Nintendo had a banner year in 2017 with the release of the Nintendo Switch hybrid console as well as some of the best games in the industry. From amazing first-party games to third-party titles that have embraced the console, the Nintendo Switch library has a lot of depth that will continue to grow as the years go on.
But what were the best Switch titles of 2017? There were a lot of great contenders and we’ve narrowed the field down to the top five Nintendo Switch games of 2017:
5. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
One of the last Switch releases of 2017, Monolith’s sequel to the Nintendo Wii title brings the first JRPG to the console. It’s a massive game. Clocking in at over 60 hours (not including side quests and the like), Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will give Switch owners a title that’s long, difficult and pretty to look at. The battle system and RPG elements are deep, and can be a bit daunting to learn, but it’s totally worth it.
4. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
When the concept of a Mario and Rabbids crossover game was rumored, many gamers scoffed at the idea. But after its release, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle took the best parts of SOCOM and added a Mario/Rabbids charm to it.
But don’t think Kingdom Battle is just SOCOM rehashed; there’s a lot of depth and strategy that many gamers won’t expect. There’s a ton of fun and playtime as well that makes it a great addition to the Switch library.
3. Splatoon 2
The best multiplayer game of 2017 on the Nintendo Switch. Splatoon 2 took everything great about the first game and made it better. A more extensive single-player mode, more stages, game modes and weapons to choose from.
Also, the multiplayer mode really pushes the Nintendo Switch to be a system that warrants online play like its competitors. It’ll be interesting to see what other online games Nintendo will put out after Splatoon 2.
2. Super Mario Odyssey
It was hard choosing between Super Mario Odyssey and the number one pick for best Switch title of 2017, and to be honest, you could swap either one and no one could argue too much.
Super Mario Odyssey made the list by being the most enjoyable experience on the Switch. From its simplistic controls to its deep and beautiful worlds, Nintendo freshens up the 3D Mario formula with the introduction of Cappy and the sheer amount of playtime you can put into it.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
What made Breath of the Wild the best Nintendo Switch game of 2017 over Mario is the lasting impact it created months after its release.
The game still enjoys DLC support and the amount of time a player can put into Breath of the Wild is staggering. What makes it so great is the evolving world of Hyrule, from the various enemies you come across to the puzzles, there’s so much to discover even after putting 100 hours into it.
It’s tough, it’s fun, and it’s everything Nintendo fans would want from a Zelda game while also changing the franchise.
Full Review
So what do you think of our list? Would you have put Super Mario Odyssey at number one? Let us know your thoughts on the best Nintendo Switch games of 2017 in the comments section below.
