The 10 Ultimate Switch Games Everyone Must Play in 2024! - Abbey Badges

Understanding the Context

1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

No discussion of Switch games is complete without The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This masterpiece builds on the success of Breath of the Wild with even deeper exploration, creative crafting, and sky-dominating adventures. With its breathtaking open world, innovative mechanics, and countless side quests, it sets the bar for storytelling and world-building. Definitely the ultimate must-play title to experience every bit of Nintendo magic.

2. Super Mario Odyssey

While technically pre-Switch, Super Mario Odyssey deserves a spotlight for its timeless playfulness and creativity. The festival-themed 3D adventure lets you control Mario in brand-new ways using Cappy, the multiplicative pet. From platforming to physics-driven puzzles, it’s a joyful showcase of why Mario remains Nintendo’s crown jewel. Perfect for both casual play and hardcore challenge runs.

Key Insights

3. Metroid Dread

For fans of action-adventure, Metroid Dread delivers heart-pounding tension and stunning visuals on the Switch. This is the first new Metroid title in over a decade, reviving a cherished series with tight controls, deep exploration, and intense alien encounters. The game’s atmospheric tension and innovative mechanic make it unforgettable and essential for 2024’s gaming roster.

4. Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Remastered)

Strategy meets emotional storytelling in Fire Emblem: Three Houses—now enhanced with stunning visuals and accessible online play via Switch’s features. Build your party, master tactical combat, and shape a nation’s fate in a rich, lore-driven world. With multiple endings and deep character growth, this sequel to the classic RPG remains a must-play for fans of storytelling-rich games.

5. Behind the Lights

A standout indie RPG, Behind the Lights combines beautiful pixel art with deep emotional narratives and poignant magical battles. The story follows a girl rekindling her magic and relationships in a vibrant, fantastical world. Its charming gameplay, memorable characters, and stunning visuals make it one of the most touching Switch exclusives of recent years.

Final Thoughts

6. Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Switch gamers aren’t missing out on Nintendo’s Pokémon legacy thanks to Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This open-world RPG reimagines Pokémon hunting with dynamic terrain, authentic capture mechanics, and diverse evolution paths. With stunning visuals and refined gameplay, it offers stunning exploration and freedom, standing out as a must-play opener for both new and longtime trainers.

7. A Short Hike

For players craving a calm yet meaningful journey, A Short Hike delivers a delightful mix of platforming and discovery. Explore a vibrant coastal town, solve light puzzles, and collect memories from quirky townsfolk. When paired with a light aerial mode, the game offers endless exploration—perfect for relaxation in 2024’s fast-paced gaming scene.

8. ICO and Intta

This atmospheric puzzle-platformer blends eerie silence and haunting visuals for a unique, immersive experience. Designed as a companion piece, ICO and Intta rewards patience and exploration, weaving together interconnected worlds tied by fate. It’s optional but highly recommended for fans of narrative depth and visual storytelling.