25 Best Nintendo Switch Games: Gift Guide (2021)

View the best Nintendo Switch games to give as gifts for teens to adults in this gaming gift guide.

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mario kart toys racing around room
mario kart toys racing around room

Today, I will be going over 25 of the best and most popular Nintendo Switch games to give as gifts.

The best Nintendo Switch games to give as gifts include the global phenomenon Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the stellar Super Mario 3D All-Stars compilation, and so many more.

You came to the right place if you are looking for the best Nintendo Switch Birthday gifts, Nintendo Switch Christmas gifts, and Nintendo Switch game gifts for any Nintendo Switch player.

Let’s jump into the Nintendo Switch games gift list right now! But first, what is the Nintendo Switch?


If you are interested in checking out the most popular Nintendo Switch games everyone’s playing, you can find them by clicking here.


What is Nintendo Switch?

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Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console that acts as both a handheld gaming machine and a dedicated home console, developed by videogame manufacturer Nintendo.

The Nintendo Switch is essentially a tablet with detachable controllers that can be used on-the-go for portable gaming or be connected to the television at home for big-screen gaming.

The popular console is all the rage and is on its way to having sold 100 million consoles since its release in Spring 2017.

Nintendo Switch being a popular console has made it home to numerous titles that are perfect for gift giving.


25 Best Nintendo Switch Games To Give As Gifts

mario kart 8 deluxe link in a kart
Image: Nintendo

Let’s take a look at 25 of the best selling and most popular Nintendo Switch games that most Nintendo Switch owners will love and enjoy. Games selected are of the highest caliber.


1) Animal Crossing: New Horizons

animal crossing new horizons happy girl on boat with kappn relaxing
Image: Nintendo
What is Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect game to play and relax with after a long day thanks to its colorful visuals and relaxing gameplay.

Socialize with animal neighbors, craft tools and furniture, and explore the island in day-to-day life.

If you are a returning Animal Crossing player, you will also want to read about the top 9 things returning players need to know about Animal Crossing: New Horizons. These tips are essential to players jumping back into the series.

Why Animal Crossing: New Horizons Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for casual players, creative minds, and those looking for a relaxing experience.

Purchase Animal Crossing: New Horizons At Amazon.com


2) Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

What Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a stellar game to play with family members of all ages due to its Mario-themed visuals and light-hearted competitive gameplay.

The kart racing game includes tons of content, dozens of track, a variety of modes, and much more.

Why Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for racing fans and fans of Super Mario characters.

Purchase Mario Kart 8 Deluxe From Amazon.com


3) Minecraft

What Is Minecraft?

Minecraft is essential for anyone looking to create the world of their dreams.

Collect items, craft, build, explore, and fight monsters for hundreds of hours of fun.

Why Minecraft Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for Lego fans and fans of building, constructing, and using imagination.

Purchase Minecraft From Amazon.com


4) Super Mario 3D All-Stars

What Is Super Mario 3D All-Stars?

Super Mario 3D All-Stars includes three of Super Mario’s most iconic and fun three-dimensional adventures: Super Mario 64 from the Nintendo 64, Super Mario Sunshine from the Nintendo GameCube, and Super Mario Galaxy from the Wii.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a limited time release that will be available for sale until March 31st, 2021.

Why Super Mario 3D All-Stars Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for action fans and fans of 3D exploration games.

Purchase Super Mario 3D All-Stars From Amazon.com


5) Ring Fit Adventure

What Is Ring Fit Adventure?

Ring Fit Adventure is a unique cardio game from Nintendo that revolves around working out with included exercise equipment while going on an adventure, fighting enemies, and traversing a vibrant landscape.

Why Ring Fit Adventure Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for those looking to work out and fans of making workouts fun.

Purchase Ring Fit Adventure From Amazon.com


6) Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

What Is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the ultimate party-fighting game for the entire family that includes the most iconic and robust roster of videogame characters ever.

Play as popular characters such as Pac Man, Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario, Pikachu, Donkey Kong, Link, Zelda, Ryu, Ken, and over 70 more.

Why Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for party game fans and fans of fighting games.

Purchase Super Smash Bros. Ultimate From Amazon.com


7) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

What Is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a groundbreaking action exploration game set in a fantasy world that can be played for hundreds of hours and never gets stale.

Why The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for fantasy adventure fans and fans of series such as Lord of the Rings, The Witcher, Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons, and other fantasy fiction.

Purchase The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild From Amazon.com


8) Luigi’s Mansion 3

Luigi looking scared next to a green Luigi made of goo inside a hotel hallway
Luigi’s Mansion 3 | Image: Nintendo
What Is Luigi’s Mansion 3?

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a fun horror-themed comedic romp.

It’s solid cooperative play fun that revolves around Super Mario’s little brother Luigi as he captures ghosts in a hotel with top-notch cartoon inspired visuals.

Why Luigi’s Mansion 3 Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for siblings, relationships, and fans of puzzle solving and exploration.

Purchase Luigi’s Mansion 3 From Amazon.com


9) Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

Large dragon monster fighting a hunter
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate | Image: Capcom
What Is Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate?

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is an excellent action game with countless quests, monsters to fight, and gear to craft.

The game will last hundreds (if not thousands) of hours solo or with friends, hunting larger than life monsters in full-on boss fights.

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate also comes with free extra content that gives players over 1,000 free items to use in the game. Here is an article I crafted that details every free item available to new players.

Why Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for action fans, epic boss fight encounters, dinosaurs, and dense amounts of content that can last years.

Purchase Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate From Amazon.com


10) Pikmin 3 Deluxe

Small man with colorful Pikmin following him next to water
Pikmin 3 Deluxe | Image: Nintendo
What Is Pikmin 3 Deluxe?

Pikmin 3 Deluxe is a fun-for-the-entire-family adventure about solving puzzles, fighting enemies, and controlling a variety of cute creatures known as Pikmin to do your bidding.

This version includes a story mode that can be played by up to 2 people.

Why Pikmin 3 Deluxe Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for fans of exploration, puzzle solving, and cooperative adventures.

Purchase Pikmin 3 Deluxe From Amazon.com


11) Borderlands Legendary Collection

Borderlands art of sci-fi western characters with the Borderlands logo
Borderlands Legendary Collection | Image: 2K Games
What Is Borderlands Legendary Collection?

Borderlands Legendary Collection contains three acclaimed first-person shooters where the goal is to navigate a story set in a sci-fi western world while developing a character and gathering loot and tons of guns.

This trilogy pack includes Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.

*The game card contains Borderlands. A digital voucher for Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel is included that can be redeemed on the Nintendo Switch digital store.

Why Borderlands Legendary Collection Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for first-person shooter fans and fans of collecting items.

Purchase Borderlands Legendary Collection From Amazon.com


12) Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit

A family playing with real Mario Karts in a living room controlled by a Nintendo Switch
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit | Image: Nintendo
What Is Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit?

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is a revolutionary kit that allows you to play Mario Kart in the real-world via the Nintendo Switch screen.

The kit includes real parts to craft a Mario Kart course anywhere you want (bedroom, kitchen, living room, etc.) and software to play.

Why Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for those who enjoy constructing and racing games.

Purchase Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit From Amazon.com


13) Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

A large titan in a blue sky above a green field with a red sword stuck in the grass
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition | Image: Nintendo
What Is Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition?

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a first-class role playing experience that focuses on battling, traveling with companions, exploring a sci-fi world, and enjoying a fully voice acted story about saving the world.

Why Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for those looking for a dense single player experience at a large scale.

Purchase Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition From Amazon.com


14) Pokemon Sword and Shield

To legendary Pokemon with Pokemon Sword and Shield logos near them
Pokemon Sword and Shield | Image: Nintendo
What Is Pokemon Sword and Shield?

Pokemon Sword or Shield introduces new Pokemon, features, and more while also having the honor of being the first “mainline” Pokemon game on consoles and with high definition visuals.

Why Pokemon Sword and Shield Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for Pokemon fans, those who enjoy collecting, and fans of personalized gameplay experiences.

Purchase Pokemon Sword (or Shield) From Amazon.com


15) Minecraft Dungeons

Minecraft hero wielding a sword with creatures surrounding him
Minecraft Dungeons | Image: Xbox Games Studio
What Is Minecraft Dungeons?

Minecraft Dungeons is a solo or cooperative based action exploration game about traversing dungeons and using weapons and skills to battle foes with a Minecraft art-style.

Why Minecraft Dungeons Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for Minecraft fans and fans of cooperative games.

Purchase Minecraft Dungeons From Amazon.com


16) Super Mario Party

Super Mario and his friends floating against a rainbow party background with the Super Mario Party logo floating nearby
Super Mario Party | Image: Nintendo
What Is Super Mario Party?

Super Mario Party is Mario’s favorite digital board game that includes 80 new minigames for the entire family to enjoy and introduces an online mode for select games to be played with folks around the world.

Why Super Mario Party Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for family game night and fans of party games.

Purchase Super Mario Party From Amazon.com


17) Resident Evil Triple Pack

Four Resident Evil characters in scary looking locales
Resident Evil Triple Pack | Image: Capcom
What Is Resident Evil Triple Pack?

Resident Evil Triple Pack is a compilation of 3 standout Resident Evil action-horror experiences: Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 5, and Resident Evil 6.

*Resident Evil 4 is included on the game card. Resident Evil 5 and 6 are digital vouchers to be redeemed through the Nintendo Switch digital store.

Why Resident Evil Triple Pack Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for zombie fans and fans of the horror genre.

Purchase Resident Evil Triple Pack From Amazon.com


18) Super Mario Maker 2

Very large Mario and Luigi wearing hardhats constructing a Super Mario Course
Super Mario Maker | Image: Nintendo
What Is Super Mario Maker 2?

Super Mario Maker 2 provides over 100 pre-made courses and allows creators to make nearly an infinite number of courses by utilizing a historic Super Mario Bros. tool-set.

Players can also share and play each other’s course via online sharing.

Why Super Mario Maker 2 Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for Minecraft fans, Lego crafting, and fans of constructor sets.

Purchase Super Mario Maker 2 From Amazon.com


19) Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition

Link in a green tunic walking towards the Master Sword stuck in a rock
Hyrule Warriors for Nintendo Switch (Wii U Image)
What Is Hyrule Warriors: Definite Edition?

Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition is a narrative-driven adventure game about stopping evil magic users set in The Legend of Zelda universe with the action-oriented gameplay mechanics of the series called Dynasty Warriors.

Includes multiple modes that can be played for hundreds of hours and cooperative play for up to 2 players.

Want to know a bit more about Hyrule Warriors? Check out these 10 epic Hyrule Warriors animated GIFs from my playthrough of the game. They must be seen to be believed!

Why Hyrule Warriors: Definite Edition Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for fans of The Legend of Zelda, Dynasty Warriors, action games, and cooperative play.

Purchase Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition From Amazon.com


20) WWE 2K Battlegrounds

An image of a bunch of cartoon wrestlers doing battle in a ring with the WWE 2K Battlegrounds logo overhead
WWE 2K Battlegrounds | Image: Take-Two Interactive
What Is WWE 2K Battlegrounds?

WWE 2K Battlegrounds is a wrestling simulator with cartoon graphics and arcade gameplay.

Select a WWE Superstar to do battle with other players in a variety of match types all based on the popular wrestling entertainment show.

Why WWE 2K Battlegrounds Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for WWE fans and fans of simple pick-up-and play fighting/party games.

Purchase WWE 2K Battlegrounds From Amazon.com


21) Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

An image of yto people playing a game on the Nintendo Switch screen with their fingers with other tabletop games surrounding them
Clubhouse Games | Image: Nintendo
What Is Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics?

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics is a digital compilation of 51 tabletop games from around the world such as Chess, Speed, Checkers, Backgammon, War, Ludo, and many more.

Read this handy article I wrote detailing all 51 games included in this package. I included pictures of each game for a visual representation of how each games looks.

Why Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for card game and tabletop game fans as well as those looking for the perfect game for family game night.

Purchase Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics From Amazon.com


22) Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition

A yong man and his friends looking pensive with maroon smoke surrounding them with pensive expressions on their faces, a screenshot from Dragon Quest XI S
Dragon Quest XI S for Nintendo Switch
What Is Dragon Quest XI S?

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition is a long and deep narrative adventure with anime visuals that focuses on adventure and battling as much as it does the relationship between each of the core main characters.

Why Dragon Quest XI S Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for anime fans and fans of long, engrossing stories.

Purchase Dragon Quest XI S From Amazon.com


23) Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town

A picture of a young farmer, his blonde female friend, and a bunch of animals in anime art style with the Story of Seasons logo to the left of them
Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town | Image: Marvelous
What Is Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town?

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town is a farming game about tending to crops, building up farmland, caring for animals, creating relationships, and marriage.

Why Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for social minded players, fans of farming simulators, Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and Harvest moon fans.

Purchase Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town From Amazon.com


24) Diablo 3: Eternal Collection

Two characters staring at a Skeleton King on its throne inside a crypt from a screenshot of Diablo 3 for Nintendo Switch
Diablo 3 for Nintendo Switch
What Is Diablo 3: Eternal Collection?

Diablo 3: Eternal Collection is an action game about selecting a character to do battle with hordes of undead alone or with a pal.

Collect loot and grow stronger in hopes of beating each stage until the final stage is reached.

Why Diablo 3: Eternal Collection Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for fans of supernatural and horror genres as well as those who enjoy action games and collecting a wealth of items.

Purchase Diablo 3: Eternal Collection From Amazon.com


25) Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory

Hercules and two other characters running along a path with enemies in front of them from a screenshot of Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory for Switch
Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory | Image: Square Enix
What Is Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory?

Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory is a rhythm action game about pressing buttons to the rhythm of dozens of tunes straight from the popular Disney/Square Enix series, Kingdom Hearts.

Why Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory Is The Perfect Nintendo Switch Gift:

Great gift for Disney, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and music game fans.

Purchase Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory From Amazon.com


Read More Great Articles

Now you know 25 great Nintendo Switch games to give as gifts for holidays, birthdays, and more.

Bookmark this site to stay up to date with even more Nintendo Switch gift guides, information, and tips.

Check out all Nintendo related articles on Bucket List Games.


(Screenshots taken by me. Images sourced from product pages, websites, or social media and are credited appropriately. Logos, images, etc. belong to their respective owners. All information current at time of publication.)

SOURCE: Nintendo

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Wally GX

Writer, creator Bucket List Games

Bucket List Games