Top Nintendo Switch Games Released Since 2020

What's up, gamers! If you're anything like me, your Nintendo Switch is probably one of your most prized possessions. And let's be real, Nintendo just keeps churning out banger after banger, especially since 2020. We've seen some incredible titles drop that have seriously elevated the Switch experience. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the Switch universe, you're probably wondering, "What are the absolute best Nintendo Switch games that have landed since 2020?" Well, guys, you've come to the right place! We're diving deep into the cream of the crop, the must-play titles that have defined this console generation for Nintendo. Get ready to update those wishlists because you're about to discover some serious gaming gems.

Unmissable Action-Adventure Titles

Alright, let's kick things off with the genre that's practically synonymous with Nintendo: action-adventure. Since 2020, the Switch has been a playground for some truly epic adventures that will pull you in and not let go. We're talking about sprawling worlds, compelling stories, and gameplay mechanics that are both innovative and incredibly satisfying. If you're looking for a game that will transport you to another realm and keep you hooked for hours on end, then these are the ones you absolutely have to check out. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, for instance, is a monumental follow-up to the already legendary Breath of the Wild. It takes everything that made its predecessor so special – the open-world exploration, the physics-based puzzles, the sheer freedom – and cranks it up to eleven. You're not just exploring Hyrule anymore; you're exploring the skies above and the depths below, with a whole new suite of abilities that allow for unprecedented creativity in how you approach challenges. Building crazy contraptions, fusing weapons, and solving puzzles in ways the developers probably never even imagined is a core part of the experience. The sense of discovery is immense, and the sheer amount of content packed into this game is staggering. It’s a masterclass in open-world design and a true testament to Nintendo's ability to innovate within beloved franchises. The story, while perhaps not the primary focus for all players, is also more involved and emotional, adding another layer to your journey. Every corner of this vast world feels handcrafted, brimming with secrets to uncover and challenges to overcome. It’s the kind of game that stays with you long after you’ve put the controller down, constantly making you think about your next move and the possibilities that await. The sheer scale of the adventure is breathtaking, and the freedom it offers is unparalleled in the gaming landscape. It truly sets a new benchmark for what an action-adventure game can be on a console like the Switch, offering an experience that is both deeply personal and universally epic. It's not just a game; it's a world begging to be explored, a story waiting to be lived, and a playground for your imagination. It really is a standout title that defines what's possible when creativity meets cutting-edge game design, making it an absolute must-play for any Switch owner looking for an unforgettable journey. The sheer ambition and execution are remarkable, solidifying its place as one of the best games released in recent memory and a shining example of the Switch's potential. The game encourages players to experiment, to think outside the box, and to forge their own path through its challenges, which is a rare and beautiful thing in modern gaming. The sense of accomplishment after solving a particularly tricky puzzle or defeating a formidable foe using a clever, self-made strategy is incredibly rewarding, adding a unique layer of player agency that elevates the entire experience. It’s a testament to Nintendo’s design philosophy that such a massive, complex world can feel so intuitive and engaging to navigate.

Then there's Metroid Dread. Oh man, this was the return to form many Metroid fans had been dreaming of for years! It masterfully blends classic 2D Metroid gameplay with modern sensibilities. You play as Samus Aran, and you’re navigating a dangerous, alien planet while being relentlessly hunted by the E.M.M.I. robots. The atmosphere is thick with tension, the exploration is incredibly rewarding with tons of upgrades and secrets to find, and the combat is tight and responsive. The E.M.M.I. encounters are genuinely terrifying, creating pulse-pounding chase sequences that will have you on the edge of your seat. It perfectly captures the isolation and dread that the Metroid series is known for, while also introducing new mechanics that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. The level design is intricate and interconnected, encouraging backtracking and rewarding thorough exploration. Each new ability Samus acquires opens up new pathways and possibilities, making the progression feel earned and satisfying. The boss battles are challenging and visually spectacular, requiring players to learn patterns and react quickly. Metroid Dread is a masterclass in sci-fi action-adventure, offering a deep and challenging experience that appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers to the series. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of classic Metroidvania design when executed with such polish and care. The sense of vulnerability Samus feels when being stalked by the E.M.M.I. adds a unique psychological element to the gameplay, making the moments of evasion and survival incredibly impactful. It’s a game that trusts the player to figure things out, to explore its labyrinthine environments, and to overcome its formidable challenges through skill and perseverance. The art style is also striking, with detailed environments and fluid animations that bring the alien world to life. The sound design further enhances the immersion, with eerie ambient noises and impactful sound effects that heighten the tension. It’s a complete package that delivers a thrilling and memorable adventure from start to finish, solidifying its place as one of the best games available on the Nintendo Switch and a worthy successor to the Metroid legacy.

Role-Playing Games That Shine

If you're more into diving deep into stories, building characters, and embarking on epic quests, then the RPG genre on Switch has been absolutely on fire since 2020. We've seen everything from massive, sprawling worlds to more intimate, narrative-driven experiences. These games offer hundreds of hours of potential playtime, letting you truly lose yourself in their worlds. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is an absolute behemoth, a JRPG that offers an incredibly rich and complex world to explore, a deeply emotional story, and a combat system that’s both strategic and satisfying. The sheer scale of the game is mind-boggling, with vast environments filled with unique monsters, hidden secrets, and engaging side quests. The narrative deals with mature themes like life, death, and the meaning of existence, delivered through compelling characters whose journeys you become deeply invested in. The combat system is a unique blend of real-time action and strategic command, requiring players to manage party members, utilize different class abilities, and chain together powerful attacks. It’s a game that demands your attention and rewards it with an unforgettable experience. The characters are incredibly well-written, with complex backstories and relatable struggles, making their growth throughout the narrative particularly impactful. The world of Aionios is beautifully realized, with diverse landscapes ranging from lush forests to desolate deserts, each teeming with life and danger. The music is, as expected from the Xenoblade series, absolutely phenomenal, perfectly complementing the emotional highs and lows of the story and the grandeur of the world. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a testament to what the JRPG genre can achieve, offering a deep, engaging, and emotionally resonant experience that will stay with players long after the credits roll. It’s a game that respects the player’s time by offering meaningful content and rewarding exploration, ensuring that every hour spent in its world feels valuable and engaging. The intricate plot twists and turns will keep you guessing, and the sheer amount of customization options for your party ensures that you can tailor your playstyle to your preferences. It’s a truly massive adventure that represents the pinnacle of JRPG storytelling and gameplay on the Nintendo Switch, making it an absolute must-play for fans of the genre. The commitment to world-building and narrative depth is evident in every aspect of the game, from the lore scattered throughout the environments to the nuanced character interactions. It's an experience that rewards patience and engagement, drawing players into its intricate web of politics, war, and personal discovery. The soundtrack alone is worth the price of admission, featuring a diverse range of tracks that evoke a wide spectrum of emotions, from epic battle anthems to poignant, melancholic melodies. The game truly pushes the boundaries of what a narrative-driven RPG can be, offering a thought-provoking and emotionally charged journey that resonates on multiple levels. It’s an achievement in interactive storytelling and a shining example of the Switch’s capabilities.

And let's not forget about Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This was a bold and refreshing take on the Pokémon formula. Instead of the usual gym battles and linear progression, this game throws you into a historical Hisui region where the focus is on exploration, catching Pokémon in a more dynamic way, and completing the first-ever Pokédex. The shift to a more open-world, action-oriented approach to catching and battling was a revelation. You can sneak up on Pokémon, engage in real-time battles where you can dodge attacks, and use items strategically during combat. The sense of discovery as you explore the different areas, observing Pokémon in their natural habitats and uncovering their behaviors, is incredibly rewarding. It felt like a genuine step forward for the series, offering a much-needed shake-up that injected new life into the familiar mechanics. The story, while not the main draw for many Pokémon fans, provides a decent context for your adventures. The real stars are the gameplay innovations that make catching and interacting with Pokémon feel more engaging and dynamic than ever before. It’s a game that encourages experimentation and rewards player observation, making the process of building your team and completing your Pokédex feel like a true accomplishment. The visual style, while distinct, offers a fresh perspective on the Pokémon world. Pokémon Legends: Arceus proved that the franchise can still innovate and surprise, offering a compelling experience that appeals to both long-time fans and those looking for a different kind of Pokémon adventure. It’s a fantastic example of how to evolve a beloved series while staying true to its core identity, making it a standout title in the Switch's RPG library. The emphasis on research and understanding Pokémon behavior adds a layer of depth that’s rarely seen in the franchise, transforming the simple act of catching into a tactical challenge. The introduction of new battle mechanics, like agile and forceful styles, adds a strategic layer to combat that requires players to adapt their approach based on the Pokémon they face and the situation at hand. It’s a game that respects the player’s intelligence and rewards their curiosity, fostering a sense of genuine adventure and discovery. The world feels alive with Pokémon interacting with their environment and each other, creating a dynamic ecosystem that players can observe and influence. This level of immersion and detail makes the act of exploration incredibly rewarding, as there’s always something new to see or discover. The satisfaction of successfully completing a challenging research task or catching a rare Pokémon using a clever strategy is immense, making Pokémon Legends: Arceus a truly special experience. It’s a brilliant reinvention that revitalizes the franchise and offers countless hours of engaging gameplay for anyone who loves collecting and battling these iconic creatures.

Indie Darlings That Punch Above Their Weight

Beyond the big AAA releases, the Nintendo Switch has also become a haven for incredible indie games. These smaller, often passion-driven projects frequently deliver some of the most unique and memorable experiences you can find. Since 2020, we've seen some absolute gems that deserve just as much attention as their larger counterparts. Hades is a prime example. This roguelike dungeon crawler took the world by storm, and for good reason. You play as Zagreus, son of Hades, trying to escape the Underworld. The gameplay is fast-paced, incredibly satisfying combat, and the story is brilliantly woven into the roguelike structure. Every death is a new opportunity to progress, unlock new abilities, and learn more about the compelling characters and their relationships. The art style is gorgeous, the voice acting is top-notch, and the music is absolutely killer. It’s addictive, challenging, and endlessly replayable. The way the narrative unfolds organically through repeated runs is genius, making failure feel like a stepping stone rather than a setback. The sheer amount of build variety and the synergy between different weapons, boons, and upgrades ensures that no two escape attempts feel the same. It’s a masterclass in game design, blending addictive gameplay loops with a compelling narrative and stunning presentation. Hades is a must-play for anyone who enjoys action games, roguelikes, or just incredibly well-crafted experiences. It's a game that respects your time while offering immense depth and replayability, making it one of the standout indie titles of the past few years. The developer's commitment to continuous updates and improvements post-launch further cemented its status as a beloved title. The character writing is exceptional, giving depth and personality to even minor figures, and the relationships between the gods and Zagreus are complex and engaging. It's a game that manages to be both intensely challenging and incredibly rewarding, with a satisfying sense of progression that keeps players coming back for more. The sheer artistry on display, from the character designs to the fluid animations and atmospheric environments, is breathtaking, creating a world that is both dangerous and alluring. It’s an experience that truly earns its praise and stands as a testament to the power of independent game development. The sense of momentum and flow in combat is unparalleled, making each encounter feel dynamic and exciting. Hades masterfully balances its difficulty, ensuring that players feel challenged without becoming overly frustrated, thanks to its clever progression systems.

Another indie title that absolutely blew us away is Ori and the Will of the Wisps. This is a visually stunning platformer with incredibly fluid movement and a deeply emotional story. You guide Ori through a beautiful, hand-painted world, facing challenging platforming sections and engaging combat. The world is interconnected, reminiscent of classic Metroidvanias, with secrets and upgrades hidden around every corner. The story is heart-wrenching and beautifully told, focusing on themes of loss, sacrifice, and found family. The music is absolutely breathtaking, perfectly complementing the game's atmosphere and emotional beats. The controls are incredibly tight and responsive, making traversal and combat a joy. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is more than just a game; it's an artistic experience that will leave a lasting impression. It's a perfect example of how indie developers can create experiences that rival and even surpass many AAA titles in terms of emotional impact and sheer quality. The art direction is simply gorgeous, with every frame looking like a painting brought to life. The seamless blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat makes for a highly engaging experience that keeps players invested from beginning to end. The emotional core of the story is incredibly powerful, resonating with players on a deep level and creating a strong connection with the characters and their plight. It’s a game that truly showcases the artistic potential of video games, delivering an unforgettable journey that is as beautiful as it is challenging. The responsive controls and fluid animations make navigating the intricate world a delight, allowing players to perform complex maneuvers with ease and precision. The narrative is poignant and moving, exploring themes of belonging and the struggle against overwhelming odds. Ori and the Will of the Will of the Wisps is a true masterpiece of platforming and storytelling, offering an experience that is both visually spectacular and emotionally profound, solidifying its place as a must-play title on the Nintendo Switch.

So there you have it, guys! Just a taste of the incredible games that have graced the Nintendo Switch since 2020. From epic adventures to heartfelt stories and innovative indie darlings, there's truly something for everyone. What are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below! Keep gaming!