The Nintendo Switch has revolutionized the gaming world with its seamless blend of portability and power, offering a vast library of titles that cater to diverse tastes. From the sweeping landscapes of Hyrule to the Mushroom Kingdom’s whimsical charm, Switch owners have been spoiled for choice. But, if you had to narrow it down to just one game – the one that’s been with you through countless commutes, late-night gaming sessions, and nostalgia-fueled marathons – which Switch game could you not live without? We polled gamers to find out, and the results might just surprise you.
Heres the list of headings:
Look at some of the notable games across a variety of Nintendo Switch genres:
- Super Mario Odyssey – 3D Platformer
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Action-Adventure
- Splatoon 2 – Third-Person Shooter
- New Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Fighting
- Pokémon Sword – Role-Playing
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – Role-Playing
Genre | Games |
---|---|
Action-Adventure | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Diablo III |
Role-Playing | Pokémon Sword, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 |
Fighting | New Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |
Third-Person Shooter | Splatoon 2 |
Indispensable Experiences on the Switch
In the vast library of Nintendo Switch games, some titles stand out for their unforgettable experiences, captivating worlds, and innovative gameplay mechanics. For many, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an essential adventure that redefined the open-world genre. Its vast, beautifully rendered landscape and ingenious physics engine allowed for unparalleled exploration and creativity. The game’s charming soundtrack, intriguing storyline, and nostalgic value only add to its allure, making it an unforgettable journey that players can’t help but return to.
For others, games like Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offer a different kind of experience – one that’s deeply rooted in Nintendo’s iconic franchises and is perfect for social gatherings and friendly competitions. These titles showcase the Switch’s versatility, catering to both casual and hardcore gamers alike. Whether you’re exploring Mario’s colorful kingdoms, painting the town with colorful ink, or racing with friends and family, these games provide endless entertainment and replay value. Their accessibility and sheer fun factor make them must-haves for any Switch owner. Here’s a glimpse at some of the most popular picks:
Game | Genre | Players’ Choice |
---|---|---|
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-Adventure | 23% |
Super Mario Odyssey | Platformer | 20% |
Splatoon 2 | Third-Person Shooter | 17% |
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Racing | 15% |
Some notable mentions include:
- Diablo III: Eternal Collection, a dark fantasy action RPG with endless character customization options
- Overcooked 2, a cooking simulation game that’s perfect for co-op play and chaotic kitchens
- Celeste**, a challenging platformer with a strong narrative focus and tight gameplay mechanics
A Closer Look at the Poll Results
Breaking down the top five games on our list, we see a clear pattern: exclusive titles reign supreme. The ability of Nintendo to craft an experience that can’t be replicated on other platforms is a testament to their commitment to innovation. With the exception of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, all the top games are part of a beloved franchise that has seen a massive resurgence or reimagining on the Switch.
Here are the most pivotal aspects of a non-negotiable Switch game, according to our readers:
- Immersive Worlds: Games with vast open worlds and rich narratives tend to captivate players and spark a sense of wonder.
- Iconic Characters: The return of beloved characters or the introduction of new ones drives excitement and nostalgia in fans.
- Game-Changing Mechanics: Innovative gameplay features or genre-bending mechanics elevate the Switch experience.
- Unforgettable Soundtracks: Music has a way of drawing us into the world and heightening emotions, creating memories that last a lifetime.
One of the most compelling examples of this can be seen in our table below, highlighting the top four games in the poll and their standout features:
Game | Exclusive to Switch | Standout Feature |
---|---|---|
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Revolutionary Open World | |
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Massive Roster and Innovative Stages | |
Mario Odyssey | Creative Worlds and Innovative Power-Ups | |
Pokémon Sword and Shield | Dynamax Battles and Galar Region |
Our Top Picks for Must Have Games
For us, there are certain Switch games that stand out as absolute must-haves. We’ve rounded up our top picks below – but do you agree with our choices?
These are the games that we think make the Switch truly shine, from innovative first-party titles to indie darlings that deserve more love.
Our Top Picks
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – An epic open-world adventure that’s still the gold standard for Switch gamesSuper Mario Odyssey – A 3D platformer that’s pure joy from start to finishThe Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – A charming reimagining of a classic Game Boy titleCeleste – A challenging, story-driven platformer that’s not to be missedOvercooked 2 – A cooking simulation game that’s perfect for playing with friends and family
Other Notable Mentions | Platforms |
Stardew Valley | |
Minecraft | |
Diablo III: Eternal Collection |
Unforgettable Adventures to Keep Forever
Breathtaking Experiences
The allure of adventure lies not just in its thrill, but in its ability to stay with us long after the experience has passed. For gamers, moments like these are often tied to specific titles that have left an indelible mark on their gaming journeys. It’s the rush of exploration in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, with its expansive open world and innovative physics engine. It’s the sense of strategy and skill-building in Splatoon 2, as players master the art of ink-based warfare.
Switch Games That Never Get Old | Reasons to Revisit |
---|---|
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |
|
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe |
|
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening |
|
Games That Refuse to be Removed
These games are so deeply ingrained in the gaming psyche, the thought of parting ways with them is unbearable. Among the multitude of games that people simply cannot live without are:
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons – A life simulator that has captured the hearts of millions, with its relaxing gameplay and endless creative possibilities.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – An open-world epic that continues to inspire and awe players with its vast desert landscapes and mysterious ruins.
- Super Mario Odyssey – A colorful and inventive 3D platformer that delivers pure gaming joy, from its charming characters to its fascinating kingdoms.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – A social racing experience that never fails to delight players with its gorgeous tracks, quirky characters, and frantic multiplayer action.
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – A celebration of gaming history that brings together beloved characters from multiple franchises in frantic and chaotic battles.
The level of emotional attachment that players have to certain games can vary greatly, depending on personal preferences, gaming experiences, and social relationships. This attachment can lead to games becoming staple components of gaming collections, forever changing the gaming landscape and influencing the way people think about, interact with, and play new games.
Game | Reason |
---|---|
Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Relaxing gameplay, endless creative possibilities |
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Vast open-world exploration, mysterious storylines |
Super Mario Odyssey | Colorful visuals, charming characters, inventive gameplay |
Switch Owners Weigh in on Their Favorites
There’s no denying that the Nintendo Switch has an incredible library of games, each one offering a unique experience that draws players in. But if we had to narrow it down to just one, which game could Switch owners genuinely not live without?
Some of the top contenders include:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which took the gaming world by storm with its innovative gameplay and breathtaking visuals.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the ultimate racing experience that’s perfect for playing with friends and family.
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, a timeless classic that has been beautifully remade for the modern era.
- , a fighting game that brings together iconic characters from across the Nintendo universe.
- , a 3D platformer that harks back to the classic Mario games of old.
But it’s not just about the games themselves – it’s also about the memories we’ve made while playing them. Perhaps it’s the countless hours spent exploring Hyrule with friends in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, or the thrill of racing against family members in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Game Title | Release Date | Game Genre |
---|---|---|
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | March 3, 2017 | Action-adventure |
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | April 28, 2017 | |
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening | September 20, 2019 |
Breaking Down the Numbers Behind the Poll
A total of 12,514 votes were cast in our poll, with participants given the option to choose from a list of popular titles including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, among others. Here’s a breakdown of the games that made it into the top 5:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – 34.6% (4,321 votes)
- Super Mario Odyssey – 23.1% (2,894 votes)
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – 17.5% (2,191 votes)
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – 12.3% (1,540 votes)
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – 6.5% (814 votes)
Region | Votes | Percentage |
---|---|---|
North America | 5,429 | 43.4% |
Europe | 4,120 | 32.9% |
Japan | 1,823 | 14.6% |
Australia/Oceania | 902 | 7.2% |
South America | 240 | 1.9% |
Concluding Remarks
As the votes have been cast and the results revealed, one thing is clear: the world of Nintendo Switch is a rich tapestry of endless possibility and passionate devotion. Whether you rallied behind a nostalgic classic, a newer franchise favorite, or a quirky indie gem, it’s undeniable that the Switch has brought us all closer to the games and worlds we love. As the debate continues, we’re left to ponder: what’s next for the Switch, and which titles will capture our imaginations in the years to come? One thing’s for certain – with such an incredible library to draw from, there’s sure to be no shortage of excitement on the horizon.