The Nintendo Switch is my favorite console. Not only because I can switch between playing on the TV to playing the handheld console in bed, but also because of the exclusive games and plethora of indie titles.

If you’re someone who just picked up the console for the first time and have no idea which games to start adding to your library, we’ve gathered 10 of our top picks below.

You can also check out our list of the best indie games for Nintendo Switch if you’re looking for something different.

Super Mario Odyssey

IGN: 10/10
Metacritic: 97%

When it comes to Nintendo, Mario and The Legend of Zelda games have been essential franchises for a long time. So it’s not that surprising that both flagship titles are on this list.

First of all, if you have a Nintendo console and don’t play the main Mario game on the platform, you’re doing it wrong. Super Mario Odyssey takes all of the elements of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario 64 and blends them to perfection. The story goes like most Mario games: Bowser takes princess peach and flies away. Where it begins to differ is that there are magical, sentient hats involved and you get to use yours to take control of enemies throughout the game by sending Mario’s consciousness into them.

Like other Nintendo exclusives, Super Mario Odyssey is only available to play on the Nintendo Switch. You’ll be hard-pressed to find it anywhere for less than full-price, but occasionally there are sales on Amazon that bring the price down.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

IGN: 10/10
Metacritic: 97%

Breath of the Wild was the main reason I decided to buy a Nintendo Switch. It’s so good I even find myself hoping we get a Legend of Zelda Netflix series out of it. So naturally, if you’re looking for one of your first games to play on the console, this is it.

BotW is an open-world game that allows you to explore, collect weapons and armor, and battle monsters along the way. It comes packed with rich details and rewards you for exploring, but what truly makes it great is that it’s nothing like previous Legend of Zelda titles. It’s surprisingly challenging, and you can often find yourself struggling just to survive the harsh environment of Hyrule.

You can get this game for full price at the Nintendo store, or look for discounts on Amazon or Walmart during peak shopping seasons. We’ve found even more games like The Legend of Zelda to play if you need more suggestions as well.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

IGN: 9.3/10
Metacritic: 92%

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is hands down the best Mario Kart game ever made. I’d even venture beyond that and say it’s the best racing game of all time, but I know quite a few people who would disagree with me on that.

Though Mario Kart 8 was originally a title for the Wii-U, it got adopted and improved upon for the Switch. Though it may seem like the Deluxe version is just a marketing play to sell more copies, Nintendo added on more levels and characters to make it way better than the original. All-in-all, if you want a fun game to play every once and a while or need a multiplayer title, this should be at the top of your list.

Like most Nintendo Switch exclusives on this list, you will usually need to pay full price to get it. You can find it on the Nintendo store online or on Amazon.

Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling

Developer: Moonsprout Games
Metacritic: 85%

If you’re a fan of the original Paper Mario games, this is the adventure game you need in your life right now. Bug Fables feels like a Paper Mario knock-off in all of the best ways.

In this 2D paper world, you play as a bee, a beetle, and a moth that take on the role of heroes. Each character has their own unique style and abilities that you discover throughout the story. With turn-based combat, puzzles, and delightful dialogue, this is an RPG adventure you’ll want to play all the way through.

You can buy Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling for $25 at the Nintendo eShop right now. Or get it for slightly cheaper on Steam for the PC. You can also read our Bug Fables review for more information about the game.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

IGN: 9.4/10
Metacritic: 93%

Super Smash Bros is one of those titles that you can’t not buy. It’s a signature Nintendo series that lets you battle your friends and family in an epic match using only Nintendo characters. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate improves on its previous iterations, offering more characters and stages than ever before.

While it is mostly a multiplayer Switch game, Ultimate added something previous generations of the game lacked — a worthwhile single-player adventure. It involves a fairly complex battle system that allows you travel throughout a map, unlocking new characters as you go. And as for the multiplayer battles, they are just as glorious and epic as ever.

Super Smash Bros is currently available at the Nintendo store for full price, but I’ve seen it go on sale quite a few times off and on. So if you are looking for a discount on it, just keep checking Amazon, Walmart, and Target for cheaper copies.

Luigi’s Mansion 3

IGN: 8.3/10
Metacritic: 86%

I never actually played Luigi’s Mansion 2, but I did play the original and absolutely loved it. Luigi’s Mansion 3 just solidified my love for Luigi and any game he is in.

The story is similar to the original. Luigi and the gang head to what they think is going to be a fabulous hotel vacation only to find that the hotel is actually a trap set by ghosts. After everyone else gets abducted and put into paintings, Luigi finds himself once again the unlikely hero of the story. All-in-all, it’s just good clean fun and you get to shoot vacuum plungers at ghosts — you’ll love it.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is available for full price at the Nintendo store right now. It hasn’t been out for very long, so I haven’t seen it get many discounts in 2021 just yet.

Untitled Goose Game

Developer: House House
Metacritic: 81%
IGN: 8/10

Untitled Goose Game is a ridiculous title for a ridiculous game. You play as a goose whose sole purpose in life is to make life slightly worse for everyone around you. So you know, just regular goose stuff.

You harass local gardeners, steal from shop owners, and honk your way into more mischief than you can wag your tail feathers at. It’s a lot of fun, and with the recent addition of cooperative mode, you can even goose around the town with a friend.

Untitled Goose Game is available at the Nintendo eShop for $20 right now. If you’re looking for a game you can just relax and play any day of the week, this is it.

Stardew Valley

Developer: Concerned Ape
Metacritic: 87%
IGN: 9.5/10

Our review of Stardew Valley reveals a great game that brings a lot of heart through it’s characters and storyline. With a ton of activities akin to games like Animal Crossing, such as mining and fishing, it’s an excellent transition away from New Horizons.

The story itself starts with you inheriting a farm and moving from your office job to Pelican town to take care of it. Beyond maintaining and growing your farm, you spend a lot of time interacting with the town’s residents and forming relationships along the way. With many different activities, you get to decide how you want to spend each day in this relaxing sim.

Stardew Valley is available for the Nintendo Switch for just $15 online.

Golf Story

Developer: Sidebar Games
Metacritic: 78%
IGN: 7.5/10

Golf Story is an adventure game that does a wonderful job of combining golf with rich RPG elements and a unique story. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves a good golfing game and accompanied by some glorious dialogue.

You play as a golfer that is forced to give up everything for a shot at becoming a professional golfer. Moving between 8 different lands, you improve your golf skills as you practice your game on and off the course. With puzzles, tournaments, and plenty of whacky characters, it’s an indie RPG worth playing in 2021.

This game is currently available on the Nintendo Switch eShop for $15 right now. If you’re looking for more information, you can take a look at our Golf Story review for details on plot, gameplay, and more.

Hollow Knight

Developer: Team Cherry
Metacritic: 85%
IGN: 9.4/10

Hollow Knight is a beautiful Metroidvania action-adventure game that hits all of the right notes. It’s set in a dank, plague-infested kingdom of insects known as the Hallownest.

You play as a nameless knight that must traverse the ancient catacombs of the Hallownest, fighting bosses and unlocking new abilities along the way. It’s a challenging game set in a beautifully sad world that draws you in and holds on tight.

You can buy Hollow Knight at the Nintendo eShop for $15 right now. You will also soon be able to purchase the sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong which hasn’t yet arrived on the Nintendo Switch.

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