Top Nintendo Switch EShop Games You Need To Play

Hey guys! Looking for some awesome games on your Nintendo Switch? The Nintendo eShop is packed with incredible titles, from indie gems to big-name adventures. Let's dive into some of the best Nintendo Switch eShop games that you absolutely need to check out. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the Switch, there's something here for everyone. We'll cover a variety of genres to make sure you find your next favorite game.

What Makes a Great eShop Game?

Before we jump into the list, let's talk about what makes a great eShop game. First and foremost, unique gameplay is key. Many eShop games offer fresh and innovative mechanics that you won't find in traditional retail titles. These games often take risks and experiment with new ideas, making them stand out. Then there's the charm and style. The best eShop games have a distinct visual style and a ton of personality. They often feature beautiful artwork, catchy soundtracks, and engaging narratives that draw you in and keep you hooked. Affordability is another crucial factor. eShop games are often more budget-friendly than physical releases, making them a great way to expand your game library without breaking the bank. Many hidden gems are available at discounted prices, so keep an eye out for sales. Finally, replayability is a major plus. Games that offer multiple playthroughs, challenging difficulty modes, or endless content are worth their weight in gold. You want a game that keeps you coming back for more, providing hours of entertainment and value. A game that combines these elements—unique gameplay, charm, affordability, and replayability—is sure to be a winner on the Nintendo Switch eShop.

Must-Play eShop Games

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some must-play games you can find on the Nintendo eShop. These are titles that have earned critical acclaim, a dedicated fan base, or have just wowed us with their sheer creativity. These Nintendo Switch eShop games are definitely worth your time and money.

1. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is an absolute masterpiece of the Metroidvania genre. Set in the hauntingly beautiful world of Hallownest, this game combines challenging platforming, intricate level design, and a deeply engaging story. You play as the Knight, a silent protagonist tasked with uncovering the source of a mysterious plague known as the Infection. What makes Hollow Knight so special is its incredible atmosphere. The hand-drawn visuals are stunning, and the haunting soundtrack perfectly complements the game's somber tone. Exploring the interconnected world is a joy, with each new area revealing secrets and challenges. The combat is precise and demanding, requiring you to master your character's abilities and learn enemy attack patterns. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when you finally defeat a tough boss. Beyond the core gameplay, Hollow Knight is packed with secrets and hidden content. There are numerous side quests, optional bosses, and hidden areas to discover, ensuring that you'll be playing for dozens of hours. The game also features a deep and complex lore, which is gradually revealed through exploration and interactions with the game's memorable characters. If you're a fan of Metroidvania games, Hollow Knight is an absolute must-play. Its challenging gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive world make it one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch eShop. Plus, it's often available at a very reasonable price, making it an even better value. Seriously, guys, don't sleep on this one!

2. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a charming and addictive farming simulator that has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. Inspired by the Harvest Moon series, this game puts you in the role of a city dweller who inherits their grandfather's dilapidated farm in the titular Stardew Valley. Your goal is to restore the farm to its former glory, grow crops, raise animals, and build relationships with the town's quirky residents. What makes Stardew Valley so compelling is its relaxing and rewarding gameplay loop. There's something incredibly satisfying about planting seeds, watering crops, and watching your farm flourish. The game also features a deep crafting system, allowing you to create tools, furniture, and other useful items. Beyond farming, Stardew Valley offers a wealth of other activities. You can explore mines, battle monsters, fish in the river, and even get married and start a family. The game's characters are well-developed and memorable, each with their own unique personalities and backstories. Building relationships with these characters is a key part of the Stardew Valley experience. The game also features seasonal events and festivals, adding variety and charm to the gameplay. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a hidden area, a rare item, or a new character to meet. Stardew Valley is a perfect game for relaxing and unwinding after a long day. Its charming visuals, addictive gameplay, and wealth of content make it one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch eShop. If you're looking for a game that you can play for hours on end, Stardew Valley is definitely worth checking out. It’s a true gem that will keep you coming back for more.

3. Celeste

Celeste is a challenging and heartfelt platformer that tells the story of Madeline, a young woman struggling with anxiety and depression. As Madeline, you must climb Celeste Mountain, overcoming increasingly difficult obstacles and confronting your inner demons. What makes Celeste so special is its combination of tight, responsive platforming and its powerful narrative. The game's levels are meticulously designed, requiring precise timing and skillful execution. You'll need to master Madeline's abilities, such as her air dash and wall jump, to overcome the game's many challenges. But Celeste is more than just a difficult platformer. It's also a story about mental health and self-acceptance. Madeline's journey up the mountain is a metaphor for her own struggles with anxiety and depression. Along the way, she meets other characters who offer support and guidance, helping her to confront her inner demons. The game's visuals are beautiful and expressive, with each area of the mountain reflecting Madeline's emotional state. The soundtrack is equally powerful, perfectly complementing the game's themes. Celeste is a game that will challenge you both mentally and emotionally. Its difficult platforming and its heartfelt narrative make it a truly unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a game that will stay with you long after you've finished playing, Celeste is definitely worth checking out. It’s a masterpiece of game design and storytelling, and it’s one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch eShop.

4. Dead Cells

Dead Cells is a fast-paced, action-packed roguelike that combines elements of Metroidvania and Souls-like games. You play as a prisoner who must fight his way through a sprawling, ever-changing castle, battling hordes of enemies and challenging bosses. What makes Dead Cells so addictive is its tight, responsive combat and its deep progression system. The game's combat is fast and fluid, requiring you to master a variety of weapons and abilities. You'll need to learn enemy attack patterns and use your skills to dodge, parry, and counterattack. As you progress through the game, you'll unlock new weapons, abilities, and upgrades. These upgrades will help you to survive longer and explore deeper into the castle. Dead Cells is a roguelike, which means that when you die, you lose all of your progress and have to start over from the beginning. However, you'll retain some permanent upgrades that will make each subsequent run a little bit easier. The game's levels are procedurally generated, which means that each run is different. This keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, as you never know what to expect. Dead Cells is a challenging game, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Its tight combat, deep progression system, and procedural generation make it one of the most addictive games on the Nintendo Switch eShop. If you're a fan of roguelikes or action games, Dead Cells is definitely worth checking out.

5. Katana ZERO

Katana ZERO is a stylish and neo-noir action platformer with instant-death combat and a time-manipulation mechanic. You play as a samurai assassin who can slow down time to slice through enemies with deadly precision. The game is dripping with style, from its pixel-art graphics to its synthwave soundtrack. What sets Katana ZERO apart is its unique gameplay mechanic. You can slow down time to dodge bullets, deflect projectiles, and plan your attacks. This allows you to pull off some incredibly stylish and satisfying kills. The game's combat is challenging but fair, requiring you to think strategically and use your abilities effectively. Katana ZERO also features a branching narrative with multiple endings. Your choices and actions will affect the story and the fate of the characters. The game explores themes of trauma, addiction, and redemption, adding depth and meaning to the gameplay. Katana ZERO is a must-play for fans of action games and neo-noir stories. Its stylish visuals, addictive gameplay, and branching narrative make it one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch eShop.

Honorable Mentions

Of course, there are tons of other great games on the Nintendo Switch eShop. Here are a few honorable mentions that are also worth checking out:

• Enter the Gungeon: A bullet-hell roguelike with tons of guns and challenging gameplay.
• Undertale: A charming and heartwarming RPG with a unique battle system.
• Golf Story: A golf RPG with a surprisingly engaging story and fun gameplay.
• SteamWorld Dig 2: A Metroidvania platformer with a focus on digging and exploration.
• Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove: A collection of classic-style platformers with retro graphics and challenging gameplay.

Final Thoughts

The Nintendo Switch eShop is a treasure trove of amazing games, from indie darlings to AAA titles. These are just a few of the best Nintendo Switch eShop games that you should check out. With a variety of genres and styles to choose from, there's something for everyone on the eShop. So grab your Switch, head to the eShop, and start exploring! You're sure to find your next favorite game.