The Nintendo Switch may seemingly be overloaded with notable software nowadays. Yet, there was a time - specifically during its launch in March of 2020, when the console had but a handful of games.
Console launches are always something of a mixed bag, and it’s certainly no different for Nintendo’s hybrid console, whose initial offerings ranged from mediocre to epic, “game of the year” material. Many of these games demonstrated the fun new capabilities of this motion and touch-enabled machine, to mixed results.
This list will cover each of the 10 titles readily available for the North American launch (either in physical or digital form), ranking each one from worst to best. While the top-rated gem isn’t likely to surprise many Nintendo fans, there are a number of higher-ranked games that many may not have been aware of or forgotten about.
10 1-2-Switch (58)
Though it may have served as a neat little demonstration of the Joy-Con’s motion, IR, and HD Rumble, there isn’t much more than can be said about this one. Fans have remarked that 1-2-Switch tends to feel more like a glorified tech demo than a full-fledged game. It certainly doesn’t help that most of multiplayer minigames featured are about as stripped-down as possible, and generally take just a few minutes each.
Still, if you ever wondered what it’d be like to play a sandwich-eating sim with your mouth, 1-2-Switch might be worth a quick look.
9 Super Bomberman R (62)
One would think the handheld sensibilities of Switch would fit simple, the fast-paced Bomberman like a glove. Yet, this rendition turns out to be one of the weaker entries in this otherwise iconic series.
Some of the multiplayer features aside, there aren’t many redeeming qualities to this explosive multiplayer romp. Players and critics have remarked that it’s fairly slim on content for its asking price, and have pointed to some spotty controls and camera moves.
8 Skylanders Imaginators (72)
Like the previous entry, this colorful toys-to-life game would seemingly mesh well with a Nintendo console - especially one with a built-in NFC reader. Still, this somewhat standard sequel has been met with a lukewarm response, even amongst some fans.
It’s largely more of the same hack ’n’ slash combat, cartoony settings, and ample figures to collect and clutter one’s gaming space with. And the addition of some shallow minigames do little to make this Skylanders rendition stand out.
Still, the core experience is still a pretty fun one for younger gamers. Many have found value in the convenience of the handheld and NFC functionality, too.
7 Just Dance 2017 (72)
At this point, gamers know what they’re getting with Ubisoft’s Just Dance. This is an annual franchise that’s become as synonymous with dancing games as Guitar Hero has to musical instrument sims. And while results have been pretty mixed lately, Just Dance’s debut on Switch proves to be a relatively strong one.
Not only is there a particularly large and diverse tracklist to boogie to (who can say no to the always-amusing Psy?), but Switch’s small, precise Joy-Cons definitely improve the experience. It certainly beats holding one’s phone and risking it being dropped by sweaty palms.
6 I Am Setsuna (75)
Sure, this Tokyo RPG Factory game may not be Octopath Traveller or Xenoblade. Yet, for many RPG fans, I Am Setsuna proved a suitable stopgap while waiting for those gems. This one kind of fell under the radar, coming from the tepid release that is the Vita, and being overshadowed by heavy-hitting RPGs.
Yet, this manages to be an enjoyable and emotional journey, with ample content at just over 20 hours. It’s not flawless - and has a somewhat steep learning curve to boot. Still, I Am Setsuna is a colorful and deceptively deep adventure that’s worth a look, even after 3 years.
5 Snipperclips - Cut It Out, Together! (80)
Many early Switch adopters disappointed in 1-2-Switch’s multiplayer found a suitable replacement in Snipperclips. Though it perhaps doesn’t shine as much on the big screen, this touch-based game serves as a fun, inventive co-op romp when played in handheld mode.
As the title might reveal, Snipperclips toys with the concept of cutting out custom shapes and play with the in-game physics to knock out various unique puzzles. Its cute, colorful aesthetic makes up part of its charm, to be sure. Yet, there’s also appeal in the deceptive amount of freedom granted in this improvisational puzzler.
4 Fast RMX (81)
One of Nintendo’s biggest racing franchises, F-Zero, remains MIA to this day. Thankfully, Shin-en Multimedia offered a surprisingly solid replacement for launch. And with so few futuristic racers for Switch even now, Fast RMX remains a title worth zipping through.
Included in this heart-pumping racer are some sleek visuals, 30 unique tracks, 15 vehicles to play with, and addictive multiplayer (both local and online). While fans of Captain Falcon’s racer will notice many similarities, this game provides a unique and somewhat tricky twist to stand out.
This comes in the form of “phase switching,” which requires drivers to shift gears depending on the track color to go faster.
3 Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment (84)
The indie scene and retro-revival have both proven prominent factors in the modern gaming scene, and the charming Shovel Knight illustrates why. This darker entry in the series continues the legacy of this dirt-flinging warrior, dialing up both the imagination and difficulty to new heights in the franchise.
The simple retro flair is balanced by a memorable narrative and some nuanced, precision-based gameplay.
2 Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (91)
Unlike the prior entry, this is the full game featuring all of the subset Shovel Knight “campaigns,” including Specter of Torment.
The appropriately-titled Treasure Trove is a delightful compilation of all things Shovel Knight. Those who finished the memorable expansion above, and found themselves thirsty for more, will find plenty to enjoy here. Treasure Trove offers a bundle of addictive content for a budget price.
There’s even an included co-op mode and Amiibo support - further adding value to the package.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (97)
Despite being released over 3 years ago, Breath of the Wild shines as one of the most epic and ambitious projects Nintendo’s crafted to date - Zelda or otherwise. Link’s latest adventure mixes arcade-style action with open-world exploration, cinematic flair, and nuanced physics-based puzzles. It’s truly next-level Zelda.
Even without the added expansions, this odyssey is absolutely epic. Just making it to that ominous final dungeon and completing the campaign can easily make for a 50-hour quest. Meanwhile, exploring the vast lands of Hyrule, knocking out every shrine, and nabbing the collectibles can take three times as long.
This memorable adventure has fans giddier than ever for Link’s next journey in the upcoming Breath of the Wild 2.
NEXT: 10 Best High Fantasy Video Games On Nintendo Switch (According To Metacritic)
