Credit: Erik Mclean on Unsplash

The Nintendo Switch is a universal hybrid game console that has captivated many gamers since its release in 2017. It offers a unique ability to seamlessly transition between a home console and a portable handheld device, allowing gamers to play their favorite games wherever they are.

Main Points

• Nintendo Switch continues to create unique gaming experiences with a wide variety of games, making it one of the most popular gaming consoles in 2024.
• Many players prefer physical copies of games due to the unique value and collectibility the Nintendo Switch offers.
• The next Nintendo model, expected in 2025, may feature a larger OLED display, better battery life, and advanced Joy-Con controllers. Nintendo plans to produce enough units to address potential resellers of the Switch 2.

Switch offers a unique ability to seamlessly transition between a home console and a portable handheld device, allowing gamers to play their favorite games wherever they are. With its intuitive design and library of exclusive games, the Switch has become a staple of the gaming community. News of the upcoming model has recently surfaced, with an expected release date of March 31, 2025, and everyone is expecting enhanced features and improved performance. What else? Rumors also suggest it will feature a larger OLED display, better battery life, and advanced Joy-Con controllers with refined haptic feedback.

For gamers and collectors, devices from Nintendo have always been in a special place, because this console has many records, so when choosing games, preference is often given to a physical copy, rather than a digital one, even taking into account that games for NS are usually a little more expensive than games for Xbox and PlayStation. However, the collection value of the physical edition of the game is always higher.

The Nintendo eShop is the primary destination for digital downloads, while physical copies can be found at major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and more. Which games are the most popular among gamers this year: action, adventure, or puzzle games? The editors have compiled a list of the top 10 games for the Nintendo Switch in 2024 to understand this.

Credits: Nintendo

Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a tribute to the classic game, takes players on a new adventure through the Flower Kingdom. Released in 2023 and directed by Shiro Mouri, the game blends innovation with tradition, sending Mario and friends on a mission to save the kingdom from Bowser's plan to dominate with the Wonder Flower. The game features new elements like Wonder Seeds and badges, offering players unique abilities and challenges, along with a real-time online mode for collaboration. In its first two weeks, the game sold 4.3 million units, reaching over 13 million by March 2024. Its creative gameplay and nod to the past have earned it critical acclaim and recognition as the best 2D Mario game since 1991.

Credits: SEGA

Sonic Superstars, developed by Arzest with Sonic Team, is a classic side-scrolling game released in October 2023. It brings back the excitement of the original Sonic games from the 1990s Genesis era while adding new mechanics and power-ups for a better experience. The game features unlockable characters, unique exploration zones, and a multiplayer mode for up to four players. Sonic Superstars offers a modern twist on 2D adventure gaming but stays true to the classic Sonic formula. Its Nintendo Switch version remains popular among both adults and kids.

Credits: Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a must-play game on the Nintendo Switch, recognized as one of the best games of 2024. Released in 2023, this adventure takes you across stunning floating islands and the mysterious underground Depths. Equip yourself with unique devices and build vehicles for combat and exploration. Despite some minor criticisms, the game was praised for its expanded world, new powers, and engaging story. It sold over 20.61 million copies within a year, making it one of the fastest-selling games in the Zelda series. Play as Link, explore the caverns under Hyrule Castle, battle the Demon King, and uncover ancient conflicts. With new abilities like Ultrahand, Fuse, Ascend, Recall, and Autobuild, along with hidden dungeons and secret stones, your mission to save Hyrule becomes an exciting journey full of mystery and suspense.

Credits: SEGA

Experience the power of strategy and tactics with Unicorn Overlord, a renowned tactical RPG. Set on the sprawling continent of Fevrith, you play as Prince Alain, the exiled ruler leading the Liberation Army against the oppressive Zenoiran Empire. Created by elite gaming minds Takafumi Noma and Vanillaware, Unicorn Overlord features epic battles and real-time combat that require your strategic finesse. The video game was highly sought after in Japan, with retailers running out of physical copies during release week, selling over 74,000 copies on Switch and PlayStation platforms. In the UK, it ranked among the top ten best-selling games of the week, with the most sales on the Switch. 500,000 copies worldwide. Enjoy deep gameplay, captivating visuals, and immersive music that have earned high praise from critics worldwide. Though opinions vary on its complex story and design, its rich narrative and diverse character designs offer an unmatched gaming experience for RPG enthusiasts.

Credits: Hyper Games

The game eagerly awaits its physical release in the United States, featuring the popular Moomins from Japan. However, there's no approximate date for a physical release yet. It's a small, calming game about Snufkin from the Moomins. In the story, strange changes occur in Moomin Valley during the main character's travels; prohibition signs appear and construction starts everywhere. Our task in Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is to restore the valley to its normal state using Snufkin's hands and musical instruments. Just look at this beauty to see why it's worth the wait:

While you are waiting for the physical copy you can play with a digital code from the Nintendo Store

Credits: Nintendo

Many have been eagerly anticipating this remake on Nintendo Switch. Widely regarded by fans and critics as the finest installment in the Paper Mario series. The original version debuted on the GameCube in 2004, and nearly 20 years later, the game finally received a remake Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, launched on Nintendo Switch in May 2024. As an RPG featuring turn-based battles, players navigate through worlds designed as paper collages. The story revolves around Princess Peach being kidnapped by aliens from the X-Nauts group, with Mario tasked with rescuing her and uncovering a mysterious treasure.

Credits: Team17

Dredge is a captivating video game developed by Black Salt Games that mixes fishing, adventure, and horror elements uniquely. Released in 2023, Dredge puts players in the shoes of a fisherman working in the spooky coastal town of Greater Marrow. As players explore the diverse and perilous waters around the archipelago, they must juggle fishing and salvaging goods for a living with the unsettling night-time experiences. This thrilling game turns into a race against time as survival hinges on upgrading the boat and equipment, completing tasks from island residents, and unveiling the archipelago's chilling secrets. With ongoing updates and expansions post-launch and a million sales within the first 24 hours, Dredge has been recognized as The Best Indie Game of 2023 by the IGN Awards.

Credits: Maximum Entertainment

Embark on an epic journey with the newly released Oregon Trail Deluxe Physical Edition, now available on consoles like Nintendo Switch. Presented by Maximum Entertainment, Gameloft, and HarperCollins Productions, this iconic adventure lets players explore history, make strategic decisions, and face challenges on their trek to Oregon. This modern version of the classic game features engaging pixel art characters, 3D environments, and innovative visuals. Enjoy activities like catching over 80 species of fish, hunting, rafting, fording rivers, and storytelling by the campfire. The game also respects the true history of the trail, honoring Native American stories and perspectives. Unleash your inner pioneer and relive the journey that has captivated generations.

Credits: Nintendo

In 2005, a solo game featuring Princess Peach, called Super Princess Peach, was released on the Nintendo 3DS. In this game, Peach steps out of her usual damsel-in-distress role to rescue her friends and fight enemies herself. Nearly 20 years later, Peach's adventures have evolved: she is now not only a princess but also a musketeer, a ninja, a pastry chef, and a detective. The plot is simple: Peach goes to the theater to watch a performance, but an evil sorceress takes over the building, trapping all the guests. Princess Peach must now rescue everyone by going through all the theatrical plays and taking on 10 new roles. Despite mixed reviews at launch, Princess Peach: Showtime! has sold 1.22 million copies as of May 2024, showing its popularity among players.

Credits: NEXON

Step into deep-sea exploration with Dave the Diver, an engaging game for Nintendo Switch that blends undersea adventures with the fun of running your own sushi restaurant. Originally announced as a mobile game in 2018, Dave the Diver was reintroduced in 2022 as the first game by Nexon subsidiary Mintrocket, and it launched in 2023. Players control Dave, a diver who loves sushi, as he dives into the mystical Blue Hole, collecting unique sea ingredients to serve in his sushi restaurant each in-game day. Along the way, players will face surprises, challenges, and a variety of side characters, as well as uncover the mystery behind a series of earthquakes. With multiple bosses and puzzles, this game offers both complex and relaxing gameplay.

In 2024, the Nintendo Switch remains one of the most popular gaming consoles, offering a wide variety of games. It attracts players with diverse tastes and continues to create unique gaming experiences, especially through acclaimed and collectible releases. The unique value of the Nintendo Switch explains why many prefer physical game copies for the console. Regardless of whether the next iteration elicits disappointment or excitement among collectors, Nintendo plans to produce sufficient units to address potential resellers of the Switch 2.