If you want one place to start, play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It is a strong all-round choice for exploration and open-ended adventure. But there is no single definitive ranking: reader ratings, critics’ review aggregates and editorial selections measure different things. This guide uses Nintendo Life’s reader-rated 2026 list as its ranking anchor, with Metacritic and TechRadar as cross-checks, then groups recommendations by the experience you want.
How to read “best” Switch games lists
Nintendo Life’s 2026 top 50 is based on its user-rating database, so its positions reflect reader ratings and can change as readers submit more. In that list, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is number one and Tears of the Kingdom is number five. See Nintendo Life’s list and its methodology.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Mario Kart™ World (Nintendo Switch 2) | $79.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Super Mario Galaxy™ + Super Mario Galaxy™ 2 | $64.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
The Legend of Zelda™: Ocarina of Time | Buy on Amazon |
Metacritic’s all-time Switch chart uses a different signal: critics’ review aggregates. It excludes games with fewer than seven critic reviews, and its Switch-exclusive ranking gives Tears of the Kingdom a 96 Metascore. That is a time-sensitive consensus of reviews, not a player-preference score or a sales figure. View Metacritic’s Switch rankings.
TechRadar’s guide takes an editorial approach, seeking variety across genres and polished play. Its selection and staff opinions are useful context, but they are not the same measure as either a reader-rating ranking or a critics’ aggregate. Read TechRadar’s selection.
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- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Best Switch games by the experience you want
| Game | Best for | Core experience | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Exploration and a first all-round pick | Open-world adventure with flexible routes and goals | Nintendo Life’s 2026 reader-rated list places it at number one. |
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | More experimentation in a large adventure | Open-ended sequel with creative problem-solving | Nintendo Life ranks it number five in 2026; Metacritic’s Switch-exclusive ranking lists a 96 Metascore. |
| Super Mario Odyssey | 3D platforming | Movement-focused, level-based exploration | A distinct choice if you want platforming rather than a sprawling adventure. |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Racing and group play | Accessible kart racing with competitive multiplayer | Check the specific mode and online requirements for how you plan to play. |
Which Zelda should you play first?
Choose Breath of the Wild for a starting point
Breath of the Wild is the clearest first recommendation if you want an open-ended adventure built around exploration. Its number-one position in Nintendo Life’s list is a reader-rating result, not a claim that it suits every player.
Choose Tears of the Kingdom for a sequel and creative sandbox
Tears of the Kingdom builds on the broad adventure format with more emphasis on experimentation and creative solutions. It is a sequel, but the evidence here does not establish that playing Breath of the Wild first is required. Pick it if the sequel’s creative sandbox is the draw; pick Breath of the Wild if you want the simpler entry point into this pair.
Rank #2
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
Strong picks beyond open-world adventure
For platforming: Super Mario Odyssey
Choose Super Mario Odyssey when you want precise movement, distinct areas to explore and a more level-oriented structure than Zelda’s open-world adventures.
For racing and local multiplayer: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the natural pick for head-to-head racing and shared play. Before buying for a particular group, check the game’s current mode details and whether the intended play is local or online; those requirements are specific to the title and setup.
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- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Explore courses at your own pace and wander the world to discover fun surprises in Free Roam
For RPG, action, puzzle, or co-op
A good “best” game depends on whether you want a long-form role-playing game, fast action, a focused puzzle challenge or a game designed for cooperation. TechRadar’s genre-variety approach is a useful reminder not to treat an all-time ranking as a substitute for that choice. Its guide includes staff selections across a broad range of game types; check its individual entries for the genres and play modes that fit you.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the edition before you buy
Nintendo Switch launched worldwide on March 3, 2017. A Switch release and a Switch 2 edition or upgrade pack are distinct buying details: Nintendo says owners of packaged or downloaded Switch versions can purchase upgrade packs for certain games. Availability and release details can vary by region, so verify the exact game, edition and regional terms on Nintendo’s page before purchasing. Nintendo’s 2025 investor supplementary document explains Switch software and upgrade packs.
Rank #4
- Journey through space in two Super Mario adventures, now improved for the Nintendo Switch system!
- Travel the stars with enhanced resolution, improved UI, and additional content
- Learn more about the Lumas from additional Storybook chapters, groove to a bit of additional music
- Get additional Health and fall recovery in Assist Mode
- Join Rosalina and the Lumas to restore the Comet Observatory and rescue Princess Peach in Super Mario Galaxy.
Retail listings and stock change, and a game’s title alone may not identify which platform version is being sold. Confirm the platform label, edition, region and current price on the product page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Become the Hero of Time and save Hyrule from darkness
- Venture into dungeons, solve puzzles, and travel across time in two different eras to restore balance to the land
- A classic tale, reborn for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, featuring voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, symphonic orchestral music, visuals built from the ground up for Nintendo Switch 2, and more
- Play Link’s in-game ocarina by humming or singing into the Nintendo Switch 2 system microphone
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
