Hey guys! Are you looking for the absolute best games to play on your Nintendo Switch? You've come to the right place! The Nintendo Switch is an amazing console with a massive library, but let's be real, some games are just that much better than others. So, I've put together a list of the top 10 must-play titles that will give you the ultimate Switch experience. Get ready to dive in!

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an absolute masterpiece and a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. Seriously, if you only buy one game for your Switch, it should probably be this one. The sheer freedom and sense of adventure are unparalleled. From the moment you step out into the vast, open world of Hyrule, you're free to explore, discover secrets, and tackle challenges at your own pace. Forget linear storytelling; this game throws you into a world brimming with possibilities and lets you forge your own path. The world is incredibly detailed, with diverse ecosystems, hidden shrines, and memorable characters that make every moment feel unique. Whether you're scaling towering mountains, gliding across windswept plains, or delving into ancient ruins, there's always something new and exciting to discover. The physics-based gameplay adds another layer of depth, allowing you to interact with the environment in creative ways. You can use fire to create updrafts, manipulate metal objects with magnesis, and even cook up delicious meals using ingredients you find along your journey. Combat is also engaging, with a variety of weapons and enemies that require different strategies to defeat. But what truly sets Breath of the Wild apart is its sense of wonder and discovery. It's a game that rewards curiosity and encourages you to explore every nook and cranny of its sprawling world. You'll stumble upon hidden treasures, solve ancient puzzles, and encounter quirky characters that will stay with you long after you finish the game. Trust me, you'll lose countless hours just wandering around and getting lost in the beauty of Hyrule.

2. Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is pure, unadulterated joy in video game form. It's a vibrant, imaginative, and endlessly creative platformer that will put a smile on your face from beginning to end. This game takes Mario on a globe-trotting adventure to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser, who's planning a forced wedding (as usual!). But this time, Mario has a new companion: Cappy, a sentient hat that allows him to "capture" enemies and objects, giving him their abilities. This capture mechanic is what makes Super Mario Odyssey so special. You can become a Goomba, a T-Rex, a Bullet Bill, or even a taxi cab, each with its own unique moveset and abilities. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for exploration and puzzle-solving. The game is set in a series of open-ended kingdoms, each with its own distinct theme and challenges. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the sandy beaches of the Seaside Kingdom, every location is bursting with color and personality. And each kingdom is packed with Moons, the game's equivalent of stars, which you'll need to collect to progress. Finding these Moons is a blast, as they're hidden in all sorts of creative and unexpected places. You'll need to use your wits, your platforming skills, and your capture abilities to uncover them all. Super Mario Odyssey is also incredibly polished and refined. The controls are tight and responsive, the graphics are gorgeous, and the music is catchy and memorable. It's a game that's clearly been made with love and attention to detail, and it shows in every aspect of its design. Whether you're a long-time Mario fan or a newcomer to the series, you're guaranteed to have a blast with Super Mario Odyssey. It's a true masterpiece of the platforming genre.

3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate party game for the Nintendo Switch. It's a fast-paced, chaotic, and endlessly entertaining kart racer that's perfect for playing with friends and family. This game includes all the tracks and characters from the original Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U, plus a bunch of new content, including new characters, karts, and battle modes. And with its improved graphics and smoother performance, it's the definitive version of the game. The gameplay in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is simple but addictive. You race around a variety of colorful and imaginative tracks, collecting power-ups to sabotage your opponents and boost yourself to victory. The tracks are filled with twists, turns, and obstacles, and you'll need to use all your driving skills to stay ahead of the pack. The power-ups are what make Mario Kart so much fun. From the classic Mushroom, which gives you a speed boost, to the dreaded Blue Shell, which targets the racer in first place, each power-up can dramatically change the course of the race. And with the addition of new items like the Boo, which makes you invisible, and the Feather, which lets you jump over obstacles, there's always something new to discover. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also features a variety of battle modes, which are a great way to mix things up. You can compete in Balloon Battle, Bob-omb Blast, Coin Runners, or Shine Thief, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. And with the ability to play online with friends or strangers, the fun never has to end. Whether you're a seasoned Mario Kart veteran or a newcomer to the series, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that everyone can enjoy. It's a perfect blend of skill, luck, and chaos, and it's guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment.

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect escape from the stresses of everyday life. It's a charming, relaxing, and endlessly customizable life simulation game that will draw you in and keep you hooked for hours on end. In this game, you move to a deserted island and start a new life, building your own home, decorating your island, and making friends with a colorful cast of animal villagers. The gameplay in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is all about freedom and creativity. You can design your own clothes, create your own furniture, and even terraform your island to your liking. There are no set goals or objectives, so you're free to play the game at your own pace and focus on the activities that you enjoy the most. Whether you're fishing, catching bugs, digging up fossils, or just chatting with your villagers, there's always something to do in Animal Crossing. The game also features a real-time clock, so the seasons change, the weather patterns vary, and there are always new events and activities to participate in. This makes the game feel alive and dynamic, and it keeps you coming back for more. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is also a great game to play with friends. You can visit each other's islands, trade items, and participate in activities together. And with its online multiplayer, you can connect with players from all over the world. Whether you're looking for a relaxing escape or a social outlet, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has something to offer. It's a game that's all about creating your own little world and enjoying the simple things in life.

5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate truly lives up to its name. It is the ultimate crossover fighting game, bringing together characters from all corners of the gaming world into one massive, chaotic, and endlessly entertaining experience. Featuring the largest roster in Smash Bros. history, Ultimate includes every single fighter from previous games, plus a host of new additions, like Incineroar, Ridley, and Simon Belmont. That's over 80 characters to choose from, each with their own unique movesets and fighting styles. The gameplay in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is fast-paced and accessible, but also surprisingly deep. The basic premise is simple: knock your opponents off the stage using a variety of attacks and special moves. But mastering the game requires skill, timing, and a good understanding of each character's strengths and weaknesses. The game also features a huge variety of stages, each with its own unique hazards and layouts. From classic Smash Bros. stages to iconic locations from other games, there's always something new to discover. And with its customizable rulesets, you can tailor the game to your liking, whether you prefer a fast-paced, competitive match or a more casual, party-style experience. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate also features a robust single-player mode, World of Light, which offers hours of gameplay and a compelling story. And with its online multiplayer, you can compete against players from all over the world. Whether you're a seasoned fighting game veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a game that everyone can enjoy. It's a celebration of gaming history and a testament to the power of crossover collaborations.

6. Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokémon Sword and Shield marked the beginning of a new generation of Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch, bringing the beloved monster-catching franchise to a home console with a fresh, open-world feel. Set in the Galar region, inspired by Great Britain, these games introduce a host of new Pokémon, characters, and features that make for an engaging and immersive experience. The core gameplay of Pokémon Sword and Shield remains true to the series' roots: you explore the region, catch and train Pokémon, battle other trainers, and ultimately challenge the Champion to become the new Champion yourself. But these games also introduce new mechanics, such as the Wild Area, a vast, open-world area where you can freely explore, encounter wild Pokémon, and participate in Max Raid Battles with other players. The Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomena, which cause Pokémon to grow to enormous sizes during battles, add a new layer of strategy and excitement to the gameplay. Pokémon Sword and Shield also feature a compelling story, with memorable characters and a mysterious plot that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. And with its online multiplayer, you can trade Pokémon, battle other players, and participate in Max Raid Battles with friends from all over the world. While they might have been initially controversial, Pokémon Sword and Shield have proven to be popular and enduring additions to the Pokémon franchise, offering a mix of classic gameplay and new features that will appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

7. Splatoon 2

Splatoon 2 is a unique and innovative shooter that's all about inking territory. Instead of focusing solely on eliminating opponents, your primary goal is to cover the map in your team's ink color. This simple but brilliant concept creates a fresh and engaging multiplayer experience that's unlike anything else out there. In Splatoon 2, you play as an Inkling, a humanoid creature that can transform into a squid. In squid form, you can swim through your team's ink, allowing you to move quickly, hide from enemies, and even climb walls. This adds a whole new layer of strategy and mobility to the gameplay. The game features a variety of weapons, each with its own unique properties and playstyle. From the classic Splattershot to the long-range Charger to the explosive Roller, there's a weapon to suit every player's preference. And with its regular updates and new content, there's always something new to discover in Splatoon 2. The game also features a robust single-player mode, Octo Canyon, which offers a challenging and rewarding campaign. And with its online multiplayer, you can compete against players from all over the world in a variety of modes, including Turf War, Ranked Battles, and League Battles. Splatoon 2 is a vibrant, colorful, and endlessly entertaining shooter that's perfect for players of all skill levels. It's a true breath of fresh air in the genre and a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner.

8. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses revitalized the tactical RPG series with its engaging story, memorable characters, and deep strategic gameplay. Set on the continent of Fódlan, the game puts you in the role of a professor at the Garreg Mach Monastery, where you must choose one of three noble houses to lead and train. Each house has its own unique characters, goals, and storylines, making for a highly replayable experience. The gameplay in Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a blend of tactical combat and social simulation. You'll spend your time training your students, building relationships with them, and preparing them for battle. The combat is turn-based and takes place on a grid-based map, where you must strategically position your units to take advantage of terrain, enemy weaknesses, and support bonuses. The game also features a permadeath system, which means that when a unit falls in battle, they're gone for good. This adds a layer of tension and consequence to every decision you make. Fire Emblem: Three Houses also features a compelling story, with complex characters and a political intrigue that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. And with its multiple endings, your choices have a real impact on the outcome of the game. Whether you're a long-time Fire Emblem fan or a newcomer to the series, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a must-play tactical RPG.

9. Hades

Hades is a rogue-like dungeon crawler that has taken the gaming world by storm. With its fast-paced combat, compelling story, and addictive gameplay loop, it's easy to see why. In this game, you play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, who is trying to escape the Underworld and reach the surface. Each attempt to escape is a run through a series of procedurally generated dungeons, where you'll battle enemies, collect boons from the Olympian gods, and uncover secrets about the Underworld. The combat in Hades is fast, fluid, and incredibly satisfying. You'll use a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat enemies, and the boons you collect from the gods can drastically change your playstyle. The game also features a compelling story, with memorable characters and a mythology-inspired setting that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. And with its addictive gameplay loop, you'll be compelled to keep playing, even after you've failed countless times. Hades is a masterpiece of the rogue-like genre and a must-play for any Nintendo Switch owner.

10. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a charming and addictive farming simulator that will steal your heart. In this game, you inherit your grandfather's old farm in Stardew Valley and set out to restore it to its former glory. You'll plant crops, raise animals, fish, mine, and build relationships with the townsfolk. The gameplay in Stardew Valley is all about freedom and customization. You can design your farm however you like, choosing which crops to plant, which animals to raise, and which buildings to construct. You can also explore the surrounding areas, discover secrets, and participate in events. The game also features a compelling story, with memorable characters and a heartwarming message about community and perseverance. And with its relaxing gameplay and charming visuals, Stardew Valley is the perfect escape from the stresses of everyday life. Whether you're a seasoned farming simulator veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Stardew Valley is a must-play game.

So there you have it, folks! My top 10 must-play games for the Nintendo Switch. These titles represent the best of what the Switch has to offer, and they're guaranteed to provide you with hours of entertainment. Happy gaming!