Best Nintendo Switch Games Of 2021: Top Picks!

Hey everyone! Are you looking for the best Nintendo Switch games of 2021? You've come to the right place! 2021 was an awesome year for the Nintendo Switch, with a bunch of fantastic games hitting the console. Whether you're into action-packed adventures, engaging RPGs, or fun party games, there's something for everyone. In this article, we're going to dive into some of the top titles that made 2021 a standout year for Switch gamers. So, grab your Joy-Cons, and let's get started!

Must-Have Nintendo Switch Games from 2021

Let's kick things off with some must-have Nintendo Switch games from 2021. These are the titles that not only received critical acclaim but also captured the hearts of players worldwide. These games showcase the versatility and fun that the Nintendo Switch offers, making them essential additions to any Switch owner's library. From epic adventures to innovative gameplay, these games set a high bar for what the Switch can deliver. So, without further ado, let's jump right in and explore what made these games so special and why you absolutely need to play them if you haven't already.

Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread marked the triumphant return of Samus Aran in a thrilling 2D action-adventure. As one of the best Nintendo Switch games of 2021, this game is a masterclass in atmosphere, level design, and gameplay. Developed by MercurySteam and Nintendo EPD, it’s the sixth mainline entry in the Metroid series and a direct sequel to Metroid Fusion (2002). Metroid Dread sees Samus exploring the mysterious Planet ZDR, where she encounters terrifying E.M.M.I. robots. The game brilliantly blends exploration, combat, and stealth, creating a constantly tense and rewarding experience.

One of the standout features of Metroid Dread is its impeccable level design. Planet ZDR is intricately crafted, with interconnected areas that encourage exploration and discovery. As Samus gains new abilities, she can access previously unreachable areas, uncovering secrets and upgrades. The game's map is incredibly detailed, making navigation a breeze, and the sense of progression is palpable as you steadily expand your reach.

The E.M.M.I. encounters are another highlight. These indestructible robots patrol specific zones, and Samus must use stealth and evasion to avoid them. These sections are heart-pounding, requiring precise timing and quick thinking. The tension is amplified by the E.M.M.I.'s relentless pursuit and the eerie sound design, making each encounter a memorable experience. Successfully evading or, eventually, overcoming these threats provides a huge sense of accomplishment.

Combat in Metroid Dread is refined and challenging. Samus has a range of abilities, including her iconic arm cannon, missiles, and various suit upgrades. Mastering these abilities is crucial for survival, as the game features a variety of enemies, each with its own attack patterns and weaknesses. The boss battles are particularly well-designed, requiring players to use all their skills and knowledge to emerge victorious. The game strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and challenge, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and long-time fans.

Visually, Metroid Dread is stunning. The environments are richly detailed, and the character models are expressive. The game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, maintaining a consistent frame rate even during intense action sequences. The art style perfectly captures the dark and foreboding atmosphere of the Metroid series, immersing players in its world.

Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise brought the thrill of monster hunting to the Nintendo Switch with stunning visuals and addictive gameplay. This action RPG, developed and published by Capcom, quickly became one of the best Nintendo Switch games of 2021 due to its innovative features and expansive content. Players take on the role of a hunter tasked with protecting Kamura Village from rampaging monsters.

One of the biggest innovations in Monster Hunter Rise is the introduction of the Wirebug. This versatile tool allows players to zip around the environment, perform aerial attacks, and quickly recover from knockdowns. The Wirebug adds a new layer of verticality to the game, making exploration and combat more dynamic than ever before. Mastering the Wirebug is essential for taking down the game's challenging monsters.

The game's monster roster is impressive, featuring a mix of returning favorites and new additions. Each monster has its own unique attack patterns and weaknesses, requiring players to adapt their strategies and equipment accordingly. Hunting these monsters is a thrilling experience, demanding skill, patience, and teamwork. Successfully taking down a powerful monster and crafting new gear from its materials is incredibly rewarding.

Monster Hunter Rise also introduces the Rampage, a new type of quest where players must defend Kamura Village from waves of monsters. These quests are intense and chaotic, requiring players to coordinate their efforts and make strategic use of defensive installations. The Rampage offers a fresh twist on the Monster Hunter formula and provides a great opportunity to earn rare materials.

The game's multiplayer mode is another highlight, allowing players to team up with friends and tackle challenging quests together. Hunting with a group is a blast, and coordinating strategies and sharing resources makes even the toughest monsters manageable. The sense of camaraderie and cooperation is a key part of the Monster Hunter experience, and Rise delivers it in spades.

Visually, Monster Hunter Rise is a treat on the Nintendo Switch. The environments are lush and detailed, and the monsters are brought to life with impressive animations. The game runs smoothly, even during hectic battles, and the art style is vibrant and appealing. The soundtrack is also excellent, adding to the game's immersive atmosphere.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a delightful package that combines a beloved Wii U title with a brand-new adventure. As one of the best Nintendo Switch games of 2021, this game offers a double dose of Mario fun, appealing to both newcomers and long-time fans. The original Super Mario 3D World is a multiplayer platformer that allows up to four players to team up and tackle a series of colorful and inventive levels.

Super Mario 3D World is a joy to play, with its tight controls, clever level design, and charming art style. Each level is packed with secrets and collectibles, encouraging exploration and replayability. The game introduces several new power-ups, including the Super Bell, which transforms Mario and his friends into cats, allowing them to climb walls and pounce on enemies. The multiplayer mode is chaotic and hilarious, making it a perfect party game.

Bowser's Fury is a brand-new open-world adventure that offers a fresh twist on the Super Mario formula. Players explore Lake Lapcat, a vast and interconnected world filled with islands, puzzles, and challenges. The game features a dynamic weather system, with Bowser periodically transforming into Fury Bowser, a gigantic and menacing version of himself. During these sequences, the environment changes, and players must use all their skills to survive.

Bowser's Fury is a visual showcase for the Nintendo Switch, with its vibrant colors and detailed environments. The game runs smoothly, even during the most intense moments, and the sense of scale is impressive. The open-world design encourages exploration and discovery, and the constant threat of Fury Bowser adds a sense of urgency to the gameplay.

Together, Super Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury offer a compelling package that showcases the versatility and fun of the Super Mario series. Whether you're a fan of classic platforming or open-world adventures, there's something to enjoy in this collection. It’s a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner and easily ranks among the best Nintendo Switch games of 2021.

Other Notable Nintendo Switch Games from 2021

Besides the heavy hitters, 2021 also saw the release of many other notable Nintendo Switch games. These titles, while perhaps not as widely recognized, still offer unique and enjoyable experiences that are well worth checking out. They cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, ensuring that there's something for everyone in the Switch's ever-growing library. Let’s take a look at some of these hidden gems that might have flown under your radar but deserve a spot in your gaming collection.

New Pokémon Snap

New Pokémon Snap is a charming and relaxing photography game that takes players on a safari adventure to capture stunning photos of Pokémon in their natural habitats. This long-awaited sequel to the Nintendo 64 classic offers a fresh and modern take on the formula, with improved graphics, new Pokémon, and a host of new features.

The game's on-rails gameplay is surprisingly engaging, as players must carefully observe their surroundings and use a variety of tools to capture the perfect shot. Throwing fluffruit, playing music, and scanning the environment can all trigger unique Pokémon behaviors, leading to exciting photo opportunities. The game's photo editing tools allow players to enhance their photos with filters, stickers, and frames, adding a personal touch to their collection.

New Pokémon Snap is a visual treat, with its lush and detailed environments and adorable Pokémon models. The game's soundtrack is also excellent, creating a relaxing and immersive atmosphere. Whether you're a long-time Pokémon fan or a newcomer to the series, New Pokémon Snap is a delightful experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Shin Megami Tensei V

Shin Megami Tensei V is a dark and challenging JRPG that takes players on a post-apocalyptic journey through a ravaged Tokyo. As the latest entry in the long-running Shin Megami Tensei series, this game offers a deep and complex battle system, a compelling story, and a host of memorable characters.

The game's demon negotiation system is a highlight, allowing players to recruit demons to their party by engaging in conversations and offering them items. Each demon has its own personality and motivations, making the negotiation process unpredictable and rewarding. The game's fusion system allows players to combine demons to create even more powerful allies, opening up a wide range of strategic possibilities.

Shin Megami Tensei V is a visually stunning game, with its detailed environments and striking character designs. The game's soundtrack is also excellent, creating a dark and atmospheric mood. If you're a fan of challenging JRPGs with deep and complex systems, Shin Megami Tensei V is a must-play.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

While technically a PlayStation exclusive, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart deserves a mention for its groundbreaking use of the PlayStation 5's hardware. This action-platformer showcases stunning visuals, lightning-fast loading times, and innovative gameplay mechanics that take full advantage of the console's capabilities.

The game's rift-hopping mechanic allows players to instantly travel between different dimensions, creating seamless and dynamic gameplay experiences. The game's weapons are creative and satisfying to use, and the character animations are incredibly expressive. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a visual and technical marvel that sets a new standard for console gaming.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a look at some of the best Nintendo Switch games of 2021! 2021 was a fantastic year for the Nintendo Switch, with a diverse range of titles that catered to all tastes. From epic adventures to charming photography games, there was something for everyone to enjoy. If you haven't already, be sure to check out these games and experience the magic of the Nintendo Switch for yourself. Happy gaming, guys!