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The power of the Nintendo Switch can’t be understated. This hybrid console itself has sold over 100 million units, with many franchises selling better on the Switch than ever before. While sales data changes with time, we have the most recent update via Nintendo’s latest financial report to base this list on. For those up to date in the gaming world, the list isn’t much of a surprise. Classic franchises like Mario, Pokemon, and Zelda land on the list with ease. Alongside addressing the top 10 best selling games, we’ll also rank our favorites among the bunch.
2023 Top Selling Nintendo Switch Games of All Time
Ever since the release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, gamers flocked to the versatile console. Much of its high selling point stems from its on-the-go usage. It’s not every day you can take your gaming from the house to the car, airport, bus, and more without interruption. The launch title, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, remains one of the most popular games despite stiff competition.
As of the summer of 2023, The company revealed the following list of the best selling Nintendo Switch games of all time:
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (55.46 million)
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons (42.79 million)
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (31.77 million)
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (30.65 million)
- Super Mario Odyssey (26.44 million)
- Pokemon Sword/Pokemon Shield (25.92 million)
- Pokemon Scarlet/Pokemon Violet (22.66 million)
- Super Mario Party (19.39 million)
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (18.51 million)
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (16.17 million)
Mario’s seemingly never-ending popularity is apparent as he’s the most heavily featured character. Both Legend of Zelda titles remain critically acclaimed, so it’s no surprise they continue to sell well.
Of course, the list can change in the future as more titles are released. For now, we’ll work with the list as we rank the top 10 best selling Nintendo Switch games.
Best Selling Switch Games – Ranked
The list of best selling Nintendo Switch games is tough to rank. Each game deserves a top spot. It took some consideration, but we devised our favorite ranking based on the list.
10. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Despite being released first for the Wii U, the New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe feels more at home on the Switch. It blends the classic playstyle of Mario games with a more colorful art style. Players will rush through iconic Mario areas like haunted mansions. At the same time, you’ll run into new features to make it fresh and exciting. You can play as multiple characters too. Some lend themselves better for beginners, and others are ideal for veteran players.
9. Pokemon Scarlet/Pokemon Violet
It wouldn’t be a list of the best selling Switch games without a Pokemon game. Pokemon Scarlet/Violet effortlessly approaches the idea of an open-world game. You can roam anywhere and everywhere from the moment you leave the tutorial section. It’s perfect for players eager to get lost and explore to their heart’s content. Plus, there are hundreds of Pokemon to discover and catch.
8. Super Mario Party
Super Mario Party remains a top choice for party games. With dozens of minigames, you will find plenty to enjoy. It works best when you play in a party of four, bringing family and friends together in a nostalgic and delightful party adventure. You can get lost simply admiring the various game levels and the rich detail they hold.
7. Pokemon Sword/Pokemon Shield
Pokemon Sword/Shield was the franchise’s first foray into open-world-styled games. The world isn’t as open as later games, but it offers enough to keep players invested. It holds on to tradition well while implementing new mechanics in turn-based battles. Perhaps one of the most thrilling aspects of the game is the scale when the Pokemon grow giant. It makes battles all the more interesting.
6. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
As a franchise, Super Smash Bros. boasts an impressive display across more than a decade. So, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate makes the list of the best selling Nintendo Switch games without question. It certainly lives up to the “ultimate” part of its name. There are hundreds of characters involved in celebrating the impressive history of the game. It also has a healthy single-player mode you can enjoy when you’re not fighting your friends.
5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
As Animal Cross: New Horizons debuted alongside a global pandemic that kept people in their homes, its high ranking on the list of the best selling Nintendo Switch games is to no one’s shock. It’s a cozy game filled with plenty that will entertain and distract you for hours. There are not many new features, but it is a high-quality game that just about anyone can play. You can even enjoy friends, visiting their islands or having them visit you for trading.
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to be a joy for online gamers and one of the best ports from the Wii U. There are numerous characters, modes, and courses to enjoy. DLC brings additional fun content to keep fans coming back for more. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe does an incredible job of reinventing a classic game for new and old audiences. The fact that it remains on the list of the best selling Nintendo Switch games of all time since its release in 2017 speaks volumes.
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3. Super Mario Odyssey
In Super Mario Odyssey, you get more freedom than ever thought possible in a Mario 3D platform game. It takes reinventing to new levels, marking this one of the best entries to the Super Mario franchise. There are open levels and beautiful worlds to encounter that will glue players to the console. Another exciting feature of the game is the cooperative mode. It’s not only a great way to play with friends, but it’s handy for newcomers, especially children, to learn the ropes alongside veteran players.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild is another Switch launch game that holds onto an unwavering fanbase that keeps it on the top-selling list. It flipped open-world games as a whole, setting a standard that many still imitate to meet to this day. Hyrule is undeniably gorgeous, and you can explore for hours and still have plenty to do. It’s an adventure you can approach in various ways, and the fact that Link can climb obstacles gives players far more freedom in how they play.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The only thing that can surpass the epic adventure of Breath of the Wild is its sequel Tears of the Kingdom. It manages to improve on the aspects found in Breath of the Wild. Gameplay is as fun as it is challenging at times. There’s plenty of weapon crafting that’s more seamless than before, and the world simply feels grander. You’ll feel nostalgia for previous games in the franchise while appreciating the scale and updates in the latest adventure.
