What are the Best Nintendo Switch Launch Titles?

The Nintendo Switch is finally here and gamers around the world are picking up their hardware in stores or off their front porch right now. As with any new console launch, the question is “what games do I buy?” Of course everyone is getting The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but the Switch has more games than just that. So what are the best Nintendo Switch launch titles? We’ll give you our thoughts after playing most of them.

First up is the obvious one. You pretty much have to buy The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. We gave it a perfect score in our review, calling it one of the best video games ever made. If you’re getting a Switch it is a must-buy, and if you aren’t getting a Switch you should get it on Wii U. If you don’t have a Wii U, you might want to think about getting a Nintendo Switch just for this game. It really is that good. So, with that out of the way, what are the other best Nintendo Switch launch titles?

Snipperclips is probably the second best Nintendo Switch launch title

Snipperclips looked like a cute, fun little co-op puzzler when Nintendo showed it off during their Switch presentation. I was excited to try it out, but as an eShop exclusive it wasn’t playable until the Day One update hit yesterday. So with just a little bit of time in the game, what do I think? I think it’s probably the second best Nintendo Switch launch title out there.

It’s ridiculously cute, devilishly difficult, and is a perfect representation of what this console can do. I’ve only played it at home on the TV, but the idea of being able to whip this game out, hand someone else a Joy-Con and start puzzling away with them is a true delight. The game is great for any age bracket too, being cute and fun enough for kids, while featuring some tough puzzles for adults to work through.

Next up is Shovel Knight. I played the original on Wii U, and I’m playing the newly released Specter of Torment right now on the Switch. I loved the first game, and this new spin off is hitting all the same notes. If you love retro platforming, Shovel Knight in all of its variations is a must-buy as well. You can pick up just the spin off or the entire package on the eShop as soon as you hook up your Switch, which you should really do, once you’re in need of a break from Breath of the Wild.

The two other games that I have personally played are lower on the list, and definitely not must-buy games. We have a review out for Super Bomberman R which is just waiting for online multiplayer to become finalized. So far the game is exactly what it sounds like, Bomberman on the Switch, and not much more. If you’re dying for some simple, fun multiplayer action then it’s worth it, but maybe wait for a sale.

Just Dance 2017 is the other one that I’ve played and whether you should buy it or not comes down to this question: do you want a Just Dance game? It doesn’t add much to the experience this year, and being on the Switch changes little. So whether or not Just Dance 2017 is worth getting just comes down to whether you want the game.

I haven’t played I am Setsuna outside of conventions, but it also looks like a solid Switch launch title. Those seeking a longer, solidly classic JRPG experience should definitely pick it up, if just to be able to play it on the go.

So those are, so far, the best Nintendo Switch launch titles on the market. Let us know which ones you pick up, and if they lived up to your expectations in the comments below.