The Nintendo Switch has been growing not just with console sales but also with the sheer amount of games that hit the platform every month. After a strong 2017 with multiple first-party games, each year has seen a wealth of great games hit Nintendo’s hybrid system. With the pandemic causing a lot of games previously set for 2020 like No More Heroes 3 to get delayed, there were still some amazing games that did release this year on Nintendo Switch. Here are our top picks for the best Nintendo Switch games of 2020.
Best Nintendo Switch games of 2020
5. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore
It’s a miracle Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore released at all. The cross-over between Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei franchises was a cult classic on a cult classic console, the Nintendo Wii U and while the Nintendo Switch release has minor updates at best over the original the entertaining battle system, timeless music, and light-hearted story make it worth experiencing more so thanks to its contemporary setting that not too many RPGs tend to have.
4. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is easily one of the most polished puzzle games you can play today with its charming story, wealth of game modes, robust online experience, and more. While the additions and improvements might not seem like much for those who recently got the original Puyo Puyo Tetris, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is a must play for fans of Puyo Puyo, Tetris, or puzzle games in general. This is exactly the kind of game that suits the pick-up and play nature of Nintendo’s hybrid system perfectly. It is going to be interesting to see how it evolves with post-launch updates. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is one of the best games you can play on Nintendo Switch today.
3. Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town
Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town is a remake of the Game Boy Advance classic. While the art style is definitely something that will be a point of contention for most people, it gets everything else including gameplay loop and progression right. The controls, inventory management, and fluidity make this remake of a near 20 year old game feel great to play even when compared to new games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons in those aspects. This is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a calming and addictive simulation experience on Nintendo Switch and it is one of the best games on Nintendo Switch.
2. Rune Factory 4 Special
The original Rune Factory 4 was a hidden gem on Nintendo 3DS blending the best of Story of Seasons and an RPG. It never got the attention it deserved then but Rune Factory 4 Special changed things. Rune Factory 4 Special is a remaster of Rune Factory 4 that goes above and beyond. It includes new content, gameplay improvements, and more. Regardless of if you skipped out on Rune Factory 4 on Nintendo 3DS or are a Nintendo Switch owner looking for a new relaxing game with a ton of charm, Rune Factory 4 Special is an essential purchase and one of the best Nintendo Switch games available today.
1. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is the third time Xenoblade Chronicles has been released on a new platform and it finally managed to get everything right. The original Xenoblade Chronicles was a JRPG classic on the Wii but every release since had some compromise. Thankfully, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, an enhanced remaster that often feels like a remake, is now not just the best way to experience the story but also an essential for Nintendo Switch owners. It also has a brand new playable epilogue, new music arrangements, better character models, and a wealth of other improvements and additions. With Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, the Nintendo Switch got another must-play JRPG and it is the best game on Nintendo Switch in 2020.
It is going to be interesting to see what 2021 brings for Nintendo Switch with highly anticipated games like Shin Megami Tensei V, Persona 5 Strikers, and more. Regardless of whether you own a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite, there’s a lot to play.
