The Nintendo Switch has seen dozens of hit games, but which ones are the best? The Switch is a current-generation video game console that has become exceedingly popular over the last year and a half. With 2021 being filled with a variety of important and game-changing gaming news — including the release of the Playstation 5 and the new Xbox Series X — Nintendo is sure to have a huge list of announcements and reveals planned throughout the year (some of which we know, and for others only time will tell).

If you're someone who's debating on what next-generation console you're going to buy, now is a great time for you to take the next step and pick the right console for you. Not all consoles are equal, however, but the Nintendo Switch is a popular choice for tons of gamers. With that in mind, let's go over our top choices for the best Nintendo Switch games. Take your time as you browse the following list of games and their descriptions. Once you're done, you'll be able to find one of the best Nintendo Switch games! To find the best Nintendo Switch games, you need to know more about the history of the console and content it offers.

The Nintendo Switch was originally released in 2017, and since its release, the number of games available for the platform has increased significantly. With there currently being over 2000 games available on the Nintendo Switch, there’s truly no better time than now to get a Nintendo Switch and to figure out what the best games will be for you. When you’re looking and trying to decide on the best games to get for your Nintendo Switch, it’s important to be aware of a few things. First and foremost, you should be aware of the genre of the game that you’re getting. If the game is action-adventure or role-playing, you can expect for it to be a mostly single-player experience — a great game for those who are looking to play by themselves, or to alternate in a single-player game with a friend or family member. With racing games, fighting games, and party games, you can expect a more multiplayer-centric game that may not be very fun on your own, but will always give you something to do when you have company.

It’s also important to decide what kind of experience you’re looking for with the games you’re hoping to buy. If you’re looking mostly for single-player experiences, then you’ll know to avoid most multiplayer games, or to be aware of if those multiplayer games have single-player modes. If you’re looking for multiplayer games, you should make sure that you check whether a game is able to be played by multiple people before purchasing. Finally, you should try to find out how many hours of gameplay the game involves, and whether or not it offers elements of replayability. A lot of video games nowadays are quite the investment in terms of time, and once you’ve completed them, they don’t have much to offer. If you’re looking for games for someone who games casually, it’s better to find games with less hours of gameplay and more replayability. But if you’re looking for games for someone who plays games frequently, you may want to look at both shorter and longer games.

All in all, buying the best games for your Nintendo Switch should be related to two things: who you’re buying it for, and what you’re looking to buy. If you already know this, then you probably already have a good idea of the kind of games you’re looking for. Otherwise, as long as you keep some of these things in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect games for you or a loved one on this list of the best games for the Nintendo Switch.

Ring Fit Adventure is a great game because it kills two birds with one stone; while you progress through the game's story and encounter more and more of its world, you also progress in your own personal fitness development and are given a sense of fun and enjoyment that keeps you coming back. This game is not only a great single-player game but a great game for the family that you’re sure to have a lot of fun with as soon as you own it.

Ring Fit Adventure

For those who were previously fans of games on the Wii, such as Wii Sports or Wii Fit, and are looking for a similar experience on the Nintendo Switch, look no further. Ring Fit Adventure is an entirely unique fitness gaming experience that, unlike any previous fitness game, involves equal parts fitness and gaming.
Ring Fit Adventure is a game that takes place in a world where the exercises that you do in real life impact your movement and abilities within the game. Unlike with most other games on the Nintendo Switch, you’ll need additional controller-holders that come with Ring Fit Adventure. There are two controller-holders that you’ll be using — the Ring-Con and the Leg Strap. The Ring-Con is a malleable ring that you attach your Joy-Con to, and you use it for a majority of the physical activities involved in the game. The Leg Strap works similarly, as you strap it to your leg and use it for mostly cardio-based physical activity.
Both the Ring-Con and the Leg Strap involve motion controls as the main method for sensing your exercises and turning those exercises into movement or attacks towards your in-game enemies. Through running long distances, fighting enemies with various calisthenics-based exercises, and playing the game regularly, you’re sure to feel exercised every time that you feel the game but also to feel accomplished with your in-game progress.

Publisher
Nintendo
Genre
Exergame, Role-playing
Mode
Single-player
Platform
Nintendo Switch
Pros
  • Diverse exercising styles
  • Gratifying gaming experience in and out of the game
  • Long gameplay and lots of replayability
Cons
  • Gameplay is explicitly tied to exercise

This game is filled with an endless amount of unforgettable experiences. Each world will give you a completely unique experience while leaving you wanting more. And on top of that, each world is packed with a ton of content and missions for you to continue playing through even after you’ve finished the main storyline. Overall, this game is definitely one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch and should be one of your first few purchases for the console.

Super Mario Odyssey Game Poster
Super Mario Odyssey

For anyone who’s been a longtime fan of Nintendo or Super Mario Bros. series, main title Mario games always come to mind as some of the greatest and most unique games of the last three decades.
Every time that you get the chance to begin a new Mario game, you’re being shown the inside of a world that’s been carefully crafted over a period of multiple years. With Super Mario Odyssey, this isn’t any different. As you begin to explore a variety of worlds and interact with a litany of new characters, you’ll be greeted with the familiar air of creativity, endless opportunity, and unforgettable soundscapes and visuals.
As soon as you begin the game, you’re thrown into the first new world that Super Mario Odyssey has to offer, and you’re given a fluid tutorial of how to play the game and use the new gameplay elements. In particular, you’re shown how to use your hat, known as Cappy. Cappy serves as a partner throughout your journey, a weapon you can use to fight enemies and bosses, and an item that you can use to transform into enemies.
As weird as that may sound, this is the first Mario game where you are able to turn into enemies in your surrounding environment (for example, you can become a Goomba). This new gameplay element transforms many of the standard elements of Mario games and gives you access to a new world of possibilities. Through transforming into enemies, you acquire their abilities and are suddenly able to reach previously inaccessible heights, deal damage to special enemies, and much more.

Franchise
Super Mario
Platform
Nintendo Switch
Released
October 27, 2017
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Genre
Action-Adventure
ESRB
b
How Long To Beat
13h 5m
Pros
  • Refreshing and exciting gameplay
  • Beautiful art and sound design
  • Easy to pick up and immediately play
Cons
  • Some missions feel hollow

All in all, this game is a great experience for anyone who loves Mario games and is looking for a slightly spooky experience. You’re sure to find a lot of playability and enjoyment in this game, and will probably end up joining the many people already looking forward to the far-off release of Luigi’s Mansion 4.

Luigi's Mansion 3 Standard Edition

Luigi’s Mansion is a series that began as a cult classic. Longtime fans of Mario had been hoping for a main-title Luigi game, and suddenly in 2001, their patience was rewarded with the first Luigi’s Mansion.
Nintendo Switch owners and fans of Luigi alike were pleasantly surprised by the announcement of Luigi’s Mansion 3’s release on Halloween of 2019. When the game was finally released last year, critics and fans were not disappointed.
The game is an amazing experience that leads you to feel a breadth of emotions and feelings — fear, suspense, happiness, adoration, fulfillment, and nostalgia. You play the game as the titular character, Luigi, who’s known for his somewhat whimsical nature and clumsy demeanor.
Luigi and the rest of the Mario cast arrive at a seemingly luxurious hotel for what seems to be a spontaneous vacation from their usual antics and hijinks. But as soon as they arrive, it becomes clear that things are not what they seem. As the rest of the cast suddenly disappears, it’s up to Luigi to navigate through this suddenly scary hotel and rescue his friends.
For those familiar with the previous two installations in the series, the gameplay remains true-to-form. Luigi uses a vacuum to suck up the many types of ghosts that you encounter on this adventure. But in addition to this gameplay aspect, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is also a puzzle-solving game, a family game, and a suspense-filled experience the further you get into the storyline.

Pros
  • Immersive gameplay
  • Detailed puzzles and environment exploration
  • Challenging-yet-rewarding gameplay
Cons
  • Not a very long storyline
  • Not much replayability

The beautiful and delicate art direction, which creates a hauntingly dystopian world with fittingly eerie but enticing melodies and music, and the detailed and rewarding story with surprisingly moving and memorable characters, both come together (alongside a number of other great features/aspects) to create a gaming experience that you’re sure to never forget!

hollow-knight
Hollow Knight

Although this game isn’t a Nintendo exclusive, it’s definitely an enjoyable and immersive experience on the switch (especially as a handheld game).
The Nintendo Switch has been the catalyst for a renaissance for Indie games in general recently (specifically, for the past two years). As a result, a lot of indie games have either been ported to, remastered, or released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, since its users are very aware and invested in indie games. This is exactly why Hollow Knight, a game originally released in early 2017, was re-released for the Nintendo Switch in 2018.
Although Hollow Knight was originally for the PC, the version that’s been ported to the Nintendo Switch comes with all of the DLC included and offers the portability that felt so perfect for Hollow Knight before it became an option. If you happen to be a fan of Metroidvanias — a term coined from the games Castlevania and Metroid, referring to a type of side-scroller with an explorable world that’s linear and filled with various power-ups and collectibles — and are looking for a challenging and extended gaming experience, this game is sure to be a great choice for you.
The game focuses on the story of the titular protagonist, the ‘Hollow Knight’, who sets off on a journey to explore a fabled land known as ‘Hallownest’, filled with troves, treasures, and trinkets that have only been experienced through folk tales and songs. As you begin your descent through Hallownest, you begin to realize the land is much more than what it seems — and that to overcome many of its enemies and environments, you’ll require a lot of bravery and attentional awareness.

Franchise
Hollow Knight
Platform
Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PS4, macOS, Linux, Xbox One
Released
February 24, 2017
Developer
Team Cherry
Publisher
Team Cherry
Genre
Metroidvania
ESRB
E 10+
How Long To Beat
26-62 hours
Pros
  • Between 20 - 40 hours of gameplay
  • Comes with DLC
  • Great time to play the game before the sequel is released
Cons
  • May be too difficult for newer gamers
  • Not preferable for those who like realistic graphics

Since DLC is still being released for the game, the characters, franchises, and stages list continues to develop (with six fighters being scheduled to be released by December 2021). If you're the type of person who casually appreciates fighting games and is a general fan of Nintendo – or is looking for a great party game, you're sure to get endless hours of fun out of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate Poster
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Since its release, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has gone on to be the second best selling Nintendo Switch Game of all time (ranking behind Mario Kart 8 Deluxe) — and this sales stat has been and continues to be earned by the dedicated team behind the game.
With the first game in this series released in 1999, Super Smash Bros. is a series with a compendium's worth of history. One of the core aspects of Super Smash Bros. that distinguishes it from any other type of fighting or party game is that it's a crossover game.
Although the initial Super Smash Bros. from 1999 was a crossover of only Nintendo franchises (ten franchises, to be specific) with a total of 12 characters, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has 81 characters from 36 franchises (and counting). Not only is this the biggest fighting game of the series, but it's arguably the biggest crossover fighting game or gaming experience of all time.
This game is perfect for someone looking for a group-based game that offers a diverse experience every time that you play it. With 80 characters to choose from, you'll always be able to find a new character to mess around with that you might just end up loving. Whether it's the gorgeous graphics, the finely tuned and homage-borne soundtrack, the variety of stages, or just the opportunity to duke it out using your favorite character from almost any franchise, this game offers a myriad of routes for enjoyment.
The game itself has been made with noticeable attention to detail — whether that's with regard to the gameplay or the general game and audio design — but this means that the game may feel overwhelming for newcomers. The colorful fights alongside the frenetic pace and one-of-a-kind gameplay style can be confusing at first and occasionally overwhelming. But as you get accustomed to the game, you'll grow to love the inherent ridiculousness that makes Super Smash Bros. what it always has been.

Franchise
Super Smash Bros.
Platform
Nintendo Switch
Released
December 7, 2018
Developer
Bandai Namco Studios, Sora Ltd.
Publisher
Nintendo
Genre
Fighting, Action
Multiplayer
Online Co-Op , Online Multiplayer , Local Co-Op , Local Multiplayer
ESRB
E10+
How Long To Beat
24 Hours
Pros
  • Choose a wide variety of familiar characters
  • Great for party environments
  • Introduces you to new franchises
Cons
  • Fast-placed and hard to adapt to for newcomers

All in all, if you are a fan of Pokémon and you’re looking for an exciting experience that you’ll be able to get hours out of, even after completing the main story, you’re sure to enjoy this game. Here’s hoping that if you end up giving this Pokémon game a try that you’ll deeply enjoy it. And if you’re on the fence about getting it and worry you don’t have enough content, you also have two DLC expansions to look forward to this year.

Pokemon Sword and Shield Poster-1
Pokémon Sword and Shield
Pin Choice

Pokémon is definitely a series that needs no introduction. With games released from eight different generations of Pokémon and a total of 122 Pokémon games, Pokémon has been one of the world’s most popular series for well over two decades.
Pokémon Sword and Shield are the two newest games in the Pokémon series, and they are definitely a huge step away from the standard of older Pokémon games. With Sword and Shield being the first two main-title games in this series to be released on a home console, the world feels expansive and offers a variety of new features that we haven’t seen in previous Pokémon games.
With a variety of different Pokémon, an entirely new region, a vast and open wild area to explore and investigate, and a variety of minor updates to add detail to the world and game experience, these Pokémon games feel like a big step towards a different type of main-title Pokémon game in the future.
This game is a great example of a game that tries to incorporate a number of the features that fans have always loved in the past, while trying to distance itself from getting too comfortable by incorporating a number of refreshing and inventive gameplay aspects and world-building elements. This game focuses much more largely on battle arenas and stadiums rather than how previous games focused on gyms, which gives a somewhat nostalgic feel for those who have played games like Pokémon Stadium or Pokémon Coliseum.

Franchise
Pokemon
Platform
Nintendo Switch
Released
November 15, 2019
Developer
Game Freak
Publisher
The Pokemon Company, Nintendo
Genre
RPG, Adventure
ESRB
E
How Long To Beat
25 Hours
Pros
  • Large variety of new Pokémon
  • New level of character customizability
  • 2020 DLC will add extensive amount of gameplay, story, and Pokémon
Cons
  • Doesn?t include a large number of previous Pokémon

The game's accolades truly speak for themselves, with it currently being the number one selling Nintendo Switch game of all time in Japan. Although this game may be a sequel, you don't need to have played the first game to enjoy everything this one has to offer. If you're looking for a new and different game experience or for a great gift for someone who wants an exciting and unfamiliar gaming experience for the Nintendo Switch, this game is the perfect option.

Splatoon 2
Pin Choice

If you were to compare the Nintendo of decades ago and today, you'd notice that most of its core IPs have remained the same since the mid-to-late 90s and early 2000s. Each time that Nintendo decides to create a new IP, it tends to have a huge and long-lasting impact on Nintendo and its fans (e.g., Pikmin, Pokémon, Animal Crossing, etc.).
In this case, Nintendo has released their second effort in the relatively new Splatoon series, which started originally on the Wii U. If you aren't one of the 4.94 million people worldwide who purchased the first game on the Wii U, then you're probably asking – what exactly is Splatoon?
Although the first Splatoon game was definitely popular, most people are first hearing of the series through the release of the sequel on the Nintendo Switch.
Splatoon 2 is an eclectic third-person shooter experience where characters use ink as ammo. Although the ink can be used to deal damage, it can also be used to paint over floors and walls, which allows characters to move more quickly around the stage and also allows a character to reload their ink. The game offers a variety of modes — a team deathmatch style mode, a cooperative wave-based mode, and many more that unlock as you play through the game.
All in all, the frenetic pace and chaotic colors of the game make it hard to compare to any other type of game — because there's never really been a game like it. The creative and colorful nature of the game matched with the shooter and multiplayer-based aspects creates an experience that is charmingly one-of-a-kind.

Publisher
Nintendo
Genre
Third-person Shooter
Mode
Single-player, Multiplayer
Platform
Nintendo Switch
Pros
  • Unlike any other game
  • Exciting and new gameplay style
  • Amazing soundtrack
Cons
  • Overwhelming for some players at first (visually)

Alongside this brand new mode, there are the usual gameplay modes — grand prix, vs race, battle, time trials, and online multiplayer. Each mode offers endless hours of exciting gameplay that somehow remain refreshing regardless of how many times you come back to them. If you’re someone looking for a great party game, or just a fun racing game that you can play with family and friends, you’re sure to love Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Mario Inkling
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Nintendo Switch
Best Value

Mario Kart has always been a great game to play with a group of friends, with family, or even just by yourself.
For anyone who has ever played a previous Mario Kart game, or who loves games like Mario Party, or who even has just played a kart racing game before, you’re sure to have an amazing time playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Although Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is technically a remake of the original game, Mario Kart 8, when you compare between the two, it truly feels like much more. Since there were a number of DLCs released for the original game on the Wii U, this updated version feels much more complete. In addition, this game has all characters and stages unlocked from the beginning, meaning that you’re able to give everything a try instead of having to unlock characters and stages via story progression.
Mario Kart is an invigorating kart racing game that involves racing with a twist — items. As you race, you can pick up and use items to give yourself an advantage over other racers, to deal damage to racers, or even to lay traps for future laps. As a result of this item gameplay aspect, sometimes Mario Kart truly feels like one of the most chaotic racing games. This chaos can feel both validating and frustrating, but that’s truly what makes the game endlessly fun.
In terms of actual gameplay, the game is quite straightforward. There are four different speed modes, unlike previous Mario Kart games, which only had three different speed modes and an additional Mirror mode (where all the tracks are flipped the opposite way). This game has 50cc, optimal for beginners, 100cc, a medium difficulty mode, 150cc, a mode that those who are familiar with previous Mario Kart games will know as their go-to speed, and the brand new 200cc, a mode that sometimes can feel too fast to comprehend.

Publisher
Nintendo
Genre
Racing
Mode
Racing
Platform
Nintendo Switch
Pros
  • Endless hours of enjoyable gameplay
  • Includes the DLC from original game
  • Diverse array of tracks and characters
Cons
  • Challenging for new racing game players

Ultimately, this game is a fantastic experience for gamers and should definitely be one of the first two or three games that you buy for your Nintendo Switch. Although it's a single-player experience, you're sure to get around 60 - 100 hours of gameplay with this gem — and maybe even more if you end up wanting to replay the game.

Breath-of-the-Wild-Poster-1
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Premium Pick

For fans of Nintendo or Zelda, this game is a must-buy. With a game of this level of quality, it can feel difficult to know where to properly begin on just how much is done right. But it's extremely easy to forget about the small amount of things that are wrong when you truly take in the experience, world-building, artistic direction, impact, and more.
After only an hour into the game, any Legend of Zelda fan will tell you that this game is more than just another game in the storied series. With an enveloping and endless world, from the moment you start this game you'll feel like you've left your own world for a new, more colorful, curious, and cell-shaded one.
Not only is the world gorgeous, breathtaking, and full of life, but the missions provided from the get-go give you a sense of purpose in this world, adding those minute details that truly bring the world to life. Whether it's the spot-on voice acting, the character design and art direction, or just the overall experience, this game is a masterpiece.
For someone who's a serious Legend of Zelda fan, this game may have a few drawbacks. Without spoiling very much, Breath of the Wild focuses much more on world exploration than it does linear temples or dungeons. This means for those who have been most attracted to the temples in Zelda; you may feel a bit underwhelmed.
But this is not an overall flaw of the game because it's clear that the focus was more on creation and exploration of the wide-spanning world and giving players the option to play the story in whatever way they please.

Platform
Nintendo Switch
Released
March 3, 2017
Developer
Nintendo EPD
Publisher
Nintendo
Genre
Action-Adventure, Open-World, RPG
ESRB
E10+
Pros
  • Beautiful artistic direction
  • Amazing voice acting and sound design
  • Diverse and fulfilling missions
Cons
  • Requires a serious time commitment to beat the game

This game is a fantastic place to start for anyone who’s unfamiliar with the Fire Emblem franchise. Although some fans feel that the difficulty of this game is easier than previous games in the series, it’s sure to give you an enjoyable experience if you’re looking for something strategically focused and thoroughly engaging.

fire emblem three houses nintendo switch best strategy video games
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Editor's Choice

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the latest installment in the Fire Emblem series and has largely been received by fans of the series as an amazing game.
With this being the first Fire Emblem release on a home console in over a decade, this game needed to be refreshing, inventive, and exciting. This game is all of that and a lot more.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a compelling game because of its versatility in terms of accessibility. Longtime fans of the series will enjoy this game, but newcomers to the series will enjoy it just as much.
The game focuses on three different houses that were previously feuding and have since achieved peace. As the main character, you play as a teacher at a monastery that is one of the only things keeping the three houses at peace. From the point that you begin teaching at the monastery, it’s up to you to decide what house you will align with. And what you choose will impact the entire story from that point forward.
The game’s combat may seem a bit daunting at first for those who haven’t played a tactical RPG before, but it’s definitely worth the time acclimating yourself to the gameplay. As a teacher, the decisions you make and time you invest in teaching will directly impact other aspects of your game. This means that overall, the game is time-heavy in terms of story, gameplay, and overall experience. But time will fly by as you become more familiar with the world and grow to love or hate some of the endless number of characters.

Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Publishers
Nintendo
Mode
Single-player
Pros
  • Offers a novel, accessible experience for those new to Fire Emblem
  • Endless hours of gameplay
  • Large number of characters, backstory, and content
Cons
  • Tactical gameplay may feel overwhelming for newcomers

FAQ

Q: What are the most popular Nintendo Switch Games?

There are dozens of different games that users love to play on the Nintendo Switch, but some are more popular than others. Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Smash Bros, and Lego(R) Harry Potter Collection, are some of the best selling and most popular Nintendo Switch games of all time. Additional popular titles include names like: Splatoon 2, Monster Hunter Rise, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics, Fire EmblemL Three Houses and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.

Q: How is the Nintendo Switch different from other systems?

Traditional gaming consoles have had setups that aren’t particularly portable. Users usually place them in the gaming room, where they live out their lives, providing entertainment to all those who dare to join them. But the Nintendo Switch changed this pattern by developing a hand-held gaming system. This made gaming extremely portable. Now, users can play their games just about anywhere they go. If desired, most Nintendos have the ability to connect to the television with the help of a dock. And it’s even possible to make them into a multi-player system in order to accommodate gaming with a friend.

Q: What are some of the lesser known uses for a Nintendo Switch?

Nintendo Switches are known for being a terrific gaming system for those who select it. But did you know that the Nintendo Switch has a whole lot of extra capabilities, too? If desired, you can use your Nintendo Switch to turn on the television set, as if it were a remote control. You can also use this device to voice chat with your friends. It gives you the ability to monitor your battery life. You can even connect a Nintendo Switch to a keyboard, if you’d like to enhance the game play. There aren’t many essential tasks that this gaming system won’t accomplish.

Q: Are there any free Nintendo Switch Games?

Yes. The Nintendo Switch is compatible with dozens of free games that can be downloaded onto your device. So, you don’t have to keep dishing out the cash in order to experience a variety of different games on this device. Some of the free games that are available for the Nintendo Switch include: Fallout Shelter, Rocket League, Super Kirby Crash, Tetris 99, Onigiri, Dauntless, Warframe, and plenty more. In fact, it’s possible to find free Nintendo Switch games in most genres. You can easily hone your skills on these games, developing quick response times and persistence, no matter who you’re battling!

Q: What are the age recommendations for the Nintendo Switch?

According to Lifewire, children of any age can play the Nintendo Switch. But it’s unlikely that those below the ages of 6 will be able to sufficiently understand and navigate the controls on this device. However, in order to create a Nintendo Switch Account, users must be 13 years old, which makes the Nintendo gaming process somewhat more complicated. Those who are 18 and older are capable of adding up to five additional Nintendo accounts, making it possible to support younger players. Younger players will require the supervision and support of an adult in order to deliver the best results.

Q: Do you need Wifi to operate the Nintendo Switch?

The short answer is: No. You do not need a Wifi connection to operate the Nintendo Switch. However, if you are hoping to connect to games that are only found on the internet, you will need an internet connection to do so. Additionally, the internet is required to facilitate a seamless and complete setup process on the Nintendo Switch because it is this process that allows you to download games from the Nintendo shop. If you expect to just play with Nintendo Switch cartridges, Wifi or internet of any kind is not required, making it a connectionless game.