The Nintendo Switch continues to thrive even three years after its initial launch. 2020 has seen an uptick in Switch purchases, often keeping them off of store shelves entirely. The system has sold far better than its predecessor, the Wii U, seeing more than 68 million units move since it was released.
With first-party titles like Animal Crossing and Mario Kart taking center stage, it’s unsurprising that some other games are often overshadowed on this best-selling console. Though these games may not receive the same coverage as other releases, they are equally excellent entries in the Nintendo Switch Catalog.
10 Borderlands Legendary Collection
One of the best multiplayer shooter experiences of the past generation, Borderlands, is seeing the release of its games on the Nintendo Switch. This Switch port contains the Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, and Borderlands 2. All games can even be played in split-screen co-op with up to four players. Each release comes with all DLC (minus the most recent expansion of Borderlands 2: Commander Lilith and the Fight For Sanctuary) making this an entry that will keep players occupied for dozens of hours.
9 Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory
Another surprising Switch port lies in Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory. This rhythm-action game tasks players with tapping along to the beats of over 100 songs from the Kingdom Hearts franchise. Those who follow the franchise will be pleased to hear that the game features new cutscenes and elements that further the series story. As no other entries of the Kingdome Hearts series are available on the Nintendo Switch, it’s a bit peculiar that Square Enix would choose this spinoff to be their first Switch release.
8 Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
For fans of open-world RPGs, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is one of Nintendo’s finest. This remaster of the Wii release by Monolith Soft follows Shulk and his friends on a journey in a world where people live on two giant titans. As the inhabitants of each titan clash, players will set forth on a story-driven mission of revenge.
Using real-time action-oriented combat, players will face enemies large and small as they make their way through this 60+ hour experience. The definitive edition also comes with a new epilogue following the events of the main game.
7 Super Mario 35
For fans of the original Super Mario franchise, Nintendo has released an exciting new take on the classic 2D platformer. The newest spin on Mario’s original outing pits 35 players against each other in a race to the end of a stage. Just like with Tetris 99, users are able to send obstacles and enemies to block their opponents on their way to the finish. Super Mario Bros. 35 is entirely free-to-play for Nintendo Switch Online members and serves as an excellent benefit for subscribers.
6 Pikmin 3 Deluxe
A highly-requested remaster, Pikmin 3 Deluxe, finally saw release on the Nintendo Switch this year. This entry was originally released for the Wii U in 2013, but due to the console’s poor sales numbers, very few gamers got their hands on this real-time strategy experience. Some Switch owners may be surprised to know it is available, as Nintendo did very little marketing to inform consumers of the enhanced version of this cult classic. With enhanced visuals and all previously released DLC, this serves as the best way to play Pikmin 3 in 2020.
5 Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Rescue Team DX
With so much Pokemon-related content releasing in 2020, Switch owners wouldn’t be at fault for missing this entry. On March 6, 2020, Nintendo released a completely remade version of the original Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team games from 2005.
Created with modernized visuals and an all-new art-style, fans new and old can experience the tale of a child-turned-pokemon. This remake serves as a test-run for the popular Pokemon: Mystery Dungeon Series, allowing Nintendo to gauge current interest in the franchise. Should the remake perform well, fans may see future entries on the Switch.
4 Exit The Gungeon
If Switch owners are looking for a game reminiscent of an arcade experience, Devolver Digital’s Exit The Gungeon is an excellent choice. Exit the Gungeon canonically serves as a direct follow-up to Enter the Gungeon, the Shoot-em-up rogue-like released for the Nintendo Switch in December 2017. Players will climb randomly generated towers of endless enemies and bosses on their road to escape this bullet-themed dungeon. For those willing to hone their skills to perfection, this dungeon-crawler offers a substantial challenge with variation in each game.
3 Spiritfarer
If Switch owners are looking for a more tranquil time, the incredible indie, Spiritfarer, is well worth exploring. Throughout the game, players will meet unique and varied spirits with their own pasts, forming bonds with them as the story progresses. Assume the role of Stella, a girl who ferries the souls of the deceased to peace before sending them on to the afterlife. On their adventure, players can customize and craft their ship however they choose, all while fishing, mining, and cooking on the ocean.
2 Ori And The Will Of The Wisps
Those who follow video games may know that Microsoft has been teaming up with Nintendo to bring games to the portable console over the past few years. Releases like Cuphead have shown that the companies are capable of working together to ensure more people can play some of their best games. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is another fantastic Xbox game that has found a new home on the Nintendo Switch. Boasting beautiful visuals, tight controls, and a heartfelt story, Switch owners are able to follow Ori on his sophomore adventure with a new companion, Ku.
1 Hades
Supergiant Games is a studio that is no stranger to success. After masterpieces like Bastion and Transistor, the company has become synonymous with high-quality creations. The same can be said about their most recent release, Hades. Originally an early access title on PC, Hades rose to be a contender for Game of the Year in 2020 after the full release hit digital storefronts on September 17, 2020. This rogue-like dungeon crawler follows players through the pits of a Greek-inspired underworld. Players will make fight oppose Hades and fight their way to the surface with the aid of Greek gods such as Zeus.
