Top Nintendo Switch Games Of 2017: A Gamer's Paradise
Hey gaming enthusiasts! 2017 was a monumental year for the Nintendo Switch, and the console quickly became a fan favorite. We saw the launch of some absolutely legendary titles, and the Switch solidified its place in the gaming world. If you're a new Switch owner, or just looking to revisit some classics, you're in the right place. We're diving deep into the best Switch games of 2017, the ones that defined the console's early success and still hold up today. Get ready to rediscover some old favorites and maybe even find your next obsession. Let's get started!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - A Masterpiece Redefined
When we talk about the best Switch games of 2017, we have to kick things off with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Guys, this game isn't just good; it's a genre-defining masterpiece. Released alongside the Switch, Breath of the Wild was a statement. It showed the world what the console was capable of. This game is nothing short of incredible. The vast, open world of Hyrule, filled with secrets, challenges, and endless exploration, is truly breathtaking. From the moment you step off the Great Plateau, you're free to go anywhere, do anything, and discover everything at your own pace. That level of freedom is still pretty rare in the gaming world.
The gameplay is innovative, offering a physics-based system that allows you to interact with the environment in countless ways. You can climb almost any surface, use the environment to your advantage in combat, and cook up meals to restore your health. The sheer number of possibilities can be overwhelming at first, but that's part of the fun. The game encourages experimentation and rewards you for thinking outside the box. The story is epic, the characters are memorable, and the world is alive. Even after all this time, Breath of the Wild remains a must-play title for any Switch owner. It's a game that you can easily sink hundreds of hours into, and still find new things to discover. The freedom to explore, the stunning visuals, and the innovative gameplay make it a standout title and a true gem in the Switch's library. Whether you're a long-time Zelda fan or new to the series, Breath of the Wild is an essential experience.
Why it's a Must-Play
The game's open-world design encourages exploration and creativity. The ability to cook, climb, and solve puzzles in a dynamic environment keeps things fresh and exciting. The story and characters are captivating, making for a truly immersive experience.
Super Mario Odyssey - A Joyful Platforming Adventure
Next up on our list of the best Switch games of 2017 is Super Mario Odyssey. This game is pure, unadulterated fun. Mario's first major outing on the Switch is a vibrant, imaginative platformer that takes the iconic plumber to new heights – literally! Super Mario Odyssey is a celebration of the Mario franchise, packed with charm, creativity, and incredible gameplay. The game's central mechanic, Cappy, allows Mario to capture and control enemies and objects, adding a whole new dimension to the platforming experience. This mechanic opens up a ton of possibilities, allowing for creative puzzle-solving and combat scenarios. You can become a T-Rex, a Bullet Bill, or even a taxi, each offering a unique set of abilities and interactions. The game's level design is also exceptional, with each world offering a diverse range of environments and challenges.
From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the colorful landscapes of the Luncheon Kingdom, every kingdom is bursting with detail and personality. The developers at Nintendo really went all out to make a truly unforgettable experience. Each kingdom feels unique, offering a distinct visual style and a variety of challenges. The game is filled with secrets, collectibles, and side quests, ensuring you'll always have something to do. The music is also fantastic, with a memorable soundtrack that complements the game's joyful atmosphere. This is another one of those games that's just a joy to play from start to finish. For those looking for a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, Super Mario Odyssey is a must-play. It's a testament to Nintendo's ability to create timeless and engaging experiences. Super Mario Odyssey offers a perfect blend of classic Mario gameplay with modern innovation. The game's creative use of the Capture mechanic, diverse level design, and charming world make it a standout title.
Key Features
Super Mario Odyssey excels in its creative use of the Capture mechanic. The diverse level design provides a variety of environments and challenges. The game's charm and joyful atmosphere make it a delight to play.
Splatoon 2 - Ink-credible Multiplayer Mayhem
If you're into some fast-paced, colorful action, then Splatoon 2 is definitely one of the best Switch games of 2017 for you. This game takes the original's formula and cranks it up a notch. Splatoon 2 is a vibrant, chaotic, and incredibly fun multiplayer shooter where you and your team compete to cover the most ground in ink. Forget your typical shooters; Splatoon 2 offers a unique and refreshing take on the genre. The game's emphasis on inking the environment rather than just racking up kills creates a strategic layer to the gameplay. You'll be swimming through ink, using it to your advantage to move quickly, hide, and ambush your opponents. The colorful visuals, catchy music, and quirky characters add to the game's charm. The single-player campaign, while shorter than other games, is still a great time. Splatoon 2 is a testament to Nintendo's creativity and ability to deliver unique gaming experiences. It's a game that's easy to pick up, but difficult to master. The constant updates and new content keep the game fresh and engaging. It's a fantastic option for anyone looking for a fun multiplayer experience.
The variety of weapons, maps, and game modes ensures there's always something new to try. The single-player campaign is also a blast, providing a solid introduction to the game's mechanics. Splatoon 2 is a game that truly stands out in the multiplayer landscape. The game's unique concept, strategic gameplay, and constant updates make it a must-play for any Switch owner looking for a fun and engaging multiplayer experience. This one is seriously addictive, and the competitive scene is thriving. With its vibrant visuals, catchy music, and unique gameplay mechanics, Splatoon 2 offers a fresh and exciting take on the shooter genre.
Why Splatoon 2 Shines
The game offers a unique and refreshing take on the shooter genre. Strategic gameplay emphasizes inking the environment. The vibrant visuals, catchy music, and quirky characters add to the game's charm.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - The Definitive Kart Racing Experience
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is another one of the best Switch games of 2017, and it's a must-have for any Switch owner. The game is the enhanced and expanded version of Mario Kart 8, originally released on the Wii U, and it's nothing short of incredible. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate kart racing experience. With a roster of iconic characters, a wide variety of tracks, and a ton of customization options, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a newcomer to the series, you'll find yourself instantly hooked. The game is packed with content, including all the DLC from the Wii U version, plus new characters and features. The gameplay is tight, responsive, and easy to pick up but difficult to master. The item system adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to every race. Plus, it's perfect for both solo and multiplayer fun. It's a game that you can always come back to, whether you're playing alone or with friends and family. The game's accessibility, combined with its depth, makes it a perfect fit for the Switch. With its wealth of content, addictive gameplay, and family-friendly appeal, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains one of the best Switch games of all time.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a vast selection of tracks, characters, and karts. The gameplay is easy to learn but hard to master, making it perfect for all skill levels. The multiplayer mode provides endless fun, whether playing locally or online. This is the ultimate party game and a must-have for the Switch. The polished gameplay, diverse tracks, and wide array of characters make it a consistently fun experience.
Highlights of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features a vast selection of tracks and characters. The gameplay is intuitive and enjoyable for all skill levels. The multiplayer mode provides endless fun, making it perfect for playing with friends and family.
ARMS - A Unique Fighting Game Experience
ARMS is a quirky and unique fighting game that deserves a spot among the best Switch games of 2017. It's all about extending your arms to punch, block, and grab your opponents. This game offers a fresh take on the fighting genre with its motion controls and inventive gameplay. It's a game that takes a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it's incredibly rewarding. The game's unique control scheme, which utilizes motion controls, sets it apart from traditional fighting games. You can throw punches, block attacks, and dash around the arena with intuitive movements. The game's colorful visuals and creative character designs add to its charm. There's a surprising amount of depth to the gameplay, with different characters and arms offering unique abilities and strategies. This one's definitely a hidden gem and a fun addition to the Switch library. The strategic depth, unique control scheme, and vibrant visuals make ARMS a standout title for the Switch.
ARMS offers a unique approach to fighting games, with its motion controls and inventive gameplay. The game's creative character designs and strategic depth make it a fun and engaging experience. While it may not have reached the popularity of other titles, it remains a unique and engaging experience for those looking for something different. This game's unconventional approach and unique gameplay offer a refreshing change of pace.
Reasons to Play ARMS
ARMS offers a unique approach to the fighting genre with its motion controls and innovative gameplay. The game's strategic depth and creative character designs make for a fun and engaging experience.
Conclusion: The Legacy of 2017 on the Switch
2017 was a landmark year for the Nintendo Switch. As you can see, the best Switch games of 2017 helped define the console's early success. From the epic adventure of Breath of the Wild to the joyful platforming of Super Mario Odyssey, the year was packed with incredible titles that showcased the Switch's unique capabilities. This collection of games is a testament to the versatility of the Switch. Whether you're looking for a sprawling open world, a fun multiplayer experience, or a unique fighting game, the Switch in 2017 had something for everyone. These games solidified the Switch's place in the gaming world and set the stage for its continued success. These games remain essential experiences for any Switch owner. They represent the best of what the console had to offer in its early years and continue to provide countless hours of entertainment. So, dust off your Switch, grab your Joy-Cons, and dive back into these fantastic titles. You won't regret it! Enjoy, gamers!