Remember 2017? While it might be something of a hazy memory now, that was the fateful year when Nintendo released the Switch to the world. The portable powerhouse would hit the ground running with the wonderful The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild upon its March 2017 launch.
July 2017 saw the colourful splatfest Splatoon 2 land on Switch and it would soon be joined in October 2017 by the amazing Super Mario Odyssey. Quite a year! Of course, there were many more great games released in 2017 on the Switch, and we've taken the liberty of rounding them up for you below.
Now, before you tell us this top 50 is terrible, you should know that the order here is taken from the user ratings associated with Switch games on Nintendo Life's database. This means that the list is fluid and the rank can change according to the rating. If you've previously rated your favourite Switch games (the ones released in 2017, we mean), just sit back and enjoy. If, however, you've yet to give your personal score for some (or all) of the games below, clicking on each game's rating will enable you to cast your vote and affect the list.
Can't see your favourite? Head to our library of Switch games for 2017 and input your own ratings. A game needs a minimum of fifty ratings to become eligible, so it's entirely possible to influence the ranking and get your favourite games onto the list.
Without further ado, let's dive into this selection of the best Switch games from 2017...
50. Mighty Gunvolt Burst (Switch eShop)
Mighty Gunvolt Burst improves on the original Mighty Gunvolt in just about every conceivable way, and stands as a worthy successor to the classic Mega Man series. It perfectly transplants that classic run ‘n’ gun gameplay while adding a wealth of new additions and elements to keep you engaged for a long time. Though these new elements are a little rough around the edges, they nonetheless add a lot of value to the package and the flexible nature of the game allows you to completely ignore them if you so choose. We certainly give Mighty Gunvolt Burst a strong recommendation; for anyone looking for a meaty and high-quality retro title, your search is over.
49. Arcade Archives VS. Super Mario Bros. (Switch eShop)
Super Mario Bros. being playable on a Nintendo system is not particularly surprising, but that it should first appear on Switch in its VS. incarnation was unexpected. The excellent gameplay, catchy music and a large chunk of the levels are still present, but the new stages make for a different feel that muscle-memory won't get you through. Those levels may have since appeared in The Lost Levels, but their inclusion here alongside changes to existing levels (including a different solution to a multi-path puzzle) make for a still enjoyable but tougher alternative way of playing, with highscore chasing also adding to the fun thanks to the online leaderboards. Even if you can play through the regular version of the game in your sleep, VS. Super Mario Bros. is an excellent - and challenging - choice for platforming fans.
48. I Am Setsuna (Switch eShop)
As an ode to the RPGs of the past, I Am Setsuna succeeds in recreating the sort of adventure you experienced on older Nintendo hardware. Its combat system is the main supplier of this nostalgia, with the deep active time battle system, the number of weapons and moves you can perform, and the time management aspect.
But those not looking to take a trip down memory lane may be left wanting more. In terms of pure gameplay hours this offers a reasonable return on investment, but the no-thrills plotline and gameplay outside of combat could have been fleshed out. I Am Setsuna could be the perfect complement to your Nintendo Switch, but if you're not foaming at the mouth with nostalgia it's an optional purchase.
47. Retro City Rampage DX (Switch eShop)
This release was the third time we'd played through this game, yet on each occasion a more feature-packed and improved iteration revealed itself. Despite its 2010 roots — and pop culture references to match that time — it stands up extremely well, as pixels this stylish and action this chaotic don't lose their edge. Retro City Rampage DX is still an anarchic, almost overloaded game that bombards the senses while, at the same time, maintaining impressive polish in its gameplay. Whether you're playing it for the crazy story, excessive retro-styled violence or a mix of both, Retro City Rampage still has the goods.
46. Thumper (Switch eShop)
Thumper is a fantastic video game, an extravagant rhythm experience that's also a brutal assault on the senses. It's extremely difficult - painfully so at times - yet we feel the need to persevere, retrying tough stages over and over again. Even when that's done, the drive for better ranks remains simply because the game compels us to play on. The only real flaw of Thumper, in actual fact, is that it offers so little respite and no 'easy' mode for players. Some may scoff at that, saying it's a game designed to be tough, but the downside is that without that optional concession the game will be inaccessible and impenetrable for some players. That's a pity, as for those up for the challenge it's a wonderful — albeit gruelling — gaming experience.
45. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (Switch eShop)
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime caught us by surprise; we were expecting a great multiplayer party experience but ended up with something much more than that. If you have a great bunch of friends and the necessary controllers, be sure to gather everyone round for some challenging but hilarious teamwork. If you don’t, or if you prefer playing alone, load the game up anyway and enjoy an intense, strategically-minded campaign with a warm and welcoming exterior. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime deserves to be played and should most definitely be on your eShop wishlist – we’re still in love, for sure.
44. Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap (Switch eShop)
It's clear that the team at Lizardcube are massive fans of the original Wonder Boy III, and that affection translates into what is without a shadow of a doubt the definitive version of a game. The updated visuals are sumptuous and the soundtrack, which uses traditional instrumentation rather than computer-generated audio, proves just how catchy the original tunes were. Despite the passing of the years Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap remains a perfectly-pitched non-linear action adventure — a Metroidvania before the term coagulated into existence — which must surely rank as one of the best of the 8-bit era. It can be completed in the space of an evening, but that evening will be one of the most enjoyable you can possibly spend with your Switch.
43. Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King (Switch eShop)
Judging a game on its own merits is very important. However, when a title happens to borrow just about every aspect of its design from an iconic game series, it’s hard not to acknowledge. Thankfully in the case of Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King, the developer has intentionally crafted it with a sense of love and admiration of classic Zelda games which makes it far more than a mere clone. While it’s not as flawlessly executed as the series it draws inspiration from, it's still a heartfelt tribute to the earlier entries in Nintendo’s long-running series.
42. Gorogoa (Switch eShop)
The Switch’s eShop is saturated with bucketloads of high-quality content. This is great in one way, of course, but stumbling across hidden gems within it will get tougher as time goes on. Gorogoa is one such gem; a puzzle game quite unlike any other that deserves your attention. It is a little on the short side, but the creativity that has been put into its design, and the effect it will have on you during your time exploring its gorgeous world, is something that you’ll want to experience. If you’re looking for something new to try, this would be an excellent choice.
41. Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers (Switch)
If the only question you have prior to playing Ultra Street Fighter II is "I want to know if this is the ultimate version of Street Fighter II", then chances are you're going to come away impressed. The gameplay is as tight and enjoyable as ever, and there's a simplicity to the game engine which makes it incredibly appealing. Sadly, Capcom's attempts to add value to this likeable yet aging template fall totally flat. Buddy Mode is so brief it borders on being pointless, while Way of the Hado – complete with its laughable motion controls – is something you'll only fire up once. Unfortunately, Ultra Street Fighter II represents Capcom at its most lazy and exploitative; this really should have been a low-cost digital download. It's still a fantastic one-on-one fighter, but if you need another version of this game in your life, you should perhaps explore cheaper options.
Comments 48
I really REALLY want another Pokkén game for the Switch.
Missing Pinball FX3 and the Metal Slug trilogy but that'll do.
This is great! I can go through and see what I missed!
3. XC2
2. Super Mario Odyssey
1. BotW
Imo
where's Slime-san?????
Forget going back to 2017, let's see some progress! Let's see BotW's formula merge with the traditional LoZ story, a Splatoon that puts its best foot forward in terms of multiplayer, some actual plot advancement for Mario, a Mario Party that actually plays like one, SMM2 getting the rest of its missing content beyond playing with friends, a new Bomberman that lets you customize multiplayer ala Generation (if you want), and other worthwhile surprises!
I'm slightly shocked by just how many of these I own, whether on Switch or WiiU/3DS. Most are great, but quite a few are in my backlog anyway...
2017 was an amazing year for people who owned both Switch and PS4. Horizon: Zero Dawn. NieR: Automata. Persona 5. Danganronpa V3. Yakuza Zero. Resident Evil 7. Breath of the Wild. Super Mario Odyssey. Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Splatoon 2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
3DS saw Etrian Odyssey V, a major Fire Emblem remake, and a remake of Metroid II.
Heck, even PC/Xbox got some action via the incredible Cuphead.
2017 was the best gaming-related year since the turn of the century.
But, of all those, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is still arguably tops for me. One of the best games I've ever played.
Many games on this list are somehow still on my backlog of games I have yet to grab for the Switch. It's almost 2020 and I still haven't even played Xenoblade yet!
Wait, 2017 is over? Someone should have told me!
Oh I wonder what #1 is? For the BILLIONTH TIME.
Skyrim should be in the top ten imo, but yeah this just goes to show what an awesome first year the Switch had.
But where's astral chain?
Pretty decent list but Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle should be higher. Even in 2019 it's still my favorite Switch game.
A magical year it was
@Yoshinator ahh my bad, thought it was just an ongoing list being updated!
For me Steamworld Dig 2 is a really underrated game, to only be 10th on this list! Personally, i'd put it 4th or 5th.
I bought my Switch for the special reason of owning Mario And Rabbids Kingdom Battle and that was easily my top game for the year too.
That top 5 list is gold. I would've put Mario and Rabbids a lot higher.
I always felt like Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was hugely overrated.
For me BotW really was the high note of the gaming that year.
And it won Game of the Year, which sealed its success in the gaming history.
There were some fantastic games but thank goodness that 2018 and then 2019 happened. I only care for a handful of these games.
Some great games on the list but some garbage as well
Happy ARMs at least made the top 20.
Feel that game is getting to Kid Icarus Uprising level of underrated.
@JayJ totally agree on XC2, cant stand the combat system.
"Unfortunately, Ultra Street Fighter II represents Capcom at its most lazy and exploitative"
Boy, that's REALLY saying something considering Capcom's output on Switch so far.
One of the best years in the history of Nintendo consoles! Mind you...this year is pretty wonderful too!
I'll give Brave Dungeon + Dark Witch's Story: COMBAT a mention since while it isn't a "big" JRPG, it does well for everything it tries to do and I had fun with it as a result...which is what I can say for the Brave Dungeon part.
@Kalmaro Me too.
2017 was a fantastic year on Switch; Mario Odyssey, Blaster Master Zero, Mighty Gunvolt Burst and Doom were all superb and I’ve replayed all of them multiple times since (I’m actually replaying Odyssey now after finishing Link’s Awakening).
2017 was indeed a great year for gaming.
With Mario Odyssey, NL talk about how ’post-credits it takes on a life of its own’. Aren’t you just revisiting all the same levels looking for more moons? Or am I missing something? To me, post-credits felt like I was repaying the game all over again, and so I stopped after a couple of worlds.
Best Nintendo Switch games. Sees ARMS. Something is not right here.
2017 Switch library was fantastic and the following 2 years haven't come close to beating it. 2019 may have beaten it if the first half of the year wasn't so empty though.
@Bondi_Surfer There's a few new kingdoms in the postgame too, you just need enough moons to travel to them.
Was the absolute best year of my gaming life. Intelligent release schedule; new exciting games that all seemed to have a mandate of "lets to evolve the franchise"; surpise hits like Mario Rabbids; exiting and well executed 3rd party ports. 2018 pooped on that and 2019 met 2018 and 17 halfway by having a horrible release schedule, but eventually focused on new games offering evolved experiences. No clue what 2020 but Im guessing it meets 2018 and 19 halwayd meaning more ports again, a better than 19 release schedule with some new experiences tossed in.
But which is the best year for the Switch- 2017, 2018, or 2019?
ARMS hit top 20!!!
Zelda and Mario Odyssey are still the best games on Switch after 2.5 years. Kinda disappointed to say that, but it also does speak volumes to their excellence.
The first year of games for Switch really was killer! Just look at that top 5 there, those 5 games alone will be remembered for years and years, and there are a LOT of other absolute gems on this list.
The Switch has continued to get one good game after another. I have over 100 games for my Switch at this point, I can't remotely keep up anymore.
You won't see a better top 3 games in a single year ever again.
@Grumblevolcano I think it’s hard to beat a year that has two of the best games of all time plus a really good supporting cast, but 2019 has been really good.
I love countdown lists. Please do 2018 and 2019
@Kalmaro Yea, Pokken is fantastic, and a great foundation for a new, more fleshed out release. Alarming levels of depth.
I’ve got just over half of these games at 26 out of 50. I don’t want to admit how many I’ve actually finished haha.
@JEM 2017 is still a much better year than 2019. A lot of those are hype titles that won't be remembered.
I will never forget 2017 it's when I bought my first switch and got Mario odyssey on release night with splatoon 2 I binged Mario odyssey and fell in love again with gaming and looked forward to all the releases after and the Nintendo directs and e3s . 2019 has been good for switch with good games too lost my mom this year though and she is to go with me to gamestop so its bitter sweet happy gaming everyone and let's look forward to new awesome games to come
@MrGawain 2017 imo this year would beaten it if animal crossing wasnt delayed and December wasnt so dry this year
@Nintendonerd12 I am sorry to hear about your mom, that is a great memory of her going to the game store with you.
Like you, I got my switch in 2017 and got Odyssey at midnight. And we agree that we love gaming on the switch.
Happy gaming, friend, and I wish great strength for you!
@koaeinferno you're absolutely right.
It should have been in the top 10.
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