Best-Selling Nintendo Switch Games: Ultimate List [2024]

For Nintendo enthusiasts, the allure of exclusive titles is unmistakable. Join us on a journey into the vibrant world of Nintendo Switch gaming, where we’ll unveil the best-selling Nintendo Switch games that have captivated millions since the console’s 2017 debut. With an impressive 130 million units sold, the Nintendo Switch not only dominates the gaming hardware market but also boasts a remarkable surge in game sales. In this exploration, we’ll navigate the diverse and expansive Nintendo Switch library, where portability seamlessly merges with a rich tapestry of family-friendly titles. The resounding success of Nintendo’s iconic franchises echoes loudly in the sales figures, solidifying the Nintendo Switch as a haven for gaming enthusiasts worldwide.

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Rank	Game	Genre	Developer	Publisher	Platforms	Release Date	Sales
1	Mario Kart 8 Deluxe	Kart racing	Nintendo EAD, Nintendo EPD	Nintendo	Wii U, Nintendo Switch	April 28, 2017	58 million units
2	Animal Crossing: New Horizons	Social simulation	Nintendo EPD	Nintendo	Nintendo Switch	March 20, 2020	43.38 million units
3	Super Smash Bros. Ultimate	Fighting	Bandai Namco Studios, Sora Ltd.	Nintendo	Nintendo Switch	December 7, 2018	32.44 million units
4	The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild	Action-adventure	Nintendo EPD	Nintendo	Wii U, Nintendo Switch	March 3, 2017	32.45
5	Super Mario Odyssey	Platform, action-adventure	Nintendo EPD	Nintendo	Nintendo Switch	October 27, 2017	27 million units
6	Pokémon Sword and Shield	Role-playing	Game Freak	Nintendo	Nintendo Switch	November 15, 2019	26.02 million units
7	Pokémon Scarlet and Violet	Role-playing	Game Freak	Nintendo	Nintendo Switch	November 19, 2022	23.23 million units
8	Super Mario Party	Party	NDcube	Nintendo	Nintendo Switch	October 5, 2018	19.66 million units
9	The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom	Action-adventure	Nintendo EPD	Nintendo	Nintendo Switch	May 12, 2023	19.50 million units
10	New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe	Platform	Nintendo EAD	Nintendo	Wii U, Nintendo Switch	January 11, 2019	19.50 million units

The Top 10 Highest-Selling Nintendo Switch Games of All Time

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 

Original release: April 28, 2017

Developer: Nintendo

Sales: 58 million

Mario Kart 8 raced onto the scene, delivering an abundance of exhilarating racing excitement on the Wii U. It was only a Battle Mode away from claiming the top spot. The game introduced the game-changing ‘anti-gravity’ sections, allowing tracks to twist and bend in unexpected ways.

Enter Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a repackage tailored for the hybrid handheld, complete with the sorely missed Battle Mode. This edition stands as the pinnacle of the entire series—a swift, visually appealing, and supremely playable escapade that earns its place among the best racing games ever. Serving as the definitive Mario Kart experience, it is a content-rich and delightful banquet of comedic, cartoonish karting action that leaves players thoroughly entertained.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Original release: March 20, 2020

Developer: Nintendo

Sales: 43.38 million

Animal Crossing: New Horizons not only brings the beloved series back to home consoles but elevates it in every imaginable aspect. With an abundance of activities, sights, customization options, and heartfelt moments, this game surpasses its predecessors. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, be prepared to lose track of time as you immerse yourself in gathering materials, crafting furniture, and sculpting your island into a personal paradise.

Reflecting on the release of Animal Crossing: New Leaf years ago, which garnered a new generation of fans, many questioned how Nintendo could surpass it. The answer is here, and it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. This game is so exceptional that it’s worth investing in a Switch just to experience its unparalleled charm and immersive gameplay.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Original release: December 7, 2018

Developer: Sora

Sales: 32.44 million

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate emerges as a towering achievement, diligently addressing concerns from past games. This iteration surpasses expectations with an all-encompassing roster, including every fighter from the series, and a colossal array of DLC characters, such as the noteworthy return of Banjo and Kazooie to a Nintendo console.

The game’s customizability is nothing short of overwhelming, providing players with a vast playground to tailor their experience. This extensive feature set is complemented by super-solid single-player modes, offering a well-rounded gaming experience. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate not only lives up to its name as one of the highest-selling Nintendo Switch games but also solidifies its position as the ultimate installment in the series.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Original release: March 3, 2017

Developer: Nintendo SPD

Sales: 32.45 million

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild marked a pivotal moment for both its franchise and Nintendo as a whole. Venturing into the open-world genre for the first time, Nintendo not only embraced the strengths of top-of-the-class games but also carved out a distinct identity for itself, despite arriving later to the party. This release represented a revolutionary shift for the series, introducing a new direction while retaining the soul of The Legend of Zelda, resulting in a truly captivating experience.

After years of adhering to a familiar template, Nintendo’s bold approach delivered an absolute triumph that continues to draw us back to its rendition of Hyrule, showcasing the enduring power and brilliance of this iconic series.

Super Mario Odyssey

Original release: October 27, 2017

Developer: Nintendo

Sales: 27 million

Super Mario Odyssey, a standout in the ‘sandbox’ style of Mario adventures, not only satisfied the longstanding desire of fans since 1996 but also exceeded expectations as one of the best-selling Nintendo games. It delivers a comprehensive experience with Cappy’s capture abilities, seamlessly blending diverse ideas and art styles into an unexpectedly coherent and compelling whole.

The mechanical mastery showcased in Super Mario Odyssey is nothing short of breathtaking. The game exudes a joyful abandon that permeates every kingdom you visit, offering a plethora of distractions and hidden discoveries. As one of the top-selling Nintendo Switch  games, Super Mario Odyssey not only sets a high standard but also demonstrates that the realm of possibilities for Mario’s future adventures is boundless.

Pokémon Sword and Shield

Original release: November 15, 2019

Developer: Game Freak

Sales: 26.02 million

Pokémon Sword and Shield bring fresh ideas to the table, yet there’s a sense that some aspects could be further expanded upon. The strengths of the game are commendable, showcasing well-executed concepts, but there are moments that feel like remnants from a decade-old design document. The series reaches new heights at times, offering moments of unparalleled joy, but these are occasionally overshadowed by contrasting elements that left us disappointed.

The experience of playing Pokémon Sword and Shield is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. The unbridled wonder and delight of encountering a brand-new Pokémon in a stadium filled with cheering crowds stand out, but these highlights are juxtaposed with moments of monotonous and protracted dialogue that we wished we could skip. The exploration of the Wild Area emerges as the true evolution of the series, providing a refreshing and immersive experience.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Original release: November 19, 2022

Developer: Game Freak

Sales: 23.23 million

The Pokémon franchise has room for further evolution, and despite noticeable technical hiccups, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet has ignited excitement for the series’ future. The prospect of Game Freak addressing ongoing performance issues on the Switch is crucial, as these could potentially hinder the experience in the long run.

Exploring the world in Scarlet & Violet proves to be the most fun and exciting aspect, with numerous small details and improvements to the Pokémon formula adding to the allure. While the game plays it safe in certain areas, it introduces enough new elements to hint at a promising future for Gen 9 and beyond. Though it may be a smaller step than some anticipated, especially in the wake of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, it undeniably signifies a positive trajectory for the series, showcasing that it’s heading in the right direction.

Super Mario Party

Original release: October 5, 2018

Developer: Nd Cube

Sales: 19.66 million

Recent Mario Party iterations have been criticized for a somewhat sterile feel, but with Super Mario Party, the first Mario Party outing on the Switch, that sentiment is completely reversed. This isn’t a mere cash grab with Mario’s face slapped on; it’s a meticulously crafted and beautifully realized Mario Party game that authentically reconnects with its roots, all while avoiding the pitfalls of being a straightforward rehash.

While there are a few intriguing ideas that may feel slightly underdeveloped, like the overhyped Challenge mode, Super Mario Party is, on the whole, a genuine return to form. It stands out as a refreshing installment after the series seemed to lose its luster on the Wii, Wii U, and DS consoles.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Original release: May 12, 2023

Developer: Nintendo

Sales: 19.50 million

Discussing everything that makes The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom so extraordinary is an impossible feat, and part of the enchantment lies in discovering many of these aspects firsthand. The sheer magnitude of activities in Hyrule this time around is staggering, reminiscent of its predecessor but with a sprinkle of older Zelda fairy dust seamlessly woven into the Breath of the Wild formula. 

As a triumphant sequel and one of the highest-selling Nintendo Switch games, this installment stands as a glorious triumph—an unfiltered bliss that beckons players to lose themselves in its world for countless hours. Promising a playground for years to come, it joins the ranks of the finest video game sequels, and we eagerly anticipate the incredible experiences the gaming community will create within its expansive universe.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Original release: January 11, 2019

Developer: Nintendo

Sales: 19.50 million

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe stands out as an impressive package, encapsulating the best of modern-era 2D Mario with its madcap multiplayer and glimpses of the inventive spirit that Super Mario Odyssey would later embody. As a top-tier Mario game, it can be argued that this Deluxe edition is the pinnacle of the ‘New’ branch, whether played on the Wii U or Switch. However, the slightly aging visuals and the inconvenience of being sent back to the world map after each death are aspects that could have been refined in this Deluxe version.

Nevertheless, with the inclusion of New Super Luigi U, this package emerges as a superb 2D Mario (and Luigi) experience, offering a blend of classic platforming and inventive gameplay that has become synonymous with the Mario franchise.

The Impact and Legacy of the Best-Selling Nintendo Switch Games

In conclusion, the diverse and captivating lineup of best-selling Nintendo Switch games has solidified the console’s reputation as a gaming powerhouse. From iconic franchises to innovative newcomers, the success of these titles reflects the broad appeal and versatility of the Switch platform. The popularity and enduring sales of these games showcase the enduring impact they’ve had on the gaming community, contributing to the remarkable legacy of the highest-grossing Nintendo Switch games.

With each title offering a unique and immersive experience, the Nintendo Switch has proven itself as a platform capable of catering to a wide range of gaming preferences. As we eagerly anticipate future releases, it’s clear that the best-selling Nintendo Switch games have set a high standard, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming industry and ensuring the continued success of the platform.

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