10.Windjammers 2
I mentioned that some of these games would be on the arcade-y side, and that couldn’t be more true withWindjammers 2.
Windjammers 2is a competitive disc-throwing game, a direct sequel with massive improvements on the original arcade game released in 1994.
This sequel updates the style of the game in a way that feels new while staying true to the original. It adds new gameplay tweaks in addition to new characters and environments, plus plenty of multiplayer options.
Related:The Best Online Multiplayer Nintendo Switch Games
9.Mario Golf: Super Rush
TheMario Golfseries is legendary. Sure,Mario Golf: Super Rushmay not hit the same heights as some of the best games in the series from previous Nintendo consoles, it’s still a quality arcade golf game.
The only major issue withMario Golf: Super Rushis that, compared to some other entries, the game content is limited.
While it may not have as robust of an adventure mode or as many courses as you might want to keep it from growing stale, the actual golf gameplay feels great andMario Golf: Super Rushis quite enjoyable to play.
Related:The Best Nintendo Switch Games That Actually Run at 60 FPS
8.Super Mega Baseball 3
Super Mega Baseball 3doesn’t take many risks when compared to most other baseball video games, but it does successfully deliver the same solid, cartoony baseball gameplay that its predecessors were known for.
Don’t worry, it isn’t super crazy or unusual. This is far from theNFL Blitzof baseball games. Rather, it’s just a more accessible type of baseball game.
While there are some arcade touches,Super Mega Baseball 3takes its baseball seriously, so fans of the sport will find plenty to like here.
Related:The Best Nintendo Switch Games Ported From Other Consoles
7.NBA 2K Playgrounds 2
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2calls to mind classic basketball video game series likeNBA JamandNBA Street.
Does it come close to the same heights as those franchises? No, butNBA 2K Playgrounds 2proves that there’s still plenty of room on the market for a more casual-style basketball game. It’s certainly closer to those games than it is to, say,NBA 2K23.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2doesn’t feel that different compared to its immediate predecessor. It’s really just more content with the same core gameplay, but that alone makes it a worthwhile buy.
Related:The Best Pick-Up-and-Play Nintendo Switch Games
6.Mario Strikers: Battle League
LikeMario Golf: Super Rush,Mario Strikers: Battle Leagueis the latest in its own spin-off series ofMario-themed sports games—in this case, we’re talking soccer with superpowers.
Mario Strikers: Battle Leagueis solid in terms of gameplay and presentation, but it just feels like it could use more content. If Nintendo were to add more to the game, it would be a classic arcade soccer game.
As it is,Mario Strikers: Battle Leagueis still a great game that’s a lot of fun to play, especially if you’re playing against friends.
5.Lonely Mountains: Downhill
Lonely Mountains: Downhillis a game about mountain biking, but in some ways it actually feels like the classic gameMarble Madness.
There are multiple paths you can take on each route down the mountain, and there’s a feel of controlled chaos to the proceedings. The goal is to make it down without hitting obstacles or falling off cliffs.
There’s also a score-chasing element toLonely Mountains: Downhill, where you’re constantly aiming to improve your times to unlock more to do, making it surprisingly addicting.
Related:The Best Nintendo Switch Hidden Gems You May Have Overlooked
4.Mario Tennis Aces
As with the otherMario-themed Nintendo Switch sports games,Mario Tennis Acessuffers the same pros and cons: it’s really fun to play, especially with a group via local multiplayer, but it could use more content.
Whether you’re playing with the new Zone Shot superpower feature or the stripped-down basic version of just tennis,Mario Tennis Acescan be a jump-out-of-your-seat-while-yelling sort of affair.
But if you’re looking for a meaty single-player mode? Well, you’re not going to find it inMario Tennis Aces.
All in all,Mario Tennis Aces’s frantic take on arcade tennis is absolutely worth playing, and it doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Related:The Best Nintendo Switch Party Games
3.Nintendo Switch Sports
Ever since the originalWii Sports, the Nintendo name has been inextricably linked with sports-based party games.
For good or bad, not all of the sports fromWii Sportswere transported over to the more recentNintendo Switch Sports. You may miss some of your favorites, but there are some new ones worth falling in love with, too.
Overall, the games featured inNintendo Switch Sportsoffer slightly deeper mechanics and a more robust experience, making great use of the Joy-Cons in ways we’ve rarely seen throughout the console’s lifespan.
Related:The Best Nintendo Switch Exclusive Games, Ranked
2.Golf Story
As the name hints to,Golf Storyis far from an accurate golf simulation. Instead, this is a golf game with RPG elements, heavily inspired by older games likeMario Golf: Advance Tour.
InGolf Story, the sport of golf is essentially a combined battle system and puzzle system, which comes into play between stretches of RPG-like exploration and narrative progression.
The system is surprisingly well-developed with fun mechanics. While there is a sequel available—calledSports Story—I still maintain thatGolf Storyis a tighter and superior experience overall.
Related:The Best Indie Games on Nintendo Switch
1.Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2
TheTony Hawkseries, especially the earlier games, seem to transcend the sports genre. Nearly everyone who plays them has a great time, regardless of how they feel about actual skateboarding.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2proves that the early success of the franchise wasn’t just a passing fad. The games still play well even today—and getting both games in one package is great!
While the visual fidelity may not be up to snuff with its PlayStation and Xbox counterparts, being able to playTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2in handheld mode is worth the tradeoffs.
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