Even in 2024, over seven years after its release, theNintendo Switchis still one of the best consoles available, and its enduring legacy is even further emphasized in the amount of anticipation surrounding the next Nintendo Switch console, which will reportedly be announced very soon. Until then, theNintendo Switchcontinues to stand tall as a massive achievement in console design, and each year, it continues to prove itself worthy of being picked up.
Now, as 2024 is quickly coming to a close, it’s worth looking back on this year’s tenbest Nintendo Switch games. While many of these Nintendo Switch games are also available on other platforms, they have nonetheless provided a worthwhile experience on the handheld console throughout the year and deserve to be recognized.Each game is presented in alphabetical order.
Animal Well
InAnimal Well, players control a small, nameless creature navigating a mysterious subterranean labyrinth filled with puzzles to solve and dangers to overcome. In an industry that is becoming increasingly stacked withMetroidvania games,Animal Well’s standout characteristic is its ability to subvert traditional gameplay elements, like placing more of an emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving than direct combat. Furthermore, unlike most Metroidvania games,Animal Wellcaters to diverse playstyles, both casual and hardcore, offering a wider range of gameplay options than most other titles in its genre. All of these ingredients come together to makeAnimnal Wellone of 2024’s best games on the Nintendo Switch.
WHERE TO PLAY
Hatch from your flower and spelunk through the beautiful and sometimes haunting world of Animal Well, a pixelated wonder rendered in intricate audio and visual detail. Encounter lively creatures small and large, helpful and ominous as you discover unconventional upgrades and unravel the well’s secrets. This is a truly unique experience that can make you laugh in fear, surprise, or delight.
Balatro
Balatrois one of 2024’s most distinguished titles, simply because how surprising its unconventional gameplay loop is.Balatroputs players in a poker-inspired Roguelike deck-building adventure, where they are tasked with synergizing unique Joker cards to overcome the game’s increasingly difficult challenges.Balatrois truly defined by its uncanny ability to combine traditional pokermechanics with Roguelike gameplay, which ultimately makes it an unpredictable experience that keeps players on their toes.Balatro’s rewarding gameplay loop and its ability to keep players invested as its difficulty evolves make it a standout title in 2024 and perfect for the Switch.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
InThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, players step into the role of Princess Zelda as she sets off on a quest to rescue Link and restore balance to Hyrule. Both its story, focus on Zelda, and gameplay options are all unique innovations for the franchise. TheTri Rod, her unique weapon, is perhaps the most notable innovation, as it gives Zelda the ability to create echoes, copies of objects and creatures throughout Hyrule, and then use them against her enemies or for traversal. This innovative mechanic, along with the game’s captivating narrative and beautifully crafted world, makesThe Legend of Zelda:Echoes of Wisdoma great addition to the longstanding series and one of the best Nintendo Switch titles of 2024.
Neva
Nevais not only one of the best Nintendo Switch games of 2024, but one of the most beautiful and engrossing games of 2024 in general, meaning it is more than worth recognition on any “best games” list. InNeva, players accompany Alba and her wolf companion, Neva, on a journey through a world quickly descending into darkness. As a side-scrolling platformer, it features plenty of environmental puzzles, as well as combat that will initially challenge any new player. At the heart of its narrative are themes of love, loss, and growth, andNeva’s soundtrackserves to complement those themes perfectly. The game also stands out for its artistic visuals, which work together with the game’s music to create an immersive experience that should be remembered by its players for years to come.
Nine Sols
Yet another Metroidvania makes its way to the list of best Nintendo Switch games of 2024, but instead of being more of a casual experience likeAnimal Well,Nine Solsis aSoulslike Metroidvaniathat can test even the most seasoned Soulslike veterans. InNine Sols, players take on the role of Yi, a hero on a vengeful quest to overthrow the rulers of New Kunlun, known as the Nine Sols. Set in a “taopunk” world, the game offers a unique take on the action-platformer genre, with captivating visuals and intricate level design to invite thorough and thoughtful exploration, while the parry-based combat system, inspired by titles likeSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, demands an alertness that only Soulslikes call for.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Dooron the Nintendo Switchmanages to capture the essence of the classic 2004 GameCube RPG, while simultaneously taking the whole experience up several notches with better visuals and animations, and a refined combat system. InPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, players join Mario on a quest to collect the seven Crystal Stars and unlock the mysteries behind the ancient titular door. As any remake should,Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Doorpreserves the charm, humor, and nostalgia of the original game in light of its many quality-of-life improvements, not only making it a great remake, but also one of 2024’s standout Nintendo Switch titles.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2024)
Join Mario and friends on an epic paper adventure: A classic story unfolds on the Nintendo Switch system.Collect the Crystal Stars before the bad guys do: The X-Nauts are after the treasure behind the Thousand-Year Door! With a map from Princess Peach—and the help of a few locals—Mario must journey through a colorful world made of paper to find it first.Surprises abound in this deep and engaging tale, where everyone’s got something to say and it’s often not what you’d expect! Here are just a few of the colorful characters you’ll encounter along the way.Master your badges and timing-based attacks to impress the audience in a theatrical twist on turn-based RPG combat. Make use of all the abilities that come with being cursed—er, conveniently made of paper—like folding into a plane to cross big gaps or turning sideways to slip through narrow openings.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Over fourteen years afterPrince of Persia: The Forgotten Sandswas released, the world finally got another major installment in the series withPrince of Persia: The Lost Crown. InPrince of Persia: The Lost Crown, players assume control of the hero Sargon, a young warrior from a group known as The Immortals, on a mission to rescue the kidnapped Prince Ghassan in the cursed Mount Qaf.Prince of Persia: The Lost Crowntakes the series back to its roots withPrince of Persia’s iconic combat, platforming, and time manipulation, alongside some fresh gameplay elements as well.
As usual in the series,Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown’s levelschallenge players with a variety of obstacles to overcome and puzzles to solve, each one more intricate than the last. All in all,Prince of Persia:The Lost Crownoffers players a chance to revisit the classic series they once knew, but with a revitalized nature that makes it a fresh addition to the franchise.
Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance
Although it might not have needed it,Shin Megami Tensei 5received an enhanced re-release this year in the form ofShin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, which achieved even more critical acclaim than the original adventure.Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeancetakes the 2021 RPG to new heights with the “Canon of Vengeance,” a new storyline that delves into themes of retribution and moral ambiguity, offering players fresh narrative paths and choices. The enhanced edition also improves the original’s strategic Press Turn combat system with additional demons and abilities for deeper customization and strategic depth, and its new areas are more than worth exploring.
Tetris Forever
Tetris Foreveris one of 2024’s unique Nintendo Switch titles, celebratingTetris' 40-year legacy with a nostalgic journey through its long history. Developed by Digital Eclipse,Tetris Foreverfeatures over15 classic versions ofTetris, including rare titles making their debut outside Japan, and introducesTetris Time Warp, a mode that takes players through various eras ofTetrisgameplay.
Beyond the games themselves,Tetris Foreveris an interactive documentary of sorts, with interviews with the likes ofTetrisdevelopers Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers, alongside a curated timeline that shows the impactTetrishas had on the gaming industry and the world over the years. With all of this,Tetris Forevernot only honors the classic puzzle game but also offers an experience that both longtime fans and newcomers can appreciate.
Unicorn Overlord
InUnicorn Overlord, players step into the shoes of Prince Alain, the exiled heir of Cornia, as he and his army set out to reclaim his kingdom from the Zenoiran Empire. At its core,Unicorn Overlordis a tactical RPG that blendsreal-time strategy with role-playing elements, offering a fresh take on the genre. The game’s visuals and combat system alone set it apart from others in the genres it claims, but it is still familiar enough that fans on either side can appreciate what it offers.
