Best Nintendo Switch Games For Adults: Top Picks
Hey guys! Finding the perfect game to unwind with on your Nintendo Switch can be a bit of a quest, especially when you're looking for something a little more sophisticated than the usual kids' fare. Don't worry; I've got you covered. This guide dives into some of the absolute best Nintendo Switch games that are perfect for adult gamers. We're talking engaging storylines, challenging gameplay, and experiences that will keep you hooked for hours. Let's jump in!
Engaging Adventures
When you're looking for a game that sucks you into its world, story-rich adventures are the way to go. These games offer compelling narratives, well-developed characters, and immersive environments that make you feel like you're part of the action. Here are a few standouts for the Nintendo Switch:
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an absolute masterpiece that has found a fantastic home on the Nintendo Switch. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire, in a sprawling open-world filled with political intrigue, mythical creatures, and morally complex choices. The sheer depth of the story and the world is astounding. You can easily lose yourself for hundreds of hours exploring every nook and cranny, completing side quests, and making decisions that dramatically impact the game's outcome. The combat is challenging but rewarding, and the character progression system allows you to tailor Geralt to your preferred playstyle. Despite being on the Switch, the game looks surprisingly good, and the fact that you can take such a massive and immersive experience on the go is a huge win. If you're an adult gamer looking for a deep and engaging adventure, The Witcher 3 is an absolute must-have.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Okay, so The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild might seem like an obvious choice, but there's a reason it's consistently praised as one of the best Nintendo Switch games ever made. This isn't your typical Zelda game. It throws you into a vast, open world with minimal hand-holding, encouraging you to explore, experiment, and discover its secrets at your own pace. The sense of freedom is unparalleled, and the game constantly rewards curiosity. Whether you're scaling mountains, solving puzzles in ancient shrines, or battling formidable foes, there's always something to do. The story is captivating, the characters are memorable, and the world is simply breathtaking. Even if you've played Zelda games before, Breath of the Wild offers a fresh and innovative experience that will captivate adult gamers. Trust me; you won't be disappointed.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
If you're a fan of JRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games), then Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is an absolute must-play. This epic adventure takes you to the world of Bionis and Mechonis, two colossal titans locked in an eternal struggle. You play as Shulk, a young man who gains the power of the Monado, a legendary sword, and embarks on a quest to protect his home from the Mechon. The story is intricate and compelling, filled with twists, turns, and memorable characters. The combat system is unique and engaging, blending real-time action with strategic decision-making. The world is vast and beautiful, with stunning landscapes and diverse environments to explore. The Definitive Edition enhances the original game with improved graphics, updated gameplay mechanics, and a brand new epilogue chapter. This is a game that will keep you hooked for dozens, if not hundreds, of hours.
Brain-Teasing Puzzles
For those who enjoy a mental workout, puzzle games offer a stimulating and rewarding experience. These games challenge your problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and spatial reasoning. Here are some of the best Nintendo Switch games in the puzzle genre:
The Witness
The Witness is a puzzle game unlike any other. You find yourself on a mysterious island filled with intricate line puzzles. The goal is simple: solve the puzzles to unlock new areas and uncover the island's secrets. However, the puzzles themselves are anything but simple. They start off easy enough, but quickly become incredibly challenging, requiring you to think outside the box and experiment with different approaches. The game provides no instructions or tutorials, forcing you to learn the rules and mechanics through observation and deduction. The sense of accomplishment you feel when you finally solve a particularly difficult puzzle is incredibly satisfying. The island itself is beautiful and atmospheric, with a sense of mystery and intrigue that keeps you engaged. If you're looking for a puzzle game that will truly challenge your mind, The Witness is an excellent choice.
Baba Is You
Baba Is You is a mind-bending puzzle game that will completely twist your perception of logic and rules. In this game, the rules of the world are not fixed but are instead defined by blocks that you can move and rearrange. For example, you might see the text "Baba Is You," "Wall Is Stop," and "Flag Is Win." By rearranging these blocks, you can change the rules of the game. Want to become a wall? Just change "Baba Is You" to "Wall Is You." Want to win by touching a rock? Change "Flag Is Win" to "Rock Is Win." The possibilities are endless, and the puzzles are incredibly clever and challenging. The game's simple graphics and minimalist presentation belie its complex and innovative gameplay. Baba Is You is a true gem for puzzle enthusiasts.
Picross S Series
If you're a fan of classic logic puzzles, then the Picross S series is a must-have for your Nintendo Switch. Picross, also known as Nonograms, are picture logic puzzles where you use numerical clues to fill in squares on a grid and reveal a hidden image. The Picross S games offer a massive collection of puzzles, ranging in difficulty from easy to incredibly challenging. The controls are intuitive and easy to learn, and the game provides helpful hints and assistance for beginners. The satisfaction of completing a Picross puzzle and revealing the hidden image is incredibly rewarding. With multiple games in the series, you'll have hundreds of hours of puzzle-solving fun.
Strategic Simulations
Strategy and simulation games offer a different kind of challenge, requiring you to think strategically, manage resources, and make critical decisions that impact the outcome of the game. Here are some of the best Nintendo Switch games in this genre:
Into the Breach
Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game where you control a squad of mechs defending humanity from a subterranean alien threat. Each battle takes place on a small, grid-based map, and you must carefully position your mechs and use their unique abilities to defeat the enemies and protect the civilian structures. The game is incredibly challenging, requiring you to think several steps ahead and anticipate the enemy's moves. What makes Into the Breach truly unique is its time-travel mechanic. If you fail a mission, you can send one of your pilots back in time to start over, retaining their experience and abilities. This adds a layer of depth and strategy to the game, as you must decide which pilots to save and which to sacrifice. The game's pixel art graphics are charming and the soundtrack is excellent. Into the Breach is a must-play for strategy fans.
Civilization VI
Civilization VI brings the iconic turn-based strategy franchise to the Nintendo Switch. You lead a civilization from the dawn of time to the modern era, researching new technologies, building cities, expanding your empire, and engaging in diplomacy or warfare with other civilizations. The game is incredibly deep and complex, with a vast array of options and strategies to explore. You can customize your civilization to your preferred playstyle, whether you want to focus on science, culture, diplomacy, or domination. The Switch version of Civilization VI is surprisingly well-optimized, and the ability to play on the go is a huge plus. If you're looking for a strategy game that will keep you engaged for hundreds of hours, Civilization VI is an excellent choice.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
While it might seem like a chill, cutesy game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a surprising amount of depth and strategic gameplay. You arrive on a deserted island and must build it into a thriving community, attracting new residents, crafting furniture, fishing, catching bugs, and decorating your home. The game operates in real-time, with events and activities changing throughout the day and seasons. Animal Crossing provides a relaxing and rewarding experience, allowing you to express your creativity and build your own virtual paradise. While it's definitely more laid-back than other strategy games, the resource management, community building, and customization options offer a surprising amount of depth.
Mature Storytelling
Sometimes, you want a game that tackles mature themes, explores complex characters, and tells a story that resonates on a deeper level. These games aren't afraid to delve into difficult subjects and offer a more nuanced and thought-provoking experience. Let's explore some options:
Life is Strange: True Colors
Life is Strange: True Colors is a narrative adventure game that tells the story of Alex Chen, a young woman with the ability to experience and manipulate the emotions of others. When her brother dies in a mysterious accident, Alex must use her powers to uncover the truth and find justice. The game explores themes of grief, loss, trauma, and empathy, and features a cast of well-developed and relatable characters. The choices you make in the game have a significant impact on the story and the relationships between the characters, leading to multiple different endings. Life is Strange: True Colors is a powerful and emotional experience that will stay with you long after you finish playing.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a revolutionary RPG that throws you into the role of a detective with amnesia, tasked with solving a murder in a gritty and dilapidated city. The game features a unique skill system that represents your character's different personality traits, such as intellect, empathy, and motor skills. These skills influence your dialogue options, your ability to perceive the world around you, and your success in completing tasks. The game is heavily focused on dialogue and investigation, with minimal combat. The writing is sharp, witty, and often absurd, and the game explores themes of politics, philosophy, and the human condition. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a truly unique and unforgettable gaming experience.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a dark and disturbing action-adventure game that tells the story of Senua, a Celtic warrior who suffers from psychosis. The game is presented from Senua's perspective, and you experience her hallucinations, delusions, and anxieties firsthand. The combat is brutal and visceral, and the puzzles are often based on Senua's mental state. Hellblade is a powerful and unsettling exploration of mental illness, and it's not for the faint of heart. However, it's also a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Alright guys, that's a wrap on some of the best Nintendo Switch games tailored for us adults! Whether you're in the mood for an epic adventure, a brain-teasing puzzle, a strategic challenge, or a mature and thought-provoking story, the Switch has something to offer. Happy gaming!