Top Nintendo Switch Games Of 2017

What a year 2017 was for the Nintendo Switch, guys! And the undisputed king of that year, the game that basically made the Switch for so many of us, has to be The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Seriously, if you owned a Switch in 2017, chances are this was one of your first, if not the first, games. And for good reason! This wasn't just another Zelda game; it was a complete reinvention of the formula. Instead of being funneled through linear dungeons, you were dropped into this massive, breathtaking Hyrule with an unparalleled sense of freedom. You could go anywhere, climb anything, and tackle objectives in almost any order you pleased. The physics engine was a game-changer, allowing for emergent gameplay and creative problem-solving that still blows my mind. Remember trying to use metal objects during a thunderstorm? Pure chaos, but so much fun! The sheer scope of the world, the subtle storytelling, the rewarding exploration, and the way it constantly encouraged experimentation made it a truly unforgettable experience. It wasn't just critically acclaimed; it was a cultural phenomenon, setting a new benchmark for open-world games and proving that Nintendo could still innovate in spectacular fashion. This game is a must-play, a true masterpiece that defined a generation of gaming and is still a blast to dive back into today. Its impact on the industry and its place in the hearts of gamers is undeniable.

Super Mario Odyssey

Alright, so after the epic adventure of Zelda, we needed something a bit more… Mario, right? And Super Mario Odyssey delivered in spades! This game is pure, unadulterated joy from start to finish. What I loved most about it was how it took the classic Mario formula and just ran with it, injecting so much creativity and personality into every single Kingdom. The introduction of Cappy, Mario's sentient cap, was pure genius. It wasn't just a gimmick; it opened up a whole new dimension of gameplay, allowing Mario to possess enemies and objects, leading to some incredibly fun and unexpected mechanics. Each world felt so distinct and packed with secrets to discover. From the bustling New Donk City, where Mario rubs shoulders with humanoids, to the delicious-looking Luncheon Kingdom, there was always something new and exciting around the corner. The platforming itself was as tight and polished as you'd expect from a Mario game, but the added abilities with Cappy made it feel fresh and dynamic. Collecting Power Moons was addictive, and the game never felt like a chore. It was just a constant stream of delightful surprises and challenging-yet-fair platforming. Plus, the music? Absolutely phenomenal! It perfectly captured the adventurous and whimsical spirit of the game. Super Mario Odyssey is a testament to Nintendo's mastery of the platforming genre and a shining example of how to create a truly engaging and replayable experience. It’s the kind of game that makes you smile every time you pick it up, a perfect showcase for the Switch's versatility and charm. It truly is one of the best 3D platformers ever made, and a worthy successor to Mario's legacy.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Okay, who here doesn't love a good round of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? This was pretty much the go-to party game for Switch owners in 2017, and honestly, it still is! It took the already fantastic Mario Kart 8 from the Wii U and cranked it up to eleven. The addition of all the DLC from the previous version meant you were getting an insane amount of tracks, characters, and karts right out of the box. It was the definitive Mario Kart experience, hands down. What makes it so enduring, guys? It's the perfect blend of accessibility and depth. Anyone can pick up a controller and have fun, but there's also that strategic layer of drifting, item management, and track knowledge that separates the pros from the newbies. The sheer variety of tracks is incredible, from classic reimagined courses to wild new creations like the Hyrule Circuit or the Super Bell Subway. And let's not forget the insane battle mode, which was a huge improvement over the Wii U version. Those new arenas and modes made battling friends way more engaging and less about just driving around aimlessly. It’s the ultimate game for couch co-op, family gatherings, or just a spontaneous session with friends. It’s endlessly replayable, always brings the laughs (and sometimes the rage!), and is a perfect representation of Nintendo's ability to create universally appealing fun. It’s a timeless classic that continued to be a staple for Switch owners throughout 2017 and beyond, proving that some games just never get old.

Splatoon 2

Now, let's talk about something a little more… squid-tastic! Splatoon 2 was another massive hit for Nintendo in 2017, and for good reason. This game is just so unique and stylish. It took the ink-splatting, turf-warring chaos of the original and refined it into an even more addictive package. The core gameplay loop of inking the ground to move faster and splatting opponents is incredibly satisfying. It’s a shooter, sure, but it feels totally different from anything else out there. It’s less about twitch reflexes and more about strategy, map control, and teamwork. The new weapons and abilities added even more depth, and the introduction of Salmon Run, the co-op horde mode, was a brilliant addition that offered a fun alternative to the standard PvP matches. Splatoon 2 really shined in its presentation, too. The music is catchy, the characters are quirky and memorable, and the overall aesthetic is just so vibrant and cool. It felt like a game that was constantly evolving with new content updates, keeping the community engaged and the matches fresh. If you were looking for a competitive online experience on the Switch that was also incredibly fun and accessible, Splatoon 2 was the answer. It’s a game that rewards creativity and strategic thinking, offering a fresh take on the multiplayer shooter genre that’s perfect for both casual players and dedicated enthusiasts. The energy it brought to the Switch’s online offerings in 2017 was palpable, and it remains a standout title for the console.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

For those who love a deep, sprawling JRPG experience, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was a must-have in 2017. This game is an absolute beast in terms of content and story. It’s set in the vast world of Alrest, a place where civilization exists on the backs of colossal creatures known as Titans. The sheer scale of this world is mind-boggling, and exploring it is a journey in itself. The combat system is complex and rewarding, focusing on strategic auto-attacks, special arts, and the unique Blade system, where you bond with powerful artificial lifeforms called Blades to gain new abilities and augment your party. It takes a while to get your head around all the mechanics, but once you do, it’s incredibly satisfying to pull off powerful combos and overcome challenging enemies. The story is epic, filled with twists, turns, and memorable characters. Rex, Pyra, and the whole gang go on an incredible adventure with high stakes and emotional moments. While the art style might not be for everyone, the sheer ambition and scope of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are undeniable. It offered a massive amount of playtime, with hundreds of hours of quests, exploration, and story to uncover. For JRPG fans, it was a defining title of 2017 on the Switch, providing an unparalleled sense of adventure and a world that truly felt alive. Its intricate systems and compelling narrative made it a game that stayed with players long after they finished the main story, cementing its status as a modern JRPG classic.

Fire Emblem Warriors

If you're a fan of the Fire Emblem series or just enjoy a good 'Musou' style game, Fire Emblem Warriors was a fantastic option in 2017. Developed by Omega Force, the same folks behind Dynasty Warriors, this game combines the strategic elements of Fire Emblem with the fast-paced, hack-and-slash action of the Musou genre. You get to play as a massive roster of beloved characters from across the Fire Emblem franchise, each with their own unique movesets and special abilities. The gameplay involves wading into massive armies, taking down hundreds of enemies with sweeping combos, and fulfilling objectives on sprawling battlefields. What makes it stand out is how it integrates Fire Emblem's strategic depth. You have to manage your units, utilize weapon triangle advantages, and employ tactical commands to succeed, preventing it from becoming just a mindless button-masher. The story might be a bit more of a side-dish here, but the sheer fun of controlling your favorite Fire Emblem heroes in large-scale battles is the main draw. It's incredibly satisfying to unleash devastating attacks and watch hordes of enemies fall. Plus, the sheer number of unlockable characters and weapons provides a ton of replay value. For fans of either franchise, or newcomers looking for a high-octane action game with a strategic twist, Fire Emblem Warriors offered a really compelling experience on the Switch in 2017. It’s a brilliant fusion that delivers on both the action and the strategy fronts, making for a deeply engaging and replayable adventure.