Best Nintendo Switch Lite Game That You Should Not Miss
Nintendo Switch Lite is one of the world's most popular gaming consoles, and of course, Nintendo's only exclusively handheld device. Now, both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite support the same roster of games, however, some games do better on handheld while some don't.
In this blog, I will cover not just what I think are the best Switch games, but from there, I will condense:
What I think is the best Nintendo Switch Lite game(s) for you.
A brief review of each game.
Pros of each game.
Cons of each game.
These will include some known names and some cult hits.
Overview: Nintendo’s exclusive handheld console and the Switch series
Nintendo is a pioneer in the world of gaming consoles, coming out with the Wii U and many other future brands that we all know today. However, we are all about Nintendo’s foray into hybrid gaming, Nintendo Switch, which released in 2017. The unique selling point (USP) of this console lay in the fact that it can be used as a home console as well as a portable device for gaming on the go.
Mechanically speaking, besides its gamepad-like ability, for home gaming, it comes with proprietary Joy-Con controllers, and additionally has parts such as directional analog sticks that can be attached to both its sides for handheld gaming.
And what fun is gaming without friends? Keeping that in mind, its handheld mode was designed for local co op games (that is, local multiplayer games such as Minecraft).
However, Nintendo Switch took it a step forward, with the Nintendo Switch Lite. As a leading digital publisher, The Wall Street Journal, stated, this was Nintendo’s way of producing a unit priced under $200/unit, for “casual gamers” who do not want to subscribe to any dedicated gaming platform or service to play games. For critics who love screen quality, there’s always the option to opt for Nintendo Switch OLED too.
Both devices share a common roster of games, although the Switch Lite normally supports almost 5,000 games that render well on handheld mode. And, you won’t believe the list of epic games it supports, including a number of Super Mario games, as well as other great games with memorable characters, great game-world aesthetics, and online play; not to overstate, but follow my blog to also look at the myriad Switch Lite games that can be played offline, without a WiFi connection.
But we’re here to tell you the games you can enjoy on your Nintendo Switch Lite console. So, read on till the end to know what the best titles are from indie games, third party games, and many other categories!
The Top 15 Switch and Switch Lite Games that you can play in 2022!
Here are the best Nintendo switch lite games that will truly impress you. More importantly, here are what I think you should know about them before purchasing or playing them online (multiplayer or otherwise) or offline.
Let’s start with Legend of Zelda and work our way to the top position.
#15. The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild
Review:
Breath of the Wild will make past Zelda Games look lackluster just thanks to the sheer storytelling and world design. And, the only issue I really found with this extremely eventful game is that at one point, the game will end. It has almost everything for every kind of gamer, from being an adventure game to simple action, to graphics and game-world aesthetics. Best part is, that this is a great game designed by Nintendo themselves, so the game play on your Switch Lite is going to be smooth.
What I love about this game:
The number of possibilities it offers. Its a fantastic game that really takes its story seriously, gives you characters whose struggles you will relate with, and of course, plenty of side quests to keep you busy.
An excellent main story line that will engross you with simplicity. And it is one of the simplest role playing games.
What I Could do without:
Like I mentioned, at some point, it will end, and that will make you sad, just as it did me (still in denial, but that’s a different conversation we can have in the comments).
If you are a gamer who goes simply for action, it might seem a tad repetitive, especially given how long drawn out the narrative is.
It is best enjoyed on a large screen, although I found no problems with the game play on Lite. The cartoon-y, simple graphics ensure that it works excellent in handheld mode.
#14. Animal Crossing New Horizons
Review: A
Going by objective sales, Animal Crossing New Horizons is one of the leading bestselling games on Nintendo, with lifetime sales reaching close to approximately 40 million. The main aim is world exploration, and creating a new world in the game: you can hunt for bugs, you can converse with your fellow villagers, and just rest. Animal Crossing New Horizons is all about letting the user be, away from the vagaries of the real world.
Besides, what is more rewarding to the gamer than seeing their own creation grow? And this is just the heart string that this game aims to pull at, letting your village grow as you customize your clothing, living quarters, domestic items, etc. This is a game for relaxed, casual gamers and serious ones alike, in my opinion, as the possibilities are near endless, and the exploration is rewarding instead of repetitive.
What I loved about this game:
Simplicity of game play and compelling and rewarding story.
Perfect for the casual, handheld gamer.
Proprietary Nintendo product, which means the game play is quite smooth.
Multiplayer game that supports up to eight players.
What I could do without:
A tad short of any compelling “action” in the truest sense of the term. However, I feel that works in its favor at an overall level, because this is not a game you play for thrill: you play it to chill.
#13. Lego Star Wars The Skywalker Saga
Review:
For once, I like every single word in the title, and the only way to make the Star Wars lore even more awesome is to combine it with Lego: Something that Lego Star Wars does so well. And, it gives you all nine episodes (three prequel, three original, and three sequel stories) in the much beloved Lego form, something that previous games with a Star Wars theme couldn’t achieve.
Just like in the movies, which can be watched in chronological (prequel, original, and sequel), theater release order (original, prequel, sequel), the machete order (episodes 4, 5, 3, 2, 6; no Phantom Menace because no one really got behind that one), the Lego Star Wars game lets you create your own order, with maps and vehicles to help you (literally) carve your own path: so kudos for gamer agency on this one.
Now, let’s look at some of the features that I liked and some that, well, I could do without.
What I loved about this game:
The absolute abundance of characters (~300), vehicles (more than 100), and planets or worlds to explore (more than 23). You will actually feel like a Skywalker yourself, with new niches to carve.
The sense of humor and lightheartedness that it managed to bring to quite somber a mythology.
What I could do without:
Star Wars is an incredibly complex and meticulously designed mythology, with elements from Japanese and European stories (Darth Vader and even the Jedi are basically samurai and initially it was the great Toshiro Mifune who was asked to play Vader; Yoda is derived from the Sanskrit word “yoddha” or warrior, and the Hebrew word, “yodea” or the one who knows, etc.). Lego Star Wars is a simplistic derivative of it: But hey, that’s what Lego really is known for.
#12. Kirby and the Forgotten land
Review:
This is the best-suited Kirby game for your handheld Switch Lite, and one of the, if not the best Nintendo switch lite game for children. It has everything your kid would want, from adorable characters and lots of engrossing visuals to help in their cognitive development. Plus, it is a colorful game that will keep giving.
And Kirby is one eccentric character. Its literal ability is just eating mouthfuls of things and absorbing their power. So, there is also a bit of strategizing involved in the game play: all these in the same game for such young gamers is rare.
What I loved about this game:
Kirby, the character. It’s cute, it’s fluffy, and it’s unique. But, most importantly, it’s quite powerful and its ability will put a smile on your face.
What I could do without:
A tad on the more predictable side, but that works out in the favor of young gamers, who will learn more and can rectify their mistakes in the next round.
#11. Mario Party Superstars
Review:
Even among Mario games, Mario Party Superstars should be given the status of a separate genre among best Switch Lite games. And just like a party game, you can have up to four players playing this game. The best party game, Mario Party superstars contains mini games of all the previous Mario party titles, as well as game boards from the first three on Nintendo 64.
In this family style board game, which is immersive and fun, use dice rolls to move and you can either pass your Switch Lite around or just go local multiplayer with your family and friends.
What I loved about this game:
Lots of mini games and plenty of game boards for playing online.
Great visuals for something like Mario.
What I could do without:
Needs other players necessarily.
Slightly dated with regard to plot points and action.
#10. Metroid Dread
Review:
Sometimes old school does best and Metroid Dread is definitely one of the best Nintendo Switch Lite games that will truly give you food for thought. The story is simple but its graphics, visuals, and action back it up quite well. Metroid Dread gives you the task of exploring the main protagonist, Samus Aran’s, abilities and world.
And, trust me on this, this game packs a punch, with near-unbeatable robots chasing you and challenging boss fights. And kudos to detailing to the makers on this one.
What I loved about this game:
Atmospheric and challenging; for the gamer who looks for thrill and action, but doesn’t want to sacrifice on simplicity either.
Absolutely stunning visual, storyline, plot.
What I could do without:
A bit on the more dated side.
#9. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Review:
A bit on the more offbeat side, the new game from the Pokémon genre, Pokémon Legends Arceus gives you a simpler Pokémon world, where you find and register different “wild” Pokémon on your Pokédex. Some NPCs however will often bring old-school Pokémon battles to the foray for you.
What I loved about this game:
Quite offbeat take on the conventional Pokémon game series.
Wide open world for exploration.
A lot of side quests in which you can battle it out with many non-playing characters.
What I could do without:
Could have been a little more compelling visually.
A bit on the simpler side.
#8. Super Mario Maker 2
Review:
What Super Mario Odyssey is to the conventional Nintendo Switch, for the Switch Lite, the best version of the classic games is Super Mario Maker 2. And, I must mention, the classic that was Super Mario Bros kind of made Nintendo the game-changer it is today (literally, get it?).
2D Platform building and other things like creating and sharing your own levels and exploring the levels created by up to four players make Super Mario Maker 2 as influential, as I mentioned, as Super Mario Odyssey, the game really rocking it out on Nintendo Switch.
What I loved about this game:
It allows you to build many levels, and explore them; it also lets your creativity run wild as editing your levels is very simple.
Share your levels with up to three friends, making it a perfect family game.
What I could do without
It really challenges your platform/level/world building capabilities.
#7. Monster Hunter Rise
Review:
There are few games that give you exactly what they advertise and Monster Hunter Rise is definitely one of them. A fresh breath of the wild, this multiplayer video game is perfect for if you enjoy battling it out against leviathans with your trusty Palamute buddy. This has all the elements to that make an engaging game play, including stunning visuals, excellent graphics, and rampage missions.
What I loved About this Game:
Firstly, Monster Hunter Rise was designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch and can now be played on Nintendo Switch Lite.
It is one of the highest rated multiplayer games by critics and players alike.
What I could do without:
Simplistic game play that may not be challenging enough for seasons players.
There are some loose ends, such as the rampage missions, which are not explained well enough.
#6. Sonic Mania
Review:
The makers of Sonic Mania really hashed the nostalgia of the game and used it to the best effect. They exceeded the expectations of players and critics alike and significantly surpassed the let down that were the predecessors. The smart and interactive 2D design on this Sonic game makes it the undisputed champion of the series. You have to play it to believe it, it’s that good!
What I loved about this game:
Sonic Mania brilliantly references the nostalgic elements and marries them seamlessly with new and fresh gameplay. Remastered and new designs are impeccable and offers hours upon hours of replay value.
The trial mode comes with an immediate restart shortcut button and leader board.
What I could do without:
There are some restraints on the secret modes, which impacts their use.
There are more remastered stages than new ones and more bad bosses than good. What a pity!
#5. Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze
Review:
Although not initially successful as a game when first released first four years ago for Wii, Donkey Kong Country has seen a resurgence again thanks to Nintendo re-releasing many great titles such as Hyrule and Bayonetta as Switch games.
This is a much-beloved franchise that you go for simple sentimental value (reason why I ranked it so high, despite many of its flaws). The characters and standard 2D platforming make it interesting, at least for a while.
What I loved about this Game:
Nostalgia factor
Sharper visuals as a Switch game versus its appeal as a Wii U game.
Memorable characters assisting you at every level.
Quite interesting levels, at least some of them.
What I could do without:
Gets difficult, especially after you’ve exhausted the more forgiving modes of play.
Poor mechanics.
#4. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
Review:
Another successor to the original game, Pokémon Sword and Shield are interesting Pokémon legends games I found to run quite well as a Switch game. They were released about three years ago, by Game Freak and Nintendo for its Switch games series. And, this awesome game pair is much more conventional as well, allowing you to role play and defeat Leon, the champion, while facing the deeds of Team Yell.
These are the best Nintendo Switch games if you’re counting the Pokemon genre, and were also one of the fastest-selling titles on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite.
What I loved about this game:
There’s only one way to make the much-beloved franchise better: create more Pokemon. And guess what, besides the 13 preexisting regional forms of Pokemon, this game gives you 81 others!
Return of Pokemon gyms, which were absent in the Sun and Moon game.
Play online as much as you want.
It surpassed Super Smash Bros as the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch game/Nintendo Switch Lite game.
The new transport system really had me in splits, namely the Rotom Bike and Corviknight Taxi service.
What I could do without:
Lack of emotion in the Pokemon themselves. Now, if you ask me, this is a big deal and made the anime what it is today, a legend. But, that seems to be lacking in the game, with static, expressionless faces.
No National Pokedex. And, this caused quite the uproar on fans too and they termed it “Dexit” (Pokedex + Brexit).
If you’ve read all the reviews, this is what you are waiting for. Read on to know my top 3 Nintendo Switch games.
#3. Paper Mario: The Origami King
Review:
Pit your favorite Italian plumber against adversaries made of paper, a unique take on the paperverse! Unlike the original Paper Mario game, the Origami King sacrifices individual level for one, big, epic game level, where you battle it out King Olly, the main villain.
This too had sold really well, especially for its simplicity and nostalgia, make it one of the biggest Switch game hits!
What I loved about this game:
Nostalgia and very, very innovative.
More than 20 hours long.
What I could do without:
A little on the more superficial side.
#2. Super Mario Galaxy
Review:
This is one of the best renditions made by Smash Bros, period. Endearing, charming, and packed with fun for the entire family, Super Mario Galaxy runs really smoothly as a Switch game or a Switch Lite game. This is the 2D platforming game if you are up for it.
Compared to Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, this is perfectly suited for a Wii or a Nintendo console. It really evokes the nostalgia expected from a true successor of the original Mario 64 game, something I have come to expect from Smash Bros again and again.
What I loved about this game:
Fun platforming, which keeps your interest.
Great, memorable side characters.
What I could do without:
A slightly stuttering frame rate.
No voiceover, even for Princess Peach’s letter, where the world theme mutes it out.
Now, for the drum roll. It’s time to announce my winner for the title of the best Nintendo Switch Lite game. Of course, before that, I would want to mention some honorable mentions, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Hollow Knight
Minecraft
Tetris 99
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu
Since you’ve waited so long, go ahead and also check out my other list with detailed categories of the best Nintendo Switch Games, including categories such as:
Best Switch games for kids
Best Switch games with memorable female characters
Best Nintendo Switch Lite games for action lovers
And many more.
So, here we go: The best Nintendo Switch Lite Game is:
#1. Ultimate Super Smash Bros
Review:
To quote a leading digital publisher, “[Ultimate Super Smash Bros] promises everything, and has literally everything.” This is the most epic and most expansive Mario universe game out there, a kind of magnum opus for Nintendo games, with memorable characters, hours and hours of play time, and just plain action-filled fun for all ages.
From being able to play every level from almost every Smash Bros game to having almost every single character from Marioverse, this one has it all. Even as a base version, it gives you 74 characters to choose from, with more available conditionally.
And, it is a crossover, with not just Pokemon but also Samus Aran from Metroid Dread, and even characters from the Fire Emblem series of video games, besides Kirby (from forgotten land), Bayonetta, and also characters from Donkey Kong!
Just imagine. Wait, you can’t. No one can, honestly.
And, that’s the beauty of Super Smash Bros Ultimate: it is a celebration of Nintendo and platforming games in general, alongside being a kick-ass game in and of itself.
So what are the pros and cons then of this game you ask?
Read on to know more!
What I loved about the best Nintendo switch lite game:
Epic in scope, expansive in imagination, a true testament to the creativity of game makers.
Thought it will be an overwhelming sight to both see and manage, you can, theoretically, play with up to four players on the screen.
Very easy editing and personalization.
Hours and hours of play time to explore and enjoy.
Great for all age groups and will appeal to players who prefer all the various other games from which it borrows characters. I had two of my favorite third stage Pokemon (Incineroar and Greninja) in the game myself.
The compelling plot line has plenty of action (unknown villain captures and controls characters) that will not just have you playing for longer times but also curious to see the very story unfold.
The amount of fan-servicing the game achieved. This is put into perspective by the fact that you’re witnessing a game developed over two decades.
What I could have done without while playing the best Nintendo Switch lite game:
Expect a bit of lag. This is a complex game that almost entirely depends on pace, and this is a real bummer with regard to that.
Depends heavily on peer-to-peer networking; hence, the “host” gamer must have a very good internet connection to help the game move smoothly. This also means that once the host leaves, entire battle arenas shut down.
If you are playing a rematch, you have to stick to the same character; now this is one of the biggest logical flaws of this otherwise great video game as it really doesn’t give the gamer a chance to redeem their position on the game boards.
Requires you to manually save your best matches, which you might want to rewatch. This means, if you forget to do that or just skip the step by mistake, you lose out on rewatching and basking in your gaming glory.
So, that was my list of best Nintendo Switch Lite games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best game on a Switch?
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is one of Nintendo’s greatest hits, giving you not just crossovers from many other games and franchises such as Pokemon and Fire Emblem, but also hours and hours game play with memorable characters and intense action.
Do Nintendo Switches come preloaded with games?
Unfortunately, no, your Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite does not come preloaded with games. However, there are a number of titles that you can download and play for free on your console, and you can also use Hulu and YouTube on your very console!
From here …
So, those were the best games for Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite, according to my opinion. If you have any other awesome games that I missed out, do let me know in the comments below now.
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