Top Nintendo Switch Games of 2024: A Year in Review

For the first time in a mainline entry, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom places Princess Zelda herself in the starring role—an event 38 years in the making. This top-down adventure blends the nostalgic charm of classics like A Link to the Past with inventive mechanics inspired by the open-ended creativity of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Armed with the Tri Rod, Zelda can create “echoes” of objects and enemies, turning everything from beds to Moblins into tools for puzzle-solving and combat. Want to build a staircase out of boxes? Summon a trampoline to reach a ledge? Sic a horde of enemies on a boss? The possibilities are as endless as they are delightful.

The game’s art style, borrowed from the Link’s Awakening remake, enchants with its toy-like aesthetic, while its design encourages experimentation over rote swordplay (sorry, Link fans—no blades here for most of the journey). Hyrule feels alive with secrets, from heart pieces tucked in corners to orchestral melodies that evoke the series’ golden eras. Critics and fans alike have hailed Echoes of Wisdom as a bold step forward, proving that Zelda can carry the mantle with wisdom and grace. It’s not just a novelty—it’s a contender for one of the finest top-down Zelda adventures ever crafted.

Super Mario Party Jamboree storms in as the ultimate celebration of Mario Party’s 25-year legacy, topping Switch charts worldwide with its infectious energy. Boasting seven dynamic boards—some re-imagined classics, others brand-new—and a record-breaking 110 mini-games, it’s a whirlwind of multiplayer chaos. Whether you’re racing to stack sandwiches or dodging Bowser’s wrath, every turn bursts with variety.

The addition of “Jamboree Buddies” introduces quirky allies who grant bonuses, adding depth to the dice-rolling madness, while the optional Pro Rules mode caters to skill-focused players tired of RNG heartbreak. Beyond the boards, modes like the 20-player Koopaathlon and co-op Bowser’s Kaboom Squad keep the party going. Jamboree refines the formula with polish and ambition, making it a riotous highlight of 2024 that’s as fun solo as it is with a rowdy crowd.

Sonic X Shadow Generations dashes onto the Switch with a dual-purpose mission: remastering the beloved Sonic Generations while spotlighting Shadow in a new, adrenaline-fueled campaign. The Generations half revisits Sonic’s greatest hits in 2D and 3D glory, while Shadow’s story adds teleportation and chaos-infused combat to the mix, set against a moody backdrop that suits the brooding hedgehog.

Despite the Switch’s aging hardware, the game runs smoothly, delivering eye-popping visuals and a soundtrack that blends nostalgia with modern flair. Shadow’s levels demand precision, contrasting Sonic’s carefree speed, creating a balanced package that’s both tribute and evolution. Outselling Sonic Superstars in key markets, this title proves Shadow’s star power and cements its place as a 2024 speedster gem.

Balatro is the indie darling that stole 2024’s spotlight, transforming poker into a roguelike masterpiece. Craft winning hands to beat escalating score thresholds, then spice things up with Jokers that bend rules, tarot cards that tweak your deck, and wild modifiers that keep every run unpredictable. What starts as a simple concept spirals into a strategic obsession, with each failure fueling the urge for “one more try.”

Perfectly suited for the Switch’s portability, Balatro shines in bite-sized bursts or marathon sessions. Its lo-fi visuals and hypnotic gameplay earned it a Metacritic score of 90 and a Best Independent Game win at The Game Awards. From a solo developer to a cultural phenomenon, Balatro is proof that small ideas can cast massive shadows, making it an essential 2024 pick.

Unicorn Overlord gallops onto the Switch as a tactical RPG masterpiece from Vanillaware, blending stunning hand-drawn art with deep, rewarding strategy. Set in the war-torn realm of Fevrith, you lead exiled prince Alain to reclaim his throne, recruiting a diverse cast of humans, elves, and mythical beasts. The real-time combat system, where squads auto-battle based on your pre-set tactics, feels like conducting a symphony of swords and sorcery.

The game’s sprawling world map invites exploration, with side quests and unit customization adding layers of replayability. Vanillaware’s signature painterly style—think Dragon’s Crown meets Fire Emblem—makes every skirmish a visual feast. While it flew under some radars amidst 2024’s heavy hitters, Unicorn Overlord earned critical acclaim for its depth and charm, offering a regal counterpoint to the year’s more hectic releases.

Animal Well emerged as one of 2024’s most captivating indie surprises, crafted by solo developer Billy Basso. This Metroidvania-style puzzle-platformer drops you into a pixelated labyrinth filled with secrets, where you hatch from a flower and explore a haunting, interconnected world. Armed with tools like a bubble wand and yo-yo, you’ll navigate glowing caverns and solve intricate puzzles that reward curiosity and ingenuity.

The game’s retro visuals, enhanced by a CRT-like scanline filter, create an eerie yet mesmerizing atmosphere, while its non-linear design invites players to uncover hidden depths at their own pace. Critics lauded its clever level design and sense of discovery, with many calling it a standout in the genre. Perfect for the Switch’s portable play, Animal Well is a testament to the power of small-scale brilliance in 2024.

Luigi’s ghost-hunting antics returned in Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, a remastered version of the 2013 Nintendo 3DS classic. This time, the cowardly plumber tackles Evershade Valley’s spectral chaos with a refreshed coat of HD paint, bringing sharper visuals and smoother animations to the Switch. Armed with the Poltergust 5000, Luigi vacuums up ghosts, solves environmental puzzles, and explores creepy locales like a haunted research lab and a derelict clock factory.

The remaster adds online multiplayer modes, letting up to four players team up for ghost-busting fun, while retaining the charm and humor that made the original a fan favorite. Though it doesn’t reach the heights of Luigi’s Mansion 3, the updated presentation and portable polish make it a delightful revisit—or introduction—for Switch owners. In 2024, it’s a cozy, spooky treat that proves Luigi’s still got it.

Another Code: Recollection breathes new life into a forgotten Nintendo franchise, remaking two mystery adventures: Two Memories (DS) and Journey Into Lost Memories (Wii). You play as Ashley Mizuki Robins, a teen unraveling the enigma of her parents’ past across eerie settings like Blood Edward Island and a memory-haunted mansion. With a gadget resembling a Switch (a clever nod to its DS origins), Ashley solves puzzles and pieces together a tale of loss, ghosts, and sci-fi intrigue.

The updated visuals and voice acting enhance the storytelling, while quality-of-life tweaks streamline the experience for modern players. Though its pace leans toward visual novel territory, the dual narratives offer emotional depth and satisfying twists. Another Code: Recollection charmed fans of slow-burn mysteries and showcased the Switch’s knack for reviving hidden gems.

Originally launched on other platforms in 2023, Planet of Lana arrived on the Switch in 2024, bringing its breathtaking cinematic platforming to Nintendo fans. This indie gem follows Lana and her cat-like companion, Mui, across a vibrant alien world besieged by hostile machines. The hand-painted art style evokes a living storybook, with lush jungles and stark deserts framing a journey of survival and friendship.

Gameplay blends light puzzling with stealth and exploration, as Lana and Mui work together to outwit robotic foes. The minimalist narrative, paired with a stirring orchestral score, creates an emotional pull that lingers. Though not a Switch exclusive, its portable debut in 2024 cemented Planet of Lana as a must-play for those craving beauty and heart in equal measure.

Kicking off the year with a bang, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown revived the long-dormant series as a stellar Metroidvania. You control Sargon, a warrior navigating a sprawling, time-warped Persian empire to rescue a kidnapped prince. With twin blades and time-bending powers, the game delivers silky-smooth combat and platforming that feels tailor-made for the Switch’s 60fps performance—a technical marvel on the aging hardware.

The interconnected map brims with secrets, puzzles, and brutal bosses, while features like Memory Shards ease exploration frustrations. Its vibrant art and Persian-inspired mythology add flair to an already addictive loop. Hailed as one of the best in its genre since Metroid Dread, The Lost Crown set a high bar for 2024, proving that classic franchises can still surprise and delight.

The Mario & Luigi series sailed back into action with Mario & Luigi: Brothership, a vibrant RPG that whisks the plumber duo to the high seas of Concordia. After a rift scatters their world into floating islands, Mario and Luigi team up with new allies—like the electric Connie—to stitch it back together. The signature turn-based battles return with a nautical twist, blending timed attacks with “Bro Moves” and a plug-and-play combat system that keeps fights fresh and funny.

The game’s colorful art and goofy humor shine on the Switch, with shipshape exploration tying the adventure together. While it leans simpler than past entries like Bowser’s Inside Story, its charm and polish make it a hearty return for the brothers after a decade’s hiatus. Launching late in 2024, Brothership proved the series still has wind in its sails, delighting fans old and new.

A fan-favorite GameCube classic, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door unfolded onto the Switch in 2024 with a stunning remake that elevates its quirky brilliance. Mario embarks on a treasure hunt in Rogueport, joined by a snarky cast—including Goombella and Admiral Bobbery—to unravel the mystery of the Crystal Stars. The turn-based combat, spiced with action commands and audience interactions, remains as sharp as ever, while the paper-crafted world pops with updated visuals and a rearranged soundtrack.

Nintendo didn’t just dust off an old script; they added quality-of-life tweaks like faster travel and refined dialogue, making this the definitive way to experience Mario’s theatrical RPG. Critically acclaimed and commercially triumphant, it’s a love letter to fans and a testament to why Thousand-Year Door endures as a pinnacle of the series in 2024.

Born from a Kickstarter fueled by Suikoden fans, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes arrived on the Switch in 2024 as a spiritual successor to the classic JRPG series. Crafted by genre legends like Yoshitaka Murayama, this sprawling tale follows Nowa, Seign, and Marisa in a war-torn world, recruiting over 100 unique heroes to their cause. The turn-based battles dazzle with 2D sprites in 3D environments, while base-building and mini-games like fishing add depth to the journey.

Though the Switch version faced minor performance hiccups, patches smoothed the ride, letting its stunning art and heartfelt story shine. With a massive cast and intricate political intrigue, Hundred Heroes filled a nostalgic void in 2024, earning praise as a modern love letter to JRPG golden days.

For the first time since 2005’s Super Princess Peach, the Mushroom Kingdom’s royalty took center stage in Princess Peach: Showtime! This theatrical adventure sees Peach donning costumes—like a swordfighter, detective, or pastry chef—to thwart the wicked Grape and the Sour Bunch at the Sparkle Theater. Each role swaps up gameplay, from swashbuckling duels to clue-hunting mysteries, all wrapped in a whimsical, stage-play aesthetic.

The game’s breezy pace and charming visuals make it a perfect family-friendly romp, though its simplicity might not challenge seasoned players. Still, Peach’s star turn dazzled with creativity and confidence, landing as a refreshing 2024 spotlight for a character too often in Mario’s shadow. It’s a curtain call worth applauding.

Closing out 2024 with a bang, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake reimagined the 1988 NES classic that defined JRPGs, blending retro charm with modern flair. As the Hero, you set out to slay the fiend Baramos, customizing your party with vocations like Warrior, Mage, and the new Monster Wrangler. The HD-2D style—pioneered by Octopath Traveler—layers gorgeous 2D sprites over 3D worlds, while updated mechanics like autosaves and a speed-up option refine the experience.

The vibrant visuals and Akira Toriyama’s iconic designs leap off the Switch screen, paired with a reorchestrated score that honors Koichi Sugiyama’s legacy. Hailed as the trilogy’s chronological start, this remake captivated veterans and newcomers alike, cementing its place as a 2024 masterpiece that bridges eras with grace.