Siliconera Nintendo Switch Game of the Year 2021

Siliconera’s Nintendo Switch Game of the Year 2021

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.

Recommended Videos

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.

nintendo switch game of the year 2021 monster hunter rise

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

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

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.


Siliconera is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Graham Russell
Graham Russell
Graham Russell, editor-at-large, has been writing about games for various sites and publications since 2007. He’s a fan of streamlined strategy games, local multiplayer and upbeat aesthetics. He joined Siliconera in February 2020, and served as its Managing Editor until July 2022. When he’s not writing about games, he’s a graphic designer, web developer, card/board game designer and editor.