Best Switch Games to Start With, From Party Nights to Long Adventures

A new Switch owner usually faces the same question within minutes of unboxing: which game first? The console’s library is huge, and the right pick depends on who is holding the controller. A solo adventure that swallows a rainy weekend is different from a party game that brings four friends to the couch, and both differ from a relaxing life sim you check in on every morning. Matching the game to the moment matters more than chasing a famous name.

The five games below span the main kinds of Switch play: racing, platforming, open-world adventure, life simulation, and an action roguelike. Each is chosen by title and genre, and the commentary avoids invented scores, sales claims, or story spoilers. Confirm on the store page whether a game is a physical cartridge or a download, and check the number of players supported. As of 2026, the Switch library keeps growing, but these titles remain easy starting points for most households.

Quick Picks

How to Choose

Count the players

Before buying, count how many people will play at once. A rule of thumb is that games built for local multiplayer, such as kart racing or fighting games, shine with two to four players, while story adventures are almost always single-player. If you plan to play in handheld mode with a friend, check whether the game supports splitting one pair of Joy-Con controllers, because some titles need extra controllers.

Match the game to your session length

Some games reward 15-minute sessions, others need an hour to feel satisfying. Short-run roguelikes and racing games fit a commute or a lunch break, while open-world adventures work best when you have time to explore. If you play in bursts, favor games with quick restart and autosave. If you prefer a long evening in front of a television, an epic adventure will use every minute well.

Physical or digital

Physical cartridges can be resold or lent, and they do not use internal storage. Digital downloads are convenient and always on the console, but they fill storage, and large games may need a memory card. A card of 128 gigabytes is a common rule of thumb for owners who buy several digital titles, and the console’s built-in space fills quickly. Decide this before you shop, because it affects both flexibility and long-term cost.

Content for kids and mixed ages

Check the age rating on the box or store page, and read the content descriptors if children will play. Many Nintendo-published games are family friendly, but not every title on the console is. Games with cooperative modes are ideal for mixed ages, since a younger player can join without being overwhelmed. Look for options such as assist modes and adjustable difficulty, which keep everyone in the game.

Our Picks Reviewed

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the Switch edition of Mario Kart 8, a kart racing game with a family-friendly style. The Deluxe name marks it as an enhanced version for the console, which makes it a staple for anyone who owns more than one controller.

• Pro: Kart racing is easy to learn, so guests and kids can join a race within seconds of picking up a controller.
• Pro: Short races fit anywhere from a five-minute break to an evening of local multiplayer with friends.
• Con: A racing game offers little story or progression, so solo players may tire of it sooner than adventure fans.

Skip it if you play alone most of the time and want a narrative, or if racing games frustrate you when other players use items against you.

Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is a mainline Mario platforming game for the Switch. It focuses on exploring colorful worlds and jumping through them, which makes it a friendly entry for newcomers as well as longtime platforming fans.

• Pro: Platforming is easy to pick up, and the game works in short sessions or long exploration runs.
• Pro: A mainline Mario title carries a polished feel and a broad appeal for different ages.
• Con: A single-player focus means it is less of a social experience than a party or racing game.

Skip it if you mainly want multiplayer for guests, or if platforming jumps and camera control are not your idea of fun, since the whole game is built around moving precisely through colorful spaces. Players who want a story-heavy experience may also look elsewhere.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a follow-up entry in the Zelda series, which is known for open worlds, puzzles, and exploration. It is aimed at players who want a long adventure with room to wander and experiment.

• Pro: An open-world adventure offers many hours of exploration, which makes it a long-lasting game for one purchase.
• Pro: Zelda games reward curiosity with puzzles and discoveries, so each session can feel different.
• Con: A large adventure requires a major time commitment, and it can feel overwhelming for players who like short sessions.

Skip it if you want a game you can finish in a weekend, or if you prefer competitive multiplayer over solo exploration, because the adventure is designed around personal discovery rather than sharing a screen with friends. It also rewards patience over reflexes.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a life simulation in which you build a community, decorate, and do small daily tasks. It suits players who enjoy relaxed routines and creativity, and it works well for short daily check-ins.

• Pro: Gentle gameplay without strict fail states makes it welcoming for kids, adults, and anyone who wants to unwind.
• Pro: Short daily sessions fit busy schedules, and decorating gives creative players plenty of freedom.
• Con: A slow pace and repeating routines can feel dull for players who want action or fast progress.

Skip it if you want fast-paced challenges, or if you dislike games that unfold over weeks rather than hours, because the design encourages returning daily instead of finishing in a single marathon session. Completionists may find the pace limiting.

Hades

Hades is an action roguelike available on Switch, where you fight through areas in repeated attempts. The roguelike label means each run starts fresh, which suits players who enjoy mastering a game through repetition.

• Pro: Short runs make it easy to play in handheld mode for a quick session on the go.
• Pro: Roguelike structure keeps runs varied, so the game stays interesting across many attempts.
• Con: Repeated failures are part of the design, which can frustrate players who prefer steady, linear progress.

Skip it if you want a relaxed game with no pressure, or if you dislike dying and restarting as a core mechanic, because the loop of failing, learning, and trying again is the heart of the experience. Younger children may also find the pace demanding.

Building a Library Without Overspending

A balanced Switch library mixes a social game, a long solo adventure, and a casual favorite. Start with one title in each category, play it for a few weeks, and then decide what you are missing. Watch for bundles, used cartridges, and digital sales, which can stretch your budget without sacrificing quality. Keep an eye on wishlists in the console’s store, since notifications for sales appear automatically.

If you have kids, set up parental controls early, including playtime limits and age filters. For storage, delete finished digital games, because you can re-download them later. A second pair of controllers is the best accessory for multiplayer, and a protective case keeps the console safe when you travel.

Handheld, Tabletop, or TV

The Switch lets you play three ways, and the best game can change with the mode. Handheld mode suits roguelikes, platformers, and short races, because the screen is close and sessions are brief. Docked mode on a television suits big adventures and group games, where a larger picture helps everyone follow the action. Tabletop mode with detachable controllers is handy for quick two-player matches without a TV.

Think about battery life and comfort as well. Long sessions on the move call for a charger or battery pack, and a grip accessory can ease hand fatigue. If sound matters, wired headphones work well in handheld mode, while a speaker pair connects easily when docked. Our guide to the best speakers with aux input covers wired options for that.

Which One Fits

• Friends on the couch: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
• Solo player who likes colorful platforming: Super Mario Odyssey.
• Someone who wants a long adventure: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
• Relaxed daily play and creativity: Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
• Action fan who plays in short bursts: Hades.

Common Mistakes

1. Buying a solo adventure for a group night, then struggling to share it.
2. Ignoring storage and running out of space for digital downloads.
3. Forgetting extra controllers for multiplayer games.
4. Choosing a game that needs long sessions when your schedule only allows short ones.
5. Skipping age ratings when buying for children.

FAQ

What is the best first Switch game?

For most households, a kart racer or a platformer is a safe start. Both are easy to learn and fun for different ages.

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online?

Not for single-player games. Online play and some extras need a subscription, so check each game’s requirements before assuming it is free to play online.

Are Switch games good for strategy fans?

The console has options, though many classics are on PC. For a deeper dive into the genre, see our guide to the best Star Wars strategy game options.

Can I play with a headset or VR?

The Switch has no headset like a VR system. If you want immersive play, our roundup of standalone VR headsets covers alternatives.

Should I buy physical or digital?

Physical games can be resold and shared, while digital games are convenient and take no shelf space. Choose by how you play and how much storage you have.