Despite the overall unpleasantness of the year, 2020 saw a great number of amazing releases for the Nintendo Switch. So many, in fact, that the competition for the Top 10 has been hotter than ever! Check out Metacritic’s best-scored Switch titles below or by following this link to the full list featured on the site.
#10 – Heroes of Hammerwatch – Ultimate Edition
- Action/Adventure for up to 4 players
- Developer: Crackshell
- Publisher: Blitworks
- Release date: July 30
Encounter endless hordes of enemies, traps, puzzles, secrets and tons of loot, as you battle your way through procedurally generated levels to reach the top of the Forsaken Spire. Upgrade to grant your persistent heroes with various enhancements that will further help you in your quest, and even bring them to your friends’ game!
#9 – Huntdown
- Action/Arcade for up to 2 players
- Developer: Easy Trigger
- Publisher: Coffee Stain
- Release date: May 12
In the mayhem-filled streets of the future where criminal gangs rule and cops fear to tread, only the bounty hunters can free the city from the corrupt fist of felony. Lay waste to the criminal underworld and make a killing in this hard-boiled action-comedy arcade shooter.
Hunt solo or give suppressive fire and advance on the enemy together in co-op as you run, jump, and take cover in the neon-soaked, graffiti-strewn 80s inspired cityscapes.
#8 – Streets of Rage 4
- Arcade/Action for up to 4 players
- Developer: Dotemu, Lizardcube, Guard Crush Games
- Publisher: Dotemu
- Release date: April 30
Amongst the best beat’em up series ever created, jammin’ ‘90s beats and over the top street beating, the iconic series Streets of Rage comes back with a masterful tribute to and revitalization of the classic action fans adore.
The all-time classic Streets of Rage, known as Bare Knuckle (ベア・ナックル Bea Nakkuru) in Japan, is a beat ‘em up series known for this timeless gameplay and electronic dance influenced music. Streets of Rage 4 builds upon the classic trilogy’s gameplay with new mechanics, beautiful hand-drawn visuals and a God tier soundtrack.
#7 – Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition
- Single-player Adventure/Indie
- Developer: Cardboard Computer
- Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
- Release date: January 28
At twilight in Kentucky, as bird songs give way to the choir of frogs and insects, familiar roads become strange, and it’s easy to get lost. Those who are already lost may find their way to a secret highway winding through underground caves. The people who live and work along this highway are themselves a little strange at first, but soon seem familiar: the aging driver making the last delivery for a doomed antique shop; the young woman who fixes obsolete TVs surrounded by ghosts; the child and his giant eagle companion; the robot musicians; the invisible power company lurking everywhere, and the threadbare communities who struggle against its grip.
#6 – Super Mega Baseball 3
- Sports/Sim for up to 4 players
- Developer: Metalhead Software
- Publisher: Metalhead Software
- Release date: May 13
Run up the score in a relaxed slugfest or push the limits of your reflexes in this refined baseball simulator.
Super Mega Baseball 3 refines the series’ formula with the deepest on-field simulation yet, comprehensive offline and online play including Franchise mode and the newly added Online Leagues mode, and vastly improved graphics. New content includes revamped UI plus tons of new audio, team/character content, and stadiums with variable lighting conditions.
#5 – A Short Hike
- Single-player Adventure/Platformer
- Developer: Adam Robinson-Yu
- Publisher: Whippoorwill
- Release date: August 8
Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park.
Follow the marked trails or explore the backcountry as you make your way to the summit. Along the way, meet other hikers, discover hidden treasures, and take in the world around you.
#4 – Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
- Single-player RPG
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release date: May 29
Join the fight between man and machine in the definitive edition of this critically-acclaimed RPG
Discover the origins of Shulk as he and his companions clash against a seemingly-unstoppable mechanical menace. Wield a future-seeing blade, chain together attacks, and carefully position your party members in strategic, real-time combat as you journey across a massive world, only on the Nintendo Switch system.
#3 – Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Sim for up to 8 players
- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release date: March 20
Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.
Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online or with others beside you, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.
#2 – Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Single-player Action/Platformer
- Developer: Moon Studios
- Publisher: iam8bit
- Release date: September 17
From the creators of Ori and the Blind Forest comes the highly-anticipated sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Embark on an all-new adventure in a vast and exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to discover Ori’s true destiny.
Immerse yourself in a hand-crafted narrative experience with deeply emotional storytelling, strikingly beautiful environments, and a stunning soundtrack.
#1 – Hades
- Single-player Action/Adventure
- Developer: Supergiant Games
- Publisher: Supergiant Games
- Release date: September 17
As the immortal Prince of the Underworld, you’ll wield the powers and mythic weapons of Olympus to break free from the clutches of the god of the dead himself, while growing stronger and unraveling more of the story with each unique escape attempt.
A fully-voiced cast of colorful, larger-than-life characters is waiting to meet you! Grow your relationships with them, and experience thousands of unique story events as you learn about what’s really at stake for this big, dysfunctional family.
