Best Nintendo Switch games to gift for the holidays.

Whether a rhythm game lover or a fan of fighting games, there’s something here for every type of gamer!

Fin-tastic!
Bud Blog
Published in
7 min readDec 1, 2019

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Image from here!

With Christmas around the bend, we’re all looking for gifts to send to our friends and family! But with such a wide selection, it can be hard to choose the right game and not have your loved ones asking for the receipt. But not to fear! We at Bud Blog have compiled a list of our favorite Nintendo games for you to wrap up and toss under your beautifully decorated tree! (Or send to your long-distance online friends, they’re just as valid!)

Remember, this isn’t a top ten list! This is just a neat list to help you out on your Holiday shopping, so pull out your credit cards and/or cash and get prepared to give!

Also please note that this post is not sponsored or affiliated with Nintendo or their associates in any way — we just really like these games and wanted to share our thoughts with everyone!

Ring Fit Adventure

($79.99)

Ring Fit Adventure has only been out for almost two months, but it’s already gotten quite a positive reputation! Mixing RPG mechanics with cardio and squats as well as difficulties you can adjust at any time to fit your work out needs, Ring Fit is so fun you’ll feel sad when you have to take a break or stop playing!

With multiple worlds and beautiful environments — and a ring peripheral that not even an actual gym coach could break easily — you won’t have to worry about anything in this game being low-quality.

If you have a friend that wants to get into working out, this game is perfect to keep them in shape and warm during the winter. Have to work off those big Christmas meals somehow! Might as well do it with a quality game!

Super Smash Bros Ultimate

($59.99)

Known as the biggest Smash game to date — and now nominated for Game of the Year — Ultimate brings back all of the characters and stages from every game in the past, and adds new quality representatives to the roster! After all this time, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is still one of the most popular online Switch games, along with Splatoon 2. This is a great choice for more competitive players and casual people who want to have some fun with friends and settle it in Smash!

Whether you’re building friendships or destroying them, you can’t go wrong with the latest installment of the Smash series! With all the past characters and new DLC characters still in development, who will you main in this Nintendo free for all?

The Legend Of Zelda Link’s Awakening

($49.00)

If you have a loved one in your life that’s an old school Zelda fan, this remake of a beloved classic is sure to breathe new life into an old favorite of many! We could have put Breath of the Wild on this list, but honestly who hasn’t done that by now?

With a beautiful revival of an older Zelda game, whether you’re gifting this game to a friend who’s looking for a bit of nostalgia or a family member who’s new to the series, this will be sure to leave a great impression!

Luigi’s Mansion 3

($59.99)

While Dark Moon for the 3DS may have been a fine enough introduction to newcomers of the series, it left old fans disappointed and feeling forgotten. But with this newcomer to the franchise, it’s a perfect mix between the first game and the sequel with its unique mechanics to add to the mix! As a gamer who’s favorite game of all time is the original installment on the Gamecube and was left saddened by its 3DS sequel, this game scratched every itch on a rash left by Dark Moon! Playing Luigi’s Mansion 3 on Halloween at midnight the moment it released, I was near tears from joy.

With its amazingly organic graphics, adorable voice acting, and so much love and care put into every animation, this time around every detail is absolutely dripping love from the creators. If you have someone in your life who’s looking to get into a silly spooky mood this winter, this game is by far your best choice!

Untitled Goose Game

($19.99)

This is the game you turn on when you just want to watch the world burn.
Your only objective is to be as annoying to the people around you as humanly possible. Which is quite ironic, considering you play as a goose.

From stealing from a farmer to making your own goose picnic, trapping someone in a garage, or just going shopping, this game is the definition of chaotic evil.

While the game itself may be short objective wise, there’s plenty to do that isn’t on the list that is provided! Mostly just being a jerk in general. (And boy is it satisfying.)

If you’re looking for some silly antics and need to let off steam, this game is perfect. Gift this game to that one asshole friend. They’ll probably enjoy it.

Mario Tennis Aces

($49.99)

This game is great for either the casual gamer or someone looking for an intense gaming session!

Mario Tennis Aces introduces new mechanics to the Mario Tennis series such as trick shots, zone shots, and special shots, all of which add a layer of strategy not present in most tennis games. You have to make sure you save enough energy in your energy meter to counter an opponent’s zone shot, but if you save the max amount of energy, you may be able to successfully win the match with a special shot that they will have trouble countering.

If you’re not into all of the nitty-gritty strategies and just want to play normal tennis, that’s an option too! The main focus of the game is the online multiplayer, but there’s also a nice little adventure mode packed in, just in case you get bored with the multiplayer!

Overall, if you know a fan of tennis games, you should definitely check this one out for the holidays.

Taiko Drum Master

($52, $152 on Amazon if you want the drum peripheral!)

This game originates from the arcades in Japan and eventually went on to the PS2, Wii, Wii U, and has now returned once again to the Switch! Filled with songs from both anime, movies, games and more! It’s got POP TEAM EPIC, How Far I’ll Go from Moana, CHA-LA HEAD CHA-LA from Dragon Ball Z, MEGALOVANIA from Undertale, and even songs from Zootopia, Vocaloid, Studio Ghibli films, And much much more!

With colorful and fun graphics, an extensive song list, fun gameplay, and a niche fanbase to accompany it, if you have someone who has a deep appreciation for Rhythm games, this is the perfect Switch game to get them!

Just Dance 2020

($39.99)

Same old song and dance… or is it?

While the gameplay remains the same formula it’s been since its original debut 10 years ago, the songs and choreography are as amazing as ever! With hits from this past year like Old Town Road, tracks off of Ariana Grande’s newest album like 7 Rings and God Is a Woman, Bad Guy by Billie Eilish, High Hopes by Panic! At the Disco, Kill This Love by Blackpink, and more!

While I have chosen 2020 specifically, really any of the recent Just Dance games on the Switch are a good choice! You can choose for yourself based on your friends’ tastes; check the song listings and see for yourself!

Whether you’re just looking to dance your pants off, or looking to stay warm during the long cold Christmas days by shaking it to the beat, Just Dance is never a bad choice for an active music-loving friend or family member!

That was our list!

What did you think of it? Did we help you find any good games to buy your loved ones this year? Let us know!

And just a reminder; We’ve just launched our second wave of merch, including a brand new set of winter-themed sweatshirts with designs both by our founder Louie and our artist and writer Fin-Tastic! (a.k.a., me!)

If you’re looking for some cozy wear for your relatives or yourself, check out our store or the announcement post on this blog for more info! We just started a Black Friday sale that ends on the 13th, so now is the best time to pick something up!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

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