6 games to play first on your new Nintendo Switch

By James On Dec 24, 2023

eCongratulations, you are the owner of a Nintendo Switch! It's a wonderful position to be in, as the console has a robust, delightful library of games. Plus, you can't just play them on a television screen or monitor; you can also take the console anywhere. And it doesn't hurt that there are tons of cute Joy-Con colors, a great pro controller, and plenty of themed peripherals for fans of all shapes and sizes.

The hardest part is where to start, when it comes to sorting through your options. Luckily, we have six recommendations, ranging from modern Nintendo classics (which you won't be able to play on any non-Nintendo console) to indie games that are perfect for the Switch.

It was really hard to narrow it down to just six; there are so many great things! – so if you're looking for more recommendations, be sure to check out the 22 best Nintendo Switch games, 36 best co-op games for Nintendo Switch, and the best Nintendo Switch games for adults.

The best classic Nintendo Switch games to play first

Nintendo is home to some of the most iconic gaming franchises, and a great place to start for any first-time Switch owners is with these modern Zelda, Mario, and Animal Crossing games. While it's hard to pick just a handful from this wealth of options – not to mention other iconic Nintendo series – we've narrowed it down to some of the platform's absolute best.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Image: Nintendo EPD/Nintendo

There are two notable Zelda games for the Switch that have achieved modern classic status: Breath of the wild and the sequel that came out this year, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. While they're both masterful achievements – putting Link in an open world and reimagining the scope of what's possible in exploration and puzzling – we've gone with Breath of the wild as a starting point, because this is where this iteration of Link's story begins (and because it's extremely accessible to newcomers). It offers all the joy of exploration on a huge map, as Link can climb and slide anywhere, without introducing any mechanics in the sequel that can be overwhelming (and also expansive).

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing games have long been beloved for their laid-back farming simulations and cute villagers, but… Animal Crossing: New Horizons perfected the genre. Great for console newcomers and veterans of the genre alike, the game puts you on an island where you can design a cute house, harvest materials, catch bugs and fish, and woo villagers with animals. Time passes just like in real life, so the game is perfectly suited for daily tasks that need to be accomplished – and fees for paying Tom Nook, the raccoon who lends you all your necessities and shelter.

Even more fun: you can visit other friends' islands. So if you have friends who also have the game on Switch, they can give you a tour and give you a helping hand in the form of bells or other items.

Super Mario Odyssey

In a sea of truly excellent Mario games, Super Mario Odyssey stands out as the choice for the Switch. Released specifically for this console, this game perfectly combines classic, whimsical Mario platforming with the vastness of a large world. You can run through loads of different maps – this notably includes my favorite metropolitan area in any Switch game, New Donk City – some of which hark back to previous installments of the franchise. There are also plenty of power-ups and critters to transform into, courtesy of partner character Cappy – you get to play as T-Rex in part of the game – and hidden collectibles for the explorer. Collect Power Moons and save the day. The world is your oyster.

Critically acclaimed indie games, perfect for the portability of the Switch

With so many celebrated indie games, it can be difficult to know which platform is best to play them on. Here are three of our absolute favorites for the Switch.

Hades

In HadesPlay as Zagreus, prince of the underworld, and fight your way from hell to the surface in this truly excellent roguelite. It has a fantastic, full cast of gods that give you different powers that you can mix and match during each run. But these gods are just one of many lovable, complicated, and extremely attractive characters you'll meet along the way as the story of Zagreus unfolds. Every run where you die doesn't feel like a loss; the story is just so propulsive. There are so many weapon and buff combinations to try out that you'll be eager to start your next playthrough, making the Switch's portability crucial. Hades is for the Greek mythology nerds, but also for everyone.

Stardew Valley

Solo developer and composer Eric Barone created both a game and a phenomenon, inspired by the Harvest Moon series. In Stardew Valley you inherit a farm from your grandfather and move in because you want to leave the business world behind. Farm, mine, fish and make friends with the locals in Pelican Town. It's so easy to think to yourself “just one more day” and then lose hours, days, and months even growing your farm, pursuing being a city person, and completing community bundles. The multiplayer is also excellent, as you can share a farm with up to three other players.

Hollow Knight

You are a lone knight, wandering the crumbling halls of a vast and ever-expanding kingdom – home to a defunct insect civilization – with only a nail for a weapon. But don't worry: your arsenal of attacks and powers grows as you explore and defeat more bosses. Hollow Knight is one of the best Metroidvanias (and Souls-likes) on the Switch, thanks to its precise platforming mechanics, memorable cast of characters, and a vast map full of secrets. There's no better feeling than doing a little digging and then finding a whole new region on the map. Hollow Knight captures that feeling – and you'll love taking the game with you.