Top Nintendo Switch Games Of 2017

What up, gamers! If you're still rocking your Nintendo Switch from its epic launch year, or maybe you just snagged one, you're in for a treat. 2017 was a massive year for the Switch, kicking things off with a bang and setting the stage for the incredible library we see today. We're talking about games that redefined genres, brought us back to beloved worlds, and introduced us to some seriously unforgettable characters. So, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the absolute best Nintendo Switch games that 2017 had to offer. Whether you're a seasoned vet or a fresh face to the Switch scene, this list is your ultimate guide to the must-play titles that made 2017 a legendary year for Nintendo's hybrid console. We'll be exploring why these games aren't just good, but great, and why they still hold up today. Get ready to dust off your console or plan your next digital purchase, because these are the games that defined the Switch's inaugural year and are still absolutely essential.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Alright guys, let's kick things off with the game that arguably saved the Nintendo Switch before it even truly began: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Seriously, this game wasn't just a launch title; it was a statement. Nintendo took one of its most cherished franchises and completely flipped it on its head, delivering an experience that was both a love letter to Zelda's past and a bold leap into the future. The open-world design in Breath of the Wild is nothing short of revolutionary. Gone are the linear dungeons and restrictive paths; instead, you're dropped into a vast, breathtaking Hyrule with almost unlimited freedom. You can go anywhere and climb anything – seriously, that physics engine is a work of art. This sheer level of player agency is what makes the game so special. You're not just playing through a story; you're forging your own adventure. The emergent gameplay is a huge part of the magic. Need to cross a river? You could find a raft, build a makeshift bridge with logs, or perhaps even freeze the water with an ice arrow if you've got one. The physics and chemistry systems interact in ways that constantly surprise you, leading to hilarious and ingenious solutions to puzzles and combat encounters. Remember that time you accidentally set a whole field on fire trying to cook something? Yeah, that's the kind of emergent chaos and fun Breath of the Wild encourages. The storytelling, while more subtle than in previous Zeldas, is deeply woven into the world. Discovering the memories of Link and Zelda scattered across Hyrule adds a poignant layer to your journey, making you feel a real connection to the Calamity that befell the kingdom. And let's not forget the art style – that cel-shaded, painterly aesthetic is absolutely gorgeous and runs like a dream on the Switch, whether you're playing docked on your big screen or on the go. The sound design and music are equally masterful, with subtle ambient tracks that swell into epic orchestrations during boss fights. It's a game that respects your intelligence, trusts you to explore, and rewards your curiosity at every turn. Breath of the Wild isn't just a game; it's an experience, a journey, and easily one of the most important and influential games of its generation, setting a new benchmark for open-world adventure games. Its impact on the Switch and gaming as a whole cannot be overstated. This is the kind of game that players will be talking about for decades to come, and for good reason. It truly captured the spirit of adventure and delivered it in a package that felt both familiar and refreshingly new. The sense of discovery is unparalleled, and the sheer number of secrets and hidden areas ensures that even after hundreds of hours, you'll still be finding new things to marvel at. It's a testament to brilliant game design that a title released in 2017 can still feel so vital and engaging today.

Super Mario Odyssey

Alright, moving on from saving Hyrule, let's talk about saving Princess Peach... again! But this time, Mario is doing it with some serious flair in Super Mario Odyssey. This game is pure, unadulterated joy in video game form, guys. Nintendo took the beloved 3D Mario formula and infused it with a level of creativity and freedom that is simply astounding. The star of the show here, besides Mario himself, is Cappy, his sentient hat. Cappy isn't just a quirky addition; he's the gameplay mechanic that completely reinvents how you interact with the world. By throwing Cappy, Mario can capture enemies, objects, and even certain environmental elements, essentially taking control of them. This opens up a universe of possibilities. Want to stomp Goombas? Sure, but now you can also be a Goomba and stomp other enemies! Feel like flying? Capture a friendly Bullet Bill and soar through the skies. Need to break through tough barriers? Capture a Chain Chomp and go wild. This capture mechanic is used brilliantly not only for platforming challenges and combat but also for exploration and puzzle-solving. Each kingdom you visit is packed with secrets, Power Moons to collect, and unique challenges that often require you to master a specific capture. The level design in Odyssey is, as you'd expect from a Mario game, absolutely phenomenal. Each of the diverse kingdoms, from the bustling urban metropolis of New Donk City to the sandy dunes of the Sand Kingdom, feels distinct and brimming with personality. They're not just playgrounds; they're intricate worlds designed to be explored top-to-bottom. The amount of content is staggering. There are hundreds of Power Moons to find, many of which are hidden cleverly or require specific skills to obtain. Even after you think you've seen everything, the game keeps surprising you with new challenges, costumes for Mario, and even post-game content that extends the adventure considerably. The controls are buttery smooth, as you'd expect from a Mario game, giving you precise control over Mario's acrobatic moves. And the visuals and music? Absolutely stunning. The game is vibrant, colorful, and packed with charm, and the soundtrack is incredibly catchy and varied, perfectly complementing each unique kingdom. Super Mario Odyssey is a masterclass in platforming design, offering a joyous, inventive, and endlessly replayable experience that is an absolute must-have for any Switch owner. It's a game that consistently makes you smile, laugh, and gasp in awe at its sheer creativity. This game proved that Mario could still innovate and surprise, delivering a fresh and exciting adventure that felt both classic and incredibly modern. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the franchise and Nintendo's ability to craft truly magical gaming experiences.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Okay, we all know and love Mario Kart, right? It's the ultimate party game, the cause of many friendships being tested (in a good way!), and the undisputed king of kart racing. But Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch? This isn't just an upgrade; it's the definitive version, and it was a game-changer for the Switch's social gaming scene back in 2017. The core gameplay remains the beloved, chaotic, and accessible fun we've come to expect: race your favorite Nintendo characters, throw shells, drift around corners, and pray you don't get hit by a Blue Shell right before the finish line. But Deluxe takes everything from the original Wii U version and packs it into one incredible package, and then adds even more. Firstly, all the DLC from the original game is included right from the start. That means you get a whopping 48 tracks, including insane courses like Hyrule Circuit, F-Zero GX, and Animal Crossing. Plus, you get a full roster of characters, including fan favorites like Inkling Boy and Girl from Splatoon, King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr. The new Battle Mode is a massive improvement too. Forget the old, clunky arenas; Deluxe offers dedicated battle courses and new modes like Renegade Roundup and Bob-omb Blast, making sure your battle sessions are more engaging and frantic than ever. Whether you're trying to pop balloons or hunt down your friends, it's pure mayhem. For those who love to tinker, the handling and physics feel ever so slightly tweaked, with a bit more control and responsiveness, especially with the new “smart steering” and auto-accelerate options that make it incredibly accessible for newcomers. These accessibility features mean that anyone, literally anyone, can pick up and play and have a blast, making it the perfect game for family gatherings or game nights. The visuals are sharp and vibrant, running at a smooth 60 frames per second in both docked and handheld modes, which is crucial for a fast-paced racing game. The sense of speed and the clarity of the tracks are top-notch. But honestly, the real magic of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is its multiplayer. Whether you're playing local split-screen with friends on the couch, or taking the chaos online against players worldwide, it's an experience that consistently delivers laughter, excitement, and that addictive