10 Best Switch Exclusives To Play While Waiting For Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch, since it was released in 2017, has had a number of phenomenal first-party games launched for it. From sprawling JRPGs to some of the best platformers ever made, the sheer variety and level of quality on display are impressive. Nintendo has cultivated a library of games worth playing, and that couldn’t be more true in the run-up to the Nintendo Switch 2.

With the Switch 2 releasing soon, players are naturally waiting with bated breath. However, rather than twiddling thumbs, there is still that great selection of Switch games worth playing through. Whether players have beaten them many times or never touched them before, the very best Switch games are still absolutely worth playing before finally picking up a Switch 2. With games for all types of players from across a broad spectrum of genres, these Switch games are the best way to pass the time before the Switch 2 launches.

10

Bayonetta 3 (Platinum Games)

A Great Action-Packed Adventure

Bayonetta 3 is the long-awaited follow-up to the two critically acclaimed and absolutely action-packed Bayonetta games that are both available on the Switch. It blew away critics when it launched thanks to its fast-paced action, weird and wonderful story, and an excellent continuation of everything that made the series so great. The third entry in the series may not be as beloved as the second, but it still manages to impress with each one of its amazing action set pieces.

Bayonetta 3 also marks Nintendo’s significant shift away from exclusively family-friendly releases, as it features a lot of mature content that is definitely not suitable for Mario-loving children. It’s a great game to play for action fans and those who missed out on the series when it came out, as well as to see just how varied the experiences on the Nintendo Switch are. Bayonetta 3’s best features definitely make it something Switch owners need to play before the Switch 2 drops.

9

Metroid Dread (Nintendo)

One Of The Best Metroidvania On Switch

Metroid Dread marked a historic return to the series after a very long hiatus, something that, naturally, pleased both fans and newcomers. It also showcased that Metroid is still setting the bar exceptionally high for the genre it inspired. Metroid Dread is a truly phenomenal Metroidvania, one that takes the genre to new heights thanks to its innovative exploration, unique worldbuilding, gorgeous visuals, and fluid movement.

Metroidvania fans will likely have tried Metroid Dread already, but for those who skipped it when it launched, it is absolutely worth playing. It is one of the best accessible Metroidvanias that still offers plenty of challenge for those who are seeking it. With a darker tone than some of Nintendo’s other projects, Metroid Dread is easily one of the best games on the Switch and a great way to get into a fantastic game genre.

8

Splatoon 3 (Nintendo)

A Unique Multiplayer Game

For those who would rather sink their remaining time with the original Switch playing a multiplayer game, Nintendo has the perfect solution. Splatoon 3 is an endlessly engrossing and action-packed multiplayer experience that sees teams compete in a plethora of game modes using their ink to splatter one another and the stages they fight on. Splatoon 3 is easily the best entry in the series, taking all the lessons it has learned over the past to deliver a one-of-a-kind multiplayer experience that only Nintendo could have made.

With a single-player campaign and even DLC for those who would rather play solo, Splatoon 3 has something for everyone. It’s a challenging game that requires players to invest a lot of time to truly master, but the time spent is worth it. Before grabbing the Switch 2, people definitely have to give Splatoon 3 a go, if only once. Of course, once players start, it is extremely unlikely that they’ll want to stop.

7

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Monolith Soft)

One Of The Greatest JRPGs Ever Made

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is one of the best JRPGs ever made and a truly staggering achievement on the Nintendo Switch. In typical Monolith Soft fashion, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 pushes the console to its absolute limits, delivering stunning open area environments filled with monsters and enemies to fight, resources to collect, and secret areas to uncover. It also has an epic story, one that ties together the previous two games in the series – although it can be experienced as a standalone entry – through some of the best cutscenes in all of gaming.

With a compelling cast of characters, a beautiful soundtrack, and one of the most heartbreaking sequences in any JRPG, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a masterpiece and something that all Switch owners, even those who’ve never touched a JRPG before, should play. With 100 hours of content on offer and a lengthy DLC, there should be plenty of time to beat Xenoblade Chronicles 3 before the Switch 2 releases.

6

Pikmin 4 (Eighting)

A Truly Wonderful Switch Experience

Pikmin 4 is a unique puzzle game on the Nintendo Switch that sees players gather objects, overcome obstacles, and even defeat enemies while attempting to reunite a team of stranded astronauts. Of course, all of this is done using the titular Pikmin, tiny alien creatures that can be thrown at any object and made to interact with it. With so many different types of Pikmin to collect and lots of unique challenges to solve, Pikmin 4 is by far the best entry in the series.

It manages to evolve the various mechanics established in the previous series while delivering an entertaining narrative filled with fun level design. It’s also an exceptionally beautiful game, one that manages to get surprisingly photorealistic visuals out of the Switch’s old hardware. Pikmin 4 may not immediately seem like it’s for everyone, but it is absolutely worth giving a go as it is one of the most enjoyable games on the Switch.

5

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo)

The Best Racer On Switch

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a no-brainer when it comes to Switch exclusives worth playing before the Nintendo Switch 2 drops. It is one of the best-selling games on the console, despite being a Wii U title originally. It comes with a huge selection of maps, characters, and karts to choose from, as well as a robust multiplayer offering both online and locally.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also has DLC that doubles the number of tracks available, with many of them being remakes of beloved maps from past Mario Kart games, as well as a handful of new ones. This is the definitive racing game on the Switch and something that everyone needs to play with their friends. Much like the Mario Party series, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the easiest way to have fun while gaming on the Nintendo Switch.

4

Yoshi’s Crafted World (Good-Feel)

A Gorgeous Platformer With One Of Nintendo’s Best Mascots

Yoshi’s Crafted World is a fun platformer that’s perfect for children and those looking for a fairly relaxed experience on the Nintendo Switch. It’s not often that Mario’s friends get their own spin-off games, so it was great to see Yoshi get not just a compelling platformer, but one so creatively designed. Everything, from Yoshi to the surrounding environment is created from various materials like wool, cardboard, and paper.

There is a lot to love about Yoshi’s Crafted World, especially for those who are into platforming titles. While it isn’t the best platformer on the Nintendo Switch, Yoshi’s Crafted World manages to offer a truly unique experience that will surprise and delight Switch users. For those looking for a quick, easy, and charming platformer to pass the time before the Switch 2 releases, Yoshi’s Crafted World is the ultimate choice.

3

Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo)

A Phenomenally Creative 3D Mario

Super Mario Odyssey was one of the first games to release on the Nintendo Switch, and it still remains one of its absolute best. It is undeniably one of the greatest platformers ever made, with its impressive levels, vast array of platforming challenges, and gorgeous visuals coalescing to create an endlessly engrossing experience. Super Mario Odyssey proved to be a worthy entry in the beloved 3D Mario series of games and quickly established the Switch as a must-buy console.

For those who have somehow missed it, playing Super Mario Odyssey is absolutely necessary before getting a Switch 2. It has left a legacy few games could match and is likely to get some kind of follow-up later down the line. Experiencing this platforming masterpiece is a rite of passage and something all Switch owners must do at least once, but preferably multiple times.

2

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo)

It Set The Bar For Open-World RPGs

One of the greatest Switch games of all time is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It is a game that cemented the Switch as a truly exceptional handheld device capable of running huge AAA experiences and also completely revolutionized an entire genre that had been stagnating for quite some time. The open-world genre and its recent successes like Elden Ring owe a lot to the many innovations that Breath of the Wild brought to the table.

From its unique approach to exploration to its hauntingly beautiful apocalyptic atmosphere, practically everything is perfect about Breath of the Wild. Of course, its follow-up, Tears of the Kingdom, delivered a similarly brilliant experience and helped showcase Nintendo’s beautifully creative approach to gamemaking. Players should definitely make sure they play either game before ditching their Switch for the Switch 2.

1

Super Mario Party Jamboree (Nintendo)

The Best Parts Of All The Switch Mario Party Games

Super Mario Party Jamboree took the best parts of the other two Switch Mario Party games and brought them together for the ultimate Mario Party experience. It is easily one of the most enjoyable games on the Switch, with its plethora of minigames and unlockable boards coalescing to create dynamic and endlessly hilarious matches that are fun both with friends and against the AI.

Super Mario Party Jamboree brings a number of innovations to the table, showcasing Nintendo’s clear understanding and continued dominance over the party genre. It is not just one of the best party games on the Switch, but also just one of the best games on the platform. It is a creative and fun masterpiece that will help entertain Nintendo Switch owners until the Switch 2 launches and likely for far longer still.

Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube, Nintendo UK/YouTube