The 15 best Nintendo Switch games for the 2024 holiday season

This holiday season, Nintendo Switch gamers have a lot to celebrate — with a bunch of new and exciting games. Nintendo is, of course, known for some of the most popular franchises and characters in video game history — and many of these mega-popular titles are for players of all ages.

If you’re looking to get some of your holiday shopping done early and you’re seeking gifts for Nintendo Switch gamers, here are our top picks of the best games that are available now, or that can be preordered for delivery in time for the holidays.

Pro Tip: If you’re shopping for games that are appropriate for a younger audience, be sure to pay attention to the rating. For kids, choose one that’s rated E for everyone or E10+. Games with a T rating are suitable for teenagers. These often contain some level of violence, while rated M games are for players over 18.

The best Nintendo Switch games in 2024

Not sure which Nintendo Switch games to give as holiday gifts this season? We’ve got you covered with our top picks of games available right now (or that will be released before the holidays that our in-house game experts have already had a chance to preview). No matter what age gamers you’re shopping for, or the types of games they enjoy, this roundup offers something for everyone. All of the games featured here support all versions and play modes of the Nintendo Switch.

Best new game overallfor Nintendo Switch: ‘The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom’

Release date: September 2024 | Number of players: 1 | Genre: Action / Adventure | Rating: E10+ 

“Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom” is every bit as exciting and challenging as all of the other blockbuster games in The Legend of Zelda series, but this one is a tad different. In this colorful adventure, the people of Hyrule are mysteriously disappearing. Even Link is nowhere to be found. 

So, who’s going to save the kingdom? This time, it’s Princess Zelda who embarks on an all-new adventure with the help of her Tri Rod. This magical device is able to create magical echos she can use to defeat enemies, overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and ultimately save the people of Hyrule.

Players need to use creativity and problem solving skills — not just quick reflexes. Unlike other popular games in the iconic Zelda franchise, this one takes on a more cartoon-like feel, but it’s definitely not just for kids. This is a game that’ll appeal to all fans of the Legend of Zelda franchise and who are over the age of 10. It’s also been one of the most anticipated new game releases of 2024.

Best classic gamefor Nintendo Switch: ‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’

Release date: April 2017 | Number of players: 1-4 (single system), 2-8 (local wireless), 2-12 (online) | Genre: Racing simulation | Rating: E 

“Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” has become a classic on the Switch. It provides countless hours of fun and high-speed challenges for gamers of all ages.

The game stars many of the most popular characters from Nintendo games, but puts them behind the wheel of customizable go-karts. As players whiz around colorful tracks and buzz toward the finish line, there are all sorts of obstacles to avoid and challenges to overcome — besides just the other racers.

“Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” is a game that can be played by people of all ages, which means it’s the perfect multi-player game for friends to play together, or for kids to experience with parents or siblings. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also continues to be hugely popular on college campuses. 

Hands down, it’s one of the very best multi-player gaming experience the Switch has to offer.

Best new Mario Bros. adventure gamefor Nintendo Switch: ‘Mario & Luigi Brothership’

Release date: November 2024 | Number of players: 1 | Genre: Action/adventure | Rating: E 

Two of the world’s most famous brothers are teaming up again for an all-new adventure. This time, they’re headed to the high seas and remote tropical islands, where they’ll meet up with familiar friends from the Mushroom Kingdom, and a few new ones, too. 

In addition to exploration and having to overcome all sorts of obstacles on the land and in the sea, Mario and Luigi will participate in epic turn-based battles that will require their loyalty as brothers to win. And of course, the game is loaded with some light-hearted humor to keep gamers entertained throughout their quest.

This is a game that players between the ages of 8 and 18 will love, but it’ll also appeal to Mario and Luigi fans of all ages.

Best new family-friendly gamefor Nintendo Switch: ‘Super Mario Party Jamboree’

Release date: October 2024 | Number of players: 1-4 (single system), 1-20 (online) | Genre: Multiplayer board game | Rating: E 

The Super Mario Party franchise is part board game, part action/adventure — and these games are among the most popular multi-player titles the Switch has to offer. Plus, it’s one of the few games that an 8-year-old can complete against an 18- or 81-year-old and be evenly matched.

This latest version, “Super Mario Party Jamboree,” features everything people love about Super Mario Party games and so much more. One of the most exciting aspects of this game is that up to 20 players can complete at the same time online. The game even comes with a three-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online to facilitate online play.

In addition to the seven game boards, players can experience 110 mini games. It’s a fun, colorful, challenging and light-hearted game someone can experience anytime, either alone or with family members and friends.

Best adventure gamefor Nintendo Switch: ‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’

Release date: May 2023 | Number of players: 1 | Genre: RPG, Action/Adventure | Rating: E10+ 

This award-winning RPG offers some action/adventure elements as players embark on an a quest that takes Link to some exciting new locations, where he encounters all sorts of new obstacles, puzzles and challenges. He’ll need to gather a wide range of items and resources to create weapons, shields and tools. 

Link is given a variety of new abilities, too. He can even pass through solid objects, rise up through ceilings, and make objects that are in motion travel through time.

Out of five stars, “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” has earned an incredibly high 4.9-star rating, based on more than 22,000 individual reviews. It’s a game that’ll keep the average gamer entertained and challenged for many hours.

Be sure to check out our full review of “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.”

Best simulation gamefor Nintendo Switch: ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’

Release date: March 2020 | Number of players: 1-4 (single system), 1-8 (local wireless), 1-8 (online) | Genre: Simulation | Rating: E 

The biggest misconception about “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” is that it’s a game for young kids. It’s not. While kids will certainly enjoy playing it, this is a game more for adults. And it’s one of the most unique and relaxing Switch games that’s ever been created.

Players get transported to a beautiful tropical island. At first, the island is deserted, but it’s brimming with possibility. Upon taking control over your customizable character, the goal is to design the landscape, build a wide range of structures and transform the island into a flourishing tropical getaway.

In addition to interacting with residents and visitors, players can garden, fish, decorate, hunt or fossils, explore, buy and sell items, and more. This is a game someone can enjoy for literally hundreds of hours — and no two simulations are the same. There’s no winner or loser, no high score to beat, and no enemies to defeat. It’s all about building and managing a tropical island and making it a great place to live or visit.

“Animal Crossing: New Horizons” is light-hearted and fun. It offers a way to relax, clear your mind and escape from the everyday stresses of life.

Best fighting gamefor Nintendo Switch: ‘Mortal Kombat 11’

Release date: April 2019 | Number of players: 1-2 (single system), 1-8 (online) | Genre: Fighting | Rating: M 

For decades the Mortal Kombat games have provided no-holds-barred, graphically intense martial-arts fighting action that takes hand-to-hand combat games to a new level. This latest addition to the incredibly popular series manages to take the combat action up a notch.

Players can now customize their favorite fighters and experience new specialty powers and fighting movies. For fans of hardcore martial arts fighting games, it doesn’t get more intense than “Mortal Kombat 11.” 

Due to its violent content, this game has earned an M rating. It’s not suitable for players under 18. Based on more than 7,000 reviews on Amazon, it’s earned a 4.6-star out of five star rating, so players absolutely love it.

Best RPG gamefor Nintendo Switch: ‘Octopath Traveler II’

Release date: June 2024 | Number of players: 1 | Genre: RPG | Rating: T 

“Octopath Traveler II” is a role-playing adventure that’ll appeal mainly to gamers who are big fans of the RPG genre. 

This sequel to “Octopath Traveler” features eight new travelers, each with their own origin, motivations and skills. From a visual standpoint, the game features HD-2D graphics, a fusion of retro pixel art, and 3DCG, which combined provide an immersive and beautifully rendered gaming landscape.

The story unfolds in a place called Solistia. Diverse cultures thrive, and the industries of the new era flourish. Players can sail the seas and explore every corner of a world as it changes from day to night. Each traveler has a unique set of Path Actions they can use to battle townspeople, obtain items, take others along in their travels, and more. There’s no preset path to follow, so where you go and what you choose to explore is entirely up to you.

Square Enix has developed some of the most popular RPG titles in video game history. For “Octopath Traveller II,” they’ve outdone themselves by creating an adventure that fans of this genre will thoroughly enjoy. For the average player, it will take at least 70 hours to complete this game, but if you opt to embark of the game’s side quests, total game play time will be at least 80 hours. This is a stand-alone game, so even if the player has not experienced the original “Octopath Traveler” game, they can jump right into this adventure.

Best RPG for ages 10 and upfor Nintendo Switch: ‘Super Mario RPG’

Release date: November 2023 | Number of players:1 | Genre: RPG | Rating: E 

Nintendo Switch breathes new life into the 1996 Super Nintendo classic “Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars” with this remaster, and knocks it out of the park.

While respecting the SNES original’s soul, the remake shines with polished graphics and refined gameplay. This isn’t your average RPG, after all. It stars your favorite Mario characters, who embark on a quest to (you guessed it) save Princess Peach.

It’s a colorful, whimsical adventure, set up like a darker game like “Final Fantasy,” but with a more lighthearted approach. It’s a great starter RPG for younger players, or those who aren’t familiar with more advanced RPG game mechanics. 

Seasoned vets will appreciate how closely this remake sticks to the original game’s vision. Our in-house gaming experts have published a full review of this exciting game, so be sure to check it out.

Best new sports simulationfor Nintendo Switch: ‘EA Sports FC 25 Standard Edition’

Release date: September 2024 | Number of players: 1-4 (single system), 2 (local wireless), 1-22 (online) | Genre: Sports simulation | Rating: E 

This new, 2025 edition of “EA Sports FC” gives you more ways to win for the club. You can team up with friends to experience your favorite game modes, including the new 5v5 Rush. Of course, the goal of this game is to manage your club and lead it to victory. From this realistic and high-action sports simulation, you can expect more tactical control than ever before. 

Experience unrivaled authenticity with the most true-to-life experience of football’s biggest competitions, clubs and stars. The game features more than 19,000 players across more than 700 teams. It also includes faithful recreations of more than 120 stadiums and over 30 leagues. 

This is the only game that allows you to play the iconic UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, CONMEBOL Libertadores, Premier League, Bundesliga, and LALIGA EA SPORTS — all in the same game. Plus, you can experience the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Barclays Women’s Super League, the National Women’s Soccer League, the D1 Arkema, Liga F and the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga.

EA Sports’ FC game franchise has become a global phenomenon. For fans of the sport, this 2025 addition is destined to become an instant bestseller.

Best new basketball simulationfor Nintendo Switch: ‘NBA 2K25’

Release date: September 2024 | Number of players: 1-4 (single system), 2-4 (local wireless), 2-10 (online) | Genre: Sports simulation | Rating: E

For true NBA fans, there’s no better way to experience a highly realistic basketball simulation game than to play the 2025 edition of NBA 2K. 

This version offers enhanced gameplay with faithful recreations of every court. The game is loaded with breathtaking visuals, the ability to perform genuine moves, and offers immersive game modes.

You can compete your way in the MyCareer, MyTeam or MyLeague game play modes. Choose from any of your favorite NBA and WNBA teams, and then express your personality with an extensive array of customization options. 

The Play Now and MyLeague modes are available offline. All other game modes and features require an Internet connection and account registration.

Best new superhero gamefor Nintendo Switch: ‘Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection Arcade Classics’

Release date: November 2024 | Number of players: 1 or 2 (system system), 2-8 (local wireless), 1 to 9 (online) | Genre: Arcade-style fighting | Rating: T 

Whether the person you’re shopping for is a fan of classic Capcom video game characters or Marvel heroes and villains, this is the game for them. This collection of arcade classics includes seven iconic game titles in one — each offering its unique roster of characters, gameplay mechanics and iconic special moves. 

Revisit the nostalgia and enjoy enhanced features, such as an online multiplayer mode, a new training mode, and various gameplay options for longtime fans and newcomers alike. Players can even experience this game with friends worldwide through its online play options.

“Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection Arcade Classics” even includes the first-time arcade port of the classic beat-em-up title, “The Punisher.” This is one action-based fighting game that offers countless hours of non-stop fun and challenge. It’s best suited for players over 16.

Best action/adventure platformer game for Nintendo Switch: “Super Mario Bros. Wonder”

Release date: October 2023 | Number of players: 1-4 (single system), 1-4 (online) | Genre: Platformer/Action | Rating: E 

One of the newest adventures in the beloved Mario Bros. series is a total gem. You get to pick from the classic character lineup, including Mario, Luigi, princesses Peach and Daisy, Toad and Toadette, the mischievous Nabbit, and Yoshi before you set off to explore the Flower Kingdom. In addition to jumping over mushrooms and dodging the likes of Goombas and Piranha Plants, you’ll zip through Warp Pipes and gathering Wonder Seeds peppered throughout every level.

The new Wonder Seeds are game changers, giving Mario and the gang some pretty wild new looks and abilities, like turning into an elephant. Imagine trapping your foes in bubbles with a special flower, or drilling right through barriers with a mushroom. Then there’s the Wonder Flower. This thing can animate pipes, summon hordes of enemies and shake up your character’s appearance and skills in unexpected ways.

You can also collect badges, which are power-ups for every character scattered about the world. Want to spice up your moves? Grab an action badge. Looking to beef up your skills? A boost badge is what you need. And for the players craving that extra edge, expert badges are there to uncover even more surprises. 

Whether you’re all about that solo journey or you’re ready to join forces with up to three other players, this game’s got you covered. You can gather your crew for some couch co-op on a single Switch, or connect online to bring the party to your pals no matter where they are. 

Be sure to read our full game review to discover all of the reasons why this is one of the very best Switch games ever released.

Best Pokémon adventurefor Nintendo Switch: ‘Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Double Pack’

Release date: November 2022 | Number of players: 1 (single system), 2-4 (local wireless), 1-4 (online) | Genre: RPG/Adventure | Rating: E 

For the player who has that “gotta catch’em all” mentality and can’t get enough of Pokémon, we suggest getting them the “Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack.” It comes with two of the most exciting Pokémon games on Switch. 

As with most Pokémon games, the goal is to explore new territories within the Paldea Region, take on the role of a young Pokémon trainer and then find, collect, train and battle a new assortment of Pokémon.

These Pokémon games are rated E (for everyone) and between the two of them, provide hours of fun and challenges.

BestNintendo Switch game for Harry Potter fans: ‘Hogwarts Legacy’

Release date: November 2023 | Number of players: 1 | Genre: RPG | Rating: T 

The blockbuster game “Hogwarts Legacy” has made its way onto the Nintendo Switch after becoming a global phenomenon on other platforms. This is an open-world exploration game that takes players through famous locations from the various Harry Potter novels and movies — including Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Forest. 

Players learn how to cast spells, brew potions, grow magical plants and tame magical beasts. Each player gets sorted into a house and must develop the skills needed to become a master wizard. 

Of course, there will be countless enemies to defeat, including some who are familiar and some never-before-seen adversaries that are threatening the fate of the wizarding world.

For Harry Potter fans of all ages, we can’t recommend this game highly enough. It’s a single player adventure with some compelling RPG elements.