It’s almost distressing to think that the Switch was released in 2017. It still feels brand new to me, but then, time has lost all meaning since I got old. But now we’re all waiting for the big reveal of Nintendo’s successor, and you can kind of feel that with the big releases this year.
Going to be real with you, this was a much slower year for the handheld, which feels like a weird thing to say when it saw the release of a new Zelda game. However, it was a subdued Zelda game, like it’s been a subdued year for the console. But regardless of that, we still got plenty to play on the little hybrid.
It’s time to name the best of those games. As with every year here at Destructoid, the window of eligibility for our nominees runs from the beginning of December 2023 to the end of December 2024 (sorry, Uncle Chop). We also have a rule that a game can only be included in one category, so if something seems missing from this list, you might find it in another category.
Here are the nominees for Destuctoid’s Best Switch Game of 2024.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Yeah, one of the nominees this year is technically a GameCube game, but Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door was one of the best on the console, and all of that charm is retained for its glow-up. Largely, it’s just a remaster of an already great game, but also, it’s an already great game. Everything on top is just gravy.
Star Wars Hunters
Star Wars is no stranger to online games, and Star Wars Hunters grows its footprint with a hero-based Overwatch approach to PVP. Despite recent high-profile failures in the genre (such as Concord), Star Wars Hunters found its audience and is thriving.
Steamworld Heist II
It’s hard to believe Steamworld Heist II arrived eight years after the original, but the wait has been worth it. The sequel takes the 2D, turn-based tactical gameplay even further by taking it to the high seas. It’s incredible that any game could even top the satisfying feeling of Steamworld Heist. Or, as Jamie Moorcroft-Sharp put it, “SteamWorld Heist II is a phenomenal title that offers you the best when it comes to short, tactical encounters with thrilling turn-based gameplay.”
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition
I’m never far from an NES (it’s a few feet away in my living room), but it’s well-trodden ground for me. I always love finding new ways to interact with my favorites in its library, and Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition does just that. A series of concise time trials give you the chance to compete on the world stage in miniature speed-running. It’s a celebration of the company’s roots.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
A Zelda game actually starring its titular character has been on quite a few wishlists, and this year, it finally arrived. It may not have the grandeur of Tears of the Kingdom, but it makes up for it with inventive gameplay centered around summoning whatever you want. Lots of problems can be solved with beds, but it takes more than a mattress to save the kingdom.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Mario Party games can be very hit-and-miss, but this year, we got a direct hit. There’s nothing insanely mindblowing about Super Mario Party Jamboree – it doesn’t completely change the recipe – but it combines the best parts of Super Mario Party with the classic formula and comes away with one of the best games the series has seen since its inception.
Athenian Rhapsody
It’s hard to describe Athenian Rhapsody, so I’m just going to quote the developer, “a souls-like platonic dating simulator with cooking-mama and WarioWare style battle mechanics… and by that, I mean it’s a choose-your-own-adventure action RPG with the ability to trade ENTIRE PLAYTHROUGHS between friends!!” I’m sure that answered your question. What you really need to know, however, is that it’s offensively good. Hence being on this list.
Published: Dec 11, 2024 03:01 pm