Nintendo Switch Buyers’ Guide For New Players, By a New Player
Since its initial launch in March 2017, the Nintendo Switch has built a rapidly-growing base of players, thanks to its unique design and variety of games. With over 1,000 titles available on the platform, one might not know where to start if they’re a new player. In this buyer’s guide, there will be numerous titles currently available with more to come; to show a small sample of what to expect, enjoy and avoid.
What’s Already Here
For Adventurous Players:
Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo, Rated E10+)
This latest 3D platformer in the “Mario” series has been hailed as one of the best 3D “Mario” titles to date, offering some of the biggest innovations for the franchise since “Super Mario 64.”
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo, Rated E10+)
With almost two years since its initial launch, this highly-acclaimed entry in the long-running “Legend of Zelda” series is the ideal starting point for new players and a labor of love for longtime fans.
Octopath Traveler (Nintendo/Square Enix, Rated T)
One of the more unique entries in the Japanese role-playing game genre, this title harkens back to the 2D era of gaming and has proven to be a critical and commercial success.
Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee (Nintendo, Rated E)
This remake of the Game Boy classic “Pokémon Yellow” is a fun take on the long-running series, and a great place for new players to start as well as longtime fans to relive their favorite moments in Kanto.
For Fighters, Shooters and Parties
Pokkén Tournament DX (The Pokémon Company/Namco Bandai, Rated E10+)
The definitive version of the Japanese arcade and Wii U smash hit, this version introduces new features and new fighters such as fan favorite monsters including Scizor and Decidueye.
Splatoon 2 (Nintendo, Rated E10+)
The sequel to the Wii U surprise hit, this game features a host of new modes and weapons to enjoy; including the “Octo Expansion” pack that boasts playable “Octolings” for the first time.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Nintendo/Namco Bandai/Sora Ltd.,Rated E10+)
“Everyone is here” for the biggest and best entry in the “Super Smash Bros.” series yet, a must-have for any fan of the series and fighting games overall.
What to Avoid:
Cartoon Network Battle Crashers (Gamemill Entertainment/Magic Pockets, Rated E10+)
Fans of the hit Cartoon Network characters in this game deserve better, and fighters looking for a good crossover should seek out “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” instead.
Shaq-Fu: A Legend Reborn (Saber Interactive, Rated T)
Only the most desperate of gamers and the most avid fans of Shaquille O’Neal will be able to enjoy this lackluster brawler that reimagines the infamously awful 1994 fighting game “Shaq-Fu.”
Vroom in the Night Sky (Poisoft, Rated E)
Easily the nadir of the Switch’s launch library, this game is marred by monotonous gameplay and mediocre graphics that recall the terrible Nintendo 64 tie-in for “Superman.”
What’s Coming Soon:
Metroid Prime 4 (Nintendo, TBA 2019)
This follow-up to the highly-acclaimed “Metroid Prime” trilogy sees Retro Studios hand the reins of development to Namco Bandai for the latest adventure with intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran.
Pokémon Generation VIII (Nintendo, Q3/Q4 2019)
With the success of “Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee,” Game Freak is hard at work on the latest core installment of the franchise, and should definitely make the game and the console “must-buys” for this year.
Yoshi’s Crafted World (Nintendo/Good-Feel, Q2 2019)
Following the success of “Kirby’s Epic Yarn” and “Yoshi’s Woolly World,” this latest platformer will see the “Super Mario” supporting character Yoshi travel a world made out of papercraft.
Overall, the Switch has something for just about any potential player to enjoy; and this buyers’ guide should help new players find a place to start. With the console continuing to sell rapidly, there’s never a better time to pick one up.
Story by Steven Pryor
