15 Best Switch Games For Christmas 2022

Nintendo’s hybrid console makes such a good Christmas gift. But if the person you’re buying for already owns one, a new Switch game under the tree is just as good. The question is, which of the many, many games out there are worth purchasing? It’s a tough choice for someone not used to the ecosystem, but we live in it, so we’re here to help this holiday season. The following list is composed of the best Switch games for Christmas 2022.

The best part about Nintendo Switch games? They’re small enough for a stocking gift, but substantial enough to be an “end of gift wrapping” surprise.

To help with your shopping and to ensure the games you choose are age-appropriate, we included the rating. “E” games are made for everyone, “E10+” are best suited for players over 10 years old, “T” is designated for teen-appropriate games, and “M” means mature, or games riddled with violence and all that good stuff.

 

15. Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Age Rating: T
Developer: Monolith Soft
Publisher: Nintendo

If a game makes it to its third entry, that’s usually a good sign. Xenoblade Chronicles didn’t reach “trilogy” status by mistake. Its vibrant lands full of monstrous oddities lend for a good time, especially when players have to go toe-to-toe with them. Role-playing elements will keep players immersed in the experience as they unravel the truth behind the ongoing war.

There’s a ton of customization for the meticulous player, but even those that love to just get into the action will find some enjoyment in Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s real-time combat.

 

14. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Age Rating: E10+
Developer: Ubisoft Milan / Ubisoft Paris
Publisher: Ubisoft

It was an unlikely pairing that probably should have flopped, but the Mushroom Kingdom’s introduction to Rayman’s Rabbids proved a winning formula.

This brilliant sequel continues the antics with a bigger adventure featuring the chaotic Rabbids, Mario, and the plumber’s companions. When the safety of the galaxy is at risk, only one team can save it. And it’s one players can build to their specifications.

The turn-based combat may not appeal to those looking for action-packed firefights, but the whimsy of this quirky experience is hard to pass up. And who doesn’t love a new Mario Bros. game?

 

13. Mario Strikers: Battle League

Age Rating: E10+
Developer: Next Level Games
Publisher: Nintendo

Players take to the field in one of the most intense soccer games on the Switch. Mario and company go head-to-head in a version of soccer that promotes unsportsmanlike conduct, ruthless attitudes, and devastating power ups. Think Mario Kart, just in the form of soccer.

There are no rules on these fields, and the electrified fences are a good indicator of just how crazy things can get when Mario, Peach, Luigi, Bowser, and many more vie for the victor. Mario Strikers is a masterclass in hilarity whether played alone against the computer or versus a human opponent.

 

12. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Age Rating: E10+
Developer: Traveller’s Tales
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

For 17 years, Star Wars has dominated as arguably the best properties to get the LEGO video game treatment. The Skywalker Saga only continues that streak with a complete story that spans all movies in the original, prequel, and sequel trilogies. Follow the legacy of the Skywalker name from the very beginning to its most recent resurgence in an expansive LEGO experience.

This is the biggest LEGO game out there, with an expansive roster and a massively open world to explore. Of course, where’s the fun in exploring if you can’t get into a few space battles here and there? The Skywalker Saga has it all to appeal to Star Wars fans and LEGO aficionados to make this one of the best Switch games for Christmas 2022.

 

11. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Age Rating: E10+
Developer: Tribute Games
Publisher: Dotemu

The sewer-dwelling heroes are back in an all-new adventure that once again pits them against their most infamous villain, Shredder.

Designed in the style of the foursome’s arcade outings, Shredder’s Revenge is both nostalgia-inducing and brand-new. Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michaelangelo return as Shredder wreaks havoc across New York City. Familiar villains like Rocksteady, Bebop, Krang, and, of course, the Foot Clan take their places opposite the turtles.

Shredder’s Revenge also adds April O’Neil, Splinter, and Casey Jones as playable fighters, each hero coming equipped with unique attacks and specials. It’s a simple, straightforward adventure with a very high entertainment value.

 

10. Bayonetta 3

Age Rating: M
Developer: PlatinumGames
Publisher: Nintendo

The titular witch is back and better than ever in Bayonetta 3, the long-awaited sequel in this character action franchise.

Known for her flair, Bayonetta returns with her signature firearms, Witch Time manipulation, and those magical flowing locks known for doing a bit of damage. Frantic combat against a strange rogue’s gallery of enemies keeps players on their toes as they guide Bayonneta through her most dangerous quest yet.

Reality itself is on the line, and only the gun-slinging, hair-manipulating, time-slowing witch can step in and save the day. And she’ll do it all with style.

 

9. Splatoon 3

Age Rating: E10+
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo

Paint the town red in the stylish follow-up to Splatoon. Well, you may have to paint it purple. Or maybe even yellow, depending on what team you’re on.

In this third entry in the wildly popular Splatoon series, players enter the barren Splatlands where a new Turf War has unfolded between the mischievous Inklings. When the colors start flying, all there is to do is fire back and turn the world into a colorful mess.

Splatoon 3 can be played alone, but it’s quite a bit more fun with a friend to embark on some colorful chaos.

 

8. Persona 5 Royal

Age Rating: M
Developer: P-Studio
Publisher: Atlus USA

What if you could play a game riddled with high school drama and the qualms of being a teenager? How about if, in between it all, you followed your destiny, took on a mystical persona, and fought to reduce crime?

Persona 5 Royal, the definitive Switch port of Persona 5, thrusts players into the shoes of a high schooler setting out to clear his name. Like any average teen, he can enter a strange supernatural realm to combat the corrupted avatars of other people.

There’s a lot to unravel with Persona’s deep dive into the human psyche through turn-based combat and dungeon crawling. Royal expands upon the adventure with new characters and even more content.

 

7. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Age Rating: E10+
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Publisher: Nintendo

Everyone’s favorite adventurous pink ball returns in Kirby and the Forgotten Land, a fully-fledged 3D Switch escapade.

When the inhabitants of Dream Land are sucked through a vortex and deposited into a New World, only Nintendo’s vibrant hero can save the day. Kirby’s signature copy ability is in full swing as he explores a mysterious land riddled with hints of a forgotten civilization to save the Waddle Dees from the native Beast Pack.

Players can join forces through a local cooperative mode, with a second player joining as a spear-wielding Bandana Waddle Dee. With a friend or alone, Kirby must save the Waddle Dees, restore Waddle Dee Town, and stop the familiar foe backing the Beast Pack for good.

 

6. Neon White

Age Rating: T
Developer: Angel Matrix
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive

Some developers aim for innovation, and the concept behind Neon White indicates developer Angel Matrix really wanted to create something new and unique. Playing as the titular assassin, players are charged with ridding Heaven of a demon infestation as part of an annual competition. Beat out all the other sinners from Hell, and they may just earn their right to stay in Heaven.

Neon White focuses on fast-paced combat with elements of puzzle platforming sprinkled in to enhance the demon-slaying. Catering to solo players, Neon White features a quirky narrative with a host of assassins that may be able to help cure White’s amnesia, and while it may not be available physically, you can always give your loved one some gift cards to check Neon White out themselves.

 

5. Nintendo Switch Sports

Age Rating: E10+
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo

Considering the popularity of Wii Sports, it was inevitable Nintendo would dish out another sports simulation title.

Nintendo Switch Sports offers players six intense sporting events to tackle solo or with family and friends on Christmas morning. Tennis, bowling, and sword fighting return from previous installments, while new sports like soccer, volleyball, and badminton round out the roster.

Players also get to tinker with the new Sportsmates creation to build an avatar that has more detail than the original Miis. It’s very likely that more time will be spent crafting Sportsmates than actually playing the sports.

 

4. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Age Rating: E10+
Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher: Nintendo

Super Smash Bros. answers the question, “What if all Nintendo characters took up MMA fighting.” The result? A long-running series that players still covet today. Ultimate is a sizable entry in the series, boasting the largest roster of fighters to choose from. Players can go toe-to-toe with friends and family, combat a computer opponent, or test their skills in conflict-free practice sessions.

Using Nintendo’s paid service, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate owners can link up with friends online for long-distance brawling. Nothing says Christmas spirit like Mario walloping Mewtwo. Super Smash has a ton to offer players and is likely to be the best Switch game for Christmas 2022 that runs well into Christmas 2023.

 

3. Super Mario Odyssey

Age Rating: E10+
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo

As if the Mushroom Kingdom’s greatest hero hasn’t seen enough weird stuff, in Super Mario Odyssey, he befriends a sentient hat that can control his enemies. Including a massive t-rex.

When Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach for a forced marriage, Mario and his new friend Cappy set out to stop the nuptials.

The pair pilot the titular airship, following in Bowser’s wake to catch up to King Koopa. Odyssey sends Mario to all new worlds, including New Donk City, where the Italian plumber has a catchy tune written about him. To progress, Mario and Cappy must team up to find hidden Power Moons that power the airship. And even with Bowser defeated, there are still plenty of Power Moons to seek out and find.

 

2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Age Rating: E
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo

Welcome to your very own deserted island. Now get to finding resources, building lasting friendships, and developing your very own village.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a pretty simple concept that can pass hours of time if you get sucked into the life simulation experience. There are no death-defying missions or creepy monsters impeding your path. The only limit is the player’s imagination. And the resources they need to construct buildings and decor.

The game runs in real-time and undergoes seasonal changes based on the player’s actual location. It’s a first for the series and creates a dynamic environment that enhances the immersion and really makes players feel like they’re in their own little world.

 

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Age Rating: E10+
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo

Sometimes, it feels like a console is made for one specific game. When the Switch was released, that game was Breath of the Wild.

The Legend of Zelda is a name known even by people that haven’t picked up a controller in decades, and even today it’s as important as ever to Nintendo. Despite having been launched in 2017, Breath of the Wild still holds strong today, and anyone that hasn’t played it yet will appreciate the opportunity to finally do so.

With a sequel on the horizon, this gem under the tree doubles as the gift of anticipation for a new The Legend of Zelda game for Christmas 2023.

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