a sense of community and creativity, making it a truly special game.

Great Games with Minor Flaws

Next up, we have the games that are fantastic but might have a few minor drawbacks that prevent them from reaching the top tier. These might include slightly repetitive gameplay, a less compelling story, or some technical issues. However, these flaws are generally outweighed by the game's strengths, such as innovative mechanics, stunning visuals, or engaging multiplayer. These games are still well worth playing and offer a substantial and enjoyable experience. While they may not be perfect, they represent a significant contribution to the Nintendo Switch library and showcase the console's diverse range of capabilities. Players may find themselves thoroughly engrossed in these titles, overlooking the minor imperfections and appreciating the overall quality and entertainment value. They are the games that you'll happily recommend to friends, with a few caveats. So, let's take a closer look at what sets these games apart and what holds them back from true greatness. These are the games that offer a fantastic experience, but with a few asterisks.

• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: This is the ultimate party game! With a massive roster of characters from across gaming history, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a celebration of the medium. The gameplay is fast-paced and chaotic, with a huge variety of stages and items to keep things interesting. The single-player content is extensive, offering a variety of challenges and modes to master. However, the online multiplayer can be laggy at times, and the sheer amount of content can be overwhelming for newcomers. It's a blast to play with friends, but the online experience can be frustrating. Still, its scope and character roster are unmatched.
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: A classic kart racer, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is polished to perfection. The controls are tight and responsive, the tracks are imaginative and visually stunning, and the roster of characters is diverse. The battle mode is also a lot of fun. However, some players might find the game a bit too easy, and the lack of new content compared to the Wii U version might disappoint some. It's a great game, but it's not a huge leap forward from its predecessor. But it’s Mario Kart, so you know it’s good!
• Splatoon 2: Splatoon 2 is a unique and innovative shooter that emphasizes teamwork and strategy. The objective is to cover the map in your team's ink, and the gameplay is surprisingly deep and engaging. The single-player campaign is also well-designed, and the online multiplayer is generally stable. However, some players might find the motion controls to be a bit awkward, and the lack of voice chat can make communication difficult. It’s quirky and fun, but not for everyone.

Middle of the Road: Decent but Not Essential

Now we move into the games that are okay. They're not bad, but they're not particularly memorable either. They might offer a decent amount of entertainment, but they often lack the polish, innovation, or lasting appeal of the higher-ranked titles. These games might be worth checking out if you're a fan of the genre or if they're on sale, but they're not essential purchases for every Nintendo Switch owner. They are the games that you might play once and then forget about, or the ones that you'll only pull out when you're looking for something to fill a specific niche. While they may have some redeeming qualities, they ultimately fall short of being truly great games. These are the titles that occupy the middle ground of the Nintendo Switch library, offering a passable but not exceptional experience. They're the meh games, if you will. So, let's explore what makes these games merely decent and why they don't quite reach the heights of the top-tier titles. These are the games you might borrow from a friend, but probably wouldn’t buy.

• ARMS: ARMS is a unique fighting game with a cool concept, but the gameplay can get repetitive after a while. The motion controls are well-implemented, but some players might prefer traditional controls. The roster of characters is diverse, but not all of them are equally viable. It's a fun game to play in short bursts, but it lacks the depth and replayability of other fighting games.
• Kirby Star Allies: Kirby Star Allies is a charming and colorful platformer, but it's also very easy. The ability to recruit enemies as allies is a fun mechanic, but it makes the game even less challenging. The level design is decent, but not particularly memorable. It's a good game for younger players, but older players might find it too simplistic.
• Mario Tennis Aces: Mario Tennis Aces offers a fun and accessible tennis experience, but the online multiplayer is plagued with issues. The story mode is also surprisingly challenging, but not in a good way. The gameplay is enjoyable, but the lack of polish and the online problems hold it back.

The Bottom Tier: Games to Avoid

Finally, we arrive at the bottom of the barrel – the games that are generally considered to be bad. These might suffer from poor performance, uninspired gameplay, a terrible story, or a combination of all of the above. These are the games that you should probably avoid unless you have a very specific reason to play them. They are the games that will likely leave you feeling disappointed and frustrated, and they are certainly not worth your time or money. These titles often represent missed opportunities or rushed development cycles, resulting in a subpar gaming experience. They are the games that give the Nintendo Switch a bad name and contribute to the perception that not all games on the platform are created equal. So, let's take a look at some of the worst offenders and why they deserve to be avoided. These are the games you'll regret buying, even on sale. Seriously, just don't.

• Override: Mech City Brawl: This game had promise, but the execution is terrible. The controls are clunky, the graphics are dated, and the gameplay is repetitive. The online multiplayer is also dead. There's really no reason to play this game.
• Syberia 3: Syberia 3 is a poorly optimized and buggy adventure game with a confusing story and uninspired puzzles. The voice acting is atrocious, and the characters are unlikeable. It's a chore to play from start to finish.
• Tiny Racer: Tiny Racer is a simple racing game that is hampered by poor controls, repetitive tracks, and a lack of content. There are much better racing games available on the Switch, so there's no reason to waste your time with this one.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – a ranking of Nintendo Switch games from best to worst (in my humble opinion!). Of course, taste is subjective, and what one person considers to be a masterpiece, another might find boring. But hopefully, this list has given you a good starting point for exploring the vast and diverse library of Nintendo Switch games. Happy gaming, everyone! Remember to always do your research and read reviews before buying a game, and don't be afraid to try something new. You might just discover your new favorite game!