Nintendo Switch Exclusive Games: Reviewing 58 True Exclusives You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Game Details:

• Genre: Action-Adventure / Open World

• Release Year: 2017

• Developer: Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Single-player

Breath of the Wild wasn’t just a system seller—it redefined open-world game design. Set in a version of Hyrule stripped of linearity, the game gave players an unparalleled level of freedom from the moment they stepped off the Great Plateau. Shrines replaced dungeons, cooking replaced static health items, and weather wasn’t just cosmetic—it could kill you.

It’s rare for a launch title to stay relevant years after release, but Breath of the Wild continues to be one of the most praised and studied games in modern gaming history. Whether it's the physics-driven puzzles or the sheer beauty of exploring its vast landscapes, this game elevated the franchise—and became the soul of the Switch itself.

Super Mario Odyssey

Game Details:

• Genre: 3D Platformer

• Release Year: 2017

• Developer: Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local Co-op

After years of Mario exploring linear 2D paths or the occasional galaxy, Super Mario Odyssey brought back the sandbox magic of Super Mario 64 and Sunshine. The addition of Cappy, Mario’s hat-turned-companion, allowed players to possess enemies and objects, opening a wildly creative spin on traversal and puzzle-solving.

Each kingdom is dripping with personality—from the photorealistic New Donk City to the Mexican-inspired Sand Kingdom. The game doesn’t rely on nostalgia alone—it reinvents Mario at every turn. It’s joyful, strange, and endlessly replayable. And despite Mario’s massive popularity, Odyssey never got a PC or multi-platform release, staying loyal to the Switch alone.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Game Details:

• Genre: Life Simulation

• Release Year: 2020

• Developer: Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Single-player, Online Multiplayer, Local Co-op

In the middle of a global lockdown, Animal Crossing: New Horizons arrived and offered peace. Players created their own island communities, fished, decorated, and socialized—digitally, when they couldn’t in person. Its real-time calendar system and daily progression made it a ritual more than a game.

But underneath its laid-back exterior is a complex infrastructure of economy, design, and long-term planning. It’s soothing, yes, but also endlessly engaging. No surprise that it became one of the best-selling Switch titles, and yet, it remains a true exclusive to the platform, never leaving Nintendo’s walled garden.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Game Details:

• Genre: Fighting

• Release Year: 2018

• Developer: Sora Ltd. / Bandai Namco Studios

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local/Online Multiplayer

This isn’t just another sequel. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the culmination of decades of work—a celebration of not just Nintendo’s legacy, but gaming itself. Every previous fighter returned. Dozens more joined. From Cloud to Banjo-Kazooie to Sephiroth, the roster became a museum of interactive history.

Mechanically refined, lightning-fast, and brimming with content, it’s not just the best Smash game—it’s one of the greatest fighting games ever made. And it’s only available on Switch, despite featuring characters from rival platforms. That paradox is part of its magic.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Game Details:

• Genre: JRPG

• Release Year: 2017

• Developer: Monolith Soft

• Player Modes: Single-player

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 continues the studio’s reputation for massive worlds, layered combat, and rich storytelling. This time, the world is built on the backs of titans—literal creatures that carry entire nations on their spines. The character designs sparked debate, but the combat system and world-building were deeply praised.

It’s a long, dense experience, not for casual players, but for those who want to sink into another world. The fact that it remained a Switch-exclusive, with no PC version ever released, is testament to how deeply it’s tied to Nintendo’s ecosystem.

Splatoon 2

Game Details:

• Genre: Online Multiplayer Shooter

• Release Year: 2017

• Developer: Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Single-player, Online Multiplayer

Nintendo took a risk with the original Splatoon, and the sequel refined it brilliantly. Rather than focusing on kills, matches are won by painting the most ground—flipping the competitive shooter formula on its head. Splatoon 2 added more maps, weapons, and customization, becoming a multiplayer mainstay on the Switch.

It’s fun, stylish, fast, and very much Nintendo at its most playful. And like its predecessor, it stayed a permanent exclusive.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Game Details:

• Genre: Tactical RPG

• Release Year: 2019

• Developer: Intelligent Systems / Koei Tecmo

• Player Modes: Single-player

Blending school life sim with strategic combat, Three Houses reinvented Fire Emblem for a new audience. Teaching your students, forming bonds, then leading them into life-or-death tactical battles—it brought emotion to every sword swing.

Its branching paths and multiple storylines encouraged replays, and its deeper character focus brought fans who never touched the franchise before. It’s one of the highest-regarded strategy RPGs on the platform, and it’s available only on Nintendo Switch.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Game Details:

• Genre: Action-Adventure / Open World

• Release Year: 2023

• Developer: Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Single-player

As a follow-up to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom had the impossible task of living up to a modern masterpiece. But somehow, it didn’t just meet expectations—it expanded upon them in ways few anticipated. Sky islands, subterranean chasms, and a new set of construction-based mechanics turned the physics system into something players could bend and reshape freely.

Creativity exploded in this sandbox, from makeshift vehicles to absurd combat strategies. The tone was darker, the world more layered, and the possibilities endless. Despite global anticipation, it remains a Switch-only experience—no PC port, no cross-gen version.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Game Details:

• Genre: 3D Platformer

• Release Year: 2022

• Developer: HAL Laboratory

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local Co-op

For the first time, Kirby leapt into full 3D with Forgotten Land, a post-apocalyptic adventure that kept the charm but added depth. The mysterious ruined cities and abandoned shopping malls made for an oddly melancholic backdrop, but Kirby’s copy abilities and transformations brought light and color into the desolation.

The game strikes a unique tone: innocent, sweet, and just a little eerie. It was a creative turning point for the pink puffball, and one that showed how old franchises could still reinvent themselves on Nintendo’s new hardware.

Metroid Dread

Game Details:

• Genre: Action-Adventure / Metroidvania

• Release Year: 2021

• Developer: MercurySteam / Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Single-player

After nearly two decades, the 2D Metroid saga returned—and Dread didn’t disappoint. With fluid animations, nail-biting stealth segments, and a tightly connected world design, it balanced classic Metroid exploration with modern polish.

Samus felt more powerful and agile than ever. And the E.M.M.I. robots added genuine tension, pushing players into improvisation under pressure. It wasn’t a nostalgic throwback—it was a full evolution, and it came exclusively to Switch.

Super Mario Maker 2

Game Details:

• Genre: Platforming / Creation

• Release Year: 2019

• Developer: Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Single-player, Online Multiplayer, Course Builder

Mario Maker 2 turned players into game designers. With even more tools than its Wii U predecessor, it allowed players to build full worlds—not just levels—and share them online. Whether you wanted to build death traps, artistic journeys, or clever puzzles, it gave you the playground.

While some expected a PC port or a mobile version due to its design-centric nature, it stayed entirely exclusive to Switch. That decision preserved the Nintendo touch—and made it the go-to creative hub for platformer fans.

Bayonetta 3

Game Details:

• Genre: Action / Hack and Slash

• Release Year: 2022

• Developer: PlatinumGames

• Player Modes: Single-player

After a long wait, the Umbra Witch returned exclusively to Switch in her most dimension-bending, chaotic form yet. Bayonetta 3 expanded the series’ action with kaiju-scale summons, parallel worlds, and even new protagonists. It didn’t hold back in spectacle or style.

Nintendo's funding and partnership kept the title exclusive, despite previous entries landing on other platforms. This time, the wildness was Switch-only.

Astral Chain

Game Details:

• Genre: Action / Cyberpunk

• Release Year: 2019

• Developer: PlatinumGames / Nintendo

• Player Modes: Single-player

Astral Chain introduced a dual-character combat system where you control both a futuristic cop and their chained “Legion” simultaneously. The aesthetic mixed neon dystopia with stylish anime overtones, and the gameplay was both deep and fast-paced.

It’s one of the most original IPs on Switch—complex, creative, and surprisingly emotional. Though it felt like a multiplatform title, it’s never moved beyond the Switch since its release.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Game Details:

• Genre: Racing

• Release Year: 2017

• Developer: Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local/Online Multiplayer

Technically a refined version of the Wii U’s Mario Kart 8, Deluxe became a different beast altogether on the Switch. With revamped battle modes, all prior DLC, and split-screen/local/online options polished to perfection, it became the ultimate kart racing experience.

Its exclusivity may be debated because of its roots—but Deluxe, as a complete package, never appeared on another platform. And it remains the best-selling Switch game of all time.

Fire Emblem Engage

Game Details:

• Genre: Tactical RPG

• Release Year: 2023

• Developer: Intelligent Systems

• Player Modes: Single-player

Where Three Houses leaned into narrative depth and school life management, Engage returned to traditional grid-based combat with flashy animations and fan service-driven mechanics. Players summoned heroes from past Fire Emblem titles, merging timelines and fighting styles.

The title streamlined the experience, built on the same Switch tech, and reinforced Nintendo’s commitment to making Fire Emblem a cornerstone franchise. To date, it remains a true Switch exclusive.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Game Details:

• Genre: Action RPG / Open-World Adventure

• Release Year: 2022

• Developer: Game Freak

• Player Modes: Single-player

Legends: Arceus took the Pokémon formula and finally broke it open. Gone were linear towns and random encounters—in their place stood vast, semi-open zones filled with wild Pokémon you could sneak up on, capture in real time, or battle without jarring transitions. It was refreshing, experimental, and risky.

Its storyline, set in the ancient Hisui region, offered a clever prequel to Diamond & Pearl. The atmosphere was quiet, almost lonely, and exploration took the spotlight. Despite its flaws in performance and visuals, this was Pokémon’s most daring departure—and it remains permanently exclusive to Switch.

Splatoon 3

Game Details:

• Genre: Online Multiplayer Shooter

• Release Year: 2022

• Developer: Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Single-player, Online Multiplayer

Building on Splatoon 2, this third entry sharpened its mechanics and added a rich campaign with post-apocalyptic flair. The ink-splatting turf war concept remained, but weapon customization, ranked modes, and story-driven Salmon Run missions made it a full evolution rather than a simple sequel.

The community stayed strong, with seasonal events and deep esports potential. With no ports or spin-offs elsewhere, Splatoon 3 remains fully rooted in the Switch ecosystem.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Game Details:

• Genre: JRPG

• Release Year: 2022

• Developer: Monolith Soft

• Player Modes: Single-player

One of the most emotionally mature and narratively dense entries in the Xenoblade series, Chronicles 3 pulled together threads from past games into a grand new story about war, freedom, and identity. The massive world, real-time battle systems, and voice work stood out as some of the best on the platform.

Even with high praise and sales, it never reached PC or other consoles. Nintendo knows how to protect its narrative epics, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is no exception.

Luigi’s Mansion 3

Game Details:

• Genre: Action / Puzzle

• Release Year: 2019

• Developer: Next Level Games

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local/Online Multiplayer

The third Luigi’s Mansion game brought Luigi to a haunted hotel with 17 differently themed floors, each one more creative than the last. From Egyptian tombs to disco dance floors, the game oozes charm. Gooigi—your slime-based sidekick—added co-op functionality and inventive puzzles.

It’s one of Nintendo’s best uses of cartoon animation and physics-based gameplay. And like its predecessors, it stayed entirely within the Nintendo family—no port, no remake, no multiplatform future.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Game Details:

• Genre: RPG / Open-World Adventure

• Release Year: 2022

• Developer: Game Freak

• Player Modes: Single-player, Online Multiplayer

Despite a rocky launch filled with technical issues, Scarlet & Violet marked a bold step toward fully open-world Pokémon gameplay. With multiple story paths, seamless environments, and co-op functionality, it felt like a massive playground.

The world design might not rival modern AAA standards, but its ambition was undeniable. It remains exclusive to the Switch, and even with its divisiveness, it shows how Game Freak is willing to change direction when given the freedom.

Tetris 99

Game Details:

• Genre: Puzzle / Battle Royale

• Release Year: 2019

• Developer: Arika

• Player Modes: Online Multiplayer

A strange but brilliant idea: turn Tetris into a 99-player battle royale. With a clean interface, competitive matchmaking, and Switch Online exclusivity, Tetris 99 reintroduced the classic to a new audience and made high-stakes puzzling into a fast, thrilling affair.

It’s digital-only, fast-paced, and endlessly replayable. And despite Tetris being on virtually every machine ever made, this particular version remains locked to Nintendo Switch.

Paper Mario: The Origami King

Game Details:

• Genre: RPG / Adventure

• Release Year: 2020

• Developer: Intelligent Systems

• Player Modes: Single-player

With a gorgeous papercraft aesthetic and clever folding-based combat, Origami King brought the Paper Mario series back into critical favor. Its ring-based battle system was divisive, but the writing, exploration, and artistic direction earned praise.

It was an emotional, whimsical, and genuinely funny game—proof that Nintendo still knows how to innovate within its long-running franchises. No ports, no remasters—only on Switch.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

Game Details:

• Genre: Platformer

• Release Year: 2021

• Developer: Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local/Online Multiplayer

While 3D World originally appeared on Wii U, Bowser’s Fury was a surprise addition—a short, fully open 3D Mario experience with dynamic weather, a huge semi-open map, and a terrifying kaiju Bowser. Together, the package felt like more than just a port.

Since Bowser’s Fury has never been released independently and the combined game is Switch-only, it qualifies as a permanent exclusive—especially with no signs of a standalone future.

1-2-Switch

Game Details:

• Genre: Party / Motion Control

• Release Year: 2017

• Developer: Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Local Multiplayer

Released alongside the Switch itself, 1-2-Switch was Nintendo’s attempt at showcasing the Joy-Con’s motion-sensing tech. Players faced off in quirky mini-games—from milking virtual cows to samurai sword catching—all while staring each other in the eyes, not the screen.

Though it was divisive critically, it remains a unique party experience that’s still exclusive to the platform. It helped establish the Joy-Con's potential, even if it didn’t evolve into a long-running franchise.

ARMS

Game Details:

• Genre: Fighting / Motion Control

• Release Year: 2017

• Developer: Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Single-player, Online Multiplayer

ARMS took traditional fighting mechanics and stretched them—literally. Players controlled fighters with spring-loaded arms, punching from a distance using motion or button controls. The game’s colorful cast, competitive mechanics, and surprising depth earned it a loyal fan base.

It never received a sequel, and despite fans hoping for a PC or mobile version, it remains a Switch-only title with a place in Smash Bros. history thanks to its character, Min Min.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon

Game Details:

• Genre: Action Adventure / Puzzle

• Release Year: 2023

• Developer: PlatinumGames

• Player Modes: Single-player

A soft prequel to the main Bayonetta series, this visually stunning spin-off tells a gentler, more mystical story of young Cereza and her first summoned demon, Cheshire. The gameplay mixes puzzle-solving and exploration, wrapped in a painterly fairy tale style.

Though stylistically different from the mainline games, it stands alone as one of the most distinctive entries on the Switch—and remains completely exclusive to the system.

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

Game Details:

• Genre: Board / Card / Table Games

• Release Year: 2020

• Developer: NDcube

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local/Online Multiplayer

A digital collection of timeless games like chess, backgammon, hanafuda, and more—Clubhouse Games offered one of the most relaxing and versatile gaming packages on Switch. It’s perfect for casual players or families, and the presentation is sleek and educational.

Nintendo has kept it entirely within the Switch’s borders, making it the definitive digital board game collection for the console.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes

Game Details:

• Genre: Musou / Action RPG

• Release Year: 2022

• Developer: Omega Force / Nintendo

• Player Modes: Single-player

A follow-up to Three Houses, this Warriors-style spinoff takes the characters and world of the original but reimagines the events in an alternate timeline. Fast-paced battles replace tactical grids, but story choices and character growth remain central.

Though Musou-style games often go multi-platform, Three Hopes didn’t. It remains a unique reimagining of a beloved title, found only on the Nintendo Switch.

Kirby Star Allies

Game Details:

• Genre: Platformer

• Release Year: 2018

• Developer: HAL Laboratory

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local Co-op

As the first Kirby title on the Switch, Star Allies played it relatively safe—but with polished visuals, four-player co-op, and charming new characters, it was a warm, accessible introduction to the platform for younger audiences and longtime fans.

Its exclusive home on the Switch continues, with no ports or re-releases announced to date.

Kirby Fighters 2

Game Details:

• Genre: Fighting

• Release Year: 2020

• Developer: HAL Laboratory

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local/Online Multiplayer

This spin-off brought a full roster of Kirby’s copy abilities into a 2D brawler format. While not as deep as Smash Bros., it’s fast-paced, fun, and uniquely Kirby in tone.

It was quietly released but quickly found a loyal following—and has never been made available outside the Switch eShop.

Kirby’s Dream Buffet

Game Details:

• Genre: Party / Platformer

• Release Year: 2022

• Developer: HAL Laboratory

• Player Modes: Local/Online Multiplayer

A light, competitive multiplayer game where players race and eat their way through dessert-themed obstacle courses. It’s fast, delicious, and extremely polished—even if it's bite-sized in content.

Perfect for short gaming sessions, and only playable on Switch.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe

Game Details:

• Genre: Platformer / Remake

• Release Year: 2023

• Developer: HAL Laboratory

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local Multiplayer

This remake of the 2011 Wii classic updated visuals, added new mini-games, and refined gameplay to modern standards. The core experience remained faithful, but the polish and extras made it feel fresh.

The Deluxe version is exclusive to the Switch, and Nintendo has not ported it elsewhere.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (2019)

Game Details:

• Genre: Action-Adventure / Puzzle

• Release Year: 2019

• Developer: Grezzo / Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Single-player

A complete reimagining of the original 1993 Game Boy classic, this version of Link’s Awakening retained the charm of the original but introduced a dreamy, toy-like art style that made the entire world feel handcrafted. With quality-of-life improvements, new secrets, and an in-game dungeon builder, it felt both familiar and fresh.

Though it’s a remake, the 2019 version remains exclusive to the Nintendo Switch and has not been ported or remastered elsewhere.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

Game Details:

• Genre: Tactical RPG / Strategy

• Release Year: 2017

• Developer: Ubisoft Milan / Ubisoft Paris

• Player Modes: Single-player

A bizarre but brilliant crossover between Nintendo’s Mushroom Kingdom and Ubisoft’s Rabbids franchise, Kingdom Battle turned Mario into a turn-based strategy hero. The grid-based combat, inspired by XCOM, was unexpectedly deep—and the humor landed surprisingly well.

Though published by Ubisoft, the game was developed as a Switch exclusive and has remained there since release, marking one of the rare third-party titles that is also a permanent exclusive.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Game Details:

• Genre: Tactical RPG

• Release Year: 2022

• Developer: Ubisoft Milan

• Player Modes: Single-player

Building on the success of its predecessor, Sparks of Hope ditched grid movement in favor of more fluid tactical gameplay. The addition of Rosalina, new enemy types, and even darker story threads gave this sequel a unique identity.

Once again, despite being developed by Ubisoft, it remains a full Nintendo Switch exclusive with no signs of cross-platform release.

Mario Golf: Super Rush

Game Details:

• Genre: Sports

• Release Year: 2021

• Developer: Camelot Software

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local/Online Multiplayer

Bringing Mario's golf legacy to the Switch, Super Rush introduced new modes like Speed Golf and Battle Golf—injecting chaos into a traditionally serene sport. While it didn’t reinvent the genre, it delivered a polished and fun arcade experience.

The game has never left the platform and continues to serve as the Switch’s definitive golf outing.

Mario Party Superstars

Game Details:

• Genre: Party / Board Game

• Release Year: 2021

• Developer: NDcube

• Player Modes: Local/Online Multiplayer

A nostalgia-fueled collection of boards and mini-games from the N64-era Mario Party titles, this entry felt like a love letter to longtime fans. With online play and quality-of-life improvements, it arguably outshines more recent entries.

Despite its throwback nature, the game remains exclusive to the Nintendo Switch.

Super Mario Party

Game Details:

• Genre: Party / Board Game

• Release Year: 2018

• Developer: NDcube

• Player Modes: Local/Online Multiplayer

The first Mario Party on Switch introduced motion-controlled mini-games, unique Joy-Con mechanics, and a big focus on couch co-op. While it lacked online features at launch, updates added them later.

It remains a permanent part of the Switch library, with no crossover to other platforms.

Mario Tennis Aces

Game Details:

• Genre: Sports / Arcade

• Release Year: 2018

• Developer: Camelot Software

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local/Online Multiplayer

Bringing fast-paced and technical tennis to the Switch, Mario Tennis Aces introduced a new energy bar system, character classes, and campaign content. Competitive yet goofy, it found a solid community both online and locally.

This entry remains exclusive and wasn’t released even on PC, unlike some other arcade sports games.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Game Details:

• Genre: Platformer

• Release Year: 2019

• Developer: Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local Multiplayer

An updated port of the Wii U platformer, this edition included both the base game and New Super Luigi U expansion, along with performance enhancements. Though not entirely new, this version has only appeared on Switch.

No cross-platform edition exists, making Deluxe one of the go-to 2D Mario games on the system.

Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! / Let’s Go, Eevee!

Game Details:

• Genre: RPG / Adventure

• Release Year: 2018

• Developer: Game Freak

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local Co-op

Designed as an entry point for newer fans and returning players, the Let’s Go games merged Pokémon Yellow’s nostalgia with modern graphics and simplified mechanics inspired by Pokémon GO. Catching Pokémon was now a motion-based event, and partner Pokémon followed you like old times.

Despite some initial skepticism, the games were a commercial success—and they remain exclusive to the Switch ecosystem.

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield

Game Details:

• Genre: RPG

• Release Year: 2019

• Developer: Game Freak

• Player Modes: Single-player, Online Multiplayer

The first mainline Pokémon entries developed for a home console, Sword and Shield introduced players to the Galar region, a U.K.-inspired landscape where Dynamaxing and stadium-style battles defined the competitive scene. While divisive due to its limited Pokédex and technical simplicity, it still set sales records and introduced popular new monsters like Dragapult and Corviknight.

Despite controversies, these titles formed the backbone of Pokémon’s eighth generation and never released beyond the Nintendo Switch.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Game Details:

• Genre: RPG / Remake

• Release Year: 2021

• Developer: ILCA / Game Freak

• Player Modes: Single-player, Online Multiplayer

A faithful remake of the DS classics, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl brought back the Sinnoh region with a chibi visual style and streamlined mechanics. While lacking some of the content from Platinum, they retained the original charm and challenge.

These remakes remain exclusive to Switch and were never released on mobile or PC, despite Pokémon’s expanding presence outside consoles.

Ring Fit Adventure

Game Details:

• Genre: Fitness / RPG

• Release Year: 2019

• Developer: Nintendo EPD

• Player Modes: Single-player

Combining exercise and role-playing elements, Ring Fit Adventure was Nintendo’s answer to fitness gaming. Using a resistance ring and leg strap, players explored worlds, fought enemies, and leveled up—all while doing squats, planks, and yoga poses.

It was a breakout hit during global lockdowns, showing Nintendo’s creativity in blending physical activity and storytelling. It's deeply tied to the Switch hardware and can’t be replicated on other systems.

Shin Megami Tensei V

Game Details:

• Genre: JRPG

• Release Year: 2021

• Developer: Atlus

• Player Modes: Single-player

Atlus returned to the core SMT series with a grim, post-apocalyptic Tokyo filled with demons and philosophical weight. Shin Megami Tensei V emphasized player choice, turn-based battles with high stakes, and atmospheric dread wrapped in haunting music.

Although Persona titles have gone multiplatform, this game has remained locked to Switch—making it a rare third-party exclusive in a major franchise.

Snipperclips

Game Details:

• Genre: Puzzle / Co-op

• Release Year: 2017

• Developer: SFB Games / Nintendo

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local Multiplayer

A charming launch-era indie co-developed by Nintendo, Snipperclips has players cut paper characters into shapes to solve physics-based puzzles. It’s simple on the surface but surprisingly deep, especially in multiplayer.

The tactile nature of the Joy-Con and its creative co-op mechanics have made it a standout for parties—and a true Switch-only gem.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Game Details:

• Genre: 3D Platformer Collection

• Release Year: 2020

• Developer: Nintendo

• Player Modes: Single-player

A limited-time release, this collection bundled Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy into one package with minor improvements and widescreen support (except for 64). Despite its minimal enhancements, the trio of classics carried immense nostalgic weight.

Because Nintendo pulled the physical and digital versions from stores after a set date, it became a collector’s item. It was never released on PC or emulated officially, maintaining Switch exclusivity.

WarioWare: Get It Together!

Game Details:

• Genre: Microgame / Party

• Release Year: 2021

• Developer: Intelligent Systems

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local Multiplayer

This quirky party game had players controlling Wario and friends through microgames that last only seconds, with each character behaving differently depending on their ability. It added layers of strategy and chaos.

It’s bizarre, fast, and hilarious—perfect for short bursts or couch chaos. Like the rest of the WarioWare series, it remains exclusive to its Nintendo home.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

Game Details:

• Genre: JRPG / Remake

• Release Year: 2020

• Developer: Monolith Soft

• Player Modes: Single-player

This polished remaster of the 2010 Wii classic added a completely new epilogue, updated visuals, and quality-of-life changes. It brought Shulk and his journey into the modern age and introduced a whole new generation to one of the best JRPGs of its time.

Though technically a remaster, Definitive Edition has not appeared on PC or any other platform since its release. It remains a key piece of the Switch’s exclusive JRPG offering.

Yoshi’s Crafted World

Game Details:

• Genre: Platformer

• Release Year: 2019

• Developer: Good-Feel / Nintendo

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local Co-op

Following the hand-sewn aesthetic of Yoshi’s Woolly World, this entry reimagined the world with cardboard, tape, and household materials. With clever level designs that could be flipped and explored from multiple angles, it offered both simplicity and depth.

Its playful presentation and accessible gameplay made it perfect for younger players, yet satisfying enough for completionists. And it stayed exclusively on Switch from day one.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order

Game Details:

• Genre: Action RPG / Brawler

• Release Year: 2019

• Developer: Team Ninja / Nintendo

• Player Modes: Single-player, Local/Online Multiplayer

An unlikely but triumphant return of the Ultimate Alliance series—this time, published by Nintendo. Featuring a massive Marvel roster, comic-inspired visuals, and four-player co-op action, the game filled a unique spot on the Switch.

Despite Marvel’s multiplatform strategy, this game never appeared outside the Switch ecosystem. It’s a rare example of a licensed IP that remains a Nintendo exclusive.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

Game Details:

• Genre: Dungeon Crawler / RPG

• Release Year: 2020

• Developer: Spike Chunsoft

• Player Modes: Single-player

A remake of the GBA/DS original, this new edition introduced updated visuals and new gameplay mechanics, breathing fresh life into a fan-favorite spin-off. As always, you play as a Pokémon navigating randomly generated dungeons with a team of allies.

The art style and storytelling hit emotional beats, and it never made the leap to PC or other platforms—firmly staying in the Switch-exclusive catalog.

New Pokémon Snap

Game Details:

• Genre: On-Rails Photography / Adventure

• Release Year: 2021

• Developer: Bandai Namco Studios / Nintendo

• Player Modes: Single-player

A modern sequel to the N64 cult hit, New Pokémon Snap lets players explore lush biomes and photograph Pokémon in their natural habitats. The game feels peaceful, yet richly interactive, rewarding observation and timing.

With new courses, scoring systems, and editing features, it expanded upon the original idea beautifully—and never launched outside of Nintendo’s platform.

Ninjala

Game Details:

• Genre: Online Multiplayer / Action

• Release Year: 2020

• Developer: GungHo Online Entertainment

• Player Modes: Online Multiplayer

Ninjala combines free-to-play chaos with bubblegum-fueled ninja combat. With cartoon visuals and fast matchmaking, it carved out a niche audience of kids and younger teens. While it shares some DNA with Splatoon, its mechanics and art direction are distinct.

Though it feels like a title that could’ve launched elsewhere, it remains exclusive to the Switch.

Metroid Prime Remastered

Game Details:

• Genre: First-Person Adventure

• Release Year: 2023

• Developer: Retro Studios

• Player Modes: Single-player

This faithful remaster of the original Metroid Prime enhanced visuals, dual-stick controls, and audio to modern standards—without altering the soul of the original. It’s widely considered one of the best remasters of the decade, breathing new life into a GameCube classic.

Despite the original’s legacy, this remastered edition is only available on Switch.