Top 10 Must-Have Switch Games of 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of video gaming, the Nintendo Switch remains a formidable platform, having launched an impressive array of titles in 2023 that have captivated audiences and experts alike. With its unique capability to transition seamlessly between handheld and TV-based play, the Switch has hosted an eclectic mix of games that not only continue Nintendo’s legacy of delivering family-oriented and platform-exclusive content but also embrace a wide variety of genres. This year’s list, curated with insights from critical reviews, Metacritic scores, and distinguished accolades, showcases the Top 10 Must-Have Switch Games of 2023, featuring celebrated experiences such as “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” and inventive indie gems like “Sea of Stars”, each leveraging the console’s versatile gaming experience to deliver compelling narratives, immersive gameplay, and hours of entertainment.

Sea Of Stars

Turn-based RPG

As you explore the expansive offerings on the Nintendo Switch, you’ll find “Sea of Stars” stands out as a captivating turn-based RPG. It immerses you in a meticulously crafted world, filled with rich storytelling and strategic combat that hearkens back to the golden age of RPGs. With an impressive Metacritic score of 87, it’s clear that critics and gamers alike have lauded the game for its compelling gameplay and nostalgic charm.

Metacritic score of 87

Your discerning taste for quality will be satisfied knowing that “Sea of Stars” secured a notable score of 87 on Metacritic, signifying universal acclaim from numerous gaming outlets. It denotes a level of polish and entertainment value difficult to find in the crowded market of RPGs.

Winner of Best Indie Game

It should come as no surprise that “Sea of Stars” captured the title of Best Indie Game. Touting intricate gameplay mechanics, a beautiful art style, and a story that resonates, this recognition showcases the game’s ability to stand tall alongside bigger-budget titles.

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp

Remake of classic GBA titles

If nostalgia tugs at your heartstrings, “Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp” is a finely-tuned homage to the beloved classics from the Game Boy Advance era. As you engage in tactical battles and campaign missions, you’ll be transported back to the charming simplicity of the series’ roots, now brilliantly reimagined for the modern era with enhanced features and the unmistakable personality of the original games.

Improved graphics and new features

You’ll immediately notice the visual overhaul that “Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp” presents. The improved graphics breathe new life into the games, complementing this with fresh features that add to the engagement and replayability. It’s a reimagining that respects its origins while confidently offering something new to veterans and newcomers alike.

Metacritic score of 82

With a strong Metacritic score of 82, “Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp” has been met with acclaim for its faithful recreation and contemporary enhancements. This seal of approval signifies a successful fusion of past and present that you will undoubtedly appreciate.

Fae Farm

Fantasy farming RPG

Your journey through the varied gaming landscape of the Switch leads you to “Fae Farm,” a whimsical blend of fantasy and farming. This RPG captivates with its unique mix of serene pastoral life and the enchanting thrills of an adventure. As you cultivate your farm and venture into magical realms, you’ll find a pleasant escape brimming with discovery and growth.

Metacritic score of 80

“Fae Farm” has garnered a respectable Metacritic score of 80, indicating solid reviews from the gaming community. It marks a quality experience that delivers satisfaction through its blend of genres and proves to be a gem in the Switch library.

Disney Illusion Island

Family-friendly adventure platformer

As a title exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch, “Disney Illusion Island” offers a delightful adventure platformer fitting for all ages. Embracing the familial legacy of Disney, the game is perfect for cooperative play, allowing you and your loved ones to dive into a colorful and welcoming world filled with familiar faces and voices.

Exclusive to the Switch

“Disney Illusion Island’s” exclusive availability on the Switch means you can enjoy this adventure at home on the big screen or on-the-go in handheld mode. This versatility adds to the inherent charm of the game and allows for spontaneous moments of joy and teamwork, wherever you may be.

Metacritic score of 73

While “Disney Illusion Island” may not have the highest score with a 73 on Metacritic, it still proves to be a solid choice for those seeking a game that caters to younger players or to the young at heart. It stands as a testament to the Switch’s appeal to a broad demographic, reinforcing the console’s reputation for diverse and accessible gaming experiences.

Pikmin 4

Real-time strategy series

“When delving into the realm of strategic gameplay, “Pikmin 4” emerges as a prime example of the genre’s potential on the Switch. Building upon the series’ foundation, it presents an evolution of real-time strategy with its charming pint-sized protagonists. This latest entry retains the inventive and thoughtful gameplay that the franchise is known for, while introducing refinements that make for the most polished Pikmin experience yet.

Metacritic rating of 87

“Pikmin 4” proudly bears a Metacritic rating of 87, reflecting a consensus of critical admiration. It’s a rating that assures you of the game’s quality and the joy you’ll find in orchestrating the tiny creatures in a symphony of strategic planning.

Dave The Diver

Underwater adventure game

Take a dive into the deep with “Dave The Diver,” an underwater adventure game that stands as a unique offering on the Switch. Embark on a marine odyssey that blends exploration, survival, and a touch of mystery. The enthralling seascape and diverse sea life create a captivating backdrop as you navigate the depths, collecting treasures and uncovering secrets of the aquatic abyss.

Metacritic score of 90

With a stellar Metacritic score of 90, “Dave The Diver” not only impresses critics but is also bound to secure a place in your personal list of memorable gaming experiences. The game’s high score is a beacon for those with a penchant for adventure and a love for the unknown watery worlds beneath the waves.

Super Mario RPG

Remake for the Switch

“Super Mario RPG,” a beloved classic, has been given new life on the Switch with a polished remake. The game that once charmed a generation has returned with enhanced visuals and a refreshed appeal for a new era. Rediscover the fusion of platforming and role-playing elements that made the original an unforgettable adventure, now retooled for the versatility of the Switch.

Updated graphics

The updated graphics of “Super Mario RPG” are a love letter to fans and an invitation to newcomers. The vibrant world of the Mushroom Kingdom has never looked better, infusing the game’s iconic characters and environments with a modern vibrancy that complements its timeless design.

Metacritic score of 84

The game’s Metacritic score of 84 is a testament to its enduring legacy and the finesse of its transition onto the Switch. Your high expectations for quality and fun will be met with this acclaimed remake, ensuring “Super Mario RPG” remains a standout in your gaming collection.

Metroid Prime Remastered

Remaster of the 2002 classic

Step into the armored boots of Samus Aran once again with “Metroid Prime Remastered,” a visually stunning rework of the 2002 classic. This remaster honors the original’s impactful fusion of first-person exploration and action, upgraded with today’s graphical fidelity and refined controls. It’s a return to the hauntingly beautiful and isolated world of Metroid that feels both familiar and fresh.

Metacritic score of 94

“Metroid Prime Remastered” has been met with critical acclaim, holding a towering Metacritic score of 94. It’s a score deserved by a game that not only meets but exceeds the expectations set by its legendary precursor. It’s evident that this remaster has been crafted with care and precision, aiming to redefine what it means to reinvigorate a classic.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

New addition to the 2D platforming series

With “Super Mario Bros. Wonder,” you’re offered a new adventure in the hallmark 2D platforming series. This latest installment is not only an appreciation of Mario’s roots but also a foray into inventive level design that pushes the boundaries of the genre. It upholds the jovial spirit and tight controls the series is renowned for, all the while introducing gameplay elements that underscore the Switch’s capabilities.

Metacritic score of 92

With an exceptional score of 92 on Metacritic, “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” sets a high bar for platformers. The score reflects its ability to capture the essence of what makes a Mario game shine, while pushing it to new whimsical heights that will leave you with a sense of wonder and awe, level after level.

The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

Sequel to Breath of the Wild

Embark on an epic quest in “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” the highly-anticipated sequel to “Breath of the Wild.” As you traverse sprawling landscapes and uncover the depths of Hyrule’s history, this sequel expands upon the freedom and exploration that its predecessor pioneered. It promises to be an odyssey replete with mystery, adventure, and the signature Zelda magic.

Metacritic score of 96

Holding an awe-inspiring Metacritic score of 96, “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” is not just a game, it’s a groundbreaking achievement. It’s a score that assures its place in the hearts of fans and in the annals of gaming history as a title that delivers beyond expectations.

Multiple awards at The Game Awards

Your appreciation for gaming excellence will be validated by the numerous accolades “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” has received at The Game Awards. Garnering multiple honors, it’s a testament to the game’s craftsmanship and its resonant impact on the gaming landscape.

In closing, the Nintendo Switch’s 2023 lineup is both varied and impressive, capturing the attention of players and critics alike. Whether you’re navigating through starlit RPGs, indulging in strategic battles, farming in mystical lands, exploring underwater depths, remastering beloved classics, or saving kingdoms, the Switch offers an adventure to satiate every gaming appetite. Your experience with these esteemed titles will not only reaffirm the Switch’s place in gaming but also provide memories that will linger long after the console is powered down.