Nintendo Switch games you must-play

It’s no secret, the Nintendo Switch hit the ground running when it launched and has not looked back. It has become the fast selling home video game system of all time in many markets, and as of September 30, 2018 has sold 22.86 million units world wide. Since launch, we have seen a ton of great games get released for the system.

In addition to an amazing line up of games released last year, this year has has seen its fair share of amazing games come to the Switch. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 5 Nintendo Switch games you must-play.

Nintendo Switch games you must-playOctopath Traveler

Developers: Square Enix and Acquire
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Role-playing
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

As a big fan of role-playing games and Square Enix, Octopath Traveler has quickly become one of my favourite Nintendo Switch games that you must-play this year. It features turn based battles, non-linear gameplay, and the ability to play as a one of eight unique characters. Not only are the characters unique looking, they all have a story to tell that is vastly different from the next.

Along the way you’ll encounter other characters, whom you can recruit, with their own stories to tell. Each character’s story plays out without the help of the others in your party. Each story is told through the in-game engine and includes spoken dialogue in major areas of the story.

Without a doubt, one of the first things that will draw you in to Octopath Traveler is its HD-2D graphics. The game exquisitely combines sprite based characters with lush 3D environments and spectacular effects. This game is the perfect love letter to the fans of the 16-bit golden era of JRPGs. I applaud Square Enix and Acquire for taking the risk on creating a game with such charm and charisma.

Get Octopath Traveler for Nintendo Switch
Purchase Octopath Traveler Digital Download for Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch games you must-playStarlink: Battle for Atlas

Developer: Ubisoft Toronto
Publisher: Ubisoft
Genre: Action-adventure
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)

Hop aboard your starship and blast off in this open-world game, which allows you explore the Atlas star system with total freedom. With a diverse cast of characters, including Switch exclusive Star Fox team members, you’ll build and customize your starship in real life before taking it into battle to defeat the Forgotten Legion and save the Atlas star system.

Ubisoft Toronto did a fantastic job incorporating the Star Fox team into the game. They never felt as if they were shoe horned in. Starlink: Battle for Atlas is all about exploration and includes seven planets to explore. Each planet is different from the next making each one a unique experience. Additionally, the game features a co-op mode. This can be activated at anytime and surprisingly the visuals hold up pretty well.

The game was developed from day one to include toys-to-life figures with the game. As such, each starter kit comes with one ship, a pilot, a few mountable weapons and a mount to attach to your controller to connect everything. I feel that the game is well-balanced and makes it one of the best Nintendo Switch games you must-play.

Get Starlink: Battle for Atlas on Nintendo Switch
See the full line up of Starlink: Battle for Atlas accessories

Nintendo Switch games you must-playDiablo III Eternal Collection

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Genre: Action role playing, hack and slash
Modes: Single player, multi-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

One of the greatest dungeon-crawling adventures has finally made its debut on the Switch, Diablo III Eternal Collection. The gameplay loop in Diablo III Eternal Collection is so simple but so addicting. Blast through waves of demonic enemies, gather loot, and repeat. It’s the perfect game to jump in and out of whenever you can steal a few minutes with your Nintendo Switch.

It’s the most complete bundle to date, including both the Reaper of Souls and (most recent) Rise of the Necromancer expansions. This means that there are a full seven different classes available to choose from. Developer Blizzard put in some nice bonus Zelda exclusives just for its Nintendo fanbase.

You can earn a unique Cucco companion pet to accompany you around Sanctuary. And, there is also a Tri-Force portrait frame. Additionally, you’ll get a unique set of cosmetic wings as well. Last but certainly not least, is a unique transmogrification set. This exclusive content is inspired by Link’s iconic nemesis. You’ll be able to sport the armour of none other than Ganondorf himself.

Diablo III Eternal Collection on the go with the Switch is a brand new experience entirely. The gameplay is addictive and fun to master. There is so much content and replayability between the seven different classes and perpetually new seasons and challenges, making it one of the Nintendo Switch games you must-play this year.

Get Diablo III Eternal Collection for Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch games you must-playPokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokemon Let’s Go, Eevee!

Developer: Game Freak
Publishers: The Pokémon Company and Nintendo
Genre: Role-playing
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

The first main Pokémon RPG games, Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokemon Let’s Go, Eevee! have arrived on the Nintendo Switch. With updated gameplay, which mixes classic Pokémon and modern Pokémon GO gameplay mechanics, these games have been designed so that everyone can enjoy.

Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Evee! takes place in the Kanto region. You assume the role as a new trainer from Pallet Town, getting ready to set out on a grand adventure. If you’ve never played the game or any game in the series you won’t feel left out. The game never assumes you’re a Pokémon pro and as such make these games very accessible for anyone to pickup and play.

Once you encounter and interact with a wild Pokémon, catching them plays out in the same manner as Pokémon GO does. In order to catch the Pokémon, you must have an empty Poké Ball, and you can either use one of the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers or the new Poké Ball Plus. Using motion controls, you fling either the Joy-Con or Poké Ball Plus at the screen to try and capture the Pokémon.

Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Evee! both feature co-op play, which allows a second Trainer to drop into the game at anytime. In addition, an online mode is included, which allows you to battle against other online Trainers. If you are wondering what the major difference between the two versions of the game are, it boils down to version exclusive Pokémon. Both games offer the exact same gameplay and story, so you won’t be missing out. This is a game you won’t want to miss out playing and one of the top 5 Nintendo Switch games you must-play this year.

Get Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokemon Let’s Go, Eevee!
Purchase Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! with Poké Ball Plus
Buy Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee! with Poké Ball Plus
Get Poké Ball Plus for Switch

Nintendo Switch games you must-playSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate

Developers: Bandai Namco Studios Sorta Ltd.
Publishers: Nintendo
Genre: Fighting
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the newest entry in the franchise and is going to be awesome. Never has there been so many playable characters, 74 in all, in just one game. And, there will be fresh new content in the form of new fighters, stages and music through the end of February 2020 in the form of DLC.

Additionally, there is a single player adventure mode called World of Light. Not much is known, but what we do know is that something has caused characters in the game to lose their bodies and transform into spirits. I have had several chances to play the game through out the year at Nintendo events, and there is no doubt in my mind this is one of the top Nintendo Switch games you must-play this year.

Get Super Smash Bros Ultimate
Purchase Get Super Smash Bros Ultimate Digital Download
Buy Super Smash Bros Ultimate with Fighters Pass Digital Download

Top 5 Nintendo Switch games you must-play

That’s our list of the top 5 Nintendo Switch games you must-play. The holidays are fast approaching and you’re sure to make the Nintendo Switch gamer on your list happy with any of these games. Be sure to check out Best Buy Canada for even more great gift ideas for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

Click here to see the full line of video game software available at Bestbuy.ca

Jon Scarr
Jon is the Gaming Editor and is based in Toronto. He is a proud Canadian who has a serious passion for gaming. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry with over 20 years experience. You can often find Jon streaming the latest games on his YouTube channel. Jon loves to talk about gaming and tech, come say hi and join the conversation with Jon on Threads @4ScarrsGaming and @4Scarrsgaming on Instagram.

4 COMMENTS

  1. I don’t know which list would be shorter—this one, or a list of JRPG’s that can be finished in < 20 hours.

    LOL!

  2. Of the games you have listed I think my ranking system for them would be:
    1. Super Smash Bros Ultimate
    2. Pokemon Let’s Go
    3. Diablo 3
    4. Starlink
    5. Octopath Traveller (I would rank Octopatch Traveller higher, but what I really want in a JRPG is something I can finish in about 20 hours if I choose to.)

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