Top Nintendo Switch EShop Games To Play In 2024
Hey guys! Looking for some awesome games to play on your Nintendo Switch in 2024? The Nintendo eShop is packed with incredible titles, from indie gems to AAA experiences. Let's dive into some of the best Switch eShop games you should definitely check out this year.
Must-Have Indie Gems
The Switch is a haven for indie developers, and the eShop is bursting with creative and unique games. These indie titles are worth your time:
1. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is an absolute masterpiece of the Metroidvania genre. You play as the Knight, a silent protagonist exploring the vast and interconnected kingdom of Hallownest. The game is known for its beautiful hand-drawn art style, challenging combat, and intricate level design. Exploring the world is a joy, with secrets and hidden areas around every corner. The lore is deep and mysterious, drawing you further into the game's world with each discovery. Hollow Knight features a wide variety of enemies, each with unique attack patterns and behaviors, making combat both challenging and rewarding. The boss battles are particularly memorable, requiring precise timing and strategic thinking to overcome. The game's soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful, perfectly complementing the game's atmosphere. Hollow Knight is not just a game; it's an experience. Its combination of exploration, combat, and atmosphere creates a world that you'll want to get lost in for hours. The sense of accomplishment you feel after defeating a tough boss or uncovering a hidden secret is unparalleled. For fans of Metroidvania games, Hollow Knight is an essential title. It raises the bar for the genre and offers an unforgettable gaming experience. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the genre, Hollow Knight is a game that will stay with you long after you've finished playing. So, grab your Switch, download Hollow Knight, and prepare to embark on an epic adventure into the depths of Hallownest. You won't regret it!
2. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a charming farming simulator that has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. You inherit your grandfather's old farm plot and set out to restore it to its former glory. The game combines farming, fishing, foraging, and social simulation elements, creating a relaxing and engaging experience. One of the great things about Stardew Valley is the freedom it gives you. You can focus on farming, raising animals, or exploring the mines. You can also build relationships with the townsfolk, participate in festivals, and even get married. The game's pixel art style is adorable, and the soundtrack is catchy and upbeat. Stardew Valley is more than just a farming simulator; it's a life simulator. It allows you to create your own story and build a virtual life in a charming and welcoming world. The game is constantly being updated with new content, ensuring that there's always something new to discover. Whether you're a fan of farming games or just looking for a relaxing and enjoyable experience, Stardew Valley is a must-play. Its simple yet addictive gameplay and charming world will keep you coming back for more. So, grab your tools, plant some seeds, and get ready to build the farm of your dreams in Stardew Valley. It's a game that will warm your heart and provide hours of enjoyment.
3. Celeste
Celeste is a challenging platformer with a heartfelt story. You play as Madeline, a young woman attempting to climb Celeste Mountain while battling her inner demons. The game is known for its tight controls, demanding level design, and emotional narrative. Celeste is a game that will test your skills and your patience. The levels are designed to be challenging, requiring precise timing and skillful maneuvering. But the game is also incredibly rewarding. Each time you overcome a difficult obstacle, you feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. The story of Celeste is also incredibly moving. Madeline's journey is relatable, and her struggles with anxiety and self-doubt resonate with many players. The game's message of self-acceptance and perseverance is powerful and inspiring. Celeste is a game that will stay with you long after you've finished playing. Its challenging gameplay, emotional story, and beautiful visuals create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a fan of platformers or just looking for a game with a meaningful message, Celeste is a must-play. It's a game that will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you feeling uplifted. So, grab your Switch, download Celeste, and prepare to embark on an emotional and challenging journey up Celeste Mountain. You'll be glad you did.
Exciting Action and Adventure Games
For those who crave action and adventure, the Switch eShop has plenty to offer. These games will keep you on the edge of your seat:
1. Hades
Hades is a rogue-like dungeon crawler from Supergiant Games, the creators of Bastion and Transistor. You play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape the Underworld. The game is known for its fast-paced combat, compelling story, and stunning art style. Hades is a game that is easy to pick up but difficult to master. The combat is fluid and responsive, and the game's rogue-like elements ensure that each run is unique. The story is engaging, with well-developed characters and a compelling narrative. The art style is gorgeous, with vibrant colors and detailed character designs. One of the things that sets Hades apart from other rogue-like games is its focus on story. Each time you die and return to the House of Hades, you have the opportunity to interact with the other characters and learn more about the game's world. This makes the game feel more than just a series of random encounters. It creates a sense of progression and investment that is rare in the rogue-like genre. Hades is a must-play for fans of action games, rogue-like games, and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story. Its fast-paced combat, compelling narrative, and stunning art style create an unforgettable gaming experience. So, grab your Switch, download Hades, and prepare to defy the god of the Underworld in this critically acclaimed masterpiece.
2. Ori and the Blind Forest/Ori and the Will of the Wisps
The Ori games, Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, are beautiful and emotional Metroidvania adventures. You play as Ori, a guardian spirit, as you explore a stunning world filled with challenging platforming and engaging combat. Both games are known for their breathtaking visuals, moving soundtracks, and heartfelt stories. The Ori games are a visual feast. The hand-painted backgrounds and detailed character animations create a world that is both beautiful and immersive. The soundtracks are equally impressive, perfectly complementing the game's atmosphere and emotional moments. The gameplay in the Ori games is tight and responsive. The platforming is challenging but fair, and the combat is fluid and satisfying. The games also feature a variety of puzzles that require you to use your wits and your platforming skills. But what truly sets the Ori games apart is their emotional depth. The stories are moving and relatable, and the characters are well-developed and sympathetic. The games explore themes of loss, love, and redemption in a way that is both powerful and poignant. If you're looking for a game that is both beautiful and meaningful, the Ori games are a must-play. Their stunning visuals, moving soundtracks, and heartfelt stories will stay with you long after you've finished playing. So, grab your Switch, download Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
3. Katana ZERO
Katana ZERO is a stylish and action-packed neo-noir platformer with instant-death combat. You play as a samurai assassin who can slow down time, allowing you to slice through enemies with precision and grace. The game is known for its challenging gameplay, intriguing story, and unique visual style. Katana ZERO is a game that will test your reflexes and your strategic thinking. The combat is fast and unforgiving, requiring you to react quickly and plan your moves carefully. The story is mysterious and engaging, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. The game's visual style is also unique, with a blend of pixel art and modern effects that create a stylish and atmospheric world. One of the things that makes Katana ZERO so compelling is its focus on player choice. Throughout the game, you'll be faced with difficult decisions that can affect the story and the outcome of the game. This gives you a sense of agency and investment in the game's world. Katana ZERO is a must-play for fans of action games, platformers, and anyone who appreciates a stylish and challenging experience. Its fast-paced combat, intriguing story, and unique visual style create an unforgettable gaming experience. So, grab your Switch, download Katana ZERO, and prepare to become a samurai assassin in this critically acclaimed indie gem.
Relaxing Puzzle and Strategy Games
If you prefer a more laid-back experience, the Switch eShop has plenty of puzzle and strategy games to choose from:
1. Baba Is You
Baba Is You is a unique puzzle game where the rules of the game are part of the puzzle. You can change the rules by manipulating blocks with text on them, creating mind-bending challenges. The game is known for its innovative gameplay and incredibly clever puzzles. Baba Is You is a game that will challenge your mind and your creativity. The puzzles are designed to be difficult, but they are also incredibly rewarding to solve. The game's unique mechanics allow you to think outside the box and come up with solutions that you never thought possible. One of the things that makes Baba Is You so compelling is its simplicity. The game's graphics are minimalist, and the controls are easy to learn. But beneath the surface lies a deep and complex puzzle system that will keep you engaged for hours. Baba Is You is a must-play for fans of puzzle games and anyone who appreciates a game that challenges their mind. Its innovative gameplay and incredibly clever puzzles create an unforgettable gaming experience. So, grab your Switch, download Baba Is You, and prepare to bend the rules of reality in this critically acclaimed indie gem.
2. Into the Breach
Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game where you control giant mechs defending humanity from alien invaders. The game is known for its challenging gameplay, strategic depth, and retro-inspired graphics. Into the Breach is a game that will test your tactical skills and your ability to think ahead. The battles are challenging, and each turn requires careful planning and execution. The game's strategic depth allows you to experiment with different tactics and strategies to find the best way to defeat the enemy. One of the things that makes Into the Breach so compelling is its focus on sacrifice. Throughout the game, you'll be forced to make difficult choices that can have lasting consequences. This adds a layer of emotional depth to the game that is rare in the strategy genre. Into the Breach is a must-play for fans of strategy games and anyone who appreciates a challenging and rewarding experience. Its strategic depth, challenging gameplay, and retro-inspired graphics create an unforgettable gaming experience. So, grab your Switch, download Into the Breach, and prepare to defend humanity from the alien invaders in this critically acclaimed indie gem.
3. Picross S Series
The Picross S series offers a vast collection of nonogram puzzles, providing hours of brain-teasing fun. These games are perfect for relaxing and unwinding while challenging your mind. If you're unfamiliar, nonograms (also known as Picross) are picture logic puzzles in which cells in a grid must be colored or left blank according to numbers at the side of the grid to reveal a hidden picture. Picross S provides a clean, simple interface that's easy to get to grips with. Each installment in the series comes with hundreds of puzzles, with the Picross S Genesis & Master System Edition offering an absolutely staggering 480 puzzles! With such variety, you can be sure to find something that will suit you. If you're after a way to unwind, or simply to keep your mind sharp, there are few better options on the eShop than the Picross S series. The low price makes them extremely appealing and means that these are a great option for anyone looking to bulk out their Switch library.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch eShop is a treasure trove of amazing games. Whether you're into indie gems, action-packed adventures, or relaxing puzzle games, there's something for everyone. These best Switch eShop games of 2024 are just a starting point, so get out there and explore the eShop to discover even more hidden gems. Happy gaming, guys!