Before buying a Switch, everyone thinks, "I want to play Zelda." After buying it, the real question that stumps you is another one—"What should I play next?"

The eShop always has thousands of games on offer, with sales info that's both messy and overwhelming. Many games look good on the cover, but when you click in, you find they're just reskins of cheap 4399-style games. That's when a reliable Switch game recommendation list can save you a lot of money and time spent on trial and error.

The list below isn't arranged by official ratings; it's categorized by actual gameplay scenarios—just find the situation that fits you and jump right in.

1. Playing alone and want to dive deep for a long time

This scenario is the least risky for picking the wrong game. You need the type that makes you not want to put it down once you start. Nintendo game recommendations naturally include the unmissable The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but if you want something different, Persona 5 Royal (P5R) also offers a complete experience on the Switch—clear a palace during your commute, then continue the story at home, with a comfortable save rhythm.

One thing to note: With these long-story games, if you put them down for more than two weeks, it's easy to forget where you left off when you pick them up again. It's best to have only one save file going at a time.

2. Playing together on the couch with someone else

This is where the Switch shines most. Among two-player Switch games, Overcooked 2 is a classic, but honestly, it demands more from your relationship than your gaming skills—poor coordination can lead to arguments. If you want something more relaxed, Luigi's Mansion 3 has a more friendly co-op mode: one person fights monsters, the other sucks things up, so chances of arguing are much lower.

Another lesser-known but highly praised option: Unravel Two. Two players control two little yarn characters to solve puzzles and progress. The graphics are beautiful, and the controls aren't complicated. It's great for a partner who doesn't play many games to get started.

3. Looking for something fresh, not just AAA titles

Playing AAA titles for too long can lead to fatigue. Indie game recommendations offer great value on the Switch. The eShop frequently has indie games on sale, giving you hundreds of hours of gameplay for just a few dozen dollars.

For example: Stardew Valley is the classic "can't stop playing" type. The first time you play, you might think the pixel art looks a bit rough, but after three days of farming, you'll be hooked. Another is Hollow Knight, with excellent controls, though it's quite challenging—if you can't beat the final boss, don't feel bad; everyone dies their way through it.

I recommend checking the indie game sub-list on game ranking charts, picking titles with high download numbers and ratings above 4.5 stars—that greatly reduces the chance of picking a dud.

4. Want to figure out if a game is really right for you

The most practical tool before buying a game is actually the game database. Xingba's game database has relatively comprehensive Switch game information, including genre, number of players, language support, and price comparisons between physical and digital versions.

My own habit is to first search for the game I want on the game database, check if it has Chinese language support, and look at actual player reviews—especially the negative ones. If the negative reviews focus on specific issues like "awkward controls" or "high repetition later on," then it's likely accurate.

Also, a word of caution: Don't just look at eShop ratings. eShop ratings tend to be inflated; many games that score 6 out of 10 elsewhere get 4 stars on eShop. Cross-referencing is more reliable.

5. Before buying a game, think about these two things

First, digital or physical? If you often switch between games, I recommend physical cartridges—you can resell them after finishing. If you only play one or two main games, digital versions are more convenient, no need to swap carts. Note that digital versions are only a good deal during first-party Nintendo sales; regular prices are often higher than physical carts.

Second, don't get carried away by "lowest price ever." Many games in the eShop are marked "-70%," but the original price was already low, so even a steep discount only saves you a few bucks. The ones truly worth waiting for are first-party titles like The Legend of Zelda and Xenoblade Chronicles, where the historical low can save you over 100 dollars.

The joy of the Switch lies precisely in its suitability for all kinds of play styles and scenarios. Don't follow the crowd, and don't stress about "not finishing." Start by picking one from this list that matches your current state, open it up and play—you'll know if it's worth it.