Nintendo has uplifting, light-hearted games that appeal to a wide demographic. Someone doesn't have to be a kid to appreciate first-party Nintendo Switch games, and these titles are generally the main reason to pick up the console.
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The Nintendo company is continually pushing innovation. The graphics aren't as good on paper as gaming juggernauts like Xbox and PlayStation, yet polished art design makes these games relevant. The Nintendo Switch has accumulated numerous first-party games during its active years. Let's take a close look at which ones ranked the best.
Games developed by studios owned by Nintendo will be considered, as will remakes of first-party titles. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will be left out since it is developed by Bandai Namco Studios.
Updated July 19, 2021 by Mark Sammut: The Nintendo Switch's library expands on a daily basis, but first-party games are still rather rare. Generally, Nintendo can be relied upon to deliver quality whenever a new entry debuts in one of its main franchises, and that has largely remained the case. Mario and Zelda are both well represented on the Switch, although these properties are not the only ones to produce great first-party Nintendo games for the console. While waiting for Breath of the Wild 2 or any news on Metroid Prime 4, make sure to check out these first-party exclusives on the Nintendo Switch.
15 Pikmin 3 Deluxe
Fans might have to wait a while longer to get their hands on Pikmin 4, but Nintendo did at least attempt to satisfy cravings with an enhanced port of the previous entry. This version was handled by Eighting and includes new story content, while also expanding on the game modes available.
Pikmin 3 is a great game on the Wii U and the same can be said for the Switch release. While not a replacement for a proper sequel, anyone looking to dip their toes in the franchise can do much worse than Pikmin 3 Deluxe.
14 Splatoon 2
Developed and published by Nintendo, Splatoon 2 is a third-person shooter and one of the Nintendo Switch's best-selling games. Players control Inklings and Octolings, which use colorful ink as ammo.
Inklings can morph into squid form. Painting surfaces with a particular color allows players to swim from point to point as a squid quickly. Harnessing Nintendo's most powerful console, Splatoon 2 is a spectacular multiplayer game.
13 The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD
In celebration of The Legend of Zelda's 35-year anniversary, Nintendo published an HD remaster of Skyward Sword, with Tantalus handling the process. Although a somewhat bold choice as the Wii game is one of the more polarizing main entries in the franchise, Skyward Sword arguably has the most room for improvement, as a simple change like reducing Fi's presence greatly improves the campaign.
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Skyward Sword HD is a flawed game, however, it is comfortably the best way to experience this Legend of Zelda title. For those only familiar with Breath of the Wild, Skyward Sword is closer to a "classic" Zelda game. It also has some of the best dungeons in the franchise.
12 Ring Fit Adventure
If someone was a fan of Wii Fit, Ring Fit Adventure has got them covered. In Ring Fit Adventure, players must defeat the bodybuilding dragon and his numerous minions by completing exercises. Movements in the game are controlled with the Ring-Con, which attaches to your Joy-Con.
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Players will perform exercises like jogging, high knee raises, and numerous other exercises while leveling up. However, if you're merely looking for a workout, Ring Fit Adventure has you covered. One can create customizable workout routines for an unparalleled experience.
11 Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
The 3D platform genre is growing rapidly thanks to the addition of games like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. Originally released for the Wii U in 2014, Treasure Tracker is a puzzle game packed with a massive collection of levels for players to complete.
In the game, players will visit various locations, including kingdoms from Super Mario Odyssey. This game was also released on the Nintendo 3DS, but undoubtedly, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is best played on the Nintendo Switch.
10 New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
The decision to bring a Nintendo Wii U instant-classic to the Nintendo Switch was easy. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe contains more than 160 2D courses. It follows the same style as previous Super Mario Bros. games, but it is enhanced for the Nintendo Switch.
Do whatever it takes to reach the Goal Pole, and collect as many coins as possible on the way there. Once again, you'll be able to power up with the Fire Flower or ride Yoshi to the finish.
9 Super Mario Maker 2
The sequel to the course-building sensation was released for the Nintendo Switch as an exclusive. Players can create courses in the style of various games from Super Mario Bros. history, as well as Super Mario 3D World. There is an endless world of possibilities contained in Super Mario Maker 2.
According to nintendolife.com, "In a tweet via the official Nintendo of America Twitter account, it was revealed players have now uploaded more than 20 million courses to the Course World since the game arrived on the Switch last June."
8 Luigi's Mansion 3
Technically, Luigi's Mansion 3 was not a first-party game when it came out since it was developed by Next Level Games. However, as the studio has been working exclusively with Nintendo for years and, in 2021, was purchased by the latter, Luigi's Mansion 3 is essentially a first-party title.
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Once again, Mario's brother finds himself exploring a spooky hotel filled with Boos and terrors waiting around every corner. While not as creepy as GameCube classic, Luigi's Mansion 3 is creative, charming, and gorgeous.
7 Super Mario 3D All-Stars
This compilation contains three of the most iconic platformers in Super Mario history. The collection can be criticized somewhat since the games aren't the remakes that fans were yearning for, yet it does feature controller vibration and increased resolutions. Also, it could have contained Super Mario Galaxy 2 as an added touch.
Whether the compilation is what someone hoped for or not, it's hard to discount the awesomeness of these retro games.
6 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Strange as it might be to describe any Mario game as "underrated," Super Mario 3D World comes very close to fitting that bill. Released on the underperforming Wii U, Super Mario 3D World is the brilliant sequel to Super Mario 3D Land. While staged like the classic platformers, these games add another dimension, basically serving as a link between Mario's 2D and 3D eras.
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Bowser's Fury takes a page from Super Mario Odyssey, dropping the plumber in a large open space filled with things to collect and challenges to compete. In terms of gameplay, it might just be the most unrestrictive in the franchise, although Bowser does show up frequently to distract Mario.
5 Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Now and then, a video game debuts that breaks the internet wide open. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the latest first-party Nintendo game to leave people mesmerized. The fall 2020 update added new costumes, pumpkins, and a Halloween event for the season.
It's small additions like this by Nintendo that ensured players stay engaged with Animal Crossing: New Horizons for a long time.
4 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The racing sensation Mario Kart is still as enjoyable as it was on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System way back in 1992. The graphics have improved, and features like motion control have revolutionized the series.
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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a remastered version of the Wii U game. It contains a new Battle Mode, gameplay tweaks, new characters, and all the game's DLC. Mario Kart 9 couldn't come soon enough, but at least we have games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the time being.
3 Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Since 2007, Monolith Soft has been owned by Nintendo, and the studio has produced some great RPGs over the years. Arguably the company's crowning achievement is 2010's Xenoblade Chronicles, a Wii game that was remade for the Switch in 2020.
Ambitious, complex, and narratively engaging, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition starts a bit slow but eventually blossoms into an epic and timeless JRPG. The remake adds various quality of life improvements along with an epilogue, more than justifying its existence. This is the best JRPG on the Switch.
2 Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is continually introducing new ideas while paying homage to the original platformers released by the franchise.
Super Mario Odyssey contains a variety of kingdoms (which each have their own brochure page), covering a wide range of environments. Every kingdom presents players with different options for traversing the landscape. It will take 120 Moons to beat Super Mario Odyssey, yet many will play longer to get the most out of it.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
What makes The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stand out from other first-party Nintendo games is its non-linear approach and the complete freedom it provides. This open-world action-adventure game contains various RPG (role-playing game) elements that give it replay value.
Players will be immersed in the game's expansive world while tackling puzzles and defeating bosses. Link has awakened from a hundred-year sleep, and he's back to defeat Calamity Ganon and save Hyrule Kingdom.
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