25 Nintendo Switch Games To Check Out for the Holidays

The Nintendo Switch may be nearing its second birthday, but that doesn't mean the console still isn't worth a look. In fact, the portable console is more popular than ever, thanks to a particularly healthy Black Friday weekend.

Whether you picked up a Switch back in 2017 or are new to Nintendo's portable wonder, now's as good a time as any to get yourself (re)acquainted with the console excellent library. Seriously, if you don't have at least five of these titles, you're really missing out.

Below we've highlighted 25 games you should check out for the Nintendo Switch. Choices range from adventure games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to the meditative Stardew Valley.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Arguably the Switch's best title—and one that helped launch the Switch revolution. Breath of the Wild took an open world approach and turned the franchise's traditional dungeons into mini puzzles, providing gamers with one of the best Zelda experiences ever.

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Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is the preeminent 3D Mario experience, taking what gamers loved about Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy and blending it into the perfect game. It features vivid, charming worlds and some of the best gameplay we've ever seen from Nintendo.

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The Mario Kart franchise is one of Nintendo's strongest properties and it finds a perfect home on the Switch. You can race friends, tackle opponents online, and even go solo anywhere you want with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, making it that much sweeter.

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Splatoon 2

Splatoon is one of those games that exemplifies the creative spirit of Nintendo. The team-based third-person shooter offers frenetic action and vibrant graphics, making it one of the best multiplayer experiences on the Switch.

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Pokémon Let's Go

Set in the Kanto region with the original 151 Pokémon, Nintendo's newest entry blends the traditional Pokémon experience to that of Pokémon Go. The game also supports Nintendo's awesome new Poké Ball Plus controller, which makes for a great addition to any Pokémon fan.

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Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle

What looked like a corny cash grab turned out to be an excellent turn-based tactical role-playing game. Mario + Rabbids blends the world of Nintendo and Raving Rabbids to great effect.

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Fortnite

The sensation that is Fortnite makes its thrilling debut on the Switch. Best of all, the game is still free, making it one of the first games you should download on your Switch, even if you're not a huge fan of the Battle Royale genre.

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Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley doesn't sound fun, but it's one of the best games of the last few years. It features rewarding gameplay, a gorgeous world, and some of the best music in modern gaming. There's nothing better then watching your farm thrive.

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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Easily the most anticipated Switch title of 2018 will see the Smash Bros. franchise debut on Nintendo's portable console. With a variety of game modes and 74 playable fighters, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate promises to be the most expansive entry in the franchise yet.

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Celeste

If you're a glutton for punishment, Celeste should be high on your list. But don't take that as a sign Celeste is a bad title; the game is very rewarding and offers a really important narrative that must be experienced.

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Firewatch

Firewatch is one of those games where gameplay takes a backseat to the narrative, as players uncover a heartbreaking mystery in the Wyoming wilderness.

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Rocket League

By now, you've probably played Rocket League, the blockbuster multi-player title that's part Fast & Furious and part soccer. It makes for a winning combination that's endlessly entertaining.

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Minecraft

Minecraft is one of those rare games that will be eternally fun, because the gameplay truly is endless. It offers exploration, survival, crafting, and challenges players to get creative with the structures they build.

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Hollow Knight

One of the most memorable 2D Metroidvania video games in recent memory, Hollow Knight is a perfect fit for the Nintendo Switch.

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Mario Tennis Aces

Mario Tennis Aces sees some of Nintendo's most beloved characters jump onto the court for intense rallies against computer and human opponents. Although the game looks simple, it takes quite a bit of practice to master.

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Golf Story

Even if you don't like golf, Golf Story is still a ton of fun. By combining the detailed mechanics of golf with a truly interesting story, Golf Story is one of those hidden gems the Switch was made for.

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Bayonetta 2

Games like Bayonetta 2 are a dying breed. If you liked the Devil May Cry series, then you'll thoroughly enjoy Bayonetta 2, an action game focused on epic combos. It's an experience you don't want to miss.

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Dead Cells

One of 2018's biggest surprises is a must-play on the Switch. The action-platformer is an unforgiving experience where death is certain, but the beauty is in learning from your mistakes.

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Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Taking the formula that made Donkey Kong Country so (in)famous, Tropical Freeze is a challenging but fun platformer that brings the franchise onto the console it truly belongs.

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Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is charming, vibrant, and so incredibly fun. The maze-like stages make for surprisingly rewarding gameplay, and it just might make you like Toad. Almost.

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Octopath Traveler

Combining unique graphics and traditional RPG gameplay makes for a throwback experience of epic proportions. You play as one of eight adventurers on an epic journey that unfolds in different ways.

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Dark Souls

The critically acclaimed action role-playing game is just as unforgiving on the Switch, offering players with a world that's uncaring, bleak, but fun on a handheld environment.

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Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Who would've thought such a mature game would be such a joy to play on the Switch? The handheld version brings all the thrills and violence over from its stationary counterparts, providing gamers with a fantastic single player experience.

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Crash Bandicoot: N'Sane Trilogy

Crash Bandicoot makes his triumphant return in the remake that brings the sarcastic marsupial into the high definition world of 2018.

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Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection

Bring the glory days of Street Fighter with you with Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. The compilation features 12 fighting games from the Street Fighter series, including Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting and Street Fighter Alpha.

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