The Nintendo Switch is a very versatile console, with a wide range of different game genres. There are great Nintendo games on the Switch, but that doesn't mean that all of the best games on the console have to be made by Nintendo. There is an exceptional third-party game library on this revolutionary portable console. It's not hard to find a game that will suit just about anyone.
With so many great game developing companies and such a dynamic platform for gaming, 2020 has produced plenty of amazing Nintendo Switch third-party games. They range from simulators to Metroidvanias and sports games.
10 Two Point Hospital (85)
The simulator genre has always been quite popular throughout video game history so it's no surprise that Two Point Hospital is one of the best third-party Switch Games of the year.
With this business management game, players get to experience what it's like to run their own hospitals. According to the Critic reviews on Metacritic, it stands at a solid 85 out of 100. With this fun sim game, it will be hard to run out of things to do as Two Point Hospital is bursting with content to fill your management urges.
9 Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling (85)
Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling is a Paper Mario-inspired indie game that has amazed players on the Switch as it has quickly become a fan-favorite.
The game is charming and full of bug-related puns (the monarch of the Ant Kingdom is literally called Queen Elizant II). Now that Bug Fables was released on the Switch, making it possible to play it on the go, it was easy for reviewers and players to fall in love with it as they dipped their toes in this nostalgia-driven RPG adventure game.
8 Heroes Of Hammerwatch - Ultimate Edition (85)
Heroes of Hammerwatch - Ultimate Edition came out on the Nintendo Switch this Summer and was a critical success. This rogue-lite action-adventure game allows up to four players to cooperate and explore randomly generated dungeons together. Plus, Ultimate Edition includes all previously released DLC.
Set in the same universe as the original game, Hammerwatch, this sequel allows players to enhance their character (choosing from seven unique character classes) with its rogue-lite elements that enable some progression in order to successfully reach further into the quest.
7 Huntdown (86)
This scrolling action arcade-style shooter is the perfect combination of an old-school 80s setting and mayhem-filled, gritty levels. With an awesome soundtrack and a large arsenal of guns to choose from, blasting away at bad guys has never been this fun.
There are 20 levels to enjoy and three characters to choose from in Huntdown. It has made its way up the chart as one of the best third-party games available on the Nintendo Switch. Huntdown is the perfect addition to the library of those that are looking to play a run and gun game on the go.
6 Streets Of Rage 4 (86)
Besides supporting four-player local co-op, the fact that it's possible for 2 players to share Joy-Cons, makes the Nintendo Switch the perfect place to play and enjoy Streets of Rage 4.
After disappearing in 1994, Streets of Rage is now back and better than ever. With an impressive Critic review average of 86 out of 100 on Metacritic, the Streets of Rage series shows long time fans and newcomers what it's capable of with its fourth entry.
5 Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition (87)
This point-and-click adventure game is a must-have on the Nintendo Switch. Kentucky Route Zero's main attraction is its great storytelling. It has extensive dialogue options, as you get to pick the dialogue for various different NPCs as well as Conway, the main character.
Sometimes this happens at the same time, which essentially means that you may end up having a conversation with yourself. Kentucky Route Zero should perhaps be described as an interactive story rather than a videogame and this is what makes it so good and unique.
4 Super Mega Baseball 3 (87)
Although Super Mega Baseball 3 presents itself with a cartoon-like graphic style, it delivers realistic baseball gameplay that makes it feel like a simulation instead of an arcade game.
Gameplay features have been improved since the last title of the series and it has definitely paid off. Critics have reviewed and evaluated Super Mega Baseball 3 at an average of 87 out of 100 on the Nintendo Switch. Taking this into consideration, plus the fact that it's possible to play it on the go, Super Mega Baseball 3 should be a no-brainer for any baseball fan.
3 A Short Hike (88)
A bird trying to reach the top of a mountain to get reception on her phone sounds like an odd plot for a game, but A Short Hike makes it feel just right.
Controlling a bird named Claire and hiking up the mountain is a relaxing experience that can be enjoyed on the Nintendo Switch. The flying mechanics are also impressive and fun. The only downside to A Short Hike is that it leaves fans wanting more.
2 Ori And The Will Of The Wisps (93)
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the perfect sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest. It is one of the most beautiful games to have come out this year, with its enchanting backgrounds and environments. Its Metroidvania-style gameplay never gets old and it's a pleasure to come back and experience this delightful world once again.
Fans were happy to know that the sequel was going to be released on the Switch, and it was a success. It was the perfect addition to the Switch's vast library of great games.
1 Hades (93)
In just a few weeks after leaving early access, Hades has taken over people's hearts and, in the best way possible, consumed most of their free time. Reviews have been extremely positive. Taking only Critic reviews into consideration, Hades on the Nintendo Switch is currently averaging a total of 93 out of 100 on Metacritic. Exactly one point over the PC version.
When it comes to third-party games on the Nintendo Switch, Hades is the game that no one should sleep on, especially those who are into rogue-like gameplay.