Top Nintendo Switch Games Of 2017

What's up, gamers! 2017 was a HUGE year for the Nintendo Switch, right? It launched and pretty much blew everyone away with some absolute bangers. If you're still rocking that Switch or just picked one up, you're probably wondering, "What are the best games from that epic launch year?" Well, you've come to the right place, guys! We're diving deep into the cream of the crop, the games that defined the Switch's early success and are still totally worth your time today. Get ready to add some serious gems to your backlog!

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Alright, let's kick things off with the undisputed king of 2017 Switch games: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Seriously, if you owned a Switch in 2017, you had to play this game. It wasn't just a great Zelda game; it was a revolutionary open-world experience that redefined what adventure games could be. Nintendo absolutely crushed it with this one, delivering a sense of freedom and discovery that few games have ever matched. From the moment you step out of the Shrine of Resurrection, you're greeted with a vast, breathtaking Hyrule that begs to be explored. You can go anywhere, climb anything, and tackle objectives in almost any order you please. This non-linear approach was a breath of fresh air, guys, allowing players to truly forge their own path through the story. The physics engine is also a masterclass, letting you interact with the environment in ingenious ways – think using magnesis to drop a metal box on an enemy or using Stasis to launch yourself across a gap. The combat is fluid and engaging, with a variety of weapons that all have their own durability, which encourages you to experiment and adapt your strategy. And the puzzles! Oh man, the Shrine puzzles are cleverly designed, offering bite-sized challenges that reward you with Spirit Orbs, crucial for upgrading Link's health and stamina. The sheer scale of the world, the emergent gameplay possibilities, and the sheer joy of simply existing in Hyrule make Breath of the Wild a landmark title. It’s a game that respects your intelligence and rewards your curiosity at every turn. Whether you're cooking up a storm in a makeshift campsite, gliding across vast plains, or uncovering the secrets of ancient Sheikah technology, Breath of the Wild offers an unparalleled sense of adventure. It's a must-play, plain and simple, and it set the bar incredibly high for what the Nintendo Switch could deliver.

Super Mario Odyssey

Next up, we've got another absolute titan from 2017: Super Mario Odyssey. If Breath of the Wild was about open-world exploration and freedom, Odyssey is about pure, unadulterated joy and creative platforming. Mario teams up with Cappy, a sentient hat, and together they embark on a globe-trotting adventure to stop Bowser's forced wedding to Princess Peach. The star of the show here is Cappy himself. This little dude lets Mario possess almost any object or enemy, leading to some truly wild and inventive gameplay mechanics. Want to ride a T-Rex? Go for it! Need to fly around as a Bullet Bill? Absolutely! This possession mechanic opens up a universe of possibilities for platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat, making each of the game's kingdoms feel incredibly fresh and distinct. Speaking of kingdoms, they are packed to the brim with secrets, power moons to collect, and quirky characters to meet. The level design is pure Nintendo magic, with intricate pathways, hidden areas, and challenges that constantly surprise and delight. The controls are incredibly tight and responsive, allowing Mario to perform a dizzying array of acrobatic moves. And let's not forget the music – it's catchy, upbeat, and perfectly complements the vibrant, colorful worlds you'll be exploring. Super Mario Odyssey is a masterclass in joyful game design. It's accessible enough for newcomers but deep enough for seasoned Mario veterans, offering a satisfying challenge without ever feeling truly frustrating. The sheer creativity on display is astounding, and the game constantly finds new ways to engage you. It’s a celebration of everything that makes Mario games great, amplified by the unique capabilities of the Nintendo Switch. This is the kind of game that will have you grinning from ear to ear, discovering new things around every corner, and humming its tunes long after you've put the controller down. A true masterpiece of 3D platforming, guys.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Okay, so technically Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was a port from the Wii U, but man, did it find its true home on the Switch in 2017! Mario Kart 8 Deluxe isn't just a racing game; it's a social phenomenon. It’s the perfect game for parties, family gatherings, or just a chill session with friends. The core gameplay is classic Mario Kart – you race karts, use wacky items like shells and bananas to mess with your opponents, and try to cross the finish line first. But Deluxe takes it to a whole new level. It includes all the DLC from the original Wii U version, meaning you get a ton of tracks, characters, and karts right out of the box. Plus, they added a revamped Battle Mode, which is way more fun and varied than the original. No more getting stuck in a race when you're eliminated; now you can duke it out in dedicated arenas with different objective-based modes like Balloon Battle and Renegade Roundup. The visuals are crisp and vibrant, running at a smooth 60 frames per second, making every race a treat for the eyes. The controls are intuitive, so anyone can pick it up and play, but there's still a high skill ceiling for those who want to master drifting and item management. It’s the definitive Mario Kart experience, hands down. The sheer amount of content, the polished gameplay, and the evergreen fun factor make Mario Kart 8 Deluxe an essential addition to any Switch library. It's the kind of game that never gets old, always brings people together, and guarantees hours upon hours of laughter and friendly competition. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to pick up but offers endless replayability, this is it. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mario Kart franchise and a perfect example of how a great game can be even better with a few smart upgrades. Seriously, guys, grab some friends and get ready for some chaotic fun!

Splatoon 2

Let's talk about ink, style, and splatting! Splatoon 2 landed in 2017 and instantly became a must-have for anyone who loves unique multiplayer action. If you didn't play the first Splatoon, think of this as its awesome, souped-up sequel. It’s a team-based shooter, but instead of bullets, you’re slinging colorful ink! The main goal in the core Turf War mode is to cover more of the map with your team’s ink color than the opposing team. It sounds simple, but the strategy involved is surprisingly deep. You can shoot enemies, sure, but you can also swim through your own ink to move faster and recharge your ink tank. This creates a really dynamic flow to the matches, where controlling territory is just as important as splatting opponents. Splatoon 2 also introduced new weapons, gear, and abilities, adding even more customization and strategic depth. Beyond Turf War, there are ranked modes like Splat Zones, Tower Control, and Rainmaker, which offer more competitive challenges for those looking to test their skills. And let's not forget Salmon Run, a cooperative horde mode where you and up to three other players work together to fend off waves of Salmonids and collect Golden Eggs. It's intense, chaotic, and incredibly fun! The game's style is also a huge part of its appeal. The world is vibrant, the characters (the Inklings and Octolings) are stylish, and the music is incredibly catchy. It feels fresh, quirky, and distinctly Nintendo. Splatoon 2 offers a brilliant alternative to traditional shooters, emphasizing territory control and teamwork in a way that's accessible yet rewarding. It’s a game that constantly evolves with new content updates and events (Splatfests!), keeping the community engaged and the gameplay fresh. It's the perfect game for anyone looking for a colorful, fast-paced, and incredibly fun competitive experience that stands out from the crowd, guys. Trust me, you’ll be hooked!

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Technicality - Announced, but released 2018)

Now, this one's a bit of a technicality, guys. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was announced in 2017 for a 2018 release, and the hype was IMMEDIATELY through the roof. While it didn't technically launch in 2017, its announcement alone was a massive event that defined a significant part of the Switch's gaming conversation that year. Think about it: every single fighter who had ever been in a Smash Bros. game was coming back, plus a whole bunch of new ones. The sheer scope of that promise was mind-blowing. The Super Smash Bros. series is already a legendary franchise, known for its accessible yet deep fighting mechanics, massive roster of iconic characters from across the gaming universe, and incredible party game potential. Ultimate promised to be the biggest and most ambitious entry yet. The idea of having such a comprehensive collection of Nintendo (and third-party) history all in one package was incredibly exciting. It cemented the Nintendo Switch as the ultimate destination for crossover fighting games and solidified its appeal to a massive audience. Even though players had to wait until the following year to get their hands on it, the anticipation built in 2017 was palpable. It represented a huge commitment from Nintendo to its flagship fighting game and signaled that the Switch was going to be a powerhouse for years to come. For many, the announcement of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was as significant as any game that actually launched that year, highlighting the incredible potential and bright future of the Nintendo Switch platform. It was a clear sign that Nintendo was all in, ready to deliver experiences that players had only dreamed of. It truly was a glimpse into the future of the Switch, guys, and the anticipation was worth it.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! 2017 was an absolutely killer year for the Nintendo Switch, launching with a lineup that still holds up incredibly well today. Whether you were diving into the vast open world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, mastering the joyous platforming of Super Mario Odyssey, settling scores in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, or inking it up in Splatoon 2, these games offered something truly special. The Switch proved itself as a versatile and powerful console right out of the gate, and these titles were the shining examples of that. If you missed out on any of these gems back in the day, do yourself a favor and pick them up. They're not just great games from 2017; they're some of the best games available on the Nintendo Switch, period. Happy gaming, guys!