Dive into the captivating universe of Nintendo as we rank the top 10 best-selling Switch games that have garnered a cult-like following worldwide. From iconic characters like Mario and Zelda to contemporary classics like Animal Crossing, we explore these extraordinary games that not only broke sales records but also enriched the world of gaming. Strap in, as we embark on this thrilling odyssey to celebrate Nintendo’s greatest hits that have reshaped our understanding of what makes a truly compelling video game.
Table of Contents
Ring Fit Adventure
- Total Units Sold: 15.38 million
Nintendo, with its innovative Ring Fit Adventure, astoundingly proved to be an enormous sensation, a feat that was undoubtedly influenced by the pandemic lockdown. In an interesting twist of events, around six months following its official launch, the demand for this particular Switch game skyrocketed, often causing it to be in a constant state of being sold out.
During this critical period, a multitude of Nintendo Switch owners managed to maintain their fitness regimes, thanks in no small part to the engaging and physical nature of Ring Fit Adventure. An interesting anecdote is that the individual who curated the accompanying photo series was also a keen participant in the fitness craze, keeping in shape through the course of the pandemic with the help of this game.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
- Total Units Sold: 15.41 million
In the gaming world, who really needs fresh gaming experiences when one can derive equal pleasure and satisfaction from revamped versions of previous generation games? This idea was proven true with the case of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. Nintendo decided to reboot the popular Wii U platformer for its Switch console in 2019, and the strategy paid off handsomely.
The success was evident in the impressive figures – the game was purchased by over 15.4 million players, many of whom were likely rediscovering their love for Mario and his adventures. Thus, Nintendo’s calculated move in bringing a familiar and loved game back to life bore fruitful results, once again underscoring the enduring popularity of the Super Mario franchise.
Super Mario Party
- Total Units Sold: 19.14 million
We now shift our focus from one triumphant franchise to another. The eighth spot is claimed by yet another enthralling Mario title – Super Mario Party. This game catapults us into an exhilarating world of mini-games where you can go head to head with up to three other players.
While it’s true that the determining factor of victory in these games is often left to chance, the thrilling nature of the gameplay makes it an essential party game for all Nintendo Switch owners. This affable and easy-to-play game, despite its randomness, guarantees a good time and has thus found a place in the heart of many gamers, leading to its impressive sales figures.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
- Total Units Sold: 22.10 million
When it comes to the Pokemon franchise, it is intriguing to note that no previous generation has sold as swiftly as the current one. This statement holds true despite the rocky initial journey of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, which initially frustrated its buyers with a plethora of bugs and performance issues. The launch period was fraught with these challenges, much to the dismay of the eager gaming community who had waited in anticipation for the games’ release.
However, demonstrating their commitment to improving user experience, Nintendo worked diligently to address these issues. Over time, the company made significant strides in rectifying the bugs and improving overall game performance. As a result, the sales numbers experienced a significant upward trajectory, demonstrating the unwavering popularity of the Pokemon franchise.
Super Mario Odyssey
- Total Units Sold: 25.76 million
It might be hard to wrap your head around the fact that Super Mario Odyssey, with its state-of-the-art 3D adventures, is closing in on its sixth year of existence. This game, featuring our beloved digital plumber, Mario, continues to be a hit, and much of its enduring popularity can be credited to the fresh innovations it brought to the series.
One such innovation was the introduction of Mario’s faithful sidekick, Cappy. These unique gameplay elements ensured that Super Mario Odyssey remained relevant and appealing to both new and long-time fans of the franchise.
Pokémon Sword & Shield
- Total Units Sold: 25.82 million
Continuing the trend of having Pokémon games in the top 10 best-sellers, we have Pokémon Sword & Shield, a game that sparked a fair bit of controversy among players and critics alike. Despite receiving fairly high ratings from critics, including an 80 percent rating from Spieletipps, these games didn’t hit the mark with a significant number of Pokémon fans. Many players expressed dissatisfaction, feeling that Sword & Shield seemed like a rushed effort by the developers and didn’t truly live up to the grandeur that the franchise is known for.
Despite the criticism, it can’t be denied that Pokémon Sword & Shield managed to carve out a place as one of the top-selling titles for the Nintendo Switch. Whether it was adored or disputed, the fact remains that it has undeniably etched itself into the annals of Switch’s best-sellers.
The Legend of Zelda – Breath of the Wild
- Total Units Sold: 29.81 million
Even though The Legend of Zelda – Breath of the Wild was available right from the get-go when Nintendo Switch hit the shelves, it has managed to cement its status as one of the console’s most immersive open-world role-playing games.
With its compelling storyline, stunning graphics, and captivating gameplay, this game continues to enthral its audience, years after its initial launch. Looking to the future, it’s interesting to speculate whether the sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, will follow in the monumental footsteps of its predecessor, matching or even surpassing its popularity and commercial success.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Total Units Sold: 31.09 million
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, one of Nintendo’s internally developed software, has performed exceedingly well in terms of sales. This game holds pride of place in many Nintendo Switch collections, a testament to its vast appeal among fans of the beat ’em up genre.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate isn’t just another game; for many, it represents the pinnacle of what this genre has to offer, providing countless hours of exhilarating and challenging gameplay. If we are to be perfectly honest, we found ourselves equally captivated by the game during our initial review and testing phase, a sentiment that seems to be echoed by millions of players worldwide.
Animal Crossing – New Horizons
- Total Units Sold: 42.21 million
One of the unexpected winners of the global pandemic lockdown was Animal Crossing – New Horizons. With travel restrictions in place and people forced to stay at home, this charming Nintendo Switch game provided a much-needed virtual escape. It allowed gamers to indulge in delightful digital vacations, creating a safe and enjoyable refuge from the grim realities of the outside world.
However, the appeal of Animal Crossing wasn’t limited to its offer of virtual escapism. The game also provided long-term motivation for players to keep returning, thanks to its captivating gameplay and frequent content updates. These updates kept the game fresh and engaging, continually drawing players back into the delightful world of Animal Crossing, and played a significant role in its enormous sales figures.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Total Units Sold: 53.79 million
Some might argue it was fairly predictable to see who would ultimately reign supreme on the Nintendo Switch throne – it’s none other than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Indeed, nearly one out of every two Nintendo Switch owners has a copy of this highly popular game, contributing to its staggering sales numbers.
The enduring success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is hardly surprising when one considers its features. It’s not just an arcade racing game – it’s one of the console’s flagship titles. Its gameplay is easy to learn, making it accessible to gamers of all ages and skill levels. The fast-paced races keep players engaged, while the local multiplayer mode ensures endless fun when playing with friends. It’s these factors that make Mario Kart 8 Deluxe not just a game, but an essential part of the Nintendo Switch experience.
