Happy Birthday to the Nintendo Switch! Five years ago, Nintendo launched the revolutionary console to positive reviews, great games and incredible potential. Since our entire business was developed when we couldn’t find a storage solution for our Nintendo Wii, we're ready to celebrate some of the best Nintendo Switch games you can play today!

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Arguably the crown jewel of the Nintendo Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launched alongside the Switch (and the Wii U) to excellent reviews and delivered the promise of a portable/home console hybrid.

But years later (and a highly anticipated sequel on the way), Breath of the Wild is still an amazing title with an impressive open world full of somber and discovery. Around every corner, you’ll find a Shrine filled with a brain-bending puzzle, a challenging enemy, a dynamic story or a Korok Seed hiding away. There’s no reason to miss this game if you own a Switch.

Bonus: There are multiple Zelda titles on the Switch, including The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, a fantastic remake of the GameBoy title, and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, a port of the fan-divided Wii title.

Super Mario Odyssey

Nintendo was showing off in 2017 by launching both a brand new Zelda and Mario title in the same year. Super Mario Odyssey might as well have been titled Super Mario 64 2 because it plays similarly to the beloved Nintendo 64 game, which is a compliment.

Super Mario Odyssey features multiple big levels to explore as Mario, who has a great setlist of nimble moves to explore and find suns to power his aircraft. Mario isn’t alone, however, thanks to Cappy, who has the ability to overtake various NPCs to solve puzzles as you work to take down Bowser. Another title that a Switch owner has no reason not to own, but it’s worth it alone to experience New Donk City and toe-tapping finale.

Bonus: Like every Nintendo console, the Switch features several Mario games. There’s something for everyone, including new 2D games, like Super Mario Maker 2 and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. While Nintendo isn’t selling Super Mario 3D All-Stars anymore, if you can pick a copy up, it’s worth every penny since the package includes Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy all in one package.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

One of the newest games on this list, Game Freak took a gamble with Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Taking Pokemon open world-lite is unlike any other game in the series. Dangerous Pokemon graze the wildlands as you attempt to capture and learn more about the iconic critters.

Bonus: It wouldn’t be a Nintendo handheld without Pokemon, and the Switch has enough to satisfy fans. You can pick up Pokemon Sword and Shield to experience the latest generation or revisit Kanto in Pokemon Let’s Go!

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

No Nintendo console is complete without Mario Kart, and Nintendo struck gold with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. An upgraded port of the Wii U title, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe doesn’t offer a lot of new for returning players. However, it’s still an incredible package that bundles all the DLC and brings in a new battle mode multiplayer experience. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is amazing to play at home, but it’s still great on the road, and thanks to the Joy-Cons, you always have an extra controller for a friend.

Be on the lookout for a new DLC pack that includes 48 new tracks remastered from previous entries. It’s basically Mario Kart 9 in a cheaper package for a game you probably already own.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Everyone is here! When Nintendo first revealed Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, many thought it was nothing more than a port of the Wii U game (thanks to a strategy Nintendo employed early in the console’s life), but they surprised the gaming world by bringing every character back. Balances and tweaks to characters bring new life and strategies to characters you might be familiar with after 20 years of battling.

Thanks to a long-tail DLC pack, you can choose from nearly 90 characters from your favorite Nintendo franchises with surprise visits from third-party publishers, such as Sora from Kingdom Hearts. Even though there won’t be any characters added going forward, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is worth every penny and is one of the best games released on the Switch.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a great game when you want to relax and get away. And thanks to the perfect release timing, you probably own a copy because New Horizons has gone on to be one of the best-selling games on the Switch in just a short time.

Grow your island as you fish, pull weeds, discover fossils and talk to your animal friends in the latest in the long-running franchise!

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

While we’re wishing Nintendo would focus more on sister series Advanced Wars (we are getting a remastered package soon!), Fire Emblem scratches the strategy game itch. The latest in the long-running series, Fire Emblem: Three Houses offers the intense tactical role-playing gameplay we love. Thanks to a grand narrative, soundtrack and replay value, Fire Emblem: Three Houses has become one of the best games on the Switch.

Splatoon 2

Nintendo created a new hit franchise on the Wii U and proved Splatoon deserves to be a part of the conversation with Splatoon 2. A family-friendly shooter where you play as Inklings as you shoot ink around the battlefield thanks to the help of inventive paint-based weapons.

Splatoon is returning later in 2022 with a promising new entry set in the sun-scorched Splatsville.

Metroid Dread

The game that should have never happened, Metroid Dread has been rumored for 15 long years thanks to a sly easter egg in Metroid Prime 3. Nintendo partnered with Samus Returns developer Mercury Steam to get the game out, and the wait was well worth it.

A return to 2D platforming, Metroid Dread brings the dread thanks to the EMMI stalking around the remote planet ZDR. Billed as the final mission in Samus’ journey that started nearly 40 years ago. Hopefully, this won’t be the last time we see the bounty hunter, and thanks to strong sales and a positive reception, we might not. You don’t want to miss out on this one! 

Monster Hunter Rise

The Monster Hunter series is a juggernaut series in Japan but a mild hit everywhere else. Thanks to the launch of Monster Hunter World, that changed, and Capcom continued that success with Monster Hunter Rise.

Play as a hunter and take down massive monsters to grind out stronger gear, all while on the go. Capcom has continued to support Monster Hunter Rise and will launch a new expansion pack, titled Sunbreak, later this year.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

It’s a meme at this point, but Bethesda will put Skyrim on any platform that supports it. But all eyes were on the Switch version when it was announced with the console. Could Bethesda pull off a version of the hit game without significant compromises? 

They were successful, and not only is Skyrim still one of the best games of all time, but it’s an amazing experience on the Switch. The package also includes new Zelda-themed DLC as you journey across Skyrim and stop the evil Alduin.

Stardew Valley

At this point, Stardew Valley is accessible on pretty much every console but arguably plays the best on the Switch thanks to the portable nature of the device. With the DNA of Animal Crossing, Harvest Moon and other farming sim games that came before, Stardew Valley is an amazing game to sink hundreds of hours into.

Tetris 99

This one requires you to subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online, but it’s well worth the money thanks to online play, access to NES and SNES games and, best of all, Tetris 99. A new take on the increasingly popular Battle Royale genre (thanks to Fortnite and PUBG), Tetris 99 has you taking on 98 other Tetris players in an intense battle to see who can reign supreme.

It takes strategy to take out other players as you clear through lines and lines of bricks, but be aware, other players can throw junk at you at a moment’s notice throwing off your focus. Even if you think you’re an expert Tetris player, you might lose in a flash. Tetris 99 has that addictive ‘one more game’ feeling. We’re going to go play a few games right now!

Hades

Coming from Supergiant Games, Hades took the gaming world by storm thanks to beautiful graphics and addictive gameplay. Play as Zagreus, son of Zeus, as you make your way through the Underworld to reach Mount Olympus in this roguelike game. Each room and run is different, filled with dangerous enemies and rewards. It takes skill and patience to break free from the Underworld, but you’ll feel accomplished as soon as you do.

Cadence of Hyrule

Nintendo doesn’t offer their IPs to outside studios very often, so it’s always great to pay attention when they do. Cadence of Hyrule is a unique experience. A throwback to A Link to the Past, you’ll move and attack through Hyrule to the beat! Part music and Zelda, Cadence of Hyrule offers a challenge and incredible music that hasn’t been replicated since.

Those are just 15 of the best Nintendo Switch games out of the thousands that are available. There is something for everyone, from big hit titles to small indie developed games. Go out and play some awesome games!