Top 35 Best Nintendo Switch Games for Adults

You’re never too old to play video games! I’ve got only the Best Nintendo Switch Games for Adults to prove it.

The Nintendo Switch has a reputation for being a family-friendly console, anyone no matter what age can play, and it has some of the best Switch games any big kid could want.

I’ve often wondered if I should quit gaming now I’m closing the gap to the big 4-0 but as a cozy gamer, I know my games benefit my mental health.

Did you know that the average age of a gamer in 2022 was 33 years old? We millennials grew up playing video games. Gaming helps combat our loneliness, reduce stress levels, stir our curiosity, and improve our memory and cognitive abilities as we age. 

In fact, more and more older adults are purchasing the Nintendo console because it’s an affordable way to get into gaming in your spare time.

Nintendo games offer both portability and a vast library of wholesome indie games, as well as the nostalgic Super Mario Games that many of us millennials grew up playing on the NES.

Check out this list of the best Nintendo Switch Games for adults.

TOP 35 Best Nintendo Switch Games for Adults

1. Animal Crossing New Horizons

Animal Crossing  New Horizons is a popular social simulation game set in real time. Pack your bags and get ready for the Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package. 

Your adventure starts on an almost uninhabited island, where you meet Tom Nook who wants you to gather resources, and craft items such as tools and furniture, and in return, he’ll grant you Nook Miles to build your first home.

Everything in this game can be moved and customized to some extent upon completion of the story, except the Airport, and the Plaza which is your main hub for seasonal events.

It’s a great way to unwind after a long day. 

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an action-adventure video game set in a vast open world known as Hyrule. You assume the role of Link, the protagonist, as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat the malevolent Calamity Ganon. 

Unlike previous Zelda games, Breath of the Wild offers a nonlinear gameplay experience, allowing you to freely explore the expansive world and complete objectives in any order you choose. The game also offers a wide range of puzzles, combat encounters, and side quests. 

The good news is it can be completed at your own pace, take your time because this game will challenge you.

3. Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is a 3D platform developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch console. It was released in October 2017 and quickly became a fan favorite due to its colorful graphics, engaging gameplay, and nostalgia factor.

I just wanted to control a T-Rex!

In the game, you control Mario as he travels across various kingdoms in a hat-shaped airship called the Odyssey to search for Power Moons.

Mario must use his abilities, including jumping, throwing his hat, and possessing certain creatures and objects, to navigate through each kingdom’s obstacles and defeat bosses to collect these moons so he can save Peach from Bowser once again.

LIKE COZY GAMES? Join our Cozy Millennial Gamers community

4. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game developed by Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe and first released in 2016 winning numerous awards and receiving critical acclaim.

You inherit a run-down farm in a small town called Pelican Town and must restore the farm to its former glory by clearing land and crafting various items.

While it may have a reputation for being a farming simulator targeted toward a younger audience, it is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.

Stardew Valley offers a wide range of activities and goals to achieve, such as growing crops, raising animals, mining, fishing, and completing quests. Accomplishing these tasks and witnessing the progress of the farm provides a sense of achievement and satisfaction.

5. Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaire’s Conspiracy

Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaire’s Conspiracy is a puzzle game that follows the adventures of Katrielle Layton, the daughter of the famous Professor Layton. 

Katrielle establishes the Layton Detective Agency to solve the mystery of her missing father but ends up taking on more cases from missing pets to more quizzical – Millionaires’ Conspiracy. Katrielle will undertake any investigation.

Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaire’s Conspiracy is a fun game to pass some time and is perfect for fans of puzzle games and the Layton series.

6. Uno

Uno is a classic game of cards that the whole family can enjoy!

Uno is easy to learn but can become highly competitive as players master the rules and develop their own strategies to school their opponents.  Uno can be a great way to break the ice and socialize with friends and family, especially when combined with a bottle of wine… or two.

Just don’t forget to call “UNO!”.

7. Night In The Woods

Night in the Woods is a narrative-driven adventure about Mae Borowski, a young college dropout who returns to her hometown after dropping out of school. 

You control Mae as she navigates her everyday life, reconnects with old friends, and uncovers mysteries lurking in the town. Night in the Woods combines exploration, platforming, and dialogue-based interactions to tell a captivating and introspective tale. The game delves into themes of identity, mental health, friendship, and the struggles of transitioning into adulthood.

You have the freedom to explore Possum Springs, interact with various characters, engage in activities, and discover secrets hidden within the town. The branching narrative allows you to make choices that shape Mae’s relationships and the overall outcome of the story.

One of the notable aspects of Night in the Woods is its distinct art style, featuring hand-drawn characters and environments. The game also incorporates a captivating soundtrack that complements the emotional tone of the narrative.

Night in the Woods is a great game that offers a thoughtfully crafted and emotionally resonant experience, blending adventure, exploration, and storytelling to create a memorable and compelling indie game.

8. Hindsight

Hindsight is an emotional story that delves into the life of a woman, covering her experiences from birth to the present day as she tries to better understand her late mother. 

The story takes you on a journey through her childhood home, reliving memories frozen in time. Hindsight wants you to take a moment to slow down and observe the small details that are often overlooked as we speed through our busy lives. 

By piecing together these memory fragments, you may find you shift your perspective and gain a deeper connection not only to the game’s character but to your loved ones too.

LIKE INTERACTIVE STORIES? Check out these COZY VISUAL NOVELS on Switch.

9. What Remains of Edith Finch

What Remains of Edith Finch is a narrative-driven game that tells the story of the last Finch woman still alive named Edith. She returns to her family’s home to uncover the truth about her family’s mysterious past. 

As you explore the Finch family’s sprawling mansion, you’ll discover a series of interconnected stories that span multiple generations of the family. 

What Remains of Edith Finch tackles themes of loss, grief, and family, and provides a poignant and thought-provoking meditation on the meaning of life and death.

10. Dredge

If indie horror adventure games seem more your speed then you should play the scariest fishing game released in 2023. 

Dredge is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your boat, and dredge the depths for long-buried secrets. Explore a mysterious archipelago and discover why some things are best left forgotten.

Some people say Dredge a cozy horror game, what do you think?

11. Spirit of the North

Spirit of the North is a single-player campaign that immerses you in a beautiful and serene world inspired by the landscapes of Iceland.

You take on the role of a red fox who is guided by the Guardian of the Northern Lights, a spirit fox, on a journey to restore balance to the world. 

As the narrative is minimal you will rely heavily on visual storytelling and environmental cues which allows you to interpret the story and its symbolism based on their own experiences and observations.

12. House Flipper

House Flipper is a simulation game that allows you to become a one-person renovation crew, buying, fixing up, and selling homes for a profit.

You’ll take on various renovation projects, including cleaning, painting, installing fixtures, and even demolition work. 

With your tools, you can customize and renovate homes to your liking. House Flipper is known for its satisfying sense of accomplishment as players transform run-down properties into beautiful homes. It also features a career mode, where you can build up your renovation business and work your way up the property ladder. 

House Flipper is the perfect game for anyone who enjoys hands-on projects and creative problem-solving.

13. Two Point Hospital

Two Point Hospital is a popular simulation game that challenges you to design, build, and manage your own healthcare empire. 

Take on the role of a hospital administrator where you are responsible for every aspect of hospital management, from building and maintaining facilities to hiring staff and treating patients. 

It features a variety of illnesses and diseases, each with its own unique symptoms and treatments, as well as a range of medical equipment and facilities that must be acquired and maintained. 

Older players and longtime fans of the original Theme Hospital will rekindle their love for management games once more.

LIKE RUNNING A BUSINESS? Try these MANAGEMENT SIMS on Switch next!

14. Let’s Build a Zoo

Unleash your creative side and build up an amazing animal park with this fun management game.

Let’s Build a Zoo is a zoo management game that puts you in charge of designing, building, and managing your very own zoo! 

Breed uncommon species, recruit your team, ensure visitor satisfaction, and handle a variety of peculiar and unusual occurrences. You can have over 500 different animals and splice them together to make over 300,000 more different animals!

Fans of Two Point Hospital will also love this creative management game.

15. RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures

RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures is a simulation video game where you create and manage your own amusement park. It is part of the popular RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise, which originated in 1999 with the release of the original RollerCoaster Tycoon game.

You can create various types of roller coasters, thrill rides, gentle attractions, and other park facilities. There’s also a wide range of customization options, allowing you to adjust ride layouts, landscaping, and decoration to create unique park environments.

Managing the park is an important aspect of the game. You need to consider factors such as park finances, visitor satisfaction, and staff management to ensure the park’s success.

With 3 modes – classic Campaign, tricky Scenarios, and the open Sandbox – you can build 200 nostalgic rides, restaurants, and shops and create a wild experience for your park visitors.

If you played the PC version of RollerCoaster Tycoon back in the late 90s and early 00s this will bring back some wonderful memories!

16. A Short Hike

A Short Hike is a gentle indie game that just wants you to go on a tranquil walk. 

You play as a little bird named Claire, who is on vacation at a scenic mountain park. The main objective of the game is to reach the top of the mountain, but you can also explore the park, interact with other hikers, and complete side quests along the way. 

The game offers a charming and vibrant pixel art style, along with a calming and relaxing soundtrack that complements the gameplay.

Stumble upon your own path and let your feet fall into the rhythm of the land.

A Short Hike is a cozy game for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and being in nature.

17. Disney Dreamlight Valley

Disney Dreamlight Valley is a wholesome life simulation where villains and heroes live together in perfect harmony. 

Similar in style to Animal Crossing you befriend villagers and help them make a home on your island. Meet classic characters like Ariel, Wall-e, and Stitch, as well as a host of new and cute characters that you unlock as you progress through the story campaign. 

If you grew up playing any of the Disney Park games like Disney Magical World you’ll have hours of escapist fun building up your very own park-like island in Disney Dreamlight Valley.

18. Unpacking

Unpacking is an exquisite zen puzzle game that invites you to explore the emotional journey of the moving process as you unpack your belongings into a new home.

Unfolding over a span of 21 years and across 8 levels, Unpacking’s story begins in the main character’s childhood bedroom and takes you on a poignant journey through each stage in her life through the apartments she moves into.

As you fill out your living space, you also uncover clues about the characters’ transformative journey and significant life changes throughout the years.

19. Minecraft

Minecraft is a sandbox video game that was released in 2011 and has become one of the most iconic and best games of all time.

Explore and manipulate a world made up of blocks. Using those blocks build structures, craft tools and weapons, and survive against the mobs.

Minecraft offers both a survival mode, where you must gather resources and fend off enemies to survive, and a creative mode, where you have unlimited resources and can freely build and create without any limitations. 

It’s known for its endless possibilities and creative potential, as well as its community of players who have created everything from simple structures to massive cities and even entire countries. 

Overall, Minecraft is a must-play for anyone who enjoys open-world exploration, creative building, and endless possibilities.

20. To The Moon

To the Moon is an emotional adventure game. 

You take on the role of two doctors who are able to fulfill the dying wish of a man to go to the moon. 

To do this, you travel through memories, unlocking new ones by solving puzzles, in order to change his past and create a new timeline that leads to him achieving his dream. 

The game offers retro-style 16-bit pixel art and an original soundtrack that complements the game’s emotional atmosphere. 

To the Moon is known for its strong narrative and emotional themes of regret, love, and loss, as well as its memorable characters and unique gameplay mechanics. 

Play To the Moon if you enjoy visual novels and emotional storytelling. Bring the tissues!

21. Old Man’s Journey

Old Man’s Journey is a new adventure that offers a beautiful journey through the memories of an elderly man. 

You take on the role of the old man, who sets out on a journey to reconcile with his past and come to terms with his regrets. 

Old Man’s Journey is known for its unique gameplay mechanics, which involve manipulating the environment to create pathways and solve puzzles, as well as its emotional storytelling and themes of love and loss.

22. Pac-Man 99

Pac-Man 99 is a modern take on the classic arcade game, released in 2021 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. 

Compete against 98 other players online in a battle royale-style gameplay, where the last player standing wins. Pac-Man 99 offers fast-paced and frenetic gameplay that’s popular with older gamers for its nostalgic factor.

As you progress through the game, you can activate power-ups and special abilities to gain an advantage over your opponents. 

Pac-Man 99 features the classic retro-style 8-bit graphics and challenges you making it a must-play for fans of the classic Pac-Man game and anyone who loves the old arcade-style games.

23. Monopoly

Monopoly for Nintendo Switch is a digital adaptation of the classic board game.

It features various modes, including a classic mode that closely replicates the original Monopoly experience. Monopoly also features various digital enhancements, such as animated avatars, interactive game board animations, and sound effects. 

You can also play online with friends or other players from around the world making it a fun interactive game that will keep you in touch with distant family members. 

Monopoly for Nintendo Switch offers a fun and convenient way to enjoy the classic board game, whether playing alone or with friends and brings the experience to a new generation. 

24. The Legend of Zelda™: Tears of the Kingdom 

Continue your epic adventures in the Zelda series – Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

In this sequel to the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild game, you’ll decide your own path through the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule and the mysterious islands floating in the vast skies above. Can you harness the power of Link’s new abilities to fight back against the malevolent forces that threaten the kingdom?

25. South of the Circle

South of the Circle is a love story between colleagues Peter and Clara, set against the backdrop of the Cold War.

The main story takes place in the Antarctic and UK during the 60s. A narrative adventure game about memory, survival, and the consequences of not dealing with the past.

This is a minimalistic game you can finish in 3-4 hours but the story will linger with you much longer.

26. MARIO + RABBIDS SPARKS OF HOPE

Team up with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Rabbid Peach, Rabbid Luigi, and their friends on a galactic journey to defeat a malevolent entity and save your Spark companions. Explore planets throughout the galaxy as you uncover mysterious secrets and compelling quests!

27. Strange Horticulture

Strange Horticulture is an occult puzzle game for people who’d rather play with fictional plants than real ones… okay, maybe that’s just me!

You play as the proprietor of a local plant store and it’s your job to identify new plants and serve your customers exactly what they need to aid their ailments.

Pet your cat, speak to a coven, or even, join a cult. Unravel Undermere’s dark mysteries.

28. Wytchwood

Wytchwood is an original game set in a mysterious land of gothic fables and fairytales.

As the mysterious old witch of the woods, you will explore a strange countryside, collect magical ingredients, brew sorcerous enchantments, and pass your twisted judgment upon a capricious cast of characters and creatures.

After all, how will they ever learn if you don’t teach them the moral of the story?

29. ENDLING

A strikingly heartfelt survival story with graphics that make you forget you’re playing a game.

As the last mother fox on Earth, your cubs need all your care to survive in a dystopian world where the overexploitation of natural resources has endangered global wildlife.

You have to help your cubs, teach them and save them. Never forget that extinction is forever.

30. Townscraper 

Townscaper is such a beautiful game. With freedom of choice at your fingertips, you can construct stunning towns.

Build quaint island towns with meandering streets or craft small hamlets. You can also build soaring cathedrals, intricate canal networks, or even sky cities perched on stilts, the possibilities are endless.

Block by block, you can bring your artistic visions to life in different ways. Witness the transformation of simple colored blocks into charming houses, elegant arches, graceful stairways, and picturesque bridges.

31. The Wreck

Inspired by real-life events, The Wreck intimately portrays a pivotal day in the life of failed screenwriter Junon.

Alter the past, present and future to help Junon find peace with herself as she’s called to the ER to find her estranged mother in a critical condition.

The Wreck covers mature themes and is a 3D visual novel about sisterhood, motherhood, grief and survival.

32. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, is an open-world RPG where you can be anyone and do anything.

Skyrim® brings to life a complete virtual world for you to explore any way you choose. The legendary freedom of choice and adventure of Skyrim is realized like never before.

Dragons, long lost to the passages of the Elder Scrolls, have returned and the future of Skyrim hangs in the balance. As Dragonborn, the prophesized hero born with the power of The Voice, you are the only one who can stand amongst them.

33. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Travel through a forgotten post-apocalyptic land as Kirby, the adorable pink blob, where you must save his beloved Waddle Dees and his new friend Elfilin.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a cutesy adventure brimming with bright, bold colors and an endearing soundtrack. You can bounce, jump and swallow everyday items. Play solo or in co-op mode!

34. Tools Up!

If you’re looking for something a bit more rewarding gather up to 4 players for this fun party game for people of all skills!

Renovate the apartments in the mysterious skyscraper while the tenants are away. Tear off wallpapers, bring down walls, bust down doors, and cover the floor with vibrant carpets and panels. Just be sure to do it in time, and remember to clean up after yourself.

This DIY makeover game will test your friendships!

35. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe builds upon the foundation of the original Mario Kart 8 game for the Wii U, but includes additional content and features. It offers an extensive roster of characters from the Mario universe, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, and many others. You can choose your favorite character and compete in high-speed kart races across a variety of colorful and imaginative tracks.

The game features various game modes, including Grand Prix, where you compete against computer-controlled opponents in a series of races and aim to set the fastest lap times in Time Trial on each track.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe introduces new gameplay elements, such as anti-gravity sections where karts can race along walls and ceilings, and the ability to carry two items at once for strategic use during races. 

You and your team race against each other on various tracks, using power-ups to gain an advantage. It’s a great way to unwind and have some family fun with your loved ones. Long time fans will appreciate the new 48 remastered courses from across the Mario Kart series with the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass!