Top Nintendo Switch Games Of 2018
Hey guys! So, 2018 was a pretty epic year for the Nintendo Switch, right? It felt like Nintendo really hit its stride, dropping some absolute bangers that kept us all glued to our screens. If you're looking to dive into some of the best Switch games 2018 had to offer, or maybe you just missed out on some gems, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down some of the absolute must-plays that defined the Switch's gaming landscape that year. Get ready for a trip down memory lane with some of the finest titles that made the Switch an indispensable console for so many of us. We're talking about games that weren't just good; they were legendary, setting new standards and proving just how versatile and powerful the Switch truly is. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just jumping in, these are the titles that really showcased the magic of the Nintendo Switch, offering experiences that ranged from vast open worlds to nail-biting adventures and charming narratives. Let's get this party started and revisit some of the absolute highlights!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Continues its Reign
Okay, so technically it launched in 2017, but let's be real, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was still the game on everyone's minds and consoles throughout 2018. It's impossible to talk about the best Switch games without mentioning this masterpiece. This game isn't just a title; it's an experience, a sprawling, open-world adventure that redefined what a Zelda game could be. Guys, the freedom you have in Hyrule is just unparalleled. You can go anywhere, climb anything, and tackle objectives in pretty much any order you please. This sense of player agency is what makes Breath of the Wild so special. Forget linear paths; this game throws you into a world teeming with secrets, challenging puzzles, and breathtaking landscapes, all begging to be explored. The physics engine is pure genius, allowing for emergent gameplay moments that you'll be talking about for years. Did you try using a metal shield to conduct lightning during a storm? Or maybe you figured out a clever way to use your Stasis rune to launch yourself across a massive gap? These are the kinds of organic discoveries that make the game so rewarding. The environmental storytelling is subtle yet profound, with ruins and scattered notes hinting at the Calamity that ravaged the land. It’s a game that respects your intelligence and rewards your curiosity at every turn. Even in 2018, when new games were flooding the market, Breath of the Wild remained a benchmark, a constant draw for both new Switch owners and veterans alike. Its influence can be seen in so many games that followed, but nothing quite captures that initial sense of wonder and discovery like Link's journey through a fallen Hyrule. If you haven't played it, seriously, what are you waiting for? It's the quintessential Switch experience and still one of the best Switch games 2018 had the privilege to be played on, even if it technically predates the year. It’s a game that keeps on giving, with its DLC adding even more hours of exploration and challenge, proving its longevity and timeless appeal. The art style, the music, the sheer scope of it all – it’s a symphony of game design that continues to inspire awe.
Super Mario Odyssey: A Masterclass in 3D Platforming
Another title that might have arrived a bit before 2018 but absolutely dominated discussions that year was Super Mario Odyssey. This game is pure joy, bottled up and delivered in a vibrant, colorful package. If you're a fan of 3D platformers, or even if you're just looking for a game that radiates unadulterated fun, Odyssey is your ticket. Mario's globe-trotting adventure, accompanied by his sentient hat Cappy, is a stroke of genius. Cappy isn't just a hat; he's a mechanic that completely revolutionizes how you interact with the world. You can throw Cappy to capture enemies, objects, and even allies, giving Mario a whole new set of abilities. This capture mechanic opens up a universe of possibilities, from controlling a T-Rex to becoming a Cheep Cheep and swimming through the water. Each kingdom you visit is a sandbox filled with secrets, Power Moons to collect, and quirky characters to meet. The level design is immaculate, offering both accessible challenges for casual players and intricate puzzles for the completionists. The sheer creativity on display is staggering. One minute you're navigating a bustling cityscape, the next you're in a retro 2D Mario segment, and then you're controlling a frog to reach new heights. The game is packed with nostalgia, referencing classic Mario games while pushing the franchise forward in exciting new ways. The soundtrack is, as expected from a Mario game, absolutely phenomenal, with catchy tunes that will stick with you long after you put the controller down. Super Mario Odyssey embodies everything that makes Mario games great: tight controls, imaginative worlds, and an infectious sense of playfulness. It's a testament to Nintendo's ability to craft experiences that appeal to players of all ages and skill levels. For anyone looking for a game that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding, Odyssey is an absolute must-have. It was, without a doubt, one of the best Switch games 2018 players could get their hands on, and it remains a cornerstone of the Switch's library. The sheer variety of gameplay mechanics and environments ensures that boredom never sets in, making it a title you can return to again and again.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2: An Expansive JRPG Epic
Alright, let's switch gears and talk about a massive JRPG that truly showcased the Switch's power: Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Released in late 2017 but with its story-expanding DLC Torna ~ The Golden Country arriving in 2018, this game was a huge draw for RPG fans. If you love deep combat systems, compelling narratives, and worlds that feel truly alive, then this is a game you absolutely need to check out. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 drops you into the world of Alrest, a place where civilization lives on the backs of colossal beasts known as Titans. You play as Rex, a young salvager who finds himself entangled in a quest to reach Elysium with a mysterious Blade named Pyra. The Blade system is central to the gameplay, allowing you to equip different Blades to your Drivers (characters) to grant them unique arts and abilities. Mastering the art of Blade combos and chain attacks is crucial for overcoming the game's numerous challenging enemies and bosses. The sheer scale of the world is breathtaking. Each Titan is a massive, explorable region with its own unique ecosystem, culture, and secrets. Exploring these vast landscapes, from lush forests to arid deserts and industrial cities, is an adventure in itself. The game is also packed with side quests and optional content, ensuring that you'll be spending dozens, if not hundreds, of hours in Alrest. The story is complex and emotional, exploring themes of life, death, and the nature of existence. While the sheer amount of systems can seem daunting at first, the payoff is an incredibly deep and satisfying RPG experience. The art style is vibrant and anime-inspired, and the soundtrack is simply epic, perfectly complementing the grand scale of the adventure. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a game that demands your attention and rewards it tenfold with a rich world and unforgettable characters. It was a standout title for the Switch in 2018, offering a JRPG experience on par with the best on other consoles, but with the unique portability of the Switch. It's a journey that sticks with you, proving that the Switch was a serious contender for JRPG fans that year, solidifying its place as one of the best Switch games 2018 had to offer.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Who else was stoked for Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze when it hit the Switch in 2018? This game is a masterclass in 2D platforming, offering a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience. If you missed it on the Wii U, or if you're just a fan of precision platforming and vibrant visuals, this is a must-play. Nintendo took a beloved Wii U title and brought it to the Switch with a few fantastic additions, most notably the inclusion of Funky Kong as a playable character. Funky Kong makes the game significantly more accessible with his extra abilities, like rolling and hovering, which can be a lifesaver on some of the tougher levels. But don't worry, for those seeking the classic Donkey Kong challenge, the original difficulty is still very much present. The level design in Tropical Freeze is absolutely phenomenal. Each island and its stages feel distinct, offering a variety of environmental hazards, enemy types, and secret areas to discover. The grapevine swings, the minecart rides, the underwater sections – they all feel perfectly tuned and incredibly satisfying when you nail them. The game's aesthetic is stunning; the backgrounds are lush and detailed, bursting with color and life, making each level a visual treat. The music is also top-notch, with David Wise returning to deliver a soundtrack that is both nostalgic and fresh, perfectly capturing the adventurous spirit of the game. Donkey Kong himself, along with Diddy, Dixie, and Cranky Kong, all have unique abilities that add layers of strategy to the platforming. Mastering these different Kongs and their movesets is key to collecting all the hidden KONG letters and puzzle pieces scattered throughout the stages. This game is a true test of skill, patience, and perseverance. It’s the kind of game that will make you shout in frustration one minute and cheer in triumph the next. For its fantastic gameplay, gorgeous presentation, and challenging-yet-fair difficulty, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze absolutely earned its spot as one of the best Switch games 2018 had to offer. It's a brilliant showcase of classic Nintendo design principles applied to the 2D platforming genre, and a perfect example of how to port a game with meaningful enhancements.
Other Notable Mentions from 2018
Beyond those major hitters, 2018 was a stacked year for the Switch, guys! There were so many other incredible titles that deserve a shout-out. If you're a fan of indie games, the Switch continued to be a paradise. Hollow Knight, though released elsewhere earlier, found a huge audience on the Switch in 2018 and remains one of the best Metroidvania experiences available. Its challenging combat, vast interconnected world, and haunting atmosphere are simply captivating. Then you have Celeste, another indie darling that absolutely blew people away. This pixel-perfect platformer isn't just about challenging gameplay; it tells a deeply personal and moving story about mental health, making it incredibly resonant. The controls are some of the tightest you'll ever experience, and the level design is pure genius. For those craving some multiplayer chaos, Mario Tennis Aces offered a fun and accessible take on the tennis genre with special moves and unique character abilities. It was great for quick matches with friends. And let's not forget Kirby Star Allies, which brought Kirby's signature charm and accessibility to the forefront, allowing players to recruit up to three enemies to join their party, leading to some wonderfully chaotic and cooperative gameplay. Even if you weren't looking for brand-new titles, 2018 also saw excellent ports and remasters arrive, like Bayonetta 2 (and the first one!), which brought stylish, high-octane action to the Switch. These games, along with many others, solidified 2018 as a landmark year for the Nintendo Switch, proving that it wasn't just a portable console but a true contender for gamers seeking diverse and high-quality experiences. The sheer variety available meant there was something for literally everyone, reinforcing the Switch's position as a must-own console. It really showcased the versatility of the Nintendo Switch, making it a platform that catered to all tastes and preferences, from hardcore RPGs to charming indie platformers and arcade-style sports games. These lesser-mentioned titles often provide unique experiences that complement the bigger releases, making the Switch's library incredibly rich and diverse. So, whether you were into deep narratives, challenging gameplay, or just some lighthearted fun, 2018 delivered in spades, offering up some of the most memorable and best Switch games 2018 players could experience.
Conclusion: 2018 Was a Triumph for the Switch
So there you have it, guys! 2018 was an absolutely phenomenal year for the Nintendo Switch. We saw titans like Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey continue to dominate, while titles like Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze showed the incredible breadth of experiences the Switch could offer. Add to that the explosion of amazing indie games like Hollow Knight and Celeste, and you've got a recipe for a truly special gaming year. The Nintendo Switch cemented itself as a powerhouse console in 2018, capable of delivering breathtaking AAA experiences and charming indie gems with equal aplomb. It proved that innovation and quality were at the forefront of Nintendo's strategy, offering games that were not only fun but also deeply engaging and artistically significant. Whether you were playing on the go or docked on your TV, the Switch provided seamless and high-quality gaming moments throughout the year. It’s this blend of portability, powerful hardware (for a portable!), and Nintendo’s unparalleled first-party talent that made 2018 such a triumph. If you're looking to build an impressive Switch library, the games from 2018 are absolutely essential. They represent the console at its peak, offering diverse genres, unique gameplay mechanics, and unforgettable stories. Seriously, if you haven't played these titles, you're missing out on some of the best Switch games 2018 had to offer, and frankly, some of the best games period. Here's to looking back at a fantastic year and celebrating the incredible games that made it so special!
