With 2024 drawing ever closer, it's time for the penultimate installment of our "Best of 2023" series.
This time, we'll be covering Nintendo's surprising little hybrid console - the Nintendo Switch. Considering 2023 might just be its last full year as the only hardware offering from Nintendo, it was certainly filled with some incredible titles. Let's check out a handful of the very best ones in The Top 10 Nintendo Switch Games of 2023!
Note: Nintendo had more exclusive games released for the Switch than either Sony or Xbox. However, we will also include a few games that are available on other platforms but still provide the best experience on the Nintendo Switch.
Kirby's Return to DreamLand Deluxe
Kirby and the gang are back again for more family-friendly fun. (Image Source: Nintendo.com)
Release Date: February 24th, 2023
Metacritic: 79
The dust still hadn't settled on Kirby and the Forgotten Land by the time the pink puff's next adventure was announced - Kirby's Return to DreamLand... DELUXE.
However, rather than a brand-new Kirby adventure, Return to DreamLand Deluxe is an enhanced remake of the 2011 Wii U release of the same name. Updated graphics, new story content, and bigger challenges for up to four players round out a package that is as great for Return to DreamLand newcomers as it is for those who played the game over a decade ago.
Fire Emblem Engage
Warriors, swords, and dragons, oh my! (Image Source: Nintendo.com)
Release Date: January 20th, 2023
Metacritic: 80
Intelligent Systems' Fire Emblem series can always be relied on to bring engrossing tactical strategy gameplay to Nintendo platforms, and they upheld their reputation with Fire Emblem Engage. In the latest installment of the award-winning strategy game franchise, players take on the role of a Divine Dragon that rises up to seal away an ancient evil known as the Fell Dragon with the help of new allies and old friends.
On top of the epic narrative, engage boasts a ton of new features that weren't in Three Houses, like training and wyvern riding minigames in addition to post-battle field exploration and even... animal adoption.
This game rules.
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and The Lost Demon
A little witchcraft never hurt anyone. (Image Source: Nintendo.com)
Release Date: March 17th, 2023
Metacritic: 81
Platinum Games' follow-up to Bayonetta 3 looks A LOT different, but it's still delightfully wicked and gorgeously designed. This spinoff follows a much younger Bayonetta as she navigates her childhood and meets her mischievous demon Cheshire for the first time. Flashy combat, combo attacks, and Bayonetta's signature sass are all here and accounted for, making it a satisfying adventure for series fans.
Plus, the storybook visual style works in its favor, and we're always down for some witchy action!
Super Mario RPG
This one... goes places. (Image Source: Nintendo.com)
Release Date: November 17th, 2023
Metacritic: 84
In a surprising move, Nintendo decided to bring back one of the most beloved Mario games of all time with a full-on remake! Originally released for the SNES in 1996, Super Mario RPG is an imaginative romp through the Mushroom Kingdom, and the 2023 remake preserves all of that hijinks while giving everything a fresh coat of paint.
Super Mario RPG certainly wasn't the only Mario game to release in 2023, but it definitely stands out as a fantastic game in a year packed with memorable titles.
Dave the Diver
The only sushi ingredient gathering/restaurant manager on the market. (Image Source: MintrocketGames.com)
Release Date: October 26th, 2023
Metacritic: 87
Dave the Diver was a breakout hit in 2023, and being able to take all of the wacky gameplay and hilarious characters on the go with you makes the Switch version the definitive way to play it.
Dave the Diver's intoxicating mix of sidescrolling action, cooking, and restaurant management gameplay has struck a chord with millions of gamers. If you're not one of them, you need to get in on this Switch game ASAP. Just... don't confuse it with other actual indie games.
If you enjoy sushi, beware. This game will make you hungry!
Pikmin 4
The Pikmin are back, and they brought a fuzzy friend! (Image Source: Nintendo.com)
Release Date: July 21st, 2023
Metacritic: 87
At long last, the true sequel to 2013's Pikmin 3 arrived. An entire decade later.
Nintendo's genre-defining RTS/puzzle game made an excellent showing in 2023 with awesome new gameplay elements like a new challenge mode, a character creator, and a new companion - the lovable Oatchi!
This brand-new game in the beloved Pikmin franchise was quickly recognized as one of the best Nintendo Switch games of the year, and it only came out in July! It turns out that, as awesome as Pikmin 4 is, Nintendo was just getting warmed up.
Persona 4 Golden
Don't let its age fool you - P4G is still a banger. (Image Source: Persona.Atlus.com)
Release Date: January 19th, 2023
Metacritic: 90
Yes, yes, Persona 4 Golden is an old game. Like, really old. The original version of this game was released on the PS Vita in 2012, and even that was an enhanced remake of a game from 2008.
Even considering P4G's near-geriatric status on this list, it's still one of the best RPG experiences of all time. The way it melds story and gameplay served as the blueprint for many games over the past decade and a half, and its narrative is still as relevant and hard-hitting as it was all those years ago.
Super Mario Wonder
Mario is heading off on a new adventure, and this time he can turn into an elephant. (Image source: Nintendo.com)
Release Date: October 20th, 2023
Metacritic: 92
Buckle up, ya'll. It's another Mario game!
Of course Nintendo is going to have more than one title featuring the red plumber. Even a year as packed as 2023 didn't stop them, but this isn't just a quick cash grab. Super Mario Wonder is a completely original overhaul of the visuals and gameplay mechanics that make up the style of Mario game that put Nintendo on the map. It's adventurous, and perhaps even a little dangerous, but it paid off.
Super Mario Wonder is a must-have for every Switch owner.
Metroid Prime Remastered
A sci-fi classic, remastered for a new generation. (Image Source: Nintendo.com)
Release Date: February 8th, 2023
Metacritic: 94
Metroid fans have been well-fed for the past 2 years thanks to Metroid Dread, but the return of the Prime series is still waiting in the wings.
As we continue to prepare for Metroid Prime 4, Nintendo graced us with Metroid Prime Remastered - a beautiful, faithful upgrade of Samus's first FPS outing. Now hopefully the other Prime games will get the same treatment at some point.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Link's most high-flying adventure yet. (Image Source: Nintendo.com)
Release Date: May 12th, 2023
Metacritic: 96
Finally, we've reached the end of our list, where the best game for Nintendo Switch in 2023 comfortably resides...
You all probably knew what it was going to be already, but it's The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Nintendo's loving expansion of Breath of the Wild's gameplay mechanics left an indelible mark on gaming history as well as our own lives. There's not really anything like it on any console yet, and it will no doubt influence game design for decades to come.
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Switch, PC, Xbox, or PlayStation, we have all of the games you want at the best prices. (Image Source: Gameflip.com)
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We hope to see you again, real soon!
