5 Must-Play Nintendo Switch Exclusives for 2023

Nintendo Switch has a brimming library of top-notch games that can keep you hooked for hours on end. What’s more, even though the console is nearing its six-year anniversary, the Switch is showing no signs of age. Nintendo Switch’s first-party, exclusive games speak volumes about the console’s gaming capabilities. But, with a list that is as long as your arm, you might be wondering which are the best Nintendo Switch Exclusive games that you can pick up next.

Well, that’s what we’re here to demystify for you. Below, you’ll find an excellent selection of Nintendo Switch first-party games that offer oodles of content and entertainment. But, before we get into that, you might want to read about: 

• The best Nintendo Switch controllers if you’re tired of the Joy-Cons.
• The best Nintendo Switch games under $20 you can buy right now.
• Top dockable Nintendo Switch cases to keep your console in pristine condition.

With that out of the way, let’s take a closer look at the must-play Nintendo Switch Exclusives. 

1. Luigi’s Mansion 3

The premise of the game is simple – Luigi and gang have been invited to the Last Resort, a fancy hotel that at first glance, makes for a great place to throw a vacation party. However, as you’ll soon unravel, there is a lot more to the hotel than meets the eye. To wit, Luigi’s arch nemesis – King Boo has returned and has captured his friends in picture frames. 

Understandably, it’s up to you and Luigi to save the day. Thankfully, you can count on ghost-expert Professor E. Gadd for assistance. Armed with his latest Poltergust G-00, you will be tasked with clearing the hotel of its ghosts. 

Speaking of which, the hotel comprises different levels that have a ton of unique puzzles and boss fights. What’s more, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a visual treat and the game offers stunning graphics to boot. You can even run the story in co-op mode with a friend by letting them take on the role of Gooigi – Luigi’s all-green avatar. All said and done, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is one of the best exclusives for Nintendo Switch.

2. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 

The icing on the cake is that the game is of the open-world variety. What’s more, while you might find references to previous XC games, you need not necessarily play them to enjoy Monolith Soft’s latest action adventure.

Speaking of which, the game’s plot revolves around Noah, who hails from the mechanically-driven nation of Keves. Kevesi soldiers are tied in an unending war with the Agnus soldiers. Notably, these warriors have a lifespan of just 10 years and are driven by the flame clock of life.

To wit, when a soldier dies, their life force is absorbed by the opposing colony. Consequently, these soldiers have to fight continually to ensure their survival. As such, you take on the role of Noah and company to unravel the dark secrets pertaining to the ongoing war. What’s more, reviewers cite that the game offers a brand-new combat system too. 

In fact, unlike previous XC games, you can use up to seven party members in a battle, which is great. Add to that the wealth of content, with many users reporting a play-time of over 100 hours and you’ll find plenty to like about this Nintendo Switch exclusive. 

3. Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes

Interestingly, Fire Emblem Warriors retains some plot points from Fire Emblem: Three Houses. The game is set in an alternative timeline where players will take on the role of a mercenary named Shez. Much like Three Houses, you will have to align yourself with a house in the officer’s academy at the Garreg Mach monastery. 

Namely, players will have to choose between the Black Eagles, the Blue Lions, or the Golden Deer and align with their respective leaders. What’s more, your choice of house will impact the story too. As a result, Three Hopes offers a ton of replayability, as you can always revisit the game and choose a different house for a completely new outcome.

The game’s combat doesn’t revolve around just blitzing past scores of enemies either, mind you. In fact, while you will have to fight against thousands of foot soldiers at once, the combat system is quite intricate.

You will have to assess the terrain, consider your objectives and equip your allies with the right weapons. All things considered, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes offers bountiful content that will keep you glued to the screen for days. What’s more, you can even download a free demo from the Nintendo eShop and check out the game before adding it to your cart.

4. Pokemon Violet

The game is set in the Paldea region, a vast land with diverse terrain comprising massive cities, wastelands, treacherous snowy mountains, and more. As always, the Violet and Scarlet games are centered around players defeating all the gym leaders and becoming the very best, like no one ever was.

There are two other story paths, including taking on the Team Star grunts and finding massive Pokemons aptly dubbed Titans. However, unlike most Pokemon games, you won’t find a set rhythm to the Scarlet and Violet editions. On the contrary, in true open-world fashion, players can choose whichever story path they want to tackle first. 

Understandably, the new Pokemon games offer a treasure trove of content. So much so, gamers have cited that each title can take anywhere between 40-70 hours to complete. The games also offer some customization features, so you can even stylize your character to your liking. All said and done, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are one of the best Nintendo Switch Exclusives you can get your hands on at the moment. 

5. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity 

The game throws the limelight on the events that eventually brought down the Hyrule kingdom and is set 100 years before Calamity Ganon had sway over the nation. Understandably, the game will give you a first-hand experience of battling the Calamity alongside the four champions.

That’s not all, as the game doesn’t play like most Zelda games either. In fact, the title is of the hack-and-slash variety and allows you to take on hordes of Bokoblins and Lizalfos. At the same time, you need to keep an eye out for other points of interest on the battlefield and deploy your allies accordingly.

All things considered, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity allows players to relive the ups and downs of Zelda and company in a bid to fend off the Calamity Ganon. The game touches upon a lot of things predicated in the Breath of The Wild and will surely keep you entertained until Tears of The Kingdom hits the shelves.  You can even download a free demo for the game from the Nintendo eShop and try it out before buying the game, which is neat!

FAQs About Nintendo Switch Exclusives

A New Adventure Awaits

The aforementioned games are but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the best Nintendo Switch exclusives. In fact, 2023’s lineup looks even more promising, with the console boasting new additions to the Zelda and Fire Emblem franchises. Rest assured, the Switch platform is showing no signs of slowing down and the device continues to marvel with its tremendous library of games.