2021 was a packed year for the Nintendo Switch, both in quantity and quality. There are simply too many worthy releases to honor in our Switch Game of the Year 2021 picks! But we’ll do our best. Here are the top titles on the platform.
These awards represent the consensus of the Siliconera staff. For more of the year’s award selections, check out our Game of the Year 2021 archive.
Winner: Monster Hunter Rise
After the breakout global success of Monster Hunter World, a lot of pressure was on Rise to live up to the hype. And hey, it did! It may not have the snazziest tech specs with its built-for-Switch visuals, but with the hundreds of hours Monster Hunter players get out of each installment, gameplay is king. And Rise had that in spades. That mechanical focus makes it our Nintendo Switch Game of the Year 2021 selection.
Shin Megami Tensei V
Ready to truly test your skills? Shin Megami Tensei V is a tough-as-nails JRPG, and success feels truly earned. While you’re struggling to progress, though? It’s a great time. Overwhelming style, engaging team-building and substantial depth keep you going as you push your way through. Don’t skip this one.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Happy Home Paradise
2021’s Animal Crossing expansion was truly a whole game of its own (and, given it’s a sequel to a standalone title, that makes sense)! While the 3DS game was hit-or-miss with fans, the integration to the New Horizons experience gave a new dimension and purpose to the home designer. It may have come a little late to extend the game’s 2020 zeitgeist, but as simply a game? It’s a lot of fun.
What are your Switch Game of the Year 2021 selections? Let us know in the comments! And stay tuned for more of Siliconera’s GotY 2021 awards.
