Nintendo has uplifting, lighthearted 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.

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 since its 2017 launch, some of which rank among the publisher's greatest-ever releases. What are the best first-party Switch games?

Updated February 18, 2024 by Mark Sammut: 2024 is underway, and Nintendo has just released its first major exclusive of the year. While Mario vs. Donkey Kong will probably not go down as one of the biggest games of 2024, it is still a solid first-party release that can keep someone engaged until the arrival of Princess Peach: Showtime!.

Along with in-house projects, games developed by studios that are Nintendo partners will also be considered. An argument could be made these are second-party releases, but that term is barely used, so these projects will be included here.

However, games published by Nintendo but developed by third-party studios will be omitted; consequently, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Fire Emblem Warriors, Shin Megami Tensei 5, and Bayonetta 3 will be left out. Pokemon will also be ignored since Game Freak is an independent developer.

19 Nintendo Labo

Metascore: 77

The concept of a controller is one that Nintendo challenges. As the world settles in on one way of charging their controllers or button locations, Nintendo questions why catching a fish with a rod and reel shouldn't feel the same way.

Nintendo Labo is fun for all ages and is as simple or complex as the player's imagination. By setting up the controllers on various bits of cardboard, players get a level of immersion they'd ordinarily need VR to harness. Ultimately, this release is difficult to recommend since it is the definition of an acquired taste, despite being fairly accessible as an idea. While certainly fun, Labo is also one of those concepts that can grow old quickly.

18 Mario Vs. Donkey Kong

Metascore: 77

The Mario vs. Donkey Kong has a weird reputation. On the one hand, most of the games are generally enjoyable, offering a fun mix of puzzle-solving and platforming. However, the spin-off series tends to struggle to trigger any significant excitement, and a new release's announcement tends to be treated with a shrug rather than a cheer. The 2024 release is not an exception, although it does benefit slightly from being the subseries' first project in nearly a decade. That said, as a remake of the 2004 GBA original, the game does not contain all that many surprises, even though Nintendo did incorporate a fair amount of new content to try and keep things fresh. Still, at its core, this experience is largely identical to its forefather, with Mario having the same moveset and many of the main levels being unchanged.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is, for the most part, polished and enjoyable. For the uninitiated, the game casts players as Mario, who is on a quest to reclaim toys stolen by Donkey Kong. As such, levels consist of basic but decent platforming along with puzzle elements that see Mario try to direct mini-versions of himself. While the story is not the point, the cutscenes are well-animated and charming. Once the main campaign is completed, players can unlock extra stages, which should help to keep them entertained for a couple of hours.

This remake is the perfect entry point into this series; however, if someone has never been a fan of Mario vs. Kong, their opinion is unlikely to be altered by this Switch release.

17 Super Mario RPG

Metascore: 84

Square's Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars introduced Nintendo's icon to the world of role-playing games, a decision that resulted in several great spiritual successors. Despite coming out in 1996, the SNES classic holds up pretty well thanks to its clever writing and simple but enjoyable combat; however, anyone craving a modern iteration that offers (slightly) more than just a fresh coat of paint should check out the Switch remake.

As Nintendo stuck very close to the original game's blueprint, this is, ultimately, still the same Super Mario RPG that has been around for decades. It looks better and comes with a few quality-of-life adjustments, but the campaign does not have much in the way of new content. Consequently, players who have completed the original version and do not feel like revisiting it might want to hold off on picking up the remake. However, this also means that Super Mario RPG has all the same positives as its ancestor, including frequently hilarious dialogue and a world that is fun to explore. While generally the same, the combat is also improved thanks to the addition of a new special combo meter.

16 Ring Fit Adventure

Metascore: 83

If someone is 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.

Players will perform exercises like jogging, high knee raises, and numerous other exercises while leveling up. However, if someone is merely looking for a workout, Ring Fit Adventure has players covered. One can create customizable workout routines for an unparalleled experience, making this title a great option for people who need to contain their exercise in their living rooms.

15 Super Mario Maker 2

Metascore: 88

Garnering universal praise when it debuted, Super Mario Maker 2 faded into the backdrop oddly quickly. Perhaps the game just did not feel different enough from the first entry to have staying power, at least in terms of attracting mainstream attention.

That said, Super Mario Maker 2 is still a must-own for anyone who loves 2D Mario, particularly if they enjoy creating levels. Those who do not want to take part in that process can enjoy a few pre-installed stages and creations crafted by other users.

14 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Metascore: 86

Another Wii U game that was ported to the Switch, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is not only a phenomenal platformer by any metric but also one of the best entries in Nintendo's legendary franchise. Retro Studios, a Nintendo subsidiary, handled the game's development, building nicely on its work on 2010's Donkey Kong Country Returns. Tropical Freeze controls incredibly well, although it does feel fairly different from most other platformers on the market; consequently, newcomers to the series should be prepared for a learning curve.

The Switch version does not add too much to the vanilla iteration, which has been largely par for the course for this type of rerelease. That said, it is the definitive way to experience this title, and the console's library is enhanced with Tropical Freeze's inclusion.

13 Luigi's Mansion 3

Metascore: 86

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.

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 the GameCube classic, Luigi's Mansion 3 is creative, charming, and gorgeous.

12 Splatoon 3

Metascore: 83

Splatoon 2 and 3 are both among the best multiplayer experiences on the Nintendo Switch, but the latter's healthy fanbase gives it the nod over its precursor. In comparison to its predecessor, which earned criticism for sticking too close to the first game's formula, Splatoon 3 offers a more substantial upgrade on what came before.

While the multiplayer modes are still the main focus, Splatoon 3 incorporates single-player content as well, so players do not have to jump online to enjoy this third-person shooter. Although it has been out for a while by this point, the game is still very active, and that is likely to continue to be the case until a sequel debuts.

11 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Metascore: 89

Strange as it might be to describe any Mario game as "underrated," Super Mario 3D World comes very close to fitting that bill and it is frequently in the running for the best game on the system. 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.

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 unrestricted in the franchise, although Bowser does show up frequently to distract Mario.

10 Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Metascore: 90

Animal Crossing: New Horizons was inescapable when it debuted. The game came out at the perfect time as a large percentage of the world was stuck indoors; removed from that context, New Horizons is a charming social sim that enjoyed roughly two years of frequent updates.

Now, the game did launch with a fair few missing features that were included in previous entries, so it certainly wasn't (and still isn't) perfect. Be that as it may, New Horizons still provided millions of people with an island escape when they needed it the most.

9 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Metascore: 92

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.

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.

8 Pikmin 4

Metascore: 87

All the numbered Pikmin games are available on the Nintendo Switch, and they are all great in their own right. The fourth entry was in the works for quite a long time, debuting almost exactly a decade after its mainline predecessor. This time gap resulted in weighty expectations that could have sunk even a decent follow-up, but Pikmin 4 ended up being far more than just that.

At its core, the 2023 release offers the same accessible strategy goodness that defines the license, to the point that veterans should feel right at home. However, that's not to say Pikmin 4 takes no risks or chances, as the game implements its fair share of unique features beyond a vastly different art style. Newcomers to the series can just start with this entry.

7 Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Metascore: 89

The Nintendo Switch has two "normal" Fire Emblem games, although that term only loosely fits Three Houses. If someone is looking for a traditional Fire Emblem package that prioritizes combat over everything else, they should go with Engage. Polarizing story aside, the 2023 game is pretty great. Conversely, Three Houses is quite a unique entry in the series as it heavily incorporates social sim elements into its story and gameplay.

The campaign is split into grid-based battles built on a combat system that is relatively typical for the franchise and sections that encourage players to build relationships with the rest of the cast. Even though these sides of the equation are quite different from each other, they add up to create a package that is more than the sum of its parts.

6 Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Metascore: 92

It took a while to happen, but in 2023, the Nintendo Switch finally received a brand-new traditional 2D Mario game. Super Mario Bros. Wonder finds the legendary mascot heading to the Flower Kingdom on an adventure that blends the familiar with the novel. At its core, Wonder delivers the type of magical Mario experience that fans have been appreciating for decades; however, unlike the New Super Mario Bros. series, the Switch release is far more willing to throw out surprises and twists in the formula. The result is a warm blanket of a game that lives up to its name.

New power-ups, enemy types, and Wonder Flowers await the former plumber, or a few of his friends since Wonder features a plethora of playable characters. The game also supports co-op, and it is a perfect option for parents easing their young children into the world of gaming. Nintendo rarely misses when it comes to mainline Mario releases, and this first-party Switch game is no exception.

5 Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Metascore: 89

In 2007, Nintendo bought Monolith Soft, and the developer continues to repay that gesture by consistently crafting outstanding JRPGs. The Switch does not have all that many first-party role-playing games, but Xenoblade Chronicles 3 has the quality and quantity to carry the entire genre on its shoulders.

Offering a deep combat system, an active and lengthy campaign, and an impressive massive open-world considering the hardware's specifications, the 2022 release is a masterpiece that pushes the Switch beyond its limits. Compared to previous entries in the series, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is relatively accessible, even if it still needs roughly 20 hours to teach all its battle mechanics.

4 Metroid Dread

Metascore: 88

Influential as its early games were, Metroid does not get as much attention from Nintendo as some of its other flagship properties. During the 2010s, the franchise only produced one home console entry, the divisive Metroid: Other M, and that came out right at the start of the decade; thankfully, the 2020s have been kinder to the series.

Rather than a continuation of the first-person Prime era, Metroid Dread returns to the franchise's side-scrolling roots, a decision that pays off beautifully. The 2021 game is punishingly difficult, gorgeous, and plays like a dream. Filled with secrets, power-ups, and unforgettable boss encounters, Metroid Dread marked a splendid return to form for the grandfather of the Metroidvania genre.

Metroid Prime Remastered is also on the Nintendo Switch.

3 Super Mario Odyssey

Metascore: 97

A modern Nintendo console is not complete without a proper 3D Mario game, a Wii U mistake the Switch did not repeat. Super Mario Odyssey is about as perfect of a platformer as they come, in the sense that it does not have any significant flaws. Sure, its kingdoms might be largely predictable, outside a few exceptions, but they are all expertly designed, unique from each other, and a lot of fun to traverse.

In a franchise known for its excellent movement, Super Mario Odyssey stands out as being particularly amazing. Mario has never felt this good to control, and players who master his moveset will be able to pull off stunts that might seem impossible to newcomers. Cappy, a hat that allows Mario to take control of enemies, adds a welcome wrinkle to the gameplay that sets Odyssey apart from previous 3D Mario projects.

2 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Metascore: 97

At the Switch's launch, only one game mattered: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. During its first few months, the console was jokingly called a BOTW machine; while this was partially due to a lack of other worthwhile options, it was mainly a reflection of the game's quality. The first proper open-world Zelda project, BOTW represents sandbox gaming at its best, granting players a massive playground where they can craft a tailored but still unique adventure.

While lacking some of the franchise's classic tropes like lengthy dungeons, the 2017 game makes up for it through an addictive gameplay loop that rewards creativity and a willingness to explore. Right out of the gate, BOTW pushed the Switch to its limits and made the console a must-own device. The title set a standard that almost no subsequent Switch game could hope to reach, and it is a testament to Nintendo's first-party quality control that a few titles managed to come close.

1 The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

Metascore: 96

Very little separates Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. In fact, at launch, the former was undoubtedly a fresher experience since its successor does not deviate too far from its predecessor's ideas. TOTK provides a very similar adventure to BOTW, albeit one that introduces enough twists to justify a return visit to Hyrule.

Arguably the sequel's biggest addition is the fantastic Fuse ability, which opens up a range of traversal and combat possibilities. TOTK's sandbox is an absolute marvel that encourages players to experiment with the tools at their disposal, even more so than BOTW. Ultimately, the 2023 game emphasizes its predecessor's strengths, all the while refining controversial mechanics like weapon degradation. If someone is looking for a traditional Zelda experience, they will only get it in spurts in TOTK; however, if a Switch owner wants BOTW but more, the sequel delivers.

MORE: Best Rhythm Games On The Nintendo Switch