Look, I’m a 90’s baby, I grew up watching my cousins and brother play video games — nonstop, as a kid! Which never made any damn sense to me. (Because do y’all not like sleep?)
And then when I briefly dated a gamer in High School, who spent most of his time playing video games (instead of talking to me or taking me out) I decided they weren’t my thing! And that I’d never date a serious gamer again. But things have changed over the last few years.
When the Nintendo Switch console was first announced in 2016, I immediately got the urge to buy one! I wasn’t into video games. But it was cute and colorful, and the advertisements posted everywhere alone brought me great joy. It was weird!
It took a few years for me to finally convince myself to pull the trigger and buy one though.
Specifically because I couldn’t fathom spending so much money on a thing I felt like I didn’t really need. So I didn’t buy a console until 2019.
I remember being so proud of my purchase! Despite not being what folks consider “a gamer girl”, I was excited to hook it up to our TV and play with my daughter.
But I had no idea what games I should buy for our new Nintendo Switch!
Thankfully, over the last few years, I’ve been invited to a few Nintendo events, so I’ve gotten to test out a bunch of games firsthand. So if you’re like me, a casual gamer who just got a Nintendo Switch, but has no idea what games you should buy, here are some of my faves.
Best Nintendo Switch Games To Buy If You’re A Casual Gamer
Okay, if you’re not a hardcore gamer, and only play video games in your spare time, this list is for you! I’m a single full-time working mom, so I don’t have much time for games.
But these are the games I love playing. So …
If You’re Playing Solo, You Can Buy These Nintendo Switch Games:
Pokemon Violet
I grew up watching and playing Pokemon, so when Pokemon Violet got announced, I was actually really excited to play this! Turns out the new Pokemon are super cute, but the game itself looks a little sketchy. I do love battling, catching, and giving my Pokemon cute nicknames though. So despite the terrible graphics, I continue to play it for the nostalgia.
But I’m pretty sure there’s a Pokemon game out there that looks more visually appealing? Hopefully, I’ll get to test more Pokemon Nintendo Switch games to find out!
Buy on Amazon: Pokemon Violet, Pokemon Violet (Digital Code)
Animal Crossing
Does anyone even play Animal Crossing anymore? I should probably get back to it. My character is probably starving! Hope it’s not like forgetting to feed a giga pet, or I can just let this game go. But we got this one during the pandemic, and it was nice having something simple and easy to play to pass the time. There aren’t any heart-racing moments in this game, so if you’re looking for something a bit less “intense” to play, this one’s it!
FYI – You can totally play this one with friends if you play on the TV, but I feel like most folks play this one solo? You tell me which you prefer.
Buy on Amazon: Animal Crossing, Animal Crossing (Digital Code)
If You’re Playing With Kids/Friends, You Can Buy These Nintendo Switch Games:
Just Dance
We currently have Just Dance 2024, and Just Dance 2020. (Just Dance was one of the very first games Nintendo ever sent us, and it’s been the game we’ve played the longest.)
Since my kid is a dancer, she loves playing Just Dance.
Unfortunately, Just Dance 2024 doesn’t look as great as Just Dance 2020. But we still have fun playing both versions. (The older version is a lot better in my opinion. But it doesn’t have today’s music. So if you need the new songs, you’ll be fine with the 2024 version.)
Buy on Amazon: Just Dance 2020, Just Dance 2024, Just Dance 2024 (Digital Code)
Nintendo Switch Sports
As frustrating as it is to play Volleyball in Nintendo Switch Sports, I still love playing this game! Especially bowling, and tennis, since I’m pretty good at those! But I’ve even gotten into playing GOLF! A sport, I thought I’d always hate! (I grew up thinking it was so boring, but boy was I wrong.) We don’t have the Nintendo Sports accessories below yet, but I’m thinking about getting it just so I can feel like I’m really playing golf. I’m determined to be a better golf player.
Buy on Amazon: Nintendo Switch Sports, Nintendo Switch Sports (Digital Code), Nintendo Switch Sports (Accessories)
Disney Illusion Island
If you’re a Disney lover (like moi) you’ll love playing Disney Illusion Island. When you’re not frustrated because you can’t figure out how to get to the next level. But despite how great you are at leveling up, this one is a cute game every Disney lover should grab.
Buy on Amazon: Disney Illusion Island, Disney Illusion Island (Digital Code)
Super Mario Bros Wonder
We recently got Super Mario Bros Wonder, which feels similar to the new Super Mario Bros Movie that recently came out, and love it. But some of these games are a little heart-racing! We had to put it down after dying a few times because I was pretty much screaming at the TV. I do NOT like dying … more than once, in a row. Okay?!
Buy on Amazon: Super Mario Bros Wonder, Super Mario Bros Wonder (Digital Code)
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games is one of the games we got early on, a few years ago, after getting our Nintendo Switch, and I also love this one for the nostalgia.
But what I love the most about this one, is that you can play sports games in two different versions! There’s a version that’s in color, and one in 8-bit, made to look like it was the Tokyo games from 1964. They’re both fun to play, and if you grew up watching the Olympic Games like I did, it’s cool to test out your ‘skills’ in this game.
Buy on Amazon: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
Sonic Colors
I’ll be honest — I don’t even remember playing this damn Sonic game. I just know that when we got it, I was excited because Sonic was one of those games I loved as a kid.
And now I wanna play it again! Maybe I will this weekend.
Buy on Amazon: Sonic Colors, Sonic Colors (Digital Code)
Big Brain Academy
Okay, this one’s on the list, but it’s really not my favorite. Big Brain Academy is one of the games that my daughter constantly requests to play when I don’t feel like doing a whole lot. Which, I’m not sure why since I always end up winning? But that’s her problem.
If it looks too educational for your downtime, don’t worry … they make everything timed so it’s actually pretty fun when playing with others, especially kids.
Buy on Amazon: Big Brain Academy, Big Brain Academy (Digital Code)
But yeah, those are the ones I currently have that are my fave.
We do have a few more Nintendo games, some that I don’t care for, and some we haven’t even played yet — like Zelda, and Detective Pikachu Returns!
Plus we have another Nintendo event coming up for the new Princess Peach Showtime game that I’m super excited for, because I saw a demo of it at our last event, and it looks so cool!
So I’ll keep adding games to this list, as we try them, so you know what you should get next. I’ll also test some accessories, cute controllers, and travel bags soon.
If there’s anything you’ve got questions about, just drop them in the comments below.