Best Nintendo Switch Games: Ranked From Worst To Best!

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Best Nintendo Switch Games: Ranked from Worst to Best!

Hey there, fellow gamers! Ever find yourself staring blankly at your Nintendo Switch library, wondering what to play next? Or maybe you're new to the Switch and completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of games available? Well, you're in the right place! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Nintendo Switch games, ranking them from the absolute worst to the very best. Get ready for some controversial opinions, hidden gems, and maybe even a few surprises. So, grab your Joy-Cons, settle in, and let's get started!

Why You Should Trust This Ranking

Before we jump in, let's address the elephant in the room: taste is subjective. What one person considers a masterpiece, another might find utterly boring. That being said, this ranking isn't just based on personal preference. We've taken into account several factors to create a comprehensive list, including:

  • Critical Reception: What did the professional reviewers think? We've scoured Metacritic and other reputable sources to get a sense of the overall critical acclaim.
  • User Reviews: What do actual players think? We've looked at user scores and forum discussions to gauge the general sentiment.
  • Gameplay Mechanics: Is the game fun to play? Does it control well? Are the mechanics innovative or derivative?
  • Story and Presentation: Is the story engaging? Are the graphics appealing? Does the game have a unique art style?
  • Lasting Appeal: Will you want to keep playing this game long after you've finished the main story? Does it have replay value?

By considering all of these factors, we've strived to create a ranking that is as objective as possible, while still acknowledging the subjective nature of video game enjoyment. Think of this list as a guide, not a definitive statement. Ultimately, the best game for you is the one that you enjoy the most!

The Bottom of the Barrel: The Worst Nintendo Switch Games

Alright, let's rip off the band-aid and start with the bad stuff. These are the games that, in our opinion, are best avoided. They may have redeeming qualities, but overall, they fall short of the mark.

1. Override: Mech City Brawl

Override: Mech City Brawl promised epic battles between giant robots, but it failed to deliver on that promise. The controls are clunky, the gameplay is repetitive, and the graphics are underwhelming. While the concept is cool, the execution leaves much to be desired. The lack of polish and depth makes this a forgettable experience, even for die-hard mech fans. Override suffers from poor optimization, leading to frustrating performance issues on the Switch. The single-player campaign is short and uninspired, and the multiplayer mode is plagued by lag and a small player base. The game's attempts at humor fall flat, and the overall presentation feels cheap and uninspired. If you're looking for a giant robot fighting game, there are far better options available on the Switch. Save your money and avoid this one.

2. Tiny Racer

Tiny Racer tries to capture the retro charm of classic top-down racers, but it ends up being a frustrating and uninspired experience. The controls are slippery, the track design is bland, and the overall presentation is lacking. The game's difficulty is artificially inflated by the unforgiving controls and the constant barrage of obstacles. While the concept of racing tiny cars is appealing, Tiny Racer fails to deliver a fun and engaging experience. The game's limited content and lack of variety make it a short-lived and ultimately disappointing experience. The multiplayer mode is poorly implemented, with lag and connectivity issues plaguing the experience. If you're looking for a retro-style racer on the Switch, there are far better options available. Steer clear of this one.

3. Vroom in the Night Sky

Oh, Vroom in the Night Sky. Where do we even begin? This game is infamous for its poor graphics, awkward controls, and nonsensical gameplay. You play as a magical girl riding a flying motorcycle through empty landscapes, collecting hoops. The story is bizarre and poorly explained, and the overall experience is just plain weird. While some might find the game's absurdity amusing, most will find it to be a frustrating and baffling experience. Vroom in the Night Sky has become a meme for all the wrong reasons, and it's a game that is best left forgotten. The game's low price point might be tempting, but even at a discount, it's not worth the money. There are far better ways to spend your time and money on the Switch.

The Mediocre Middle: Decent But Not Amazing

These games aren't terrible, but they're not exactly must-plays either. They're decent enough to keep you entertained for a while, but they lack the polish, innovation, or lasting appeal of the best Switch games.

4. Mario Tennis Aces

Mario Tennis Aces had the potential to be a fantastic sports game, but it's ultimately held back by its inconsistent gameplay and bizarre story mode. The core tennis mechanics are solid, but the game is plagued by complicated special moves and an over-reliance on timing-based shots. The story mode is surprisingly lengthy, but it's also repetitive and filled with frustrating challenges. While the game has a large roster of characters and plenty of content, it lacks the simple fun and accessibility of previous Mario Tennis games. Mario Tennis Aces is a decent game, but it could have been so much better.

5. Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow game, and they offer a simplified and streamlined experience for newcomers to the series. The removal of wild Pokémon battles and the introduction of motion controls were controversial changes, and they ultimately made the game less engaging for long-time fans. While the games are visually appealing and capture the charm of the Pokémon world, they lack the depth and challenge of the mainline Pokémon games. Pokémon: Let's Go are decent games, but they're not the best Pokémon games on the Switch.

6. Super Mario Party

Super Mario Party is a decent party game, but it's held back by its limited number of boards and its reliance on motion controls. The minigames are fun and varied, but the board game aspect feels underdeveloped and repetitive. The game's online mode is also lacking, with limited options and a small player base. While Super Mario Party is a fun game to play with friends, it doesn't quite live up to the legacy of the Mario Party series. The game needed more boards and a more robust online experience to be truly great.

The Cream of the Crop: The Best Nintendo Switch Games

Now we're talking! These are the games that you absolutely need to play on your Nintendo Switch. They're innovative, engaging, and offer hours of fun.

7. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a charming and addictive life simulation game that has captured the hearts of millions. You move to a deserted island and slowly build it into a thriving community, collecting resources, crafting items, and befriending adorable animal villagers. The game is incredibly relaxing and rewarding, and it offers endless opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a must-have for any Switch owner.

8. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece of open-world game design. It's a sprawling adventure that encourages exploration, experimentation, and discovery. The world is vast and beautiful, and it's filled with secrets to uncover and challenges to overcome. The combat is fluid and satisfying, and the story is engaging and emotional. Breath of the Wild is a game that will stay with you long after you've finished it.

9. Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is a joyful and inventive platformer that is full of surprises. Mario travels the world, collecting Power Moons and rescuing Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser. The game is incredibly creative, with each kingdom offering unique challenges and gameplay mechanics. The addition of Cappy, Mario's new hat companion, adds a whole new layer of depth to the gameplay. Super Mario Odyssey is a must-play for any Mario fan.

Honorable Mentions

Before we wrap up, here are a few honorable mentions that deserve your attention:

  • Stardew Valley
  • Hollow Knight
  • Celeste
  • Divinity: Original Sin 2

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! Our ranking of the best and worst Nintendo Switch games. We hope this guide has been helpful in your quest to find your next favorite game. Remember, taste is subjective, so don't be afraid to try out games that sound interesting to you, even if they're not on this list. And most importantly, have fun! Happy gaming!