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By Fox Van Allen
/ Essentials
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The Nintendo Switch is still among the best-selling consoles in the United States, even though the PlayStation 5 beat it in sales in January 2022, according to the NPD Group. The popular gaming console has a more mainstream appeal, its portability and ease-of-use attracting mobile gamers and non-gamers alike.
It’s no surprise that plenty of people love the more family-friendly style of the Nintendo Switch console ($299) and Nintendo Switch OLED Edition ($349). In fact, the new Pokémon game, «Pokémon Legends: Arceus,» was the best-selling video game in January. But there are also plenty of other great Nintendo Switch games in 2022 to play.
If you’re looking for games for your new Switch, or just want to find something new to play, a great place to start is Amazon’s list of best selling Nintendo Switch games. There are plenty of classics on the list, such as the fun (and occasionally frustrating) Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and plenty of new and available for pre-order titles too.
(Looking for more great games to play? Check out the new games coming to the PlayStation 4 and 5 this month.)
To set you off to a good start, CBS Essentials found the best-selling Nintendo Switch games on Amazon. These are the titles Nintendo Switch gamers are playing right now, some of which are supported by Nintendo Switch Lite.
«Pokémon Legends: Arceus» is cracking Amazon’s top 10 game list and tops the best-selling video games list in January 2022. It’s a significant departure from typical Pokémon gameplay. Instead of the traditional random-encounter-based RPG experience, «Pokémon Legends: Arceus» has a more open, «Breath of the Wild»-esque feel where Pokémon can be observed in the wild.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus, $55
«Kirby and the Forgotten Land» is already one of the best-selling Nintendo Switch games well before its March 25, 2022 release. This 3D platforming adventure will have you exploring a world full of abandoned ruins from a past civilization, using your enemies’ abilities against them.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land (pre-order), $55
Board games never go out of style, which is part of what makes «Mario Party Superstars» an instant hit. Combining that board game vibe with five classic boards and 100 mini games from the Nintendo 64 Mario Party games, it’s designed to deliver hours of fun. That’s whether you’re playing with friends or the whole family.
Mario Party Superstars, $55
A remaster, not a remake, «The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD« is a graphically improved version of the 2011 Nintendo Wii title. Some reviewers have panned the game’s obsession with motion controls, but even still, the game is a must-play for any The Legend of Zelda fan.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, $40
«Animal Crossing: New Horizons» is akin to a digital getaway — perhaps that’s why it became so popular during the pandemic. This low-pressure game places you square on your own deserted island, where you collect resources, craft items and build homes to create your own personalized world.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons, $50
Another Pokémon game on Amazon’s best seller list, «Pokemon Brilliant Diamond» is a remake of the 2006 Nintendo DS title, «Pokémon: Diamond.» Also set in the Sinnoh region, the game retains the original story and Pokémon lineup, while also including some nice modern upgrades, such as a revamped battle screen. It released alongside its sister title, «Pokémon Shining Pearl,» another title Pokémon should check out.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, $55 (reduced from $60)
Pokemon Shining Pearl, $55 (reduced from $60)
An updated HD version of the 2014 Wii U title, «Mario Kart 8 Deluxe» is the signature racing experience for the Switch. Race your favorite Nintendo characters across a series of Mario-inspired tracks, including several iterations of the dreaded Rainbow Road track. Just be careful when using the blue shell that targets the first-place racer: It’s been known to end friendships.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, $50
If you have kids, chances are you’re already familiar with this popular sandbox game. Something akin to digital Lego, «Minecraft» is a world with nearly infinite terrain that can be mined and foraged. Players explore, fend off baddies, craft buildings and other structures and more, alone or with friends online — even those playing non-Switch versions of the game.
Minecraft, $28
Part video game and part workout, «Ring Fit Adventure» challenges you to defeat a bodybuilding dragon by completing a series of exercises in real life. Yes, really. This game comes packaged with Ring-con and leg strap accessories — everything you need to get a good workout in using the Nintendo Switch.
Ring Fit Adventure, $70
If you’re a fan of the «Assassin’s Creed» series, you’ll want to relive your assassin adventures with the newly-released «Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection» in the comfort of your own couch or during a long-haul flight. Released in February 2022, this new Switch collection features single-player campaigns from three classics, «Assassin’s Creed II,» «Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood» and «Assassin’s Creed Revelations.»
Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection, $40
The game series that combines fun with sweating it out, «Just Dance,» is back for 2022 with 40 of the most popular songs and a fresh gameplay. A whole family affair, it also comes with eight kid-friendly tracks and a Kids mode. Plus, it’s discounted right now, dropping to almost 50% off and offering a one-month free trial of Just Dance Unlimited for access to over 700 more songs.
Just Dance 2022, $26 (reduced from $50)
Want even more great titles for your Nintendo Switch? Check out these most popular Switch games of 2021 on the Nintendo eShop digital store.
A surprise indie hit of the pandemic, Among Us is a social game in the same vein as Mafia and Werewolf. Each game is played online, with a number players labeled as «imposters.» Most players attempt to complete a series of simple tasks while the few imposters sneak around trying to kill them and evade detection as the secret bad guys.
Among Us (digital download code), $5
This charming (and quite tough) indie platformer about a young girl climbing a mountain has a simple, pixelated style, but don’t be misled. Aside from offering plenty of serious gaming challenges and a beautiful score, Celeste offers a deep, touching story that deals with serious mental health issues.
Celeste (digital download code), $20
This sickeningly cute rhythm-based drumming game features a number of J-pop-styled songs to master; more are available as DLC. «Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun» be played with standard Joy-Cons, but for the most arcade-like experience, you’ll want to upgrade to the (admittedly pricey) collector’s bundle.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun (digital download code), $50
Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun Collector’s bundle with Taiko drum and sticks, $130
We have just one thing to say to those who haven’t played a game from the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney series: Objection! This two-game collection, set in late 19th century Japan, features 10 cases that require you to search for evidence, think logically and call witnesses out on their lies in the moment.
The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, $30
Something like a cross between Animal Crossing and Farmville, «Stardew Valley» is a relaxing low-res farming simulator. In it, players grow crops and raise livestock, craft and sell goods, and even raise a family.
Stardew Valley, $35
While the following Nintendo Switch games are no longer on top of the Amazon best seller lists, they’re still fun to play and highly rated by Amazon reviewers.
This near-perfect 3D Mario platformer, rated 4.9 stars on Amazon, has Mario traversing a number of incredible detailed worlds collecting stars, hidden coins and (of course) rescuing Princess Peach from Bowser.
Amazon reviewer Christopher Boyer says that while «while the game is designed to appeal to everyone, Nintendo took the time to add some extra nods to long-time fans, not only in the worlds and the critters/characters you happen across, but through set pieces and a spectacular mid-game musical number that old-timers like me have to appreciate.»
Super Mario Odyssey, $44 (reduced from $60)
The base version of «Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,» Nintendo’s iconic fighting franchise, features 74 unique characters, with even more available through DLC. There’s a story mode, of course, but the real fun comes in beating up on friends and family, both locally and online, across a series of familiar Nintendo worlds.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, $50
Nintendo’s party game series, Mario Party, launched on the Switch back in 2018 and has been a best-seller since. The title features new game boards, 80 new mini-games and new mechanics such as character-specific dice blocks to enjoy with friends and family locally or online. Reach for those stars!
Super Mario Party, $50 (reduced from $60)
«Mario Golf Super Rush» mixes a traditional golfing game, played across a series of Mario-inspired courses, with the kind of chaos you might expect out of a game of Mario Kart. Sure, you can get your ball onto the green — but that putt might not be so easy if a Bob-omb goes off first.
Mario Golf Super Rush, $50
A fun, family-oriented companion to the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, this game lets players control their favorite Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog characters in a series of Olympic events that include surfing, skateboarding, karate, sport climbing and more. Up to four people can play Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 locally, or up to eight when playing online.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, $40 (regularly $60)
First published on August 2, 2021 / 12:52 PM
Victims of alleged abuse described shock and dismay that the agent, Jean-Luc Brunel, will never face trial.
The bear has broken into dozens of homes and become quite a problem for locals.
The recall impacts stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee, and products purchased between January 1, 2021, and today.
Residents could see changes as soon as next week, Adams said.
The U.S. believes Russia is capable of attacking Ukraine any day.
«You’re telling me that it’s 100% that the war will start in a couple of days. Then what [are you] waiting for?» said President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The potential Russian invasion of Ukraine is leading the Munich Security Conference in Germany, an annual event to prevent another war in Europe.
The U.S. believes Russia is capable of attacking Ukraine any day.
The judge also threw out legal claims against Donald Trump Jr. and former Trump personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani.
The U.S. has technical information linking Russia to the attacks, says the deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger.
The recall impacts stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee, and products purchased between January 1, 2021, and today.
The nation’s top doctor has encouraged vaccines and boosters to fend off the worst of the virus.
Growing up, Robin Arzón was a kid who dreaded gym class. Then everything changed.
The powder formulas were distributed across the country, and possibly exported to other countries, the FDA said.
Analysis finds «unexpected levels» of human carcinogen coming from propellant that sprays product out of the can.
Most new car buyers are having to pay thousands above automakers’ suggested retail prices. Here’s why.
Bidding for each item starts at $50, but «the artwork of each collection is revealed only after purchase,» the former first lady said.
Financial markets retreat in the face of rising tensions in Eastern Europe and an expected interest rate hike in the U.S.
The world’s largest money manager is pushing for zero emissions. It’s also pledging to continue investing in oil and gas.
Millions of buyers and sellers of cryptocurrency will need to declare their digital currency transactions to the IRS.
Photos taken Saturday morning showed thick smoke hanging over the ship, which was carrying more than 290 passengers and crew, 153 trucks and 32 cars.
«You’re telling me that it’s 100% that the war will start in a couple of days. Then what [are you] waiting for?» said President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Victims of alleged abuse described shock and dismay that the agent, Jean-Luc Brunel, will never face trial.
The potential Russian invasion of Ukraine is leading the Munich Security Conference in Germany, an annual event to prevent another war in Europe.
Tensions continued to mount in the east of Ukraine on Saturday after reports of increased shelling in the region overnight.
Chicago singer-songwriter Neal Francis took up piano at age four, played with bands in high school, and by 18 was touring with blues acts in the U.S. and Europe. His first album earned a spot in the top 10 list and led to a North American tour. From his new album «In Plain Sight,» Francis makes his national television debut with «Alameda Apartments.»
Chicago singer-songwriter Neal Francis took up piano at age four, played with bands in high school, and by 18 was touring with blues acts in the U.S. and Europe. His first album earned a spot in the top 10 list and led to a North American tour. From his new album «In Plain Sight,» Francis makes his national television debut with «Problems.»
Chicago singer-songwriter Neal Francis took up piano at age four, played with bands in high school, and by 18 was touring with blues acts in the U.S. and Europe. His first album earned a spot in the top 10 list and led to a North American tour. From his new album «In Plain Sight,» Francis makes his national television debut with «Can’t Stop The Rain.»
Collectors go for the gold in what is one of the most competitive of Olympics events: trading hard-to-find pins that commemorate the Games.
Pitt says the French winery is his «passion,» and claims Jolie purposefully kept the name of the buyer anonymous.
As the race for self-driving cars accelerates, experts weigh in on their status and just how long until they think it will be until autonomous automobiles take over. Brook Silva-Braga took a test drive.
Bidding for each item starts at $50, but «the artwork of each collection is revealed only after purchase,» the former first lady said.
Millions of buyers and sellers of cryptocurrency will need to declare their digital currency transactions to the IRS.
American car buyers are feeling the pinch with dealership costs skyrocketing. Now manufacturers are threatening to withhold deliveries if prices don’t come down. Washington Post reporter Jacob Bogage joined CBS News’ Anne-Marie Green and Vladimir Dutheirs to talk about the trend.
Some 350 complaints by Tesla owners saying their cars can stop on roads for no apparent reason and they feared rear-end crashes on freeways.
Monkeys at the UC Davis primate center had chips made by Neuralink implanted in their brains. Animal rights activists allege the research is abusive and sometimes ends in death.
The cause of the sudden deadly swarm remains a mystery.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed moving the prostrate milkweed to endangered status.
Deni Seymour says her discovery could rewrite the history of the Coronado Expedition.
The research found that more than half of the United States’ coastal regions are under very high levels of human industrial pressure.
Former police officer Kim Potter was sentenced Friday to two years in prison for fatally shooting Daunte Wright during a traffic stop last year in a Minneapolis suburb. David Schuman from WCCO-TV reports.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams introduced a new subway safety plan intended to address a rise in crime and homelessness in the transit system. CBS New York’s Marcia Kramer reports.
«To those who disagree and feel a longer prison sentence is appropriate, as difficult as it may be, please try to empathize with Ms. Potter’s situation,» the judge said.
Police in Canada moved in to confront protesters who have gridlocked Ottawa for weeks over COVID vaccine mandates. At least 70 have been arrested.
Kim Potter, a former Minnesota police officer found guilty of manslaughter in the shooting death of Daunte Wright, was sentenced to two years in prison. David Schuman has the details.
The debris is in a «chaotic» orbit and on track to hit the moon in just a couple of weeks.
While the blurry, misaligned pictures might disappoint the uninitiated, they are almost exactly what engineers were expecting at this point in the observatory’s complex commissioning.
If confirmed, this «unexpected» discovery in the Milky Way would be the first time a life-supporting planet has been found orbiting a dying sun.
SpaceX’s Starship is the most powerful rocket ever built.
NASA said an «in-flight anomaly» prevented the rocket’s payload of research satellites from being delivered to orbit.
Authorities who investigated the death of the 42-year-old stay-at-home mom retraced not only the night of her death, but also her online life.
There have been some super games since 1967, but which one is the best?
Photos from Russia’s borders show a recent amassing of weapons, vehicles and personnel.
The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing officially kicked off with a celebration of the athletes — and protests of the host nation.
Unidentified DNA found 30 years ago at the scene of a quadruple murder recently raised hopes that this unsolved mystery might finally be solved — but will it crack the case?
A homeless assistance program in Miami is providing a partnership that goes beyond people’s basic needs. Also, as COVID-19 sidelines teachers and staff, the New Mexico National Guard is stepping in as volunteer substitute teachers. Watch these stories and more on «Eye on America» with host Michelle Miller.
Biden convinced Putin has decided to invade Ukraine; Jason Mott’s unlikely journey to becoming a best-selling author.
Chicago singer-songwriter Neal Francis took up piano at age four, played with bands in high school, and by 18 was touring with blues acts in the U.S. and Europe. His first album earned a spot in the top 10 list and led to a North American tour. From his new album «In Plain Sight,» Francis makes his national television debut with «Alameda Apartments.»
Chicago singer-songwriter Neal Francis took up piano at age four, played with bands in high school, and by 18 was touring with blues acts in the U.S. and Europe. His first album earned a spot in the top 10 list and led to a North American tour. From his new album «In Plain Sight,» Francis makes his national television debut with «Problems.»
Chicago singer-songwriter Neal Francis took up piano at age four, played with bands in high school, and by 18 was touring with blues acts in the U.S. and Europe. His first album earned a spot in the top 10 list and led to a North American tour. From his new album «In Plain Sight,» Francis makes his national television debut with «Can’t Stop The Rain.»
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