Are you looking for some fun and exciting games to play online with your friends or strangers on your Nintendo Switch? If so, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options available on the Nintendo Switch Online service. This service lets you play online multiplayer games, access a library of classic NES and SNES titles, and enjoy other benefits for a small monthly or annual fee. But how do you know which games are worth your time and money? In this article, we will help you find the best Nintendo Switch online games that you can enjoy in 2024. We will cover the following topics:
- The different types of online games on the Switch
- The features and benefits of each game
- The best games for each genre and preference
- The tips and tricks to get the most out of your online gaming experience
The Different Types of Online Games on the Switch
Online games on the Switch can be divided into two main categories: free-to-play and paid. Free-to-play games are games that you can download and play for free, without needing a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. However, some of these games may have optional in-game purchases or ads that can enhance your gameplay or unlock more content. Some examples of free-to-play games are Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Rocket League. Paid games are games that you have to buy from the Nintendo eShop or a physical store, and that require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online. These games usually have more features, content, and quality than free-to-play games, but they also cost more money. Some examples of paid games are Splatoon 3, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
The Features and Benefits of Each Game
To help you decide which games to play online, we will highlight some of the features and benefits of each game that we recommend. We will also include a table that summarizes the genre, online modes, and number of players for each game.
Splatoon 3
Splatoon 3 is the latest installment in the colorful and chaotic shooter series that pits teams of squid-like Inklings against each other in various modes. You can customize your Inkling with different weapons, gear, and hairstyles, and explore a new post-apocalyptic world in the single-player campaign. But the real fun is in the online multiplayer, where you can join up to seven other players in Turf War, Ranked Battles, Salmon Run, and more. Splatoon 3 also features new stages, weapons, abilities, and customization options, making it the most refined and diverse entry in the series. If you love fast-paced and creative shooters, Splatoon 3 is a must-play online game for your Switch.
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- Genre: Shooter
- Online modes: Turf War, Ranked Battles, Salmon Run, etc.
- Players: 2-8
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a relaxing and charming life simulation game that lets you create your island paradise. You can decorate your home, craft items, catch bugs and fish, and interact with adorable animal villagers. You can also visit other players’ islands online, or invite them to yours. You can exchange items, help each other with tasks, or just hang out and chat. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is constantly updated with new events, items, and features, making it a game that you can play for a long time. If you want a game that is cozy, cute, and social, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a perfect choice.
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- Genre: Life Simulation
- Online modes: Island Visits, Trading, Chatting, etc.
- Players: 1-8
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version of the best-selling racing game that features iconic characters from the Mario universe and beyond. You can race on over 40 tracks, using items, tricks, and shortcuts to gain an edge over your opponents. You can also play online with up to 11 other players, either in casual or competitive modes. You can join regional or worldwide races, or create your tournaments with custom rules. You can also enjoy Battle Mode, which has five different types of mini-games. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that is easy to pick up and play, but hard to master. It is a game that is fun, frantic, and addictive.
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- Genre: Racing
- Online modes: Races, Tournaments, Battle Mode, etc.
- Players: 1-12
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the ultimate fighting game that features over 80 characters from various video game franchises. You can fight on over 100 stages, using items, assist trophies, and final smashes to unleash powerful attacks. You can also play online with up to seven other players, either in casual or competitive modes. You can join public or private matches, or create your arenas with custom rules. You can also participate in online tournaments, or watch other players’ replays. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a game that is packed with content, variety, and excitement. It is a game that is suitable for both casual and hardcore fans of fighting games.
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- Genre: Fighting
- Online modes: Matches, Arenas, Tournaments, etc.
- Players: 1-8
Among Us
Among Us is a social deduction game that tests your skills of deception and deduction. You can play with four to 10 players online, either with friends or strangers. You are either a crewmate or an impostor on a spaceship. As a crewmate, you have to complete tasks and find the impostors. As an impostor, you have to kill the crewmates and sabotage the ship. You can also communicate with other players through voice chat or text chat, and vote to eliminate the suspects. Among Us is a game that is simple to learn, but hard to master. It is a game that is hilarious, thrilling, and unpredictable.
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- Genre: Social Deduction
- Online modes: Tasks, Killing, Voting, etc.
- Players: 4-10
| Game | Genre | Online Modes | Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Splatoon 3 | Shooter | Turf War, Ranked Battles, Salmon Run, etc. | 2-8 |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Life Simulation | Island Visits, Trading, Chatting, etc. | 1-8 |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Racing | Races, Tournaments, Battle Mode, etc. | 1-12 |
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Fighting | Matches, Arenas, Tournaments, etc. | 1-8 |
| Among Us | Social Deduction | Tasks, Killing, Voting, etc. | 4-10 |
The Best Games for Each Genre and Preference
You may want to experiment with different games on the Nintendo Switch Online service, depending on your taste and genre. Here are some suggestions based on what you might be looking for:
- If you like action and adventure games, you might enjoy Fortnite, Apex Legends, Monster Hunter Rise, or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
- If you like strategy and puzzle games, you might enjoy Tetris 99, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, or The Witness.
- If you like role-playing and simulation games, you might enjoy Stardew Valley, Pokemon Sword and Shield, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, or Persona 5 Strikers.
- If you like sports and racing games, you might enjoy Rocket League, FIFA 22, NBA 2K22, or Mario Tennis Aces.
- If you like classic and retro games, you might enjoy the NES and SNES games that are included in the Nintendo Switch Online service, such as Super Mario Bros. 3, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Donkey Kong Country, or Super Metroid.
The Tips and Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Online Gaming Experience
To make sure that you have a smooth and enjoyable online gaming experience on your Nintendo Switch, here are some tips and tricks that you should follow:
- Make sure that you have a stable and fast internet connection. You can use a wired connection or a wireless connection, but a wired connection is usually more reliable and faster. You can also use a LAN adapter to connect your Switch to your router with an Ethernet cable.
- Make sure that you have enough storage space on your Switch. Some online games may require you to download updates or additional data, which can take up a lot of space on your Switch. You can use a microSD card to expand your storage capacity and store more games and data on your Switch.
- Make sure that you have enough battery life on your Switch. Playing online games can drain your battery faster than playing offline games, especially if you are using wireless features such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You can use a power bank or a charger to keep your Switch powered up while you play online.
- Make sure that you have a good headset or microphone. If you want to communicate with other players online, you will need a headset or a microphone that can capture your voice clearly and block out background noise. You can use the Nintendo Switch Online app on your smartphone to chat with other players or use a compatible headset or microphone that can plug into your Switch or your controller.
- Make sure that you have fun and be respectful. Playing online games can be a lot of fun, but it can also be frustrating if you encounter rude or toxic players. To avoid this, you can use the block or report features that are available in most games, or mute the voice or text chat if you don’t want to hear or see what other players are saying. You can also choose to play with people that you know and trust, or join online communities that are friendly and supportive.
- Playing online games can also be a great way to make new friends and socialize with people who share your interests. You can use the friend request or invite features that are available in most games, or use the Nintendo Switch Online app to find and join groups that are looking for players. You can also use the voice or text chat features to communicate and coordinate with your teammates, or just have a casual conversation. You can also share your screenshots or videos of your online gaming moments on social media, or stream your gameplay live on platforms like Twitch or YouTube.
- Playing online games can also be a good way to improve your skills and challenge yourself. You can try different games, modes, and settings that suit your level and preference, or experiment with different strategies, tactics, and techniques. You can also learn from other players, either by watching their replays, streams, or tutorials or by asking for feedback or advice. You can also track your progress and performance using the statistics or rankings that are available in most games, or use the online leaderboards or achievements to compare yourself with other players.
These are a few pointers and strategies to help you make the most of your Nintendo Switch online gaming experience. We really hope that this post was instructive and useful to you. Now that you know how to choose the best Nintendo Switch online games in 2024, what are you waiting for? Grab your Switch, sign up for the online service, and start playing with your friends or strangers from around the world. You will have a blast!
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