The Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2023

There are a lot of games on the Nintendo Switch. Maybe too many for one person to play in a lifetime.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe re-energizes the franchise with fresh gameplay curves and loads of characters, race courses, and items. And then there’s Untitled Goose Game, a game about being a bully goose that’s taken the world by storm.

1. Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a buffet, with the main story alone capable of lasting over 40 hours and plenty of additional side content to sink even more time into. Its immense scale, awe-inspiring visuals, and pulsing action make it one of the most memorable RPGs of this or any previous console generation.

The series has been through some rough times, but this entry makes major strides towards rectifying past issues. A much more accessible and compelling story, an impressive world design and Hero Quests make this a worthy addition to the franchise.

Monolith Soft also introduced a new battle system this year, which allows you to rotate between your party members mid-battle and execute powerful combos known as Arts. This, along with the ability to fuse compatible characters into a mech-like Ouroboros, makes for more strategic combat than ever before.

2. Mario vs Donkey Kong

During the September 2023 Nintendo Direct, the company announced Mario vs Donkey Kong, a remake of the 2004 Game Boy Advance game that tasks the plumber with getting back the Mini-Mario toys that his rival Donkey Kong stole. The new version of the puzzle platformer has updated visuals and introduces local co-op, but the core gameplay is the same as before.

The game is a puzzle platformer in the classic style of the genre, with each stage being comprised of two single-screen segments. The first screen features a platforming challenge that the player must complete before reaching a door on the second screen where they must grab a Mini-Mario toy.

The game’s aesthetic might seem dated to some players, with its use of pre-rendered character sprites and an overall bright, colorful look. However, many of the levels’ obstacles — from fireball-spitting flowers to shyguys to switchblocks and a certain gorilla — are used in familiar ways that pay tribute to the series’ legacy.

3. Metroid Prime

Few games have left a lasting impact on video games as a whole like Metroid Prime. First released in 2002 for the Nintendo GameCube, it took Samus Aran’s exploration of Tallon IV to a whole new dimension and received universal acclaim from critics and fans alike.

Metroid Prime Remastered looks and feels nothing like a by-the-numbers remaster. With massively expanded graphical fidelity and visual complexity, it’s more of a full remake than the by-the-numbers update we’ve come to expect from modern Switch releases.

This version of the game even runs at 900p while docked, maintaining a smooth 60fps throughout the entire experience. Aside from its technical achievements, Remastered features a stunningly atmospheric and immersive adventure that’s one of the most important games in the series to date.

4. Dave The Diver

Dave the Diver was a surprise hit when it debuted on PC earlier this year, and its serene underwater visuals and sushi-managing gameplay are now coming to Nintendo Switch. Developed and published by MintRocket, the game stars an endearing group of friends as they run their sushi restaurant near a mysterious “Blue Hole” that changes its aquatic ecosystem with every visit.

The daytime adventures play like an underwater Metroidvania and the nighttime sushi restaurant management combines Kairosoft’s tapper and tycoon games. The disparate elements meld into one of the more joyful experiences of the year.

It’s a richly satisfying experience that never allows itself to become repetitive. The game is layered with new ideas and mechanics (including photo-taking wildlife, halting invasive fish species, kitchen mini-games, and building new weapons) that keep the pace and tension high.

5. Fantasy Life i

The original Fantasy Life was a charming and addictive game, and the sequel has been praised for its new graphics and gameplay. The main plot is a little bit weak, but there’s enough to keep you coming back for more adventures.

Publisher Level-5 and developer Level5 concepts are bringing the popular island sim back with Fantasy Life i. This latest entry in the series features a brand-new island, with a mystery to solve. It’ll be possible to explore the world with a variety of “Lives”, such as an angler, cook, woodcutter, or paladin.

The title was originally announced during Level-5’s February Nintendo Direct showcase. However, it was reportedly pushed back to winter 2024. More details will be revealed at a later date. More news about the title is expected during the upcoming Level-5 Vision event.