Hey guys! Looking for the absolute best games to play on your Nintendo Switch in 2024? You've come to the right place! With so many amazing titles available, it can be tough to decide where to spend your time and money. That's why I've put together this list of the top 10 Nintendo Switch games you absolutely need to check out. Get ready to level up your gaming experience!

1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Okay, let's kick things off with a massive one. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is not just a game; it's an experience. Building upon the foundation of its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom takes you back to Hyrule, but this time, things are drastically different. The world is even more expansive, with floating islands in the sky and mysterious depths below the surface. The gameplay is incredibly open-ended, allowing you to approach challenges in almost any way you can imagine. The new abilities that Link possesses, such as Recall, Fuse, Ultrahand and Ascend, add layers of creativity and problem-solving that were simply not possible in previous Zelda games. The story is captivating, filled with memorable characters and surprising twists that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Graphically, the game is stunning, pushing the Nintendo Switch to its limits. The environments are beautifully detailed, and the lighting effects are particularly impressive. The soundtrack is also phenomenal, with a mix of new compositions and reimagined classic themes that perfectly capture the mood of each area. But what really sets Tears of the Kingdom apart is its sense of freedom. You're never forced down a specific path; you're free to explore, experiment, and discover at your own pace. Whether you're solving intricate puzzles in shrines, battling formidable monsters, or simply wandering through the breathtaking landscapes, there's always something new and exciting to discover. This game is easily a contender for game of the year and is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. If you haven't already, grab your Master Sword and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

2. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Next up, we have Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a game that truly lives up to its name. This isn't your typical side-scrolling Mario adventure; it's a complete reinvention of the formula. The game introduces Wonder Flowers, which, when touched, transform the levels in bizarre and unexpected ways. Pipes might come alive and chase you, the world could turn upside down, or Mario himself could transform into a Goomba or a Spike. These Wonder Effects add a constant element of surprise and keep you on your toes throughout the entire game. Super Mario Bros. Wonder also introduces new playable characters, including Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, and Toadette, in addition to Mario, Luigi and Toad, each with their own unique abilities. This makes the game perfect for multiplayer, allowing you and your friends to experience the wonder together. The level design is ingenious, with each stage packed full of secrets, challenges, and hidden areas to discover. The graphics are vibrant and colorful, bringing the Mushroom Kingdom to life in stunning detail. The animations are fluid and expressive, adding to the game's overall charm and personality. The soundtrack is also fantastic, with catchy tunes that will have you humming along as you play.

Whether you're a long-time Mario fan or new to the series, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a game that you simply can't miss. It's a fresh, innovative, and incredibly fun experience that will remind you why you fell in love with Mario in the first place. So gather your friends, grab your controllers, and get ready to embark on a wondrous adventure!

3. Metroid Prime Remastered

For those of you who love a good sci-fi adventure, Metroid Prime Remastered is an absolute must-play. This is more than just a simple HD update; it's a complete reimagining of the GameCube classic, with updated graphics, improved controls, and enhanced gameplay. Playing as the bounty hunter Samus Aran, you'll explore the mysterious planet Tallon IV, uncovering its secrets and battling alien creatures. The atmosphere in Metroid Prime Remastered is incredible, creating a sense of isolation and dread that few other games can match. The environments are beautifully detailed, with lush forests, ancient ruins, and high-tech research facilities to explore. The sound design is also top-notch, with haunting melodies and eerie sound effects that perfectly capture the mood of the game.

The updated controls make the game feel much more modern and intuitive, allowing you to move and aim with greater precision. The combat is challenging and rewarding, requiring you to use all of Samus's abilities to defeat the various enemies you'll encounter. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Metroid series or new to the franchise, Metroid Prime Remastered is a game that you absolutely need to experience. It's a masterpiece of game design that has stood the test of time, and this remastered version makes it even better than ever before.

4. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Alright, Pokémon trainers, listen up! Pokémon Scarlet and Violet brought a new open-world adventure to the Nintendo Switch, and it's a blast. Set in the Paldea region, inspired by the Iberian Peninsula, these games let you explore a vast and diverse landscape filled with new Pokémon to discover and catch. The open-world design allows you to travel seamlessly between towns and routes, giving you a sense of freedom that wasn't possible in previous Pokémon games. You can choose from one of three main storylines, giving you the flexibility to tackle the game in the way that you want.

The graphics in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are a significant step up from previous Pokémon games on the Switch, with detailed environments and expressive character models. The new Pokémon designs are also fantastic, with a mix of cute, cool, and downright bizarre creatures to add to your team. The multiplayer features allow you to explore the Paldea region with your friends, battle together, and trade Pokémon. While the game did launch with some performance issues, Game Freak has been working hard to address these problems with updates, and the overall experience is now much smoother. If you're a Pokémon fan, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are a must-have for your Nintendo Switch collection.

5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Okay, who doesn't love Animal Crossing: New Horizons? This game is the ultimate chill-out experience, allowing you to create your own island paradise and live a peaceful life with adorable animal villagers. From fishing and bug-catching to decorating your home and crafting furniture, there's always something to do in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The game is constantly updated with new events and items, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. The graphics are charming and colorful, and the music is incredibly relaxing.

Whether you're looking for a game to unwind after a long day or a fun activity to share with your friends and family, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a perfect choice. It's a game that you can pick up and play for a few minutes or lose yourself in for hours on end. With its endless customization options and charming gameplay, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game that will keep you coming back for more.

6. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a timeless classic that continues to be one of the most popular games on the Nintendo Switch. With its tight controls, colorful graphics, and addictive gameplay, it's the perfect game for both casual and hardcore racing fans. The game features a huge roster of characters from the Mario universe, as well as a wide variety of karts, bikes, and gliders to choose from. The tracks are beautifully designed and filled with obstacles, shortcuts, and power-ups to keep you on your toes. The Deluxe version includes all of the DLC from the original Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U, as well as new characters, karts, and battle modes. The online multiplayer is smooth and reliable, allowing you to race against players from all over the world. Whether you're playing alone or with friends, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is guaranteed to provide hours of fun.

7. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate truly lives up to its name. This game is the ultimate crossover fighting game, featuring a massive roster of characters from various video game franchises, including Mario, Link, Pikachu, Sonic, and many more. With its fast-paced combat, deep mechanics, and endless customization options, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels. The game features a huge variety of stages, each with its own unique layout and hazards. The single-player mode is packed with content, including a lengthy story mode and various challenges to complete. The online multiplayer is robust and allows you to battle against players from around the world. If you're a fan of fighting games, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is an absolute must-have for your Nintendo Switch collection.

8. Splatoon 3

Splatoon 3 is a unique and innovative shooter that puts a fresh spin on the genre. Instead of focusing solely on eliminating opponents, Splatoon 3 is all about covering the map with your team's ink. The game features a colorful and vibrant world, with a unique art style that sets it apart from other shooters. The gameplay is fast-paced and strategic, requiring you to work together with your team to control the map and splat your opponents. The game features a variety of weapons, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The single-player mode is surprisingly engaging, with a compelling story and challenging levels to complete. The online multiplayer is where Splatoon 3 truly shines, with ranked battles, league battles, and Salmon Run co-op mode to keep you coming back for more.

9. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

For strategy RPG fans, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is an absolute masterpiece. This game combines deep tactical combat with a compelling story and memorable characters. Set in the continent of Fódlan, you play as a professor at the Garreg Mach Monastery, where you must choose to lead one of three noble houses: the Black Eagles, the Blue Lions, or the Golden Deer. Each house has its own unique characters, story, and challenges. The combat is turn-based and requires you to carefully plan your moves and utilize your units' strengths and weaknesses. The game also features a robust social system, allowing you to build relationships with your students and other characters. Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a game that will keep you hooked for hours on end, with its engaging story, challenging gameplay, and unforgettable characters.

10. Hades

Last but not least, we have Hades, a roguelike dungeon crawler that has taken the gaming world by storm. Playing as Zagreus, the son of Hades, you must escape the Underworld and reach the surface. Each run is different, with randomly generated levels, enemies, and power-ups. The combat is fast-paced and fluid, requiring you to master Zagreus's various weapons and abilities. The story is surprisingly compelling, with a cast of memorable characters and a deep mythology to explore. Hades is a game that is both challenging and rewarding, with a satisfying sense of progression that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you're a fan of roguelikes or action games, Hades is a must-play for your Nintendo Switch.