Nintendo’sSwitchhas seen tons of action and various major releases since its initial launch in early 2017. 2019 was aparticularlysignificant year for the hybrid console.
It saw the release of theSwitch Lite, which allows for a more compact, portable option at a cheaper price. In addition, it was the year of hits likeSuper Mario Maker 2,the anticipated newPokémon, and a sophisticated spiritual successor toWii Fit. Titles like this have contributed greatly to the Switch’s total software sales, which now stand at over 356 million in total - with many of these sales coming in 2019.
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While fans await more major software to hit in 2020, let’s take a look back at the particularly strong 2019 lineup and highlight the top 10 best-selling Switch titles, according toNPD.
10Super Mario Party
After 10 console renditions of Nintendo’s hitMario Party, the series was seemingly in need of a fresh start and perhaps a facelift. Nintendo and NDcube certainly delivered withSuper Mario Partyon the Switch. The game offers80charming and accessible minigames, many of which take advantage of the refined motion control and HD Rumble housed in the Joy-cons.
Other additions that make thisMario Partysuch a blast is its new co-op rafting romp, as well as a streamlined online mode.
9The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
After the grandiose,open-worldeffort that wasBreath of the Wild, Nintendo again took their famed fantasy series in a different direction with this polished remake,Link’s Awakening. The game adheres to the core formula fans loved about the Game Boy original, while prettying up the art style and adding some more depth - including a new dungeon creator.
The game’s appeal namely lies in its clever puzzles, charming claymation visuals, and more subdued gameplay.
8Super Mario Maker 2
While the Wii U doesn’t get much recognition these days, the user-creation kit known asMario Makerstands as a rare bright spot for the console. Much to the delight of fans, the Big N has crafted an evenmorerobust and enjoyable sequel this time around - with newMariothemes, more features/assets to work with, and even online multiplayer.
This allows players to really flex their creative muscles as well as check out plenty of off-the-wall user stages. There’s also a campaign mode this time around, so fans who aren’t too creatively-minded can still get enjoyment out of this 2DMariocelebration.
7Pokémon Shield
Let’s face it - a game bearing the popularPokémonname is sure to seesomelevel of success. But this isespeciallythe case when it comes to an anticipated mainlinePokémonRPG - the first that can be played on a home console. And while it’s received its share of criticism, Game Freak largely delivers with this epicPokémon-hunting adventure.
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The game uses the core formula that fans will recognize from the classic RPGs, to be sure. Yet, Game Freak also samples from the mobile phenom that isPokémon GO, namely via raid battles. Perhaps most significant, though, is the inclusion of the dynamic, open-world Wild Areas, which provide near-endless fun.
6The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Fans were unsure where Nintendo was going to take their epicZeldaseries, following a slew of 3D renditions on prior consoles.
The Japanese studio managed to come out swinging at Switch’s launch, with Link’s most epic and in-depth adventure yet. The game utilizes the imaginative lore, satisfying combat, and puzzle elements fans loved from previous games.
At the same time, though,Breath of the Wildstresses open-world exploration, nuanced physics, and ample action. It partly draws from modern WRPG romps likeSkyrimwhile also coming full-circle back to Link’s arcade roots on the NES. These appeals, coupled with the added DLC, have allowed its momentum to extend all the way to 2019.
5New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Despite being a polished, fleshed-out revamp of a Wii U title,New Super Mario Bros. UDeluxehas managed to sell strongly party by way of being the only true classicMariogame on the console. Though the ability to play on the goandon the big screen also makes thisplatformerquite appealing. After all, the experience is certainly well-suited for both.
The game plays more smoothly and sports a higher resolution - which allows the already vibrant visuals to really pop. Not only this, but the inclusion ofNew Super LuigiUreally makes this a must-buy forMariofans on Switch.
4Luigi’s Mansion 3
While fans were disappointed in the lack of aMariolaunch title forGameCube, Luigi managed to at leastpartlyfill the void - rushing onto the scene with his ghost vacuum inLuigi’s Mansion. But while that game was fairly limited, the third time truly proves a charm for this spooky adventure on Switch, which fleshes things out.
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Luigi’s Mansion 3dials up the detail in more ways than one, plopping the moustached hero in the larger, more lavish setting of a haunted hotel containing unique floors and diverse challenges. The most notable addition, however, is the enjoyable local and online multiplayer. Luigi and his goo clone can face off in battles or team up to tackle puzzles in the main game.
3Pokémon Sword
It’s true that this game’s counterpart still managed to adorn the top 10 list for Switch’s 2019 lineup in terms of sales. Yet,Pokémon Swordhad the decided advantage of having the more appealing name attached to it, first and foremost.
Not only this, but its version-exclusive Legendary,Zacian, tended to look just abitmore awesome to most. After all, it’s tough to beat a warrior wolf wielding a large golden sword in its mouth. No offense, Zamazenta.
2Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Taking its place as another revamped Wii U romp,Mario Kart 8Deluxecoasts near the top of the list on the strength of its addictive online gameplay, its sleek visuals, and a plethora of content. Not only is this the most impressive, refinedMario Kartpackage ever, but the fact that it can be playedon the gofurther adds to its value and enjoyment.
The improved Battle Mode, as well as the extra courses and characters of the included DLC really takes this thrilling kart racer into another gear.
1Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Just as many view the previous entry as the definitiveMario Kart, this chaotic fighter is largely seen as the best, most robustSmash Brosgame to date -Meleepurists notwithstanding.
A slew of fixed and rotating challenges help round out this frenzy of a party game, as does the massive World of Light campaign. The game is populated by a diverse, ever-expanding lineup of fighters, endless customization, and tons of awesome arenas to keep things interesting. The online multiplayer is as strong and seamless as ever, and - coupled with the new spirit feature - adds evenmoredepth to this highly-addictive fighter.
