Buying Guide for the Best Nintendo Switch Games
Picking the right Nintendo Switch game can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your gaming experience. With such a wide variety of games available—from action-packed adventures and puzzles to relaxing simulations and party games—it's helpful to consider both your interests and how you plan to play. Think about what kind of stories or challenges excite you, whether you like playing solo or with others, and if you prefer games you can pick up for a short burst or sink hours into. There’s no right or wrong choice, just the one that fits you best.Game GenreThe genre of a game describes its main style and gameplay focus, such as action, adventure, puzzle, sports, simulation, or role-playing. This is important because the genre determines the type of experience you'll have—for example, fast-paced battles, thoughtful puzzles, or creative storytelling. To navigate genres, think about what you enjoy outside of gaming, like reading mystery books or playing soccer, and look for genres that align with your interests. If you love solving challenging tasks, puzzle games may fit. If you prefer rich stories, role-playing or adventure games are ideal. Choose a genre that sounds fun, or try something new based on recommendations and reviews.
Single-Player vs. MultiplayerSome games are designed mainly for solo play, while others focus on multiplayer action, either locally or online. This is important because it determines if you'll be able to enjoy a game on your own, with family on the couch, or against friends online. Single-player games are great for immersive stories and personal challenges, whereas multiplayer games thrive on social interaction and competition. To decide, consider if you mostly play alone, or often with others. If you want both, look for games that offer flexible modes, so you can switch between solo and group play as your mood changes.
Age RatingAge ratings let you know if a game is appropriate for your age or for kids in your household, usually marked by groups like ESRB or PEGI. This matters not just for obvious content reasons, like violence or strong language, but also because some games are designed with younger or older audiences in mind, affecting difficulty and themes. Ratings range from 'Everyone' to 'Mature,' so check these to avoid anything unsuitable. Pick a game rated for your comfort level, especially if buying for children or family play.
Difficulty LevelGames vary in how challenging they are. Some are designed for casual, relaxing play, while others test skills and strategy. The difficulty may be adjustable, letting you pick an easy mode for a gentle introduction or a harder mode for real challenges. When choosing, think about your experience with similar games—if you’re new, look for games with gradual learning or good tutorials. If you want a test of skill, seek out those known for depth and challenge. Also, check if the game offers adjustable difficulty to match your preferred pace.
Play Time/Content LengthGames can offer quick, bite-sized fun or long, epic adventures that last dozens of hours. This spec matters because your available time and how deeply you want to get involved will affect enjoyment. Short games are perfect for busy schedules; longer games are great if you love immersive experiences and don't mind investing time. Read descriptions and reviews to see if a game is described as 'short,' 'medium,' or 'long.' Match your pick to how much time you want to spend playing.
Online FeaturesSome Nintendo Switch games include online play, leaderboards, or downloadable content. Online features are important if you want to compete or connect with friends, or enjoy new content updates. Not all games require an online connection, but games with multiplayer modes or extra downloadable levels may need Nintendo’s online service. When choosing, think if you want to play competitively, team up cooperatively, or just play offline. Check if the features need extra subscriptions so you know what to expect.
Portability/Play StyleBecause the Nintendo Switch can be played on the TV, in tabletop mode, or handheld, some games are better suited to specific play styles. Fast-paced action might be best on a big screen, while turn-based or puzzle games are perfect for handheld use. Consider where and how you plan to play—mostly at home or on the go—and pick games that suit your routine. Look for notes about how the game looks and plays in different modes, especially if you often play handheld.