Why do many folks classify the Nintendo Switch as one of the most enticing gaming consoles currently on the market? The answer is simple: the games. As evidenced by my constant hours logged on the console, Nintendo Switch's extensive games catalogue is both compelling and highly diverse, a combination that has seen it become a mainstay in our living rooms. So, let's dive right into some of the absolute best games that the Nintendo Switch has to offer.
'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' is the game that everyone raves about. It's Nintendo's magnum opus. The vividness and tangible vastness of Hyrule in this open world adventure are nothing short of mesmerizing. This nuanced and beautifully captivating landscape, teeming with biodiversity and exciting side quests, warrants exploration. The depth of this game is such that, well, every minute seems to bring with it something new and even now, having poured countless hours into it, I’m still discovering new things. Remember the feeling of being a kid, of venturing into uncharted territory, full of wonder and amazement? That's 'Breath of the Wild' in a nutshell, if you ask me.
Now there's 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,' an epic brawler that boasts a diverse, iconic list of fighters from every corner of the gaming world. Nintendo’s legendary roster of characters, from Mario to Metroid, is just the beginning. Characters from ‘Street Fighter,’ ‘Final Fantasy,’ 'Kid Icarus,' 'Splatoon,' and many, many more make their way into the Ultimate brawl. It plays beautiful, it looks beautiful and the roster size? It's just ridiculous. There's a joyous unpredictability to playing 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate', especially when things get chaotic with all items enabled - it’s a joyous chaos that keeps you coming back for more.
While 'Breath of the Wild' and 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' come up in most top Nintendo Switch games lists, there are several lesser-known gems that shouldn't be overlooked. 'Snipperclips,' for instance, is a charming, cooperative puzzle game that puts players in the roles of two snipping pieces of paper trying to solve puzzles. My own experience playing this unique game with a friend turned into an epic battle of brains and collaboration, and trust me, hysteria is pretty common in this game. The creative gameplay and unique mechanics make it uniquely satisfying.
And then there’s the fantastic 'Celeste,' a challenging indie platformer game that explores themes of mental health and self-discovery in a careful, thoughtful manner. The game is named after its courageous protagonist who embarks on a brave journey up a perilous mountain. As of now, my mountain still has some unclimbed sections, but it's the challenge that keeps me going. ‘Celeste’ balances difficulty with a rewarding sense of progression; every completion of a particularly tricky section feels like an achievement.
Alas, not all games can reach the heights of 'Breath of the Wild' or have the hidden brilliance of 'Celeste.' Some games unfortunately fall short of delivering an enjoyable experience and end up leaving you with a sense of disappointment. One such bummer for me was the notorious 'Vroom in the Night Sky.' It's a game about magical girls flying on motorbikes, which sounds like it could be fun, right? But it turned out to be an exercise in tedium. Having manoeuvred through irritating controls and slept through lacklustre graphics, all I was left with was regret and a firm resolution to guide others away from this title.
'WWE 2K18' is another title that has the dubious honour of being at the bottom of the pile. I am, admittedly, a pro wrestling fan and was therefore incredibly excited when I first heard it was coming to the Switch. But the excitement was short-lived. Frame drops, long loading times, and horrible glitches made it almost unplayable. It was as if those high-flying moves and elaborate entrances I love so much were stuck in a perpetual slo-mo mode. Now, the only thing wrestling about it is my constant struggle to warn others not to buy this game.
Choosing the right game isn’t just about buying the popular titles or avoiding the duds. You also must consider your gaming preferences. Do you love grand adventures in extensive open worlds like Hyrule in 'Breath of the Wild?' Or do you prefer intense beat 'em up action like in 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?' Or perhaps you adore the smaller, narrative-driven experiences like 'Celeste'? Knowing your gaming flavor will go a long way in helping you navigate through the vast array of Nintendo Switch games available. And look out for those lesser-known gems, too! They might just offer you something new and surprising.
Now, how about a nugget of trivia for all my fellow gaming enthusiasts? Did you know that the cartridge of each Nintendo Switch game is coated with a non-toxic, bitter agent known as denatonium benzoate? Why, you ask? Well, Nintendo actually implemented this as a safety precaution to prevent kids from accidentally swallowing these tiny games. Now, I don't suggest you try licking your cartridges, but should you unfortunately decide to out of curiosity (as I did), don't say you weren’t warned!
Whether you've been a long-time Nintendo Switch gamer or are just embarking on your gaming journey, I hope this guide provides some valuable insight into what games are worth your time. As the versatility of the Nintendo Switch continues to expand, I look forward to diving back into the world of Hyrule, partaking in an Ultimate brawl, or scaling new heights as Celeste. And remember, in the world of gaming, it's the journey, not the destination, that truly matters. Happy gaming!