Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the incredible world of Nintendo Switch gaming? With its unique hybrid nature, the Switch offers an amazing blend of home console and portable experiences, making it a must-have for gamers of all ages. Today, we’re counting down the top 10 games that every Nintendo Switch owner should definitely check out. Get your Joy-Cons ready, because we’re about to embark on an unforgettable gaming journey!

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an absolute masterpiece and a must-have title for any Nintendo Switch owner. This game completely reinvents the Zelda formula, offering an enormous open world filled with secrets, challenges, and breathtaking landscapes. From the moment you step into Hyrule, you're given the freedom to explore, experiment, and create your own adventure. The sense of discovery is unparalleled as you climb towering mountains, glide across vast canyons, and uncover hidden shrines scattered throughout the land. What makes Breath of the Wild truly special is its emergent gameplay. The game's physics engine and interactive environment allow for endless possibilities. Want to take down a Bokoblin camp? Try setting the grass on fire and watching the chaos unfold. Need to cross a chasm? Chop down a tree and create a makeshift bridge. The game rewards creativity and encourages players to think outside the box. The story is compelling, with a strong emphasis on Link's journey to regain his memories and defeat Calamity Ganon. The characters are memorable, each with their own motivations and struggles. The voice acting is superb, adding depth and emotion to the narrative. And let's not forget the music! The soundtrack is absolutely beautiful, perfectly capturing the mood and atmosphere of each location. Breath of the Wild isn't just a game; it's an experience. It's a game that will stay with you long after you've finished it, and one that you'll want to revisit again and again. If you own a Nintendo Switch and haven't played this yet, what are you waiting for? Seriously, go play it now!

2. Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is a joyous and imaginative platformer that captures the essence of what makes Mario games so special. In this adventure, Mario embarks on a globetrotting journey to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser, who is planning a forced wedding! Armed with his new companion, Cappy, Mario can now capture enemies and objects, gaining their abilities and using them to solve puzzles and traverse the diverse kingdoms. The level design in Super Mario Odyssey is simply brilliant. Each kingdom is a unique and vibrant world filled with secrets to discover and challenges to overcome. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the sandy dunes of the Sand Kingdom, every location is packed with personality and charm. The capture mechanic adds a whole new layer of gameplay to the Mario formula. By capturing enemies, Mario can transform into a Goomba, a T-Rex, or even a tank! Each capture has its own unique abilities and allows for creative problem-solving. The game is also filled with Moons to collect, which are hidden throughout the kingdoms and require a mix of platforming skill, puzzle-solving, and exploration to find. Collecting Moons is incredibly addictive, and the feeling of satisfaction you get when you finally snag a particularly elusive one is unmatched. Super Mario Odyssey is a celebration of everything that makes Mario games great. It's a game that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and one that you'll want to play again and again.

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the ultimate escape. This game came at the perfect time, offering a soothing and engaging experience when the world needed it most. You start on a deserted island and slowly build it into your own personal paradise. The gameplay is simple but incredibly addictive. You can collect resources, craft furniture, decorate your home, catch bugs and fish, and befriend adorable animal villagers. The beauty of Animal Crossing: New Horizons lies in its freedom and customization. You can design your island exactly how you want it, from the layout of the houses to the placement of the trees and flowers. The game also features a robust crafting system, allowing you to create a wide variety of furniture, tools, and clothing. The animal villagers are a highlight of the game. Each villager has their own unique personality and quirks, and forming relationships with them is incredibly rewarding. They'll ask you for favors, give you gifts, and even visit your home. The game also features seasonal events and updates, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. From fishing tournaments to bug-catching contests, there's always something new to do. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is more than just a game; it's a lifestyle. It's a game that you can play for hours on end, and one that will always bring a smile to your face. The relaxing gameplay makes this a perfect addition to anyone's Switch library.

4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive Mario Kart experience, bringing together all the best elements of the series into one incredibly polished and addictive package. This game features a huge roster of characters, tons of tracks, and a wide variety of karts and customization options. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is guaranteed to provide hours of fun. The gameplay is simple to pick up but difficult to master. You race around colorful and imaginative tracks, using items to gain an advantage over your opponents. Drifting, boosting, and dodging obstacles are all essential skills if you want to come out on top. The game features a variety of modes, including Grand Prix, Time Trial, and Battle Mode. Grand Prix lets you compete in a series of races to earn points and unlock new characters and karts. Time Trial challenges you to beat your best time on each track. Battle Mode offers a variety of competitive games, such as Balloon Battle and Renegade Roundup. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the perfect party game. It's easy to pick up and play, and it's always a blast to compete with friends and family. The game also features online multiplayer, allowing you to race against players from around the world. If you're looking for a fun and competitive racing game, look no further than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate truly lives up to its name. It is the ultimate crossover fighting game, featuring every character from the history of the Super Smash Bros. series, plus a whole host of new faces. With its massive roster, tons of stages, and deep gameplay mechanics, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a game that you can play for hundreds of hours and still discover new things. The gameplay is fast-paced and chaotic, with up to eight players battling it out on screen at once. Each character has their own unique moveset and playstyle, and mastering each one takes time and practice. The game features a variety of modes, including Classic Mode, World of Light, and Online Multiplayer. Classic Mode lets you play through a series of battles with a single character. World of Light is a single-player adventure mode where you must rescue captured fighters and defeat the evil Galeem. Online Multiplayer allows you to battle against players from around the world, either in casual matches or ranked tournaments. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a celebration of video game history. It's a game that is packed with content and one that will appeal to both casual and hardcore fighting game fans. Whether you're a seasoned Smash veteran or a newcomer to the series, you're sure to find something to love in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

6. Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield introduce players to the Galar region, inspired by Great Britain. These games offer a fresh Pokémon adventure with new creatures to catch, trainers to battle, and a captivating story to unfold. While opinions within the Pokémon community can be varied, Sword and Shield brought several popular enhancements to the series. One of the biggest changes was the introduction of the Wild Area, a vast open-world environment where players can encounter Pokémon roaming freely and participate in Max Raid Battles with other trainers online. The Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics added a new layer of strategy to battles, allowing Pokémon to grow to enormous sizes and unleash powerful moves. These features, along with a compelling narrative and memorable characters, made Pokémon Sword and Shield a worthwhile addition to the Pokémon franchise and a must-play for fans of the series. The new Pokémon are cool and fun to train, making the game addictive.

7. Splatoon 2

Splatoon 2 is a unique and vibrant shooter that puts a fresh spin on the genre. Instead of focusing solely on eliminating opponents, Splatoon 2 is all about covering the map in ink. You play as an Inkling, a humanoid creature that can transform into a squid. In Turf War mode, the goal is to cover more of the map in your team's ink color than the opposing team. You can use a variety of weapons, each with its own unique ink-spreading capabilities. The game also features a single-player campaign that is surprisingly engaging. You must uncover the mystery behind the missing Great Zapfish and battle against the Octarians, a race of octopus-like creatures. Splatoon 2 is a game that is easy to pick up but difficult to master. It's a game that rewards teamwork and strategic thinking. The colorful graphics, catchy music, and unique gameplay make Splatoon 2 a truly unforgettable experience. With its unique gameplay and vibrant aesthetic, Splatoon 2 stands out as a must-have title for Nintendo Switch owners looking for something different in the shooter genre.

8. Luigi's Mansion 3

Luigi's Mansion 3 is a charming and spooky adventure that puts you in the role of Luigi, Mario's perpetually nervous brother. Luigi and his friends are invited to stay at a luxurious hotel, but things quickly take a turn for the worse when it's revealed to be haunted. Luigi must overcome his fears and explore the hotel, capturing ghosts and solving puzzles along the way. Armed with his trusty Poltergust G-00, a vacuum cleaner that can suck up ghosts and manipulate objects, Luigi must traverse the various themed floors of the hotel, each with its own unique challenges and ghostly inhabitants. The game is filled with clever puzzles, hidden secrets, and plenty of slapstick humor. The graphics are gorgeous, and the atmosphere is both spooky and charming. Luigi's Mansion 3 is a game that is perfect for players of all ages. It's a game that is fun, engaging, and full of surprises. If you're looking for a lighthearted and entertaining adventure, look no further than Luigi's Mansion 3. It is a must have game to play on the Nintendo Switch.

9. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a sprawling and epic JRPG that tells the story of Shulk and his friends as they journey across a vast and beautiful world. The game features a deep and complex combat system, a compelling story, and a cast of memorable characters. The world of Xenoblade Chronicles is truly breathtaking. You'll explore towering landscapes, lush forests, and ancient ruins. The game is filled with secrets to discover and quests to complete. The combat system is unique and engaging, requiring you to strategically position your characters and use their abilities to defeat enemies. The story is full of twists and turns, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a game that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. It's a game that is perfect for fans of JRPGs and anyone looking for a truly epic adventure. If you're looking for a sprawling and immersive JRPG experience on your Nintendo Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is an excellent choice.

10. Hades

Hades is a rogue-like dungeon crawler that has taken the gaming world by storm. You play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, who is trying to escape the Underworld. Each time you die, you start over from the beginning, but you retain some of your abilities and progress. The gameplay is fast-paced and addictive, with a wide variety of weapons, abilities, and upgrades to unlock. The story is surprisingly compelling, with well-developed characters and a rich lore. The graphics are stylish and the music is fantastic. Hades is a game that is easy to pick up but difficult to master. It's a game that rewards skill and perseverance. With its addictive gameplay, compelling story, and stylish presentation, Hades is a must-play title for any Nintendo Switch owner. The replayability is high, making this a worthy addition to your library.

So there you have it, folks! The top 10 must-play Nintendo Switch games. Whether you're a fan of adventure, platformers, RPGs, or shooters, there's something on this list for everyone. So grab your Switch, pick a game, and get ready for some serious fun! Happy gaming!