The Best Switch Games of 2021

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – January 2, 2022

Which Nintendo Switch games impressed professional reviewers the most during the past year? We rank the best-reviewed Switch games released between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 by Metascore. Games must have at least 7 reviews from professional critics to be eligible for inclusion. (All scores listed here are from January 1, 2022.)

11 of 14 photo by Nintendo

89 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Metacritic's #1 Switch Exclusive of 2021.

(#3) In addition to a newly remastered Switch version of the 2013 Wii U platformer Super Mario 3D World—enhanced here with speedier gameplay, online multiplayer, and a new "Snapshot Mode" to record your moves—this 2021 compilation includes an all-new adventure, Bowser's Fury, set in a cat-themed open world where Bowser uses apocalyptic firestorms to attempt to thwart Mario.

“Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is easily the best Wii U to Nintendo Switch update we’ve seen yet. The excellent original adventure has seen a number of minor but impactful changes – such as the addition of online play and increased movement speed – but it’s Bowser’s Fury that proves the true highlight combining familiar elements from the likes of Super Mario 3D World and Super Mario Odyssey with some exciting fresh ideas.” —Nintendo Insider

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