Top Nintendo Switch Games Of 2021: A Definitive Guide

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Top Nintendo Switch Games of 2021: A Definitive Guide

Hey guys! If you're anything like me, you're probably obsessed with your Nintendo Switch. And let's be real, 2021 was an amazing year for Switch games. So, let's dive into the best Nintendo Switch games of 2021, exploring a variety of genres and titles that kept us glued to our screens. From epic adventures to cozy simulations, there's something for everyone on this list. Get ready to relive some of the highlights and maybe even discover a new favorite!

Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread absolutely dominated the conversation in 2021, and for good reason. This game marks the triumphant return of Samus Aran in a thrilling and genuinely scary 2D adventure. After a long hiatus, the Metroid series came back swinging, delivering a masterclass in atmosphere, gameplay, and level design. One of the standout features of Metroid Dread is its impeccable atmosphere. From the moment you step onto the alien planet of ZDR, you're enveloped in a sense of isolation and dread. The environments are meticulously crafted, with every shadow and detail adding to the feeling of unease. The sound design is equally impressive, with haunting melodies and unsettling sound effects that keep you on edge throughout your journey. Metroid Dread's gameplay is a pitch-perfect blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Samus's movements are fluid and responsive, making it a joy to navigate the intricate levels. The addition of the E.M.M.I. robots introduces a new layer of tension, as you must use stealth and cunning to avoid these relentless pursuers. The boss battles are challenging and rewarding, requiring you to master Samus's abilities and exploit enemy weaknesses. But what really sets Metroid Dread apart is its impeccable level design. The game's world is a sprawling interconnected labyrinth, filled with secrets and hidden pathways. As you explore, you'll gradually unlock new abilities that allow you to access previously inaccessible areas, creating a sense of progression and discovery. The game's map is also cleverly designed, providing you with just enough information to guide you without holding your hand. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Metroid series or a newcomer, Metroid Dread is an absolute must-play. Its combination of atmosphere, gameplay, and level design make it one of the standout games of 2021, and a worthy addition to the Metroid legacy. Trust me, the sense of accomplishment you'll feel after conquering this game is unmatched. It’s a fantastic blend of classic Metroidvania elements with modern game design sensibilities.

Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise brought the thrill of the hunt to the Nintendo Switch in a big way! This action RPG is all about battling massive monsters, crafting epic gear, and teaming up with friends for unforgettable hunts. If you're looking for a game with tons of content and endless replayability, Monster Hunter Rise is definitely one to check out. The world of Monster Hunter Rise is a vibrant and diverse place, filled with lush forests, towering mountains, and ancient ruins. Each area is teeming with unique monsters, resources, and secrets to discover. The game's environments are not only visually stunning, but also play a crucial role in the gameplay. You can use the terrain to your advantage, setting traps, ambushing monsters, and creating opportunities for strategic attacks. The heart of Monster Hunter Rise is its combat system, which is both deep and accessible. Each of the game's 14 weapon types offers a unique playstyle, from the swift and agile dual blades to the slow but powerful great sword. Mastering each weapon requires time and practice, but the rewards are well worth it. As you progress through the game, you'll unlock new moves and abilities that allow you to customize your playstyle and take on even tougher monsters. But what really sets Monster Hunter Rise apart is its multiplayer mode. Teaming up with friends to take on challenging hunts is one of the most rewarding experiences in gaming. Coordinating your attacks, sharing resources, and supporting each other in battle creates a sense of camaraderie that is hard to find elsewhere. The game's online community is also incredibly active and welcoming, making it easy to find players to hunt with. Whether you're a seasoned Monster Hunter veteran or a newcomer to the series, Monster Hunter Rise is an absolute blast. Its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and robust multiplayer mode make it one of the standout games of 2021, and a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. And seriously, the feeling of finally taking down a monster after a grueling hunt is so satisfying.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a delightful package that offers the best of both worlds: classic Mario platforming and a brand-new open-world adventure. This game is perfect for both solo players and families looking for some co-op fun. Super Mario 3D World is a charming and colorful platformer that originally appeared on the Wii U. The game features a unique blend of 3D environments and classic Mario gameplay. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad, each with their own unique abilities. The game's levels are filled with creative challenges, hidden secrets, and plenty of power-ups to discover. The addition of the Cat Suit is a game-changer, allowing you to climb walls, pounce on enemies, and explore the environment in new ways. But what really makes Super Mario 3D World stand out is its multiplayer mode. Up to four players can team up to tackle the game's levels together, creating a chaotic and hilarious experience. Coordinating your movements, sharing power-ups, and helping each other overcome obstacles is a ton of fun. The game's levels are also designed with multiplayer in mind, with plenty of opportunities for teamwork and cooperation. Bowser's Fury is a brand-new open-world adventure that is included in the Super Mario 3D World package. The game takes place in a vast and interconnected world, where you must team up with Bowser Jr. to stop a rampaging Bowser. The game's world is filled with secrets, challenges, and plenty of collectibles to find. The addition of the Fury Bowser mechanic adds a new layer of excitement, as Bowser can transform into a giant, fire-breathing monster at any time. Defeating Fury Bowser requires you to use all of your skills and abilities, and is a truly epic experience. Whether you're a longtime Mario fan or a newcomer to the series, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is an absolute must-play. Its charming gameplay, colorful visuals, and robust multiplayer mode make it one of the standout games of 2021, and a perfect addition to any Nintendo Switch library. It’s a fantastic combination of linear levels and open-world exploration.

New Pokémon Snap

New Pokémon Snap brought a fresh perspective to the Pokémon universe, trading battles for photography. This relaxing and charming game lets you explore lush landscapes and capture stunning photos of your favorite Pokémon in their natural habitats. If you're looking for a game that's both relaxing and engaging, New Pokémon Snap is definitely worth checking out. The world of New Pokémon Snap is a vibrant and diverse place, filled with lush forests, sparkling beaches, and mysterious ruins. Each area is teeming with unique Pokémon, waiting to be discovered and photographed. The game's environments are not only visually stunning, but also play a crucial role in the gameplay. You can use the terrain to your advantage, luring Pokémon out of hiding, creating opportunities for unique photos, and discovering hidden secrets. The heart of New Pokémon Snap is its photography mechanic, which is both simple and rewarding. As you explore the game's environments, you'll encounter a variety of Pokémon, each with their own unique behaviors and personalities. Your goal is to capture the perfect photo of each Pokémon, taking into account factors such as composition, pose, and expression. The better your photo, the higher your score. But what really sets New Pokémon Snap apart is its sense of discovery. As you explore the game's environments, you'll uncover new areas, encounter new Pokémon, and witness new behaviors. The game's world is constantly evolving, and there's always something new to discover. The game also features a robust online mode, where you can share your photos with other players and compete for the highest scores. Whether you're a longtime Pokémon fan or a newcomer to the series, New Pokémon Snap is an absolute delight. Its relaxing gameplay, stunning visuals, and sense of discovery make it one of the standout games of 2021, and a perfect addition to any Nintendo Switch collection. It's a surprisingly addictive experience, and you'll find yourself spending hours trying to capture the perfect shot.

Shin Megami Tensei V

Shin Megami Tensei V delivered a dark and compelling JRPG experience to the Nintendo Switch. With its challenging combat, intricate demon fusion system, and thought-provoking story, this game is a must-play for fans of the genre. If you're looking for a game with depth, complexity, and a mature storyline, Shin Megami Tensei V is definitely one to consider. The world of Shin Megami Tensei V is a desolate and unforgiving place, ravaged by war and overrun by demons. As the protagonist, you must navigate this dangerous world, making difficult choices that will determine the fate of humanity. The game's environments are both beautiful and haunting, with crumbling cities, desolate wastelands, and otherworldly landscapes. The atmosphere is thick with tension and despair, creating a sense of unease that permeates every aspect of the game. The heart of Shin Megami Tensei V is its combat system, which is both strategic and challenging. You must recruit and fuse demons to create a powerful party, exploiting enemy weaknesses and using buffs and debuffs to your advantage. The game's combat is unforgiving, and even minor mistakes can lead to defeat. However, the rewards for mastering the game's combat system are well worth it. As you progress through the game, you'll unlock new abilities, recruit powerful demons, and discover new strategies. But what really sets Shin Megami Tensei V apart is its intricate demon fusion system. You can fuse demons together to create new and more powerful demons, inheriting their skills and abilities. The possibilities are endless, and you can spend hours experimenting with different combinations to create the perfect party. The game also features a thought-provoking story that explores themes of morality, religion, and free will. Your choices throughout the game will have a significant impact on the story, leading to multiple endings. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Shin Megami Tensei series or a newcomer to the genre, Shin Megami Tensei V is an absolute masterpiece. Its challenging combat, intricate demon fusion system, and thought-provoking story make it one of the standout games of 2021, and a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. It’s a deep and rewarding experience that will stay with you long after you finish playing.

More Great Switch Games from 2021

Of course, 2021 had tons of other awesome Switch games! Here are a few more that deserve a shout-out:

  • Mario Party Superstars: A nostalgic trip down memory lane with classic Mario Party boards and minigames.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD: A remastered version of the Wii classic, with improved controls and visuals.
  • Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: Faithful remakes of the Gen 4 Pokémon games, with a few modern updates.
  • No More Heroes 3: A stylish and over-the-top action game with plenty of humor and memorable characters.

So there you have it, my list of the top Nintendo Switch games of 2021! It was an incredible year for the Switch, and these games represent some of the very best that the system has to offer. Happy gaming, everyone!