Super Mario Odyssey
Description: Super Mario Odyssey sees Mario off on another adventure to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser’s clutches. Players guide Mario and his new friend Cappy through many large and diverse 3D worlds in order to collect Power Moons. These items serve as a power source for Mario’s airship, and they are hidden absolutely everywhere. Additionally, Mario’s newest power allows him to temporarily take control of other creatures, from frogs to t-rexes! With hundreds of Power Moons hidden creatively in every corner of the game and so many characters to control, players with a penchant for collecting will certainly have lots to do.
Recommended for: Mario fans and players who like collecting and solving puzzles, ages 10+.
Why we recommend: Super Mario Odyssey is a fun and colorful adventure, but perhaps the most satisfying element is looking using your intuition and looking for context clues in the environment in order to track down a hidden Power Moon. Though there is some story/reading to the game, the bulk of it is exploration that children of many ages will be able to appreciate. That said, the controls shift frequently as Mario changes forms and gains powers, so basic reading comprehension and some dexterity is necessary.
[For more information, or to buy: Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch at Amazon.com]
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Description: Link sets out once more on a quest to defeat the evil Ganon. This time, however, the land of Hyrule is the largest it has ever been! Link will scale cliffs, soar the skies, and battle foes in a massive, open world that allows players to explore at their own pace and go wherever they please. Additionally, the series’ famous puzzles return, using new and returning abilities alike. Link can collect many outfits, each with This game is unlike any other in the series while still maintaining so much of its classic Zelda charm – a breath of fresh air, if you will.
Recommended for: Legend of Zelda fans, adventurous and bold players, ages 10+
Why we recommend: Breath of the Wild truly encourages players to explore, plan ahead, and think creatively. Link’s many skills and powers allow for many creative ways to best his foes and solve puzzles. Weather and extreme temperatures force players to find ways to combat them, be that through finding a new set of clothes, shopping for helpful items, or cooking just the right meal. The game requires a certain level of skill in order to see progress, but less experienced players may still find themselves exploring just for the joy of it – there is a little something for everyone.
[For more information, or to buy: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for Nintendo Switch at Amazon.com]
Super Mario Party
Description: Mario Party is back in full force! This party game allows up to 4 players to compete in a wacky board game using some of their favorite characters from the Mario series. Players roll die to move around the board and collect the most Stars, all while contending with frequent and varied minigames between turns. Super Mario Party also features a number of new modes, such as a river-rafting game featuring only cooperative minigames, interesting twists on the board game style, and even some fast-paced rhythm games!
Recommended for: Sociable players, ages 7+.
Why we recommend: Super Mario Party brings a lot of fun to the table while testing all manner of skills with its minigames. Players may find themselves playing a thoughtful memory game one moment and then a high-speed motion controlled-game the next! Additionally, players are always trying to think ahead to collect as many Stars as possible; strategy can make a big difference! Of course, the crux of the game involves competition and a fair amount of random chance, so it may end up bringing out the poor sports of the bunch.
[For more information, or to buy: Super Mario Party for Nintendo Switch at Amazon.com]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Description: Over 70 characters from the Nintendo universe (plus a number of iconic guests!) duke it out in this popular crossover game. Players compete to stay on a stage while knocking their opponents off, all using their favorite characters. You can play free-for-all or in teams with up to a whopping 8 simultaneous players. A huge number of characters, stages, items, and match customization options really justify the game’s “Ultimate” branding.
Recommended for: Sociable and competitive players, ages 10+.
Why we recommend: The Smash Bros. series encourages pushes players to think on their feet and hone their reflexes as they compete for supremacy. It even offers handicap options to give less experienced players an edge. The game is sure to be a hit at parties and other gatherings, and often the competitive aspect is forgotten in the face of all the wacky and interesting ways a game can play out.
[For more information, or to buy: Super Smash Bros Ultimate for Nintendo Switch at Amazon.com]
Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu! & Pokemon: Let’s Go Eevee!
Description: The Let’s Go games are a retelling of Pokemon’s most classic story, this time with a few twists. Players are joined by either Pikachu or Eevee (depending on which version of the game they are playing) as their trusty partner Pokemon. Their partner can be pet using motion controls and even dressed up! Otherwise, players can enjoy the familiar gameplay of Pokemon in which they travel the world, catch and collect the original 150+ Pokemon, and battle other Trainers. The game features motion control, in which prospective Trainers must make accurate throwing motions with their controllers in order to catch new Pokemon. A second player may also pick up a second controller in order to help the main player catch and battle! Additionally, the game can connect to the Pokemon Go mobile game, allowing players to retrieve Pokemon from their phones and see them on the big screen.
Recommended for: Pokemon fans, ages 7+.
Why we recommend: The Pokemon Let’s Go games feature strategic Pokemon battling in which players are encouraged to remember the types of Pokemon, their strengths and weaknesses, etc. in order to come out ahead. What makes these Pokemon games stand out is the ability for a second player to provide some aid – a parent can team up with their child to help catch a particularly stubborn Pokemon, or perhaps an inexperienced child can help their parent get through a tough battle!
[For more information, or to buy: Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee! for Nintendo Switch at Amazon.com]
Kirby: Star Allies
Description: The lovable Kirby is back for his next adorable adventure – and this time he has friends! Kirby: Star Allies allows Kirby to become friends with his foes, allowing them to help out with their varied abilities. Up to 3 additional players can join in to take control of Kirby’s newfound allies, though a single player can still enjoy the adventure on their own. Kirby and co. traverse all kinds of fun 2D platforming levels, defeating foes and using each of their unique powers to overcome obstacles and find secrets.
Recommended for: Kirby fans, cooperative players, ages 7+.
Why we recommend: Kirby games are a pleasant experience all around. This particular one offers some great opportunities for cooperative fun and light puzzle-solving, but can also provide a bit of a challenge for experienced players if you know where to look.
[For more information, or to buy: Kirby Star Allies for Nintendo Switch at Amazon.com]
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Description: Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U returns with a definitive edition on the Switch. Mario and his many friends race in karts and on motorcycles, using familiar items from the Mario universe to help themselves and hinder other racers. The classic series is truly a mainstay of Nintendo consoles, and always promises to liven up a gathering.
Recommended for: Mario fans, racing fans, ages 7+.
Why we recommend: The Mario Kart series uses its high speed and friendly atmosphere to hone players’ reflexes and quick thinking skills, as items can be used strategically to great effect. Of course, the racing itself is easy to pick up but offers plenty of room for growth and skill.
[For more information, or to buy: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch at Amazon.com]
1-2-Switch
Description: This collection of hilarious multiplayer minigames puts the Switch’s unique motion controllers, the Joy-Cons, to the test. Players participate in all manner of quirky competitions, from pounding on their chests like gorillas, answering telephones, or even just eating sandwiches! Included are quieter, thoughtful games as well, such as “Ball Count,” in which players listen to vibrations as they twist and turn their Joy-Con to determine how many pretend marbles are inside it. Certainly a unique idea that needs to be seen to be believed!
Recommended for: The whole family!
Why we recommend: The competition is lighthearted, silly, and great in small doses if necessary. The instructions for each game are demonstrated visually and with flair, making it exceedingly easy for beginners to get started.
[For more information, or to buy: 1-2 Switch for Nintendo Switch at Amazon.com]
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Description: One of Mario’s lesser-known friends takes center stage in this puzzling adventure game. Captain Toad explores dozens of bite-sized areas to collect treasure. The action found in your typical Mario game is set to the side, as Captain Toad cannot even jump! Instead, he must use his wits to plan ahead in each area and maximize his treasure hunting! The game also allows a second player to join in for cooperative play.
Recommended for: Thoughtful players, ages 10+.
Why we recommend: This game is a puzzler through-and-through. It shines at making players think ahead, and if playing with a friend, use teamwork effectively. Beyond that, Captain Toad is a relaxing romp capable of being enjoyed in small or large doses.
[For more information, or to buy: Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker for Nintendo Switch at Amazon.com]
Mario Tennis Aces
Description: Mario certainly knows how to bring people together for a round of healthy competition! Mario Tennis Aces offers a colorful and fun twist on tennis, in which many characters come together to show off their unique and over-the-top tennis skills! The game can be played using either traditional or motion controls depending on preference. The game even offers online tournaments for those willing to test their skills against players around the world. Don’t worry, though, as voice chat is strictly an opt-in feature.
Recommended for: Mario fans, competitive players, ages 10+.
Why we recommend: Mario Tennis offers good, clean fun. Players can decide how whimsical their tennis matches can be, up to competitions of pure skill. It even offers a surprisingly robust single-player mode compared to other games in the series.
Honorable Mentions: Minecraft (popular, portable thanks to Switch, a few Nintendo-themed bonuses), Just Dance (Joy-Con motion controls), Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (good game but high in difficulty)