Top Nintendo Switch Games For Beginners

So, you've just snagged yourself a Nintendo Switch? Awesome! Getting into gaming on a new console can be super exciting, but also a little overwhelming. With so many games available, where do you even start? Don't worry, guys, I've got you covered. This guide will walk you through some of the absolute best Nintendo Switch games for beginners. These titles are easy to pick up, fun to play, and perfect for getting you acquainted with your new console.

Why These Games Are Great for Beginners

Before we dive into the list, let's talk about what makes a game beginner-friendly. Several factors come into play, including:

• Simple Controls: Games that don't require you to memorize a million different button combinations are ideal. Easy-to-learn controls mean you can focus on enjoying the game instead of struggling with the mechanics.
• Gentle Learning Curve: A good beginner game will gradually introduce new concepts and challenges, allowing you to learn at your own pace. No one wants to be thrown into the deep end right away!
• Forgiving Gameplay: Games that offer multiple difficulty options, frequent checkpoints, or ways to recover from mistakes are much less frustrating for new players. We all make mistakes, especially when we're just starting out.
• Engaging Story or Gameplay Loop: Let's face it, even the easiest game can be boring if it's not engaging. The games on this list have compelling stories, fun gameplay loops, or both, to keep you hooked from beginning to end.
• Accessibility Options: Many modern games include accessibility options that can make them easier to play for people with disabilities. These options might include customizable controls, adjustable text size, or colorblind modes.

Top Nintendo Switch Games for Newbies

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are my top picks for the best Nintendo Switch games for beginners, guaranteed to provide hours of fun and excitement:

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the quintessential beginner-friendly game. This chill life simulation game lets you create your own island paradise, catch bugs, fish, decorate your home, and make friends with adorable animal villagers. There's no pressure to do anything in particular, and you can play at your own pace. It's incredibly relaxing and a perfect way to unwind after a long day.

Why it's great for beginners:

• Simple controls: Moving around and interacting with objects is a breeze.
• No fail state: You can't die or lose the game. Just relax and enjoy the island life.
• Endless possibilities: There's always something new to do, from collecting items to designing your dream home.
• Social aspect: Visit your friends' islands and share your creations. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is more than just a game; it's a digital escape where you can express your creativity, build relationships, and simply enjoy the simple things in life. The game gently guides you through its various activities, from fishing and bug-catching to crafting and decorating. As you progress, you'll unlock new tools, recipes, and areas to explore, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. The villagers, each with their unique personalities and quirks, will become your virtual friends, adding a layer of social interaction to the game. Seasonal events and updates introduce new content and challenges, ensuring that there's always something new to discover, even after hundreds of hours of gameplay. With its charming graphics, relaxing soundtrack, and endless customization options, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect entry point into the world of gaming for beginners of all ages. The game's gentle learning curve and forgiving nature make it easy to pick up and play, while its depth and replayability will keep you hooked for months to come. So, grab your net, pack your bags, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable island adventure!

2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Who doesn't love a good Mario Kart game? Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the latest and greatest installment in the franchise, featuring tons of tracks, characters, and items. The controls are easy to learn, but there's plenty of depth for experienced players to master. Plus, the game is just plain fun, whether you're playing solo or with friends.

Why it's great for beginners:

• Easy to pick up and play: The controls are simple and intuitive.
• Variety of assists: Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate options help new players stay on the track.
• Multiple difficulty levels: Adjust the engine class to match your skill level.
• Tons of content: With 48 tracks and a huge roster of characters, there's always something new to discover. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe isn't just a great game for beginners; it's a fantastic game for everyone. Its accessibility options, combined with its inherently fun and competitive gameplay, make it a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. The game's colorful graphics, catchy music, and iconic characters create an immersive and enjoyable experience that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you're racing against friends and family on the couch or competing online against players from around the world, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers endless hours of entertainment. The game's item system, which allows players to use various power-ups and obstacles to disrupt their opponents, adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to each race. Mastering the art of drifting, boosting, and item usage is key to success in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but even beginners can enjoy the thrill of crossing the finish line in first place. With its simple controls, forgiving gameplay, and endless replayability, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the perfect game to introduce new players to the joys of competitive gaming.

3. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a delightful 3D platformer that's perfect for players of all ages. As Kirby, you'll explore a mysterious post-apocalyptic world, inhaling enemies and copying their abilities to overcome obstacles and defeat bosses. The game is colorful, charming, and incredibly fun to play.

Why it's great for beginners:

• Simple controls: Kirby's moveset is easy to learn and master.
• Forgiving gameplay: The game is relatively easy, with plenty of health and power-ups.
• Co-op mode: Play with a friend in local co-op.
• Charming world: The game's post-apocalyptic setting is surprisingly cheerful and inviting. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a breath of fresh air in the world of 3D platformers, offering a unique and engaging experience that's both accessible and challenging. The game's vibrant visuals, catchy soundtrack, and adorable characters create a world that's simply irresistible. Kirby's ability to inhale enemies and copy their abilities adds a layer of strategic depth to the gameplay, allowing players to experiment with different power-ups and find their favorite playstyle. The game's level design is clever and creative, with plenty of hidden secrets and collectibles to discover. Whether you're exploring abandoned cities, battling formidable bosses, or simply enjoying the charming world, Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers endless hours of fun. The game's co-op mode allows you to team up with a friend and tackle the adventure together, making it a perfect choice for families or groups of friends. With its simple controls, forgiving gameplay, and charming world, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a fun and engaging platforming experience.

4. Yoshi's Crafted World

Yoshi's Crafted World is a charming and creative platformer that's perfect for beginners. The game features a unique art style, with levels that look like they're made out of cardboard and other craft materials. The gameplay is simple and forgiving, with plenty of collectibles to find and secrets to discover.

Why it's great for beginners:

• Easy to control: Yoshi's moveset is simple and intuitive.
• Relaxing gameplay: The game is not too challenging, and you can take your time exploring each level.
• Beautiful art style: The game's crafted world is a joy to behold.
• Co-op mode: Play with a friend in local co-op. Yoshi's Crafted World is a delightful and imaginative platformer that stands out from the crowd with its unique art style and charming gameplay. The game's levels are meticulously crafted, with every detail made to look like it's been constructed from cardboard, paper, and other craft materials. This gives the game a distinctive and whimsical feel that's sure to appeal to players of all ages. Yoshi's moveset is simple and easy to learn, making it a perfect choice for beginners. The game's levels are designed to be explored, with plenty of hidden secrets and collectibles to discover. Whether you're searching for Poochy Pups, throwing eggs at enemies, or simply admiring the beautiful scenery, Yoshi's Crafted World offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The game's co-op mode allows you to team up with a friend and tackle the adventure together, adding to the fun. With its easy controls, relaxing gameplay, and beautiful art style, Yoshi's Crafted World is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a charming and creative platforming experience.

5. Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!

These Pokémon games are remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow version, but with updated graphics and gameplay. They're designed to be more accessible to new players, with simplified catching mechanics and a focus on exploration and companionship with your partner Pokémon.

Why it's great for beginners:

• Simplified catching: Catching Pokémon is easier than in previous games, with motion controls and simplified throwing mechanics.
• Partner Pokémon: Your partner Pokémon (Pikachu or Eevee) travels with you and can be interacted with, adding a layer of companionship to the game.
• Co-op mode: Play with a friend in local co-op.
• Nostalgia factor: For older players, these games offer a nostalgic trip back to the original Pokémon games.

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! are excellent entry points into the world of Pokémon for beginners. These games retain the core elements that make Pokémon so beloved while introducing new features and mechanics that make them more accessible and enjoyable for newcomers. The simplified catching mechanics, which involve motion controls and timed throws, make it easier to catch Pokémon without the need for complex strategies. The addition of a partner Pokémon, either Pikachu or Eevee, who travels with you and can be interacted with, adds a layer of companionship and personalization to the game. The game's vibrant graphics, charming characters, and engaging storyline create an immersive and enjoyable experience that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Whether you're exploring the Kanto region, battling gym leaders, or collecting Pokémon, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! offer a fun and rewarding experience for players of all ages. The game's co-op mode allows you to team up with a friend and tackle the adventure together, adding to the fun. With their simplified mechanics, charming world, and nostalgic appeal, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! are excellent choices for beginners looking to embark on a Pokémon adventure.

Tips for New Switch Players

Before you dive into these awesome games, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Nintendo Switch:

• Explore the eShop: The Nintendo eShop is your one-stop shop for digital games, demos, and DLC. Be sure to check it out regularly for new releases and sales.
• Try the Nintendo Switch Online service: This subscription service gives you access to online multiplayer, a library of classic NES and SNES games, and cloud saves.
• Customize your settings: The Switch has a variety of settings that you can customize to your liking, including screen brightness, volume, and button mapping.
• Protect your screen: Consider investing in a screen protector to keep your Switch's screen safe from scratches.
• Experiment with different control schemes: The Switch offers a variety of control options, including Joy-Cons, Pro Controller, and handheld mode. Find the control scheme that works best for you.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, guys! My top picks for the best Nintendo Switch games for beginners. These games are all easy to pick up, fun to play, and perfect for getting you started on your Switch gaming journey. Remember to take your time, explore different games, and most importantly, have fun! Happy gaming!