Best Nintendo Switch Games Of 2021

Hey guys, let's dive into the absolute bangers that dropped for the Nintendo Switch in 2021! This year was seriously stacked, offering something for literally everyone, from hardcore RPG fans to casual party game lovers. If you've been wondering what gems you might have missed or what to pick up next, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down some of the most iconic and must-play titles that made 2021 a legendary year for Nintendo's hybrid console. Get ready to add some serious games to your backlog!

1. Metroid Dread: A Return to Form

When Metroid Dread launched in October 2021, it felt like a homecoming for long-time fans of the series. This game wasn't just a good Metroid game; it was a phenomenal evolution of the 2D Metroidvania formula. Nintendo EPD and MercurySteam absolutely nailed the atmosphere, gameplay, and challenge. Metroid Dread plunges players back into the role of bounty hunter Samus Aran, who is sent to investigate a mysterious transmission on the planet ZDR. What she discovers is a nightmare: an endless swarm of E.M.M.I. robots, powerful autonomous hunter units designed to track and eliminate Samus. The core gameplay loop involves exploring a vast, interconnected map, acquiring new abilities and upgrades to access previously unreachable areas, and engaging in intense boss battles. The E.M.M.I. encounters are particularly thrilling, forcing players into stealth and evasion sequences that ratchet up the tension to eleven. You'll be holding your breath, trying to sneak past these relentless machines, knowing that one wrong move means instant death and a return to the last checkpoint. It’s this constant sense of dread (pun intended!) that makes the game so compelling. The controls are incredibly tight and responsive, a crucial element for the demanding platforming and combat sections. Visually, the game is stunning, with detailed environments and fluid animations that bring the alien world of ZDR to life. The soundtrack also deserves a special mention, perfectly complementing the eerie and dangerous atmosphere. For anyone who loves a good challenge, intricate level design, and a gripping sci-fi narrative, Metroid Dread is an absolute must-have. It's a testament to how timeless the Metroid formula is when executed with such skill and passion. This title single-handedly revived the 2D Metroid experience for a new generation and proved that Samus's adventures are far from over. It's a bold, brilliant, and beautiful return for a beloved franchise.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

Okay, so The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD isn't technically a brand-new game from 2021, but its HD remaster for the Switch made it feel fresh and accessible to a whole new audience. Originally released on the Wii, this version fixed some of the original's control quirks and brought the visual splendor to the Switch's capabilities. Skyward Sword HD tells the earliest chronological story in the Zelda timeline, focusing on the origins of the Master Sword and the eternal conflict between Link and the demon king Demise. You play as a young hero named Link who sets out from the floating island of Skyloft to rescue his childhood friend, Zelda, who has fallen into the dangerous lands below. The journey takes you through diverse and imaginative regions, each filled with puzzles, secrets, and challenging enemies. What sets Skyward Sword apart is its emphasis on motion controls for combat and item usage. While the original's Wii Remote Plus implementation was a point of contention for some, the Switch version offers both motion controls (using the Joy-Cons) and button-only controls, making it much more adaptable to different playstyles and setups. This flexibility is a huge win, allowing everyone to enjoy the intricate swordplay and item mechanics without frustration. The puzzles are classic Zelda fare – clever, engaging, and rewarding to solve. The art style, a cel-shaded aesthetic with a painterly touch, looks gorgeous on the Switch, especially with the refined HD visuals. Exploring the world, uncovering ancient secrets, and piecing together the lore of this pivotal Zelda story is an incredibly fulfilling experience. If you're a Zelda fan and missed this one on the Wii, or if you're new to the series and want to understand its foundational story, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a fantastic adventure that’s now better than ever. It’s a deeply emotional and story-rich chapter in the saga.

3. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Talk about a package deal! Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury arrived on the Switch in February 2021, bringing a beloved Wii U title and an entirely new Mario adventure together. Super Mario 3D World itself is a masterpiece of a 3D platformer. It takes the linear, level-based structure of classic Mario games and blends it with the freedom of 3D exploration. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and Cat Mario (yes, you can climb and swat enemies like a cat!), each with their own unique abilities. The game is filled with incredibly creative level design, featuring clever power-ups like the Super Bell (Cat Mario's signature item) and the Double Cherry. The multiplayer is where this game truly shines. Up to four players can jump in cooperatively, leading to hilarious and chaotic moments as you try to reach the flagpole while simultaneously (or not so simultaneously) hindering each other. It’s the perfect game for family game nights or hangouts with friends. Then there's Bowser's Fury, the brand-new addition exclusive to the Switch version. This mode is a completely different beast, offering a more open-world-like experience in a single, massive island environment called the 'Lake Kingdom'. Here, Mario teams up with Bowser Jr. to take down a giant, rampaging Fury Bowser. The gameplay is innovative, with Mario gaining access to a colossal Super Saiyan-esque Giga Cat Mario form to battle Bowser. The dynamic weather system and the constant threat of Bowser's appearance keep the tension high. It’s a fascinating experiment in Mario game design, offering a glimpse into what a more open-world Mario could be. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is an incredible value, offering dozens of hours of high-quality Mario fun, both traditional and experimental. It’s a joyful, vibrant, and endlessly replayable package that’s perfect for players of all ages and skill levels.

4. Mario Party Superstars

For all you party game enthusiasts out there, Mario Party Superstars was the ultimate treat in October 2021. This game takes the classic Mario Party formula and gives it a glorious, nostalgia-fueled upgrade. It features five of the most beloved boards from the Nintendo 64 era – classics like Peach’s Birthday Cake, Woody Woods, and Yoshi’s Tropical Island – all beautifully reimagined with modern graphics. But it's not just the boards; the game also packs in a whopping 100 mini-games, plucked from across the entire Mario Party series. We’re talking about everything from the frantic button-mashing challenges of the N64 days to the more strategic, team-based mini-games from later entries. Mario Party Superstars ditches the motion controls and some of the more experimental mechanics from previous installments, focusing purely on the traditional joy of dice-rolling, item usage, and mini-game madness. This streamlined approach makes the game incredibly accessible and emphasizes pure skill (and a bit of luck!). The online multiplayer is also a huge improvement, making it easy to jump into games with friends or random players from around the world. The addition of button-only controls means you can even play with a single Joy-Con, making it super convenient for impromptu gaming sessions. It’s the kind of game that can lead to both fits of laughter and furious shouting matches, all in good fun, of course! Whether you're a long-time fan looking to relive the glory days or a newcomer wanting to experience the quintessential Mario Party experience, Mario Party Superstars delivers in spades. It’s a perfectly curated collection of what made the series great, all wrapped up in a shiny new package. Get your friends together, because this is the ultimate board game night companion!

5. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Nostalgia hit hard in November 2021 with the release of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. These games are faithful remakes of the Nintendo DS classics from 2006, developed by ILCA under the guidance of Junichi Masuda of Game Freak. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl return players to the Sinnoh region, a land inspired by the Japanese island of Hokkaido, filled with majestic mountains, vast plains, and a deep mythology centered around the legendary Pokémon Dialga (in Brilliant Diamond) and Palkia (in Shining Pearl). The remakes stay remarkably true to the original games' spirit, featuring the same story, characters, and Pokémon roster. However, they boast a significant visual overhaul with a charming, chibi-style overworld that transitions to more proportioned character models during battles. This art style gives the Sinnoh region a vibrant and endearing look. The core Pokémon gameplay loop – catching, training, and battling Pokémon – remains as addictive as ever. New features like the Grand Underground offer expanded exploration with hidden caves where you can find rare Pokémon and valuable items, adding a fresh layer to the classic experience. The inclusion of the