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20 of the best Nintendo Switch games to buy in 2023
Animal Crossing will always hold a special place in our hearts
While we're still mourning the deaths of our beloved Nintendo DSes (RIP to all the lost chargers), the fun is far from over thanks to our new beloved: the humble Nintendo Switch. From delving deep into Animal Crossing to ultra-competitive Mario Kart marathons played on the big TV, the Switch offers literally hours of fun.
So, whether you're new to the device and are looking to purchase your first game, or you're looking to add to your already huge collection, here are 20 of the best Nintendo Switch games available to buy right now - including Just Dance, The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario.
Plus, if you're looking for more ways to spruce up your Switch, have a browse of the best Nintendo Switch cases to make sure your device is always travelling in style. And, for your other gaming needs, take a look at our favourite PlayStation 5 games, plus the best PS5 controller skins and the top Xbox One games to buy right now. Let the enjoyment begin.
Animal Crossing aka the lockdown guilty pleasure of, well, basically everyone. And it's still got us just as obsessed. For those unfamiliar, Animal Crossing: New Horizons brings you to your very own deserted island where you can build the paradise of your dreams. The perfect form of escapism, if you ask us. What's more, you can play with up to seven people locally or online, meaning you can get the whole friend group involved.
Players: 8 people can live on the same island, and up to 4 can enjoy island life at the same time. Plus, play with 7 others from different islands at any one time.
Remember the old days spending hours and hours on Just Dance on your Nintendo Wii? Well, the good news is you can still play on your Switch! New editions get released every year, meaning you're guaranteed to get the most up-to-date tracks to boogie to.
Players: Up to 6.
Ideal for a rainy day/a competitive night in, Nintendo Switch Sports has six games to play, including football, badminton, bowling, tennis, volleyball and Chambara sword fighting. This is one that'll get you up off the sofa and moving, and it basically counts as a workout.
Players: 1 to 4.
Fan of the Jumanji films? This Nintendo Switch game is the perfect companion. Play as the four main characters with three friends, or go alone and play with AI buddies. Your mission? Recover the jewels and save Jumanji.
Players: 2 can play locally, or 4 online.
Super Mario = *all* the nostalgia, and you can continue the adventure on your Switch. The storyline follows a similar format to the old-school game: Bowser has kidnapped the Sprixie Princess, and it's down to Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad to save her. Expect endless fun locations to explore.
Players: Up to 4.
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch)
While we love Super Mario, it's safe to say Mario Kart still reigns supreme as the king of all Mario games. Up to four people can play connected to one Switch, and you can play online with up to 12 people. Time to get competitive.
Players: Up to 8.
Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch)
The fact that a universe with as much depth and complexity as The Legend of Zelda can be explored via just your Switch screen is pretty impressive. And you can always link up to your TV if you want an even bigger scale. Breath of the Wild promises to be the biggest Zelda adventure yet, complete more than 100 puzzle-filled shrines. We're ready to explore.
Players: Up to 4.
Electronic Arts FIFA 23 Legacy Edition NINTENDO SWITCH | English
For football fans, there's no need for an Xbox or PlayStation, as you can play FIFA right on your Nintendo Switch. Women's teams will be available to play for the first time ever, which is all the more reason to buy.
Players: Up to 8.
Take games night to a whole new level with this Carnival Games set-up. There's bowling, pinball, ice hockey and more - plus multiplayer mode for when you fancy getting competitive with friends.
Players: Up to 4.
Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land Nintendo Switch Game
It's officially adventure time! Take control of Kirby as he explores a mysterious forgotten civilisation. Even better, the landscapes you'll travel through promise to appear as '3D stages', and we can already feel ourselves getting gripped.
Players: 1 to 2.
Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) & Amazon Basics Game Storage Case for Nintendo Switch - Black
If you're after a more standard version of the classic Super Mario Bros. game, there's one available for your Switch too. You can have up to four players taking part at once and, with 164 courses to choose from, we're predicting literally hours of fun.
Players: 1 to 4.
Nintendo Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: the Black Order (Nintendo Switch)
Calling all Marvel fans! You can basically live out your own Marvel movie with this Switch game, choosing your own team made up of characters from the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men and more. Your mission? To track down the Infinity Stones before Thanos and The Black Order use them to cause chaos. We're ready.
Players: Up to 4.
It's a classic favourite for a reason so, hey, maybe it's time to see what all the fuss is about? Explore worlds or get to work building your own. Four people can play locally, or up to eight together online, which means more chance to maximise the fun.
Players: Up to 4.
Fancy a trip down memory lane? Pokémon is the ideal nostalgic game that will be sure to remind you of your childhood. According to the description, the world of Pokémon has evolved in this game, too, with Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet offering "an open-world experience that only the Pokémon series can deliver."
Players: Up to 4.
Harry Potter fans, assemble. This Hogwarts Legacy game will make all of your magical dreams come true. Set in the 1800s, you'll get to experience Hogwarts way before Harry and co stepped foot inside its walls. The aim of the game is to make allies, battle dark wizards and ultimately decide the fate of the school and the wizarding world.
Players: 1.
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem
Loved Wednesday and now you're ready for some more Addams Family action? Then you *need* this Nintendo Switch game in your life. This one is based on the hit animated movie, and your mission is to save the mansion by piecing together the history of the family.
We think Jenna Ortega would approve.
Players: Up to 4.
Let's be real - who doesn't love Sonic? This high-speed adventure sees you battling "hordes of powerful enemies" and experiencing "the thrill of high-velocity, open-zone acrobatic action and platforming freedom across the five massive Starfall Islands." Yep, count us in.
Players: 1.
Fancy running your own interior design firm? This game lets players create and customise their own agency, and renovate, decorate and makeover their clients' houses.
Players: 1.
Whether you're a professional artist or you like to doodle in your own time, Colors Live is an incredibly cathartic and creative Nintendo Switch option.
The game also lets you collab with a friend with its multiplayer setting, which means you can share a canvas and paint and create together!
Players: Up to 2.
Um, how fun does this sound? This Switch game has over 30 Zumba dancers, all of which are led by real life superstar instructors.
You can pick the intensity of your workout, and even spark a dance party, where up to four players can take part in the same routine.
Players: Up to 4.
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