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These ten games offer a useful tour of Nintendo’s range, from open-world adventures and platformers to racing, creative play, multiplayer action, strategy, and creature collecting. This is an editorial shortlist, not an official ranking: the picks favor variety and distinct experiences over sales figures or universal consensus. Most are Nintendo Switch games; check the edition and regional catalog before buying, especially if you play on Switch 2.
Which Nintendo games are worth playing first?
Start with Breath of the Wild if you want a large adventure, Super Mario Odyssey for 3D platforming, or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for a game that works well with company. The ten picks below cover different moods and play styles rather than competing for a single “best” spot. Nintendo’s own starter recommendations similarly describe their list as a variety of experiences and a “smattering of games,” not a definitive ranking (Nintendo’s Switch starter recommendations).
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Mario Kart™ World (Nintendo Switch 2) | $79.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Super Mario Galaxy™ + Super Mario Galaxy™ 2 | $64.99 | Buy on Amazon |
For platform details, Nintendo’s U.S. catalog distinguishes games for Switch 2 from Switch titles playable across systems and lists physical and digital options (Nintendo’s U.S. game catalog). Individual editions and availability can vary by region.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Why play it
This open-world adventure makes curiosity the central mechanic: you can head toward a distant landmark, experiment with the environment, and approach problems in multiple ways. It is a strong first choice for anyone who wants exploration to feel self-directed rather than guided from one objective to the next.
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- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
What to know
Its scale and freedom can feel less focused than a linear adventure, and the opening asks you to learn systems through experimentation. Nintendo lists a Switch 2 edition as well as the original Switch release in its Canada showroom; check the regional listing to confirm which edition you are considering (Nintendo Canada’s Switch 2 showroom).
2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Why play it
This follow-up expands the adventure across Hyrule’s land and floating sky islands, adding a broad playground for exploration and creative problem-solving. Nintendo identifies it as a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild (Nintendo’s Tears of the Kingdom page).
What to know
Although it can be approached as its own adventure, players new to this version of Hyrule may get more out of the setting by starting with Breath of the Wild. Nintendo’s Canada showroom lists a Switch 2 edition; verify the edition and compatibility details for your market before purchasing (Nintendo Canada’s Switch 2 showroom).
3. Super Mario Odyssey
Why play it
Odyssey is a 3D platform adventure built around exploring varied worlds and using Mario’s companion, Cappy, to capture enemies and objects. That ability turns familiar platforming into a steady stream of movement and puzzle ideas. Nintendo lists one-console play for one or two players (Nintendo’s Super Mario Odyssey page).
What to know
The two-player mode is a shared-console option, not a substitute for a full co-op campaign. Nintendo says the game is supported on Switch 2 with consistent game behavior and a free enhancement update; it also lists a physical Switch edition (Nintendo’s Super Mario Odyssey page).
Rank #2
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Why play it
This is the easiest pick on the list to bring to a living room gathering: the racing is immediately legible, while items and track hazards keep races unpredictable. Nintendo describes local play for up to four players and online races for up to twelve players (Nintendo’s Switch starter recommendations).
What to know
Races rely on item-driven swings, so players looking for a pure, precision-focused racing simulation may prefer a different kind of game. Online play requires internet access and may be subject to Nintendo’s current service terms. Nintendo calls it “the definitive version” of Mario Kart 8; that is Nintendo’s own product description, not an independent quality ranking (Nintendo’s Switch starter recommendations).
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5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Why play it
This life-simulation game is built for a slower rhythm: shape an island, decorate spaces, and return for small daily activities. It is the list’s best fit if you want a relaxing creative routine rather than a campaign built around constant combat or timed challenges. Nintendo includes it among the different experiences in its Switch recommendations (Nintendo’s Switch starter recommendations).
What to know
Its unhurried pace and day-by-day structure are part of the appeal, but they can frustrate players who want a fast sense of completion or a tightly directed story. The official recommendation page describes the game’s island customization and daily activities; it does not make this a conventional mission-based adventure.
6. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Why play it
Wonder is the 2D Mario pick for players who prefer side-scrolling levels to open worlds. Its place in Nintendo’s current Switch catalog makes it a clear way to experience the series’ traditional platforming format alongside the 3D exploration of Odyssey (Nintendo Australia’s Switch catalog).
Rank #3
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Explore courses at your own pace and wander the world to discover fun surprises in Free Roam
What to know
Choose it for compact level-based play, not for the broad roaming and long-form exploration found in the Zelda games on this list. Catalog labels and availability can differ between Australia and other regions, so check your local store.
7. Splatoon 3
Why play it
This is the list’s colorful action and multiplayer choice. Nintendo’s Switch catalog includes it among the system’s games, adding a distinct competitive-action option to a shortlist otherwise weighted toward adventure, platforming, and relaxed play (Nintendo Australia’s Switch catalog).
What to know
Its strongest fit is for players who want action with an online multiplayer component; it is not the pick for someone seeking a primarily solitary, story-led experience. Check Nintendo’s current regional listing for the modes, online requirements, and availability relevant to your account and system.
8. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Why play it
Ultimate is the fighting-game choice for fans who want a large crossover cast and lively matches. Nintendo lists it in the Switch catalog, making it a natural recommendation for players who enjoy learning characters and competing with friends (Nintendo Australia’s Switch catalog).
What to know
Its spectacle is easy to enjoy, but mastering movement, matchups, and competitive play takes practice. If you mainly want a solo narrative adventure, another game on this list will be a better fit.
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- Journey through space in two Super Mario adventures, now improved for the Nintendo Switch system!
- Travel the stars with enhanced resolution, improved UI, and additional content
- Learn more about the Lumas from additional Storybook chapters, groove to a bit of additional music
- Get additional Health and fall recovery in Assist Mode
- Join Rosalina and the Lumas to restore the Comet Observatory and rescue Princess Peach in Super Mario Galaxy.
9. Pikmin 4
Why play it
Pikmin 4 represents the strategy-adventure side of Nintendo’s catalog. It is a useful change of pace for players who like planning, directing small units, and balancing exploration with tactical decisions. Nintendo’s Switch catalog lists it among the system’s games (Nintendo Australia’s Switch catalog).
What to know
Its strategic focus makes it a different proposition from reflex-led platformers or action games. If you prefer direct combat and constant movement over planning and managing units, it may not be your first pick.
10. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Why play it
This creature-collecting and exploration choice broadens the list beyond Nintendo’s platforming and adventure franchises. Nintendo’s Switch catalog lists it as part of the system’s library, making it a reasonable pick for fans who want Pokémon in a more exploration-centered format (Nintendo Australia’s Switch catalog).
What to know
It is the best fit here for players motivated by finding and collecting creatures; those looking for a traditional Zelda-style adventure or a competitive multiplayer focus should choose another entry. The cited catalog confirms its inclusion in the Switch library, but does not establish a comparative quality ranking.
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- For open-ended exploration: Start with Breath of the Wild; move to Tears of the Kingdom if you want its direct follow-up.
- For platforming: Choose Super Mario Odyssey for 3D worlds or Super Mario Bros. Wonder for side-scrolling levels.
- For a group: Pick Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for racing or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for fighting-game matches.
- For online action: Consider Splatoon 3 and verify the current online requirements for your region.
- For a slower or more tactical session: Try Animal Crossing: New Horizons for creative daily play or Pikmin 4 for strategy-adventure.
- For creature collecting: Choose Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
These are not the only defensible choices. Nintendo’s catalog also includes Metroid Dread, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3; choosing one of those would shift the mix toward action, 3D platforming, or role-playing respectively (Nintendo Australia’s Switch catalog). The ten picks above prioritize a broad sample of play styles.
Check the edition before you buy
Do not assume that every Switch game has a separate Switch 2 edition or enhancement. Nintendo’s U.S. catalog distinguishes Switch 2 exclusives from games playable on both systems, while its Canada showroom specifically lists Switch 2 editions of the two Zelda titles above. For Super Mario Odyssey, Nintendo states that Switch 2 support includes consistent game behavior and a free enhancement update. Edition names and availability are regional, so confirm the exact product page and platform in your local Nintendo store before ordering.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
