The Nintendo Switch offers a diverse collection of games perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, exciting adventures in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, or immersive experiences like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, there’s something for everyone. This curated list provides top picks across various genres and age groups, ensuring a festive gaming experience for the whole family.
Top Nintendo Switch Games for the Holidays
| Rank | Game | Genre | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Kart racing | Race your friends and family on a variety of tracks. |
| 2 | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Action-adventure | Explore a vast open world and save Hyrule. |
| 3 | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | RPG | Catch new Pokémon and explore a new region. |
| 4 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Life simulation | Build a community on a deserted island. |
| 5 | Nintendo Switch Sports | Sports | Play a variety of sports using motion controls. |
| 6 | Mario Party Superstars | Party game | Enjoy a collection of minigames with friends and family. |
| 7 | Kirby and the Forgotten Land | Platformer | Go on a 3D platforming adventure as Kirby. |
| 8 | Metroid Prime Remastered | Action-adventure | Explore a hostile planet and fight aliens as Samus Aran. |
| 9 | Stardew Valley | Simulation | Grow crops, raise animals, and build a life on the farm. |
| 10 | Hades | Roguelike | Try to escape from the underworld as Zagreus. |
The Nintendo Switch has a huge library of games. This can make it hard to choose what to play. This list has some of the best Switch games for the holiday season. It includes games for different ages and interests.
Best New Games For The Nintendo Switch (Holiday 2024)
| Rank | Game Title | Release Date | Price |
| 1 | Mario & Luigi: Brothership | 11/7/2024 | $59.99 |
| 2 | Super Mario Party Jamboree | 10/17/2024 | $59.99 |
| 3 | Dungeons of Dreadrock 2 – The Dead King’s Secret | 11/28/2024 | $14.99 |
| 4 | Santa’s Chimney Quest | 11/27/2024 | $5.99 |
| 5 | Nine Sols | 11/26/2024 | $29.99 |
| 6 | MySims: Cozy Bundle | 11/19/2024 | $39.99 |
| 7 | Stray | 11/19/2024 | $29.99 |
| 8 | Touhou Spell Carnival | 11/19/2024 | $49.99 |
| 9 | MIYAMOTO | 11/7/2024 | $3.99 |
| 10 | LEGO Horizon Adventures | 11/14/2024 | $59.99 |
| 11 | DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake | 11/14/2024 | $59.99 |
| 12 | Monster High Skulltimate Secrets | 10/29/2024 | $39.99 |
| 13 | SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS | 10/25/2024 | $49.99 |
| 14 | Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven | 10/24/2024 | $49.99 |
| 15 | Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town | 10/24/2024 | $39.99 |
| 16 | The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication | 10/24/2024 | $24.99 |
| 17 | Fear the Spotlight | 10/22/2024 | $19.99 |
| 18 | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed | 10/18/2024 | $39.99 |
| 19 | Blazing Strike | 10/17/2024 | $39.99 |
| 20 | FAITH: The Unholy Trinity | 10/10/2024 | $14.99 |
Games for the Whole Family
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: This classic kart racing game is fun for all ages. It has a variety of tracks and characters. You can play with friends and family.
- Nintendo Switch Sports: This game has a collection of sports. You can play tennis, bowling, and volleyball. You use the Joy-Con controllers to mimic real-life movements.
- Mario Party Superstars: This game has a collection of minigames. You play against friends and family. It is a good choice for parties and gatherings.
Games for Kids
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: These are the newest games in the Pokémon series. You can explore a new region and catch new Pokémon.
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land: This is a 3D platforming adventure. You play as Kirby. You explore a mysterious world and use your powers to defeat enemies.
- Minecraft: This is a sandbox game. You can build anything you want. It is a good choice for creative kids.
Games for Adults
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: This is the newest game in the Zelda series. It is an open-world adventure. You explore a vast world and solve puzzles.
- Metroid Prime Remastered: This is a remaster of the classic GameCube game. You play as Samus Aran. You explore a hostile planet and fight aliens.
- Bayonetta 3: This is an action-adventure game. You play as Bayonetta. You use your magic and weapons to fight enemies.
Games for Everyone
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons: This is a life simulation game. You live on a deserted island and build a community.
- Stardew Valley: This is a farming simulation game. You grow crops, raise animals, and build relationships with the townspeople.
- Hades: This is a roguelike dungeon crawler. You play as Zagreus. You try to escape from the underworld.
Holiday Cheer
Some games have special holiday events or themes. These can add to the festive spirit. Check for games with holiday updates or DLC.
The Quirky World of Mario + Rabbids
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle blends two distinct cartoon universes in an unexpected strategy-RPG. The game pairs Nintendo’s iconic plumber with Ubisoft’s zany Rabbids. Players engage in XCOM-style tactical combat across colorful landscapes. The unique mix of characters and gameplay styles creates a surprisingly cohesive experience.
The game’s depth belies its cartoonish exterior. Players must use strategy to position characters and execute attacks. Each character has special abilities that add layers to the combat. The Rabbids bring their trademark chaos to Mario’s world, resulting in humorous situations and interactions.
Despite initial skepticism, the mashup works well. The game offers a fresh take on both franchises while delivering solid tactical gameplay. Its success has led to a sequel, further cementing the unlikely partnership between Mario and the Rabbids.
Common Questions about Nintendo Switch Games
Top-Rated Games for Adult Players
Nintendo Switch offers numerous highly-rated games for adult audiences. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands out as a critically acclaimed action-adventure title. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe provides thrilling racing action for players of all ages. Fire Emblem: Three Houses appeals to strategy fans with its deep gameplay and rich storyline. Metroid Dread revives the classic series with intense 2D action. Hades, an indie roguelike, has gained widespread praise for its engaging gameplay and narrative.
Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids
Many family-friendly games shine on the Nintendo Switch. Super Mario Odyssey offers colorful platforming adventures suitable for young players. Animal Crossing: New Horizons provides a relaxing, creative experience for children. Minecraft encourages imagination and building skills. Mario Party Superstars brings fun mini-games for group play. Pokémon Sword and Shield introduce kids to the beloved monster-catching series.
Popular Multiplayer Games on Switch
The Nintendo Switch boasts a strong lineup of multiplayer titles. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate leads the pack with its frantic fighting action. Overcooked! 2 tests teamwork in chaotic kitchen scenarios. Mario Tennis Aces serves up competitive sports fun. Splatoon 3 offers colorful team-based shooting action. Luigi’s Mansion 3 allows two players to explore haunted locales together.
Highest-Selling Nintendo Switch Game
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe holds the title of best-selling Nintendo Switch game. This racing game has sold over 48 million copies worldwide since its release in 2017. Its popularity stems from its accessible gameplay, multiplayer options, and regular content updates.
Anticipated Nintendo Switch Releases for 2024
Several exciting games are slated for release on Nintendo Switch in 2024. Fans eagerly await new entries in popular franchises like Metroid Prime 4 and Bayonetta 4. The rumored sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild generates significant buzz. New installments in the Pokémon series typically arrive annually, so players can expect fresh monster-catching adventures.
Black Friday Discounts on Switch Games
Nintendo Switch games often receive discounts during Black Friday sales. Both physical and digital versions of games may see price reductions. Popular first-party titles might get modest discounts, while third-party games could see deeper price cuts. The Nintendo eShop frequently runs digital sales during this period, offering deals on a wide range of games.
