Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the amazing world of Nintendo Switch games in 2024? With so many fantastic titles out there, it can be tough to decide what to play next. Don't worry; I've got you covered! I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Nintendo Switch games that you absolutely need to check out this year. Whether you're into action-packed adventures, brain-teasing puzzles, or heartwarming stories, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab your Switch, get comfortable, and let’s jump right in!

1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is arguably the must-play game on the Nintendo Switch in 2024. Building upon the incredible foundation of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom takes players back to Hyrule, but with a vast array of new mechanics, abilities, and mysteries to uncover. The sheer scope of this game is mind-blowing, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay. You'll find yourself constantly discovering new areas, solving intricate puzzles, and battling formidable foes. One of the standout features is the ability to create almost anything you can imagine using the new Fuse ability. Want to build a makeshift vehicle? Go for it! Need a powerful weapon? Combine different materials to craft the ultimate tool of destruction.

The storyline is captivating, delving deeper into the lore of Hyrule and introducing compelling new characters. The sense of freedom and exploration is unparalleled, encouraging players to forge their own path through the game. Whether you're soaring through the skies on a handcrafted glider, delving into mysterious underground caves, or engaging in epic boss battles, Tears of the Kingdom consistently delivers unforgettable moments. The game's stunning visuals and immersive soundtrack further enhance the experience, making it a true masterpiece. Trust me, if you only play one game on your Nintendo Switch this year, make it The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. It's an adventure you won't soon forget, filled with endless possibilities and captivating discoveries that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

2. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Next up is Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a game that injects a fresh dose of creativity and innovation into the classic 2D Mario formula. This isn't your typical side-scrolling adventure; Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduces “Wonder Flowers” that can completely transform the game world in unexpected and delightful ways. Imagine pipes coming to life, hordes of enemies appearing out of nowhere, or your character suddenly gaining new abilities. These Wonder Effects keep you constantly on your toes, ensuring that no two levels feel the same. The game's vibrant visuals and quirky art style add to its charm, creating a truly unique and memorable experience. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, and even Daisy, each with their own subtle differences in gameplay.

What truly sets Super Mario Bros. Wonder apart is its focus on multiplayer. You can team up with up to three friends locally or online, working together to overcome challenges and discover hidden secrets. The cooperative gameplay is seamless and intuitive, making it perfect for family game nights or playing with friends. Even if you're playing solo, you can still benefit from the online features by seeing the ghosts of other players and leaving helpful hints for them. The level design is exceptional, with each stage offering a perfect blend of challenge and reward. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or a newcomer to the series, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a must-play title that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. Its innovative mechanics and delightful surprises make it a standout addition to the Mario franchise.

3. Metroid Prime Remastered

For those who crave atmospheric exploration and intense action, Metroid Prime Remastered is an absolute gem. This game is a stunning reimagining of the GameCube classic, bringing Samus Aran's first-person adventure to a new generation of players. The updated visuals are breathtaking, with enhanced textures, lighting, and character models that truly bring the world of Tallon IV to life. But it's not just about the graphics; the gameplay has also been refined, with smoother controls and improved aiming mechanics that make combat feel more fluid and responsive.

Metroid Prime Remastered perfectly captures the sense of isolation and mystery that made the original game so special. As you explore the alien landscapes of Tallon IV, you'll uncover secrets, solve environmental puzzles, and battle terrifying creatures. The game's atmosphere is thick with tension, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. The story is told through environmental details and scanned logs, encouraging players to piece together the mysteries of the Chozo civilization. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Metroid series or a newcomer looking for a gripping sci-fi adventure, Metroid Prime Remastered is a must-have title for your Nintendo Switch. Its combination of exploration, action, and atmosphere makes it a true masterpiece of game design.

4. Pikmin 4

Pikmin 4 offers a delightful blend of strategy, exploration, and adorable creatures. In this latest installment of the Pikmin series, you play as a customizable character who crash-lands on a mysterious planet and must team up with the tiny, plant-like Pikmin to survive. The game introduces a new companion, Oatchi, a space dog who can help you explore the environment, carry heavy objects, and even fight enemies. The addition of Oatchi adds a new layer of strategy to the gameplay, allowing you to tackle challenges in creative ways.

Pikmin 4 is incredibly accessible, with a gentle learning curve that makes it easy for newcomers to jump in. The game's charming visuals and whimsical soundtrack create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. But don't let the cute exterior fool you; Pikmin 4 also offers a surprising amount of depth and challenge. You'll need to carefully manage your Pikmin squads, using their unique abilities to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. The game's day-night cycle adds another layer of strategy, as certain Pikmin types are better suited for nighttime exploration. Whether you're a seasoned Pikmin veteran or a newcomer to the series, Pikmin 4 is a must-play title that will delight and surprise you.

5. Bayonetta 3

For those who crave over-the-top action and stylish combat, Bayonetta 3 is the perfect choice. This game is a non-stop thrill ride from start to finish, with Bayonetta unleashing her signature blend of gun-toting action and wicked witch powers. The combat is fast, fluid, and incredibly satisfying, with a wide range of combos and special moves to master. Bayonetta 3 introduces new Demon Masquerade abilities, allowing Bayonetta to fuse with her demons and unleash devastating attacks.

Bayonetta 3's storyline is as wild and eccentric as the gameplay, with Bayonetta traveling through different dimensions to stop a mysterious new threat. The game's visuals are stunning, with detailed character models and breathtaking environments. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with a mix of high-energy dance tracks and operatic scores that perfectly complement the action. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Bayonetta series or a newcomer looking for a stylish and over-the-top action game, Bayonetta 3 is a must-play title that will leave you breathless.

6. Fire Emblem Engage

Fire Emblem Engage brings the strategic depth and compelling storytelling that the Fire Emblem series is known for. This game features a new protagonist, Alear, who must awaken and team up with legendary heroes from past Fire Emblem games to stop a resurgent evil. The Engage mechanic allows Alear to summon and bond with these heroes, granting them powerful new abilities and skills. The turn-based battles are as challenging and rewarding as ever, requiring careful planning and strategic thinking.

Fire Emblem Engage's storyline is engaging and well-written, with a cast of memorable characters. The game's visuals are vibrant and detailed, with beautifully animated cutscenes. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with a mix of orchestral scores and upbeat battle themes. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Fire Emblem series or a newcomer looking for a challenging and rewarding strategy game, Fire Emblem Engage is a must-play title that will keep you hooked for hours.

7. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land marks a bold new direction for the Kirby series, bringing the pink puffball into a fully 3D world. This game is a delightful and charming adventure, with Kirby exploring a mysterious abandoned civilization. The new Mouthful Mode allows Kirby to inhale objects and transform into them, granting him unique abilities and powers. The level design is creative and imaginative, with a wide variety of environments to explore.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land's storyline is simple but heartwarming, with Kirby setting out to rescue the Waddle Dees who have been captured by the Beast Pack. The game's visuals are colorful and cheerful, with detailed character models and vibrant environments. The soundtrack is equally upbeat and catchy, perfectly complementing the game's whimsical atmosphere. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Kirby series or a newcomer looking for a charming and accessible 3D platformer, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a must-play title that will put a smile on your face.

8. Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise delivers the thrilling monster-hunting action that the Monster Hunter series is known for, but with a new level of accessibility and mobility. This game introduces the Wirebug, a versatile grappling hook that allows hunters to zip around the environment and perform aerial attacks. The new Palamute companions add another layer of strategy to the gameplay, allowing hunters to ride into battle and perform coordinated attacks. The monster designs are as creative and fearsome as ever, with a wide variety of creatures to hunt and slay.

Monster Hunter Rise's storyline is engaging and well-paced, with a cast of memorable characters. The game's visuals are stunning, with detailed environments and impressive monster animations. The soundtrack is equally epic, with a mix of traditional Japanese music and orchestral scores. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Monster Hunter series or a newcomer looking for a challenging and rewarding action RPG, Monster Hunter Rise is a must-play title that will keep you coming back for more.

9. Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a sprawling and epic RPG that offers a deep and engaging storyline, a vast and beautiful world to explore, and a complex and rewarding combat system. This game features two warring nations, Keves and Agnus, whose soldiers are locked in an endless cycle of conflict. The protagonists, Noah and Mio, must team up to uncover the truth behind the war and find a way to break the cycle. The combat system is a mix of real-time action and strategic planning, with players controlling a party of characters who each have their own unique abilities and roles.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3's storyline is complex and thought-provoking, exploring themes of war, identity, and destiny. The game's visuals are stunning, with vast and detailed environments to explore. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with a mix of orchestral scores and J-pop themes. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Xenoblade Chronicles series or a newcomer looking for a deep and rewarding RPG, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a must-play title that will keep you engrossed for hours.

10. Persona 5 Royal

Last but not least, Persona 5 Royal is a stylish and captivating JRPG that combines elements of social simulation, dungeon crawling, and turn-based combat. This game follows the story of Joker, a high school student who becomes the leader of the Phantom Thieves, a group of vigilantes who fight against corruption and injustice. The game's social simulation elements allow players to build relationships with other characters, which in turn unlocks new abilities and strengthens their combat prowess. The dungeon crawling is challenging and rewarding, with a wide variety of enemies and puzzles to overcome.

Persona 5 Royal's storyline is engaging and well-written, with a cast of memorable characters. The game's visuals are stylish and vibrant, with a unique art style that perfectly captures the game's themes. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with a mix of jazz, funk, and rock that perfectly complements the game's tone. Whether you're a longtime fan of JRPGs or a newcomer looking for a stylish and captivating adventure, Persona 5 Royal is a must-play title that will leave a lasting impression.

So there you have it, guys! My top 10 Nintendo Switch games you need to play in 2024. I hope this list helps you discover some new favorites and have an awesome gaming year! Happy gaming!