Super Mario Odyssey is the best game available on Nintendo Switch, and just might be my favorite game of the year. It isn’t just a masterclass of level and sound design, it’s a celebration of the Super Mario franchise, and one of helluva celebration to take part in.

Tetris Effect: Connected is an outstanding iteration of the beloved puzzler, featuring unique levels with mind-boggling visuals. Playing docked doesn't look as great as in handheld mode (particularly on Switch OLED) due to Switch resolution differences, but that doesn't detract from the overall experience. If you're after a fantastic puzzle game on Nintendo Switch, then Tetris Effect: Connected is an easy recommendation.

Hades is a nearly perfect game that excels in every area, be it story, voice acting, music, game design, or dog petting. It's a roguelike action adventure game that values repetition and rewards the player for enjoying it more.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is easily one of the greatest games on the Nintendo Switch. While it may not have the best graphics on the handheld, its mere breadth makes it one of the deepest experiences in the library. Like any great session of D&D or other tabletop role-playing games, it engrosses the player in its setting and characters to the point that you’re able to fully escape into its world. While it may be overwhelming at first, there are dividends to those that decide to make the commitment.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps improves upon the already great foundation set out by Ori and the Blind Forest. Its map is brimming with details and secrets to discover while new weapons and movement abilities create real depth to both combat and platforming. Ori’s journey through Niwen is filled with emotional ups and downs that all feel earned and act as the perfect payoff for fans of the series. The injection of RPG elements like upgrades, side quests, and even a hub area to get attached to all anchor you to this gorgeously realized world, and the fantastic conversion to Switch means that you won’t be missing out on a thing. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the best 2D platformers on Switch and a game that shouldn’t be missed.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a great party game that has a beating heart of a really complex fighter within it. It’s faster, prettier, and jam-packed with content. While the single-player World of Light mode disappointed, every other aspect of the game is showered with tender love and care. Not only is it the best Smash Bros. game of all time, but it makes me ponder on how Nintendo will top this in future iterations. I suspect that this is a game most Switch owners will be keeping on their micro SD card for years to come.

It’s without a doubt, one of the greatest action games in the past decade.

Overall, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an excellent package. The entire DLC and battle mode, in addition to the base game, makes Mario Kart Deluxe well worth its price tag. However, fans who own the original title and are short on change may come away a bit disappointed with Deluxe. $60 is a lot to ask for a game that you already own, and other than battle mode there isn’t much to justify buying the game again. Nevertheless, as a standalone title, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands out as an exemplary buy for your new Nintendo Switch console. Deluxe’s gorgeous visuals, variety of modes, and excellent kart racing gameplay will make it a title you continue to come back to for months.

While the game is short, the journey is worth it. The art is breathtaking and the gameplay is fun and unique, with some puzzles and enemy encounters that might make you think for a minute before a successful solution or escape.

Shovel Knight and its two expansions feature expertly crafted levels and mechanics, as well as music and visuals that will put a smile on your face. Though it is unfortunate that Switch owners are forced to put an extra $10 down to play a “free” expansion, those that do choose to pick up the package will find it well worth playing, no matter the price.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons ultimately helped me better appreciate the importance of being able to spend time with others. With or without a pandemic, this is one of the best games to have graced Nintendo Switch yet. It’s the purest and most engaging form of Eguchi’s vision, and there’s an unparalleled belonging and meaning that’ll draw me back in for a long time to come.

Simply put, Bastion is an indie masterwork. It fits right at home on the Nintendo Switch, being exactly the type of game suitable for mobile play. The gameplay’s simplistic nature makes it an easy game to hop in and out of on the go. And the optional challenges highlight the game’s thrilling and addictive combat, making it easy to come back to over and over again. My only regret is that I didn’t acknowledge this game sooner. Any gripes I might have towards Bastion seem nitpicky at this point. Seven years ago, Supergiant Games delivered a solid action RPG title. Now, it gets another chance to bask in the sun thanks to the Nintendo Switch.

It’s impossible not to be impressed with the second round of DLC: in every way, it either lives up to or even surpasses even the original game, gives tons of content, and does so all while expanding the possibilities of Mario Kart for the future.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition takes a Wii RPG that was years ahead of its time and gives it new life and the visuals it deserved a decade ago. This is a must-play JRPG full of iconic characters, immersive environments, and addictive combat. There may be some minor technical and visual issues with this re-release, but they're outweighed by the brilliance of the new content and the inarguable timelessness of Xenoblade Chronicles.

The entire experience is an homage to the classic video game that often does the right thing. While there are so many instances of greatness found throughout the 6-7 hour campaign, problems dealing with some of the core features of the genre hinder the overall experience.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury offers two equally fantastic modes with different styles of gameplay. There is a ton of content spread out across both games, providing you with hours' worth of playtime for solo or co-op play.

I have never beaten a sixty-hour game and immediately wanted to jump back in for round two. Fire Emblem: Three Houses pulls you in with its rock-solid grid-based combat. But it keeps you invested by offering rich characters, deep squad customization, and an enthralling story that keeps you guessing. It’s is easily the best RPG of 2019—so far.

Death's Door is a delightful action-adventure indie. It has a lot of heart, great combat, and fantastic exploration, though its difficulty and lack of a map can be off-putting.

Boot up TowerFall, and the ultra-intense matches will be an instant hit with your friends. Before you know it, it’ll be two in the morning and still nearly impossible to set the controller down. If you indulge in local multiplayer at all, this is one of the best games that your money can buy, indie or otherwise. TowerFall has always been an all-time great local multiplayer title–that has not changed on Switch.

Mr. X Nightmare is a fun expansion for Streets of Rage 4. The Survival Mode has a lot of replay value, and the new fighters are amazing additions to the roster.

This is an incredible tool – it lets you create and test with exceptional ease, all without sacrificing the number of possibilities or sense of professionalism in the finished product. Super Mario Maker truly offers you more or less everything you need to create the level of your dreams.

Dusk is a fast-paced, fun retro FPS. Its weapons and enemies are well thought-out, and its gameplay shines above its muddy colors and occasional monotonous levels.

Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition is fantastic–one of the best games on Switch indie or otherwise. You are doing yourself a disservice by not playing it. A wonderfully unique and ensnaring world boasting beautiful sounds and imagery is complemented perfectly by the incredibly smooth combat. On top of the portability and smooth performance, the special edition tune-up offers some peripheral new content for returning players such as new items and outfits. Abylight should be commended for this marvelous porting job, and Heart Machine deserves all of the praise they have received for this magnificent game.

I can’t recommend What Remains of Edith Finch enough if anyone has yet to play it. With so many incredible games that are currently coming to Switch, it’s important to support the special titles coming from publisher Annapurna Interactive. Its explorations of loss and tragedy left me emotional on numerous occasions, yet it also holds an uplifting and edifying emotional core. This experience remains undiminished thanks to a comprehensive port that doesn’t make any drastic sacrifices to the performance and visuals. As far as I’m concerned, it’s required reading for those passionate about storytelling in video games.

Unsighted is an ambitious action RPG. The combat and exploration are thoroughly rewarding. However, the time limit and stamina meter are a bit grating.

The first all-new 2D Metroid in 19 years was well worth the wait. Its movement, combat, and environments are all top-notch, and the pacing will keep you hooked all the way through the end. The story is a wild ride that expands on interesting ideas from Fusion and Samus Returns in meaningful ways. There are a few technical hiccups, frustrating level design choices, and repeated mini-bosses, but my enthusiasm was never swayed thanks to a steady stream of exciting and memorable moments that kept my hands glued to the controller until the credits rolled. Dread is a stellar sequel to Fusion and a triumphant return that easily ranks among the best in the 2D series.

Ultimately, the replay value of Super Mario Maker 2 is an infinity symbol. There is just an insane number of variables that ensure inventive new levels will be created for years to come. Likewise, player rankings and unlockable costumes incentivize players to keep going. And when you start to get fatigued, you can always hop back into Story Mode to relax and recharge. Annoyances like imperfect building controls and laggy online play put a slight damper on things, but they’re not deal-breakers. Super Mario Maker 2 is a mandatory Mario experience.

Monster Hunter Rise manages to continue the series trend of delivering an excellent action RPG while also offering meaningful rewards and addicting gameplay. The game's new additions such as the Palamute and Wirebugs add more depth to what was an already solid foundation. Kamura Village is downright gorgeous, with the surrounding areas teeming with monsters both new and old. I'm excited to continue to play the game for the foreseeable future, playing online with my friends and completing what seems to be nearly endless content.