If filling your sweet, sweet time with virtual worlds, fantasy creatures or throwbacks to those glorious 2D interfaces then sit tight and get ready for the best Nintendo Switch games.
Rattled with wild adventures and a whole lot of fun to treat your mind to a little bit of cruise control, get set for the ultimate gameplays that tick all the box, even for absolute beginners.
Check out the best Nintendo Switch games of 2022.
ARMS
Price: $84.29
Nintendo’s newest take on the fighting game genre, ARMS is a unique multiplayer adventure that includes sci-fi weapons, arm-stretching boxing and cartoonish aesthetics to keep you enthralled. The player holds on Joy-Con in each hand to throw left and right punches at the opponent while they jump, dash, bend and twist, gradually discovering more advanced tactics as you play. Customise your fighters with over 40 ARMS each with different sizes, weights and elements to give you an edge. Buy it here.
Monster Hunter Rise
Price: $79.95
For those who love a hunt, Monster Hunter Rise is definitely for you. Step in the shoes of a seriously heroic hunter ready for plenty of epic missions and quests that will challenge even the best of gamers. You’ll have access to a range of weapons and tools to conquer the huge monsters and fierce savage beasts out to get you, or enlist up to three other buddies to help you out on major hunting sprees and battles. Buy it here.
Just Dance 2022
Price: $39
It seems like the brilliant creators of Just Dance can do absolutely no wrong, which is exactly the case with their 2022 edition that promises stacks of new bright aesthetically-pleasing environments along with 40+ new hot tracks from some of the year’s coolest artists. You’ll get toned and fit all whilst having a blast and dancing the day away, and can even start your own routines with Sweat Mode. Buy it here.
Switch Sports
Price: $57.90
Another interactive calorie-burning game to get you feeling your best self, Switch Sports comes from the legends of Wii Sports with an updated Switch format boasting some of the world’s greatest motion-controlled sporting graphics that’ll whip you into shape in no time. Perfect for a solo sweat session or bringing the whole family together for some action, you’ll be able to swing, kick and spike your way to victory all from the comfort of your own lounge room, with a huge collection of different sports such as volleyball, bowling and football. Buy it here.
Bayonetta 2
Price: $94.46
You may have heard of Bayonetta before when it was released on the Wii U to some criticism, but Bayonetta 2 is now bigger and better than ever on the Switch platform praised for its tight controls, style and robust challenges that’ll keep you gripped on your journey. You’ll be able to wield some pretty wild weapons and execute deadly moves to destroy the demons, with the option to connect with friends in a two-player online or wireless co-op fight for fun. Buy it here.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Price: $106.63
For a touch of nostalgia, you can’t go past Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. The production has managed to keep the classic lands and beloved characters we’ve all grown up with, whilst giving a major update to the graphics and settings. A more kid-friendly game great for entertaining younger ones (and for the big kids too), you’ve love the creative varied level design and newly added ‘Funky Kong Mode’ that allows the game to be slightly more forgiving for beginners. Buy it here.
Game Builder Garage
Price: $66.89
For those keen to learn the basics of programming and coding, Game Builder Garage makes you the captain of your own creative world. Whether you want to build your own 3D platformer, high-speed racing game or side-scrolling alien blaster, you can bring all of your unique ideas to life in a fun and easy to navigate way. Once you’re done, you can even share your finished products out to the world. Buy it here.
Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night
Price: $49.65
Set in the dark depths of a demonic castle, a lone savior must survive all of the horrors and unknowns of the world around them. This Castlevania game was created by the beloved Koji Igarashim, the brains behind several other revered games such as Symphony of the Night and Order of Ecclesia. With some pretty stunning graphic design and plenty of frightening twists and turns, this one will have you hooked right away. Buy it here.
Metroid Dread
Price: $91.89
Since its release, Metroid Dread has become the fastest selling Metroid game in both the US and Japan winning several awards and earning multiple global Game of the Year accolades. You’re in for plenty of action and adventure as you follow protagonist Samus’ quest to discover a mysterious foe that has trapped her in an unsettling and dangerous world that has been overrun by vicious alien lifeforms and murderous robots. It’s high stakes kill or be killed, so strap yourself in for a real ride. Buy it here.
Reverie Knights Tactics
Price: $50.69
Reverie Knights Tactics is a turn-based tactical RPG with strategic battles in isometric grids where every decision you make can alter the story and the way you configure the characters—which we love. Embark on an expedition to find Lennorien, the long lost Elvian city, all to save your loved ones. You’ll also have to fight the goblin wreaking havoc across the continent, just casually. Buy it here.
Space Invaders Forever Special Edition
Price: $60.79
Everybody needs that one classic video game in their arsenal so say hello to Space Invaders. As the founding father of the video game world, this three-game collection is an absolute must and will no doubt give you all the brownie points the next time your mates come over. In this set, you'll find the classic gameplay with enhanced visuals and sounds, couch multiplayer for up to four players and Arkanoid Vs. Space Invaders to bring together two arcade juggernauts. Buy it here.
Subnautica: Below Zero
Price: $69
We mean, there’s really no better time than now to take a deep dive into a freezing underwater world on an alien planet. Below Zero is an underwater adventure game (a new chapter in the Subnaurica universe for our pros out there) where you’ll submerge your character in an arctic region of Planet 4546B to find out what happened to your sister. It’ll be up to you to uncover the truth, solve databanks, survive with limited resources (by scavenging and crafting equipment out of debris), discover uncharted biomes like Crystal Caverns and Thermal Vents plus research alien lifeforms. This Nintendo Switch game is perfect for novice players and somewhat therapeutic if you’re looking to wind down after the workday or kill some time over the weekend. Buy it here.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Price: $69
As one of the best Switch games for adults, The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, is an undisputed reigning champion of adventures upon adventures. Not only is it visually stunning but this open-air quest allows you to explore forests and mountain peaks as you unveil over 100 Shrines of Trials. Buy it here.
Super Mario Odyssey Game
Price: $68
It goes without saying that the Super Mario Odyssey Game is one of the best switch games for complete Nintendo beginners. This OG gameplay will have new moves for you to master (like cap throw, cap jump and taking control of all sorts of things) as well as a whole new suite of stunning locations including Donk City. Buy it here.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Price:$63
All hail the one Switch game that literally saved us from those lockdown blues. Another great op for beginners on switch (especially because it's made exclusively for switch), Animal Crossing: New Horizons is all about kicking it back old school style and creating a virtual life for yourself filled with gardening, fishing, decorating and a whole lot more. Buy it here.
Pokémon Sword & Pokemon Shield
Price:$126.95
A bundle is always a good idea and if it’s good enough for the Reddit fans, it’s good enough for us. This one is for the legends out there well-versed in all things switch so get ready to discover Galar and lose a day or two of your life while you’re at it (but it’s so worth it). Here, you’ll traverse a diverse range of environments, from peaceful countryside to modern cities and thick forests to snow-covered mountains. Your mission will be to live and work together closely with other people and Pokémon to develop the industries within these areas (and yes, you’ll get to choose your Pokémon partner to help you do it). Buy it here.
The Witcher III Wild Hunt
Price: $89
Here’s the thing, The Witcher III Wild Hunt has won over 250 ‘Game Of The Year’ awards for its story-driven and open-world adventure set in a dark fantasy universe. You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary Monster Slayer. At your disposal is every tool of the trade—razor-sharp swords, lethal mixture, stealthy crossbows, and powerful combat magic. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down the child of prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world. Buy it here.
Celeste
Price: $19.95
Celeste goes down as one of the very best switch games for adults and beginners so strap yourselves in for some non-stop fun. For this one you’ll have to brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges in this super-tight platformer, as you help Madeline survive her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain. The controls are simple and accessible, simply jump, air-dash, and climb. Lightning-fast respawns keep you climbing as you uncover all the big mysteries of the mountain. Buy it here.
Harvest Moon: One World
Price: $59
One of the newer Switch games on the market, the latest entry in the long-running Harvest Moon series is here to take you all around the world. The Harvest Goddess has gone missing, and it's up to you to help bring her back. Your journey will have you farming beaches, deserts, and even volcanos, raising cows, sheep, camels and even reindeer along the way. Buy it here.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
Price: $14.99
We love an affordable switch game that doesn’t break the bank so say hello Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. This complete edition includes the remaster of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and its original DLCs: the Knives Chau and Wallace Wells Add-On Packs. Definitely, for the old-school fanatics (wink wink to the 2D arcade gameplay), this guy is inspired by the iconic comic book series and movie, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. You’ll get to play as iconic characters like Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers, Knives Chau, Stephen Stills, and level up and learn new awesome abilities, unlock secret items and modes and summon powerful allies. Buy it here.
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Image credit: Tito la star and Erik Mclean
Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchases.