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Click Here to Buy Discounted Nintendo eShop Card
Whether you just unboxed a shiny new Nintendo Switch or you’re looking to expand your digital library, the eShop can be overwhelming. With thousands of titles available, where do you start? We’ve curated the definitive list of the top 10 essential games that define the console, along with a "Smart Shopper" guide to help you get the best deals.
The Top 10 Essentials
These are the "system sellers"—the games that offer the highest quality, the most replay value, and the quintessential Nintendo experience.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
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Genre: Open-World Adventure
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Why Buy: It is widely considered one of the greatest video games ever made. Building on the masterpiece Breath of the Wild, this sequel adds the ability to build vehicles, fuse weapons, and explore the skies and underground depths. It offers unparalleled freedom and creativity.
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Best For: Explorers and creative thinkers.
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
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Genre: Racing / Party
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Why Buy: This is the essential multiplayer game. It runs flawlessly, looks beautiful, and features a massive roster of tracks (especially with the Booster Course Pass). It’s the one game everyone—from your grandma to your hardcore gamer friend—can play and enjoy together.
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Best For: Parties, families, and competitive friends.
3. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
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Genre: 2D Platformer
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Why Buy: The classic side-scrolling Mario reinvented. The new "Wonder Effects" constantly subvert your expectations—pipes come alive, characters change forms, and the world reacts to the music. It is pure, distilled joy in digital form.
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Best For: Fans of classic gaming and local co-op fun.
4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
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Genre: Life Simulation
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Why Buy: The ultimate relaxation tool. Design your own island paradise, befriend charming animal villagers, and play at your own pace. It follows real-time, meaning if it's night in the real world, it's night in the game. It’s a cozy escape from reality.
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Best For: Relaxing after a long day and creative decorators.
5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
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Genre: Fighting
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Why Buy: A "museum" of video game history. With over 80 playable characters from Mario to Minecraft Steve, it is the biggest crossover event in gaming. The content is staggering, offering hundreds of hours of single-player and multiplayer battles.
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Best For: Competitive players and gaming history buffs.
6. Metroid Dread
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Genre: Action-Adventure / Metroidvania
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Why Buy: A masterclass in tension and action. You play as Samus Aran, navigating a hostile alien planet while being hunted by terrifying robots called E.M.M.I. The movement is fluid, the combat is snappy, and the boss fights are challenging but rewarding.
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Best For: Players who love a challenge and sci-fi settings.
7. Super Mario Odyssey
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Genre: 3D Platformer
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Why Buy: A globetrotting adventure that celebrates the joy of movement. Mario can possess enemies using his hat, Cappy, leading to inventive puzzles and gameplay variety. It is vibrant, funny, and packed with hundreds of secrets to find.
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Best For: Anyone who wants to smile while playing a game.
8. Super Mario Party Jamboree
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Genre: Board Game / Party
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Why Buy: The biggest Mario Party yet. Released in late 2024, this title fixes the complaints of previous entries by offering massive boards, over 110 minigames, and robust online modes. It’s the definitive digital board game experience.
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Best For: Game nights and ruining friendships (in a fun way).
9. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
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Genre: Action RPG
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Why Buy: It refreshed the stale Pokémon formula. Instead of rigid turn-based battles, you catch Pokémon in real-time by sneaking up on them and throwing Poké Balls. The semi-open world setting of ancient Sinnoh feels fresh and exciting.
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Best For: Lapsed Pokémon fans looking for something new.
10. Hades
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Genre: Roguelike / Indie
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Why Buy: The best "bang for your buck" on the eShop. You play as the son of Hades trying to escape the Underworld. Each attempt makes you stronger. With incredible voice acting, stylish art, and addictive combat, it’s a game you can play for 10 minutes or 100 hours.
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Best For: Action fans and those who love a good story.
The Smart Shopper Guide: Best Times to Buy
Nintendo first-party games (like Mario and Zelda) rarely drop in price permanently. However, they do go on sale during specific annual events. Here is when you should save your Gold Points for:
1. "MAR10" Day (March 10)
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What to expect: Named after "Mario" (Mar-10), this sale almost always features discounts on major Mario titles (Odyssey, Kart, Party, Sports).
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Discount Range: Usually 33% off (approx. $39.99 for major titles).
2. Golden Week Sale (Late April / Early May)
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What to expect: Coinciding with the Japanese holiday week, this sale often focuses on Japanese developers (Capcom, Square Enix, Bandai Namco, Sega) and sometimes first-party Nintendo titles.
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Discount Range: Variable, but deep discounts on Capcom (Monster Hunter, Ace Attorney) and Sega (Sonic, Persona) games.
3. Summer / "Hyper Max" Sale (June - July)
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What to expect: A mid-year blowout that often includes major multiplayer titles to encourage summer gaming.
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Discount Range: Up to 30-50% off select blockbusters.
4. Black Friday / Cyber Monday (Late November)
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What to expect: The biggest sale of the year. This is when you will see the widest range of first-party Nintendo games discounted.
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Discount Range: 30-50% off. This is historically the only time recent hits might see a slight price drop.
5. Festive / New Year Sale (Late December - January)
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What to expect: A final chance to grab games for the holidays. Often includes "Party" games and multiplayer hits.
Pro Tips for the eShop:
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Use the Wish List: Add games to your eShop Wish List. Nintendo will email you the moment they go on sale.
- Buy Game Vouchers: If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can buy a pair of Game Vouchers for approx. $100/£84. This allows you to redeem two full-priced games (like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Mario Wonder) for a discount, saving you around $20-$30 instantly.
