Top Selling Switch Games Of 2017: Must-Have Titles
Hey guys! Let's dive into the best-selling Nintendo Switch games of 2017. It was an amazing year for the Switch, marking its debut and introducing us to some truly unforgettable titles. If you're a Switch enthusiast or just curious about the console's early hits, you're in the right place. We’re going to explore the games that not only topped the charts but also defined the Switch experience in its initial year. Get ready to take a trip down memory lane and maybe even discover a game you might have missed!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild undoubtedly takes the crown as one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed games of 2017, and arguably, of all time. Its arrival alongside the Nintendo Switch in March 2017 set the stage for what the console could offer: a vast, open-world adventure that broke away from traditional Zelda conventions. Players were immediately captivated by the sheer freedom to explore Hyrule at their own pace, making it a landmark title for the Switch. The game's innovative physics engine, stunning visuals, and compelling storyline resonated with both long-time Zelda fans and newcomers alike, solidifying its place in gaming history.
From the moment you step into Hyrule, Breath of the Wild encourages exploration and experimentation. The world is brimming with secrets, puzzles, and challenges that invite players to deviate from the main quest. Whether you're scaling towering cliffs, gliding across vast landscapes, or discovering hidden shrines, every corner of Hyrule feels alive and dynamic. This sense of freedom is further enhanced by the game's open-ended approach to storytelling. While there is a central narrative involving Princess Zelda and the Calamity Ganon, players are free to tackle the game's objectives in any order they choose. This non-linear structure allows for a personalized and unique gameplay experience, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.
Breath of the Wild's combat system is another standout feature, offering a diverse range of weapons, armor, and abilities to master. Players can wield swords, spears, bows, and elemental rods, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The game's physics engine also plays a crucial role in combat, allowing players to use the environment to their advantage. For example, you can set fire to grassy fields to create updrafts, or use metal objects to conduct electricity. The game's challenging enemies and strategic combat scenarios require players to think creatively and adapt their tactics on the fly. This combination of freedom, exploration, and challenging combat makes Breath of the Wild a truly unforgettable gaming experience, cementing its legacy as a must-have title for the Nintendo Switch.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe isn’t just a game; it's a party on wheels! Launching in April 2017, it quickly became a best-selling title for the Nintendo Switch, and for good reason. Building upon the already fantastic Mario Kart 8 from the Wii U, the Deluxe version added new characters, karts, and most importantly, a revamped battle mode that fans had been craving. Its accessibility and sheer fun factor made it an instant hit with both casual and hardcore gamers, ensuring its place as a staple in any Switch library. The vibrant tracks, familiar characters, and easy-to-pick-up gameplay make it perfect for quick races with friends or longer, more competitive tournaments.
One of the key reasons for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's success is its accessibility. The game is incredibly easy to pick up and play, even for those who aren't familiar with the Mario Kart series. The controls are simple and intuitive, and the game offers a variety of assists to help new players get the hang of things. At the same time, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a surprising amount of depth for more experienced players. Mastering the game's drifting mechanics, item usage, and track layouts can give you a competitive edge in online races. This balance between accessibility and depth is what makes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe so appealing to a wide range of players.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also shines in its multiplayer modes. The game supports up to four players locally, allowing for chaotic and hilarious races with friends and family. The online multiplayer mode is equally robust, offering a variety of race types and tournaments to compete in. The game's revamped battle mode is another highlight, offering a variety of arenas and game modes to test your skills. Whether you're dodging shells in Balloon Battle or chasing down opponents in Renegade Roundup, the battle mode is guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment. With its accessible gameplay, deep mechanics, and robust multiplayer modes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have title for any Nintendo Switch owner.
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey, released in October 2017, was another flagship title that propelled the Nintendo Switch to new heights. This game wasn't just another Mario title; it was a bold and inventive adventure that captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. With its innovative use of Cappy, Mario's new companion, players could possess enemies and objects, opening up a plethora of new gameplay possibilities. The game's vibrant and diverse kingdoms, filled with secrets and challenges, made it a joy to explore. Its critical acclaim and commercial success solidified its place as one of the best-selling games of the year, proving that Mario still had plenty of surprises up his sleeve.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Super Mario Odyssey is its sense of discovery. Each kingdom is packed with hidden areas, challenging puzzles, and quirky characters to interact with. The game encourages players to explore every nook and cranny, rewarding them with Power Moons that are used to power Mario's ship, the Odyssey. These Power Moons are cleverly hidden throughout the environment, requiring players to think outside the box and use Mario's abilities in creative ways. Whether you're scaling a towering skyscraper in New Donk City or diving into the depths of the Lake Kingdom, there's always something new to discover in Super Mario Odyssey.
The game's Cappy mechanic is another standout feature, allowing Mario to possess a wide range of enemies and objects. This ability opens up a plethora of new gameplay possibilities, transforming Mario into everything from a T-Rex to a Goomba. Each possession has its own unique abilities and controls, adding a layer of depth and variety to the gameplay. The game's level design is cleverly crafted to take advantage of these abilities, creating challenging and rewarding puzzles that require players to think creatively. With its sense of discovery, innovative mechanics, and charming characters, Super Mario Odyssey is a truly unforgettable gaming experience that showcases the magic of the Mario franchise.
Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2, which inked its way onto the Switch in July 2017, continued the colorful and chaotic legacy of its predecessor. This sequel brought even more ink-splatting action, new weapons, and fresh modes to the table. Its unique blend of shooter mechanics and vibrant art style made it a standout title in the genre. The game's addictive multiplayer modes, particularly Turf War, kept players coming back for more, making it a best-selling title and a competitive force on the Switch. Splatoon 2 wasn't just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon, with its own unique style, music, and community.
At its core, Splatoon 2 is a team-based shooter where players compete to cover the map in their team's ink color. The game's unique mechanics, such as swimming through ink and using it to climb walls, add a layer of strategy and depth to the gameplay. The game's diverse arsenal of weapons, ranging from ink rollers to splattershots, allows players to customize their playstyle and find the perfect fit for their strategy. The game's Turf War mode is a chaotic and fast-paced battle where teams compete to cover the most territory in ink. This mode is incredibly accessible and easy to pick up, making it perfect for casual players.
Splatoon 2 also features a robust single-player campaign that explores the game's lore and introduces players to new characters and mechanics. The game's Salmon Run mode is another highlight, offering a challenging horde mode where players team up to fend off waves of Salmonids. This mode requires teamwork, communication, and strategic use of weapons and abilities. With its unique mechanics, diverse weapons, and engaging multiplayer modes, Splatoon 2 is a must-have title for any Nintendo Switch owner looking for a fresh and innovative take on the shooter genre.
Honorable Mentions
While the above games dominated the best-selling charts, several other titles also made significant contributions to the Switch's success in 2017. Games like ARMS, with its unique fighting mechanics, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, with its sprawling open world, garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. These titles, along with many others, helped to showcase the versatility and potential of the Nintendo Switch, solidifying its place as a major player in the gaming industry. They may not have reached the same sales figures as the top titles, but they were still important pieces of the Switch's early success.
Snipperclips – Cut it out, together!
Snipperclips is a charming and innovative puzzle game that quickly became a fan favorite on the Nintendo Switch. Developed by SFB Games and published by Nintendo, this cooperative puzzle game was released as a launch title in March 2017. Its simple yet engaging mechanics, coupled with its emphasis on teamwork and communication, made it a perfect fit for the Switch's multiplayer capabilities. Snipperclips may not have the same blockbuster appeal as some of the other titles on this list, but its unique gameplay and charming presentation made it a standout title in the Switch's early lineup.
In Snipperclips, players take control of two paper characters, Snip and Clip, who must work together to solve a variety of puzzles. Each character can cut the other into different shapes, allowing them to create tools and solve challenges. The game's puzzles are cleverly designed to require teamwork and communication, forcing players to think creatively and coordinate their actions. Whether you're shaping Snip into a hook to grab an object or cutting Clip into a point to pop balloons, the game's puzzles are always engaging and rewarding. Snipperclips' simple yet effective mechanics and emphasis on teamwork make it a perfect game for friends and families to play together.
Disgaea 5 Complete
Disgaea 5 Complete is a tactical role-playing game developed and published by Nippon Ichi Software. Released for the Nintendo Switch in May 2017, this title brought the strategic depth and over-the-top humor of the Disgaea series to Nintendo's hybrid console. Disgaea 5 Complete includes all the content from the original Disgaea 5, as well as additional scenarios and characters, making it the definitive version of the game. Its complex gameplay mechanics, engaging storyline, and quirky characters made it a hit with fans of the tactical RPG genre.
Disgaea 5 Complete features a deep and complex battle system that allows players to control a party of characters and strategically position them on the battlefield. The game's mechanics are highly customizable, allowing players to tweak their characters' stats, abilities, and equipment to create powerful and unique builds. The game also features a robust post-game content, offering a plethora of challenges and secrets to discover. With its deep gameplay mechanics, engaging story, and quirky characters, Disgaea 5 Complete is a must-have title for any Nintendo Switch owner looking for a challenging and rewarding tactical RPG experience.
Conclusion
2017 was a groundbreaking year for the Nintendo Switch, and these best-selling games played a crucial role in its success. From the open-world adventures of Breath of the Wild to the ink-splatting chaos of Splatoon 2, these titles showcased the versatility and innovation of the console. Whether you're a long-time Nintendo fan or a newcomer to the Switch, these games are essential additions to any library. So grab your Switch, gather your friends, and get ready to experience the magic of 2017's best-selling titles!