10 Best Games on Nintendo Switch Online (2024)

Nintendo Switch Online has been flooding with a ton of retro games. You’ll likely find most of the games you used to play on the NES, Super NES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Mega Drive platforms. If not, you’ll find plenty more Nintendo Switch games, from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Either way, all it takes is a one-month subscription to access a whopping ton of exciting games. Among the games on offer, here are the best games on Nintendo Switch Online you won’t want to miss.

What is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service offered by Nintendo. It launched on September 18, 2018, and has since added 100+ games to its catalog. These include classic games from the ‘80s to ‘00s, plus modern ones playable on the Nintendo Switch. Moreover, it offers access to online multiplayer and often has exclusive offers you may need to keep a close eye on to take advantage of.

Best Games on Nintendo Switch Online

It can feel overwhelming to find a game to play via Nintendo Switch Online. However, these best games on Nintendo Switch Online should be a great start.

10. Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 launched on the Mega Drive in 1992, much to the pleasure of fans. It picked up where its predecessor left off, retaining the side-scrolling 2D platforming genre. Set in West Side Island, Sonic and Miles, once again, embark on a wild adventure to stop Doctor Eggman from getting his hands on the seven Chaos Emeralds. If he reaches the Chaos Emeralds first, he’ll power his catastrophic power station called the Death Egg. So, time (and speed) is very much of the essence.

9. Pokemon Snap

Pokemon Snap has one sole goal in mind: to build the best Pokemon Photodex. That’s pretty much it, even as you explore exciting worlds, hunting down wild Pokemon. You’ll take pictures of the Pokemon you see and add them to your collection. But the mechanic isn’t as simple as it sounds, as you must take precise shots, often while on the move.

8. Streets of Rage 2

Streets of Rage continues to be a popular culture hit. However, its humble beginnings remain rooted in the ‘90s on the Mega Drive. This beat 'em-up excelled in Streets of Rage 2, crafting a decent story about rescuing Adam from Mr.X and the Syndicate. You go around beating the bad guys to a pulp and, at the least, have a very good reason for doing so.

7. The Legends of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time launched on the Nintendo 64 platform, introducing 3D adventuring for the first time in the series. For that reason alone, the game deserves recognition. It portrayed the kingdom of Hyrule in a more magnificent light, with cinematic attractiveness and deeply immersive scenes. Of course, the compelling story, too, bears the weight of the game, as well as the extensive worldbuilding of various ecosystems.

6. Splatoon 3

Splatoon 3 marks the return of adrenaline-pumping, ink-soaked battles. In the game, vibrant bursts of color splurge across the screen as the Octolings and Inklings go to war. There’s a story, too, as you strive to clear out the Octarian invasion on the sun-scorched Splatlands territory. With each four-person team playing on their strengths, battles are bound to grow hectic. But as in every turf war, there must be a winner (or risk raging never-ending war).

5. Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong, is a series of platforming games that started all the way back in the ‘80s. Since then, the popular mascot has held his ground as one of the most exciting characters to play. You don’t just run and jump your way through challenging platforms. You can also stomp on enemies and climb ladders to reach higher areas. So, get ready to stomp, swing, and smash your way through Kongland. This one’s going to get muddy.

4. Super Mario Bros. 3

Another excellent contender for platforming is Super Mario Bros. 3, or any Super Mario game for that matter. But the third sequel in the Super Mario Bros sub-series learned from its predecessor. It finessed and polished the mechanics and graphics of the originals. Further, the content is more varied and carries a heavy dose of charm.

3. Star Fox 64

If you’re keen on playing an action game, instead, with an emphasis on storytelling, then Star Fox 64 is your best pick. It features on-rail action as you engage in hot pursuits among the stars. The game has it all, whether it’s exploring unknown planets to uncover new mysteries or engaging in a compelling narrative. The story, in particular, is so well written here it’s a wonder that the game launched in 1997 when profound story-based games were scarce.

2. GoldenEye 007

Another action that has a dash of narrative game to consider is GoldenEye 007. It straight-up adapts the story in the 1995 James Bond film. So, you know you’re getting a heavy action-based saga. More precisely, the narrative focuses on espionage, where you engage in high-tension stealth and guns-blazing missions. These all go a long way to save the world from destruction.

1. Super Mario World

If not Super Mario Bros. 3, then Super Mario World. They both have similar mechanics. However, the latter introduces an entirely new world, Dinosaur Land. As a result, you have more content to sink your teeth into. Meanwhile, there are seven worlds that you must travel through. Each brings its own enemies and challenges to beat. With the freedom to switch between Mario and Luigi, you’ll enjoy diverse play styles that make up a decent 20-hour or so playthrough.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? What do you think are the best games on Nintendo Switch Online? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!