The Nintendo Switch has been a huge success for Nintendo since its release.
With a massive library of independent game developers and Nintendo’s first-party franchises, more people than ever are excited to take their favorite games on the go.
If you own a Switch and are intimidated by the wealth of choice on the platform, don’t worry, I’m here to help.
This list will provide:
- 10 of the best games released for Switch in 2019
- A brief description of the game itself
- Games that are similar to help you decide if you want it
Without further ado, let’s get started!
10. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is a Metroidvania style puzzle platformer with a wonderfully cartoony art style.
With fluid animation, detailed environments and clever gameplay it captured the attention of many players when it initially released.
Now that it’s on the Switch you can enjoy the game on the train or your couch. As Ori, joined by their spirit companion Sein, you must battle monsters, collect life energy and restore the balance of the forest.
You’ll probably like this game if you like:
- Super Metroid
- Child of Light
- Axiom Verge
9. Super Mario Maker 2
Super Mario Maker 2 is the hit sequel to the original Super Mario Maker that was released on the Wii U.
In addition to the toolsets and tiles that you could use to make Mario levels, Super Mario Maker 2 added a story mode that helps inspire you to create unique levels on your own and teaches you how to use the new tools and tilesets that they’ve added to the game.
It’s bigger and better than the original and will provide many hours of creative tinkering with your perfect fan-made Mario levels.
You’ll probably like this game if you like:
- LittleBigPlanet
- The first Super Mario Maker
- Dream
8. Blaster Master Zero II
Blaster Master Zero II is a great sequel to the rebooted Blaster Master franchise. The gameplay has you battling monsters in an AI-powered tank that converts into a spaceship as well as on foot to get to locations and monsters that the tank can’t get to.
This sequel expands the scope of the original by journeying across space, visiting planetoids to find a cure for one of your trusted companions who have become infected by a mutagenic disease.
In addition to the expanded scope, you can also use a new counter mechanic in your tank, and outside of it to bring the hurt to your foes.
You’ll probably like this game if you also like:
- Cave Story Plus
- Spelunky
- Rogue Legacy
7. OlliOlli: Switch Stance
OlliOlli: Switch Stance is a re-release of the original OlliOllie and its sequel OlliOlli 2: Welcome to Olliwood combined in one delicious package.
The premise is simple, you skate through compact side-scrolling levels pulling off tricks and grinds to complete stage objective and wracking up the gnarliest score possible.
The game is great for handheld mode because of how quick the sessions can be, and will almost always make you go, “I can get one more stage in before I have to…”
You’ll probably like this game if you also like:
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
- Skate 2
- Skate or Die
6. Star Wars Pinball
Pinball is pretty easy to understand as a concept, and when combined with a Star Wars license means nostalgia on top of it all.
What makes this truly spectacular, however, is Zen’s ability to maximize their physics engine and all the advantages that come with a digital pinball table that isn’t constrained by reality.
There are 19 incredibly creative tables along with an extensive career mode with optional challenges means that there is a wealth of fun and challenge here.
Take Star Wars Pinball for a spin and see if you can get your initials on the leaderboard.
You’ll probably like this game if you also like:
- Stern Pinball Arcade
- Zen Pinball 2
- Dream Pinball 3D
5. Cuphead
If you like challenging side-scrolling, run and gun style games, you absolutely must try Cuphead.
Journey through Inkwell Islands solo or with your brother Mugman and collect the Devil’s due. It’s the only way to save yourself from getting in deep at old Scratch’s casino.
The game is beautiful, made in the 1930s “rubber hose” animation style and each enemy, stage and the protagonists themselves have been carefully animated.
It’s like playing a Betty Boop cartoon. The music is also straight out of a Fleischer Studios picture as well.
Take a chance, bop your head to some big band, and take out some of the most difficult bosses in recent history.
You’ll probably like this game if you also like:
- Megaman X
- Castle Crashers
- Contra: Alien Wars
4. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the latest entry in the storied Fire Emblem franchise. Long-time fans have been singing its praises and for good reason.
This game is part tactical RPG and part social simulator. As a tutor for a military academy you must not only be proficient at teaching your wards’ combat strategy, but general education as well, and most importantly you need to deepen your bond with them so they’ll perform better in battle.
What makes this especially compelling is the game also features permadeath, so the characters you get attached to can be taken from you for the rest of your playthrough if you aren’t careful.
These aspects alone would make it a good game, but the story is also engaging and will make you want to find out what happens to you and your precious students at the very end.
This game will no doubt be ranking on more than one top 10 list at the end of the year.
You’ll probably like this game if you also like:
- Persona 5
- Octopath Traveler
- Rune Factory 4
3. What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch is a first-person, narrative-driven experience that grapples with myriad subjects, all centered around the Finch family.
As the last surviving member of the family, Edith explores her massive family home, and by some quirk of fate, she can relieve the final day of her ancestors’ life.
The gameplay is compelling and full of interesting mechanics, and there is a heavy focus on the personal stories of the Finch family, and what happened on their last day left alive.
Edith is trying to unravel the mystery of why her family is dying and the reasons behind why she is the sole member of the family remaining.
If you want a relaxing and interesting game, What Remains of Edith Finch is worth a good long look.
You’ll probably like this game if you also like:
- Gone Home
- The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
- Night in the Woods
2. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
The Dragon Quest games are huge in Japan. When a new one gets released, a massive number of the population call off work just so they can get the game and play it as soon as it’s available.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition is no exception. This game franchise is beloved by its fans for being such a familiar and welcoming JRPG experience, and the colorful character designs created by famous Manga artist Akira Toriyama bring the classic stories to life.
The characters are all fun and funny, giving the normally serious tone of fantasy settings where the world is at stake a much-needed injection of levity.
Adventures are about having fun and seeing the fantastical nature of the world, as well as saving it from those who wish to put that light out for good.
The definitive edition also comes with all the DLC that was released on other platforms so there’s excellent value to be had here as well.
If you’ve never tried a JRPG, you can’t go wrong with starting on the franchise that practically started the genre.
You’ll probably like this game if you also like:
- Final Fantasy IX
- Wild Arms 3
- Rogue Galaxy
1. Divinity: Original Sin II – Definitive Edition
There is plenty of JRPG representation on the Nintendo Switch. That is, of course, natural considering the company is headquartered there, but what about western-style RPGs?
Well if you’re in for a more open-ended adventure that allows you to customize your character, and lets you have a big impact on the game world, Divinity: Original Sin II – Definitive Edition is one of the best out there.
It brings all the features that made the first Divinity game so popular with fans and adds more options and customization than before.
The game is still able to be played fully solo, or with a party of up to three characters, and each character you have at your disposal has a unique effect on puzzles, dialogue, and story choices.
There are hundreds of hours of potential gameplay in just this one game. If you are a fan of RPGs and love making your character, you have to check this one out.
You’ll probably like this game if you also like:
- Baldur’s Gate
- Planescape: Torment
- Fallout 2