Hey there! As a fellow Nintendo Switch owner and gaming enthusiast, keeping up with which games are resonating most with the community siempre provides great insight into where the future of the platform is headed.
Monitoring monthly Nintendo eShop charts allows us to gauge not just what new releases or surprise throwback hits are making waves, but also which evergreen staples retain enduring popularity years after launch.
As 2022 draws to an exciting close, let‘s explore the 10 titles sitting atop the Switch eShop charts this very moment based on recent sales momentum. From brand new creature catchers to ageless kart racers, the range of experiences filling Switch owners‘ SSDs hasn‘t been this thrillingly diverse in some time!
I‘ll also summarize the full Top 30 eShop best sellers across both digital and physical releases – surprises abound! And for the finale, we‘ll cover which download exclusives currently claim eShop gold.
Grab your GameCube controller and strap in! Here‘s the skinny on the Nintendo games earning Switch owners‘ peak attention during the holiday madness.
The Top 10 Nintendo Switch Games Right Now
Kicking off our tour are the 10 mighty games currently reigning atop the full Nintendo Switch eShop charts combining both complete newcomers and classics that refuse to budge.
1. Pokémon Violet
- Released November 18, 2022
- Sold Over 10 Million Units In 10 Days
- All-New Open World Structure
- Introduces Gen 9 Pokémon In Paldea Region
Claiming the throne as 2022‘s closing Switch blockbuster is Game Freak‘s hotly anticipated Pokémon Violet!
Alongside sister title Scarlet at #2, this all-new 9th generation creature catching epic has critters old and new queueing up for the series‘ first true open world adventure.
As a Pokémon trainer enrolled in the Paldea region‘s academy, you‘re finally free to explore the world at your own pace while collecting notes for your Pokédex across grassy plains, luminous lakes, and Dwemer forest ruins.
With over 100 new Pokémon to encounter and strategies to master, Violet is on track to become the Switch‘s best selling release ever – no small feat!
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Originally Released April 2017
- Switch‘s Best Selling Game Ever
- Over 52 Million Units Sold
- Booster Course Pass Adds 48 Remixed Tracks
At this point, is anyone surprised to see Mario Kart 8 Deluxe still lodging itself firmly in the weekly eShop Top 5 years later? It has, after all, dominated Switch software sales almost uninterrupted since launch.
And with crisp, chaotic races across 48 finely tuned tracks in locales new and nostalgic, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe really does feel like the definitive entry celebrating the series‘ greatest hits.
Recently expanded via its Booster Course Pass initiative granting access to eight additional Cups spanning classics like Sky Garden and Rainbow Road, Mario Kart 8 refuses to relinquish its status as the Switch‘s signature local multiplayer addiction.
3. Minecraft
- Originally Released May 2009
- Sold Over 200 Million Copies
- Open World Crafting Phenomenon
- Monthly Active Players: 140 Million
Speaking of modern institutions that retain world conquering popularity irrespective of aging release calendars, Minecraft‘s enduring appeal continues wowing industry veterans and analysts alike over a decade since its emergence from alpha state obscurity.
And what began as a single creator‘s basement-coded labor of love has transformed into the literal realms of creative possibility for gamers of all stripes today. Even Nintendo‘s own visionary mastermind Shigeru Miyamoto has publicly praised Minecraft‘s boundary-breaking genius.
On Switch specifically, the ability to construct delightfully complex words and unique mini games powered by one‘s imagination on the go has Minecraftfeeling right at home.
4. Among Us
- Originally Released June 2018
- Sold Over 100 Million Units
- 4-10 Players
- Social Deduction Phenomenon
Initially flying completely under the mainstream radar upon 2018 launch, the brilliantly streamlined social deduction title Among Us metastasized into a global party game sensation by late 2020 off the back of prominent Twitch streamers and YouTubers clamoring for its riotous charms.
With accessible rules facilitating wonderfully duplicitous virtual hang outs across free phone apps and consoles for groups numbering up to 10, Among Us achieved certified memetic status thanks to watching friends betray one another bloodlessly never ceasing amusement.
It might have peaked in saturation when politicians and brands shamelessly attempted latching onto its comedic zeitgeist for cheap clout chasing.
But two years since its explosion, Among Us clearly retains immense appeal as the ultimate ice breaker for family gatherings and parties craving dipping toes into video game waters without risking serious skill gap humiliation.
5. Disney Dreamlight Valley
- Released September 2022 Early Access
- Mixes Life Sim With Disney Universe
- Decorating Homes & Completing Quests
- Interact With Hero & Villain Cast
Disney‘s own animal crossing-esque social fantasy life simulator has swiftly charmed its way into the eShop pole position barely a month after early access launch. And small wonder given Dreamlight Valley‘s effective recipe.
EssentiallyPicture a vibrant valley where Disney magic has faded, leaving behind destitute wastelands in need of restoration. By collecting resources while customizing living spaces and building relationships with characters spanning the mouse house‘s mythos, players nurture the valley back to prosperity.
It smartly replicates aspects that have won Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley devoted followings while integrating the colossal Disney back catalogue in amusing ways.
Early criticism around its monetization and deliberate gameplay gating seems only minorly denting Dreamlight Valley‘s ballooning fandom. The magic kingdoms retain their allure.
6. Stardew Valley
- Originally Released February 2016
- Sold Over 20 Million Units
- Relaxing 16-bit Farming Simulation
- Fishing, Harvesting Crops, Courting Villagers
- Available On Most Major Consoles
Upon release across PC and consoles circa 2016, the solo indie developer passion project Stardew Valley swiftly blossomed into a bona fide phenomenon artists aspire towards but scarcely realize.
Tranquil and habit forming in equal measure, toiling across seasons nurturing crops, establishing relationships with villagers and partaking in relaxing fishing minigames resonated instantly with audiences.
Its retro 16-bit visuals house Stardew Valley‘s unfettered charms even today, evidenced by its enduring presence high up the eShop charts half a decade later as new generations dip toes into cultivation.
Proofpositive indie lightning occasionally strikes twice, Stardew Valley developer Eric Barone recently expanded his catalog with the equally well received Haunted Chocolatier, earning him back-to-back critical smash hits – a monumental feat for solo creators.
7. Sonic Frontiers
- Released November 2022
- All New Open World Direction
- Skill Trees To Upgrade Abilities
- Cyberspace Levels & Alternate Game Modes
After successive underwhelming 3D outings exiling the blue blur from tier one mascot relevancy through much of the 2010s, Sega aims restoring former 16-bit era glories via this month‘s all new exploration focussed adventure.
Sonic Frontiers experiments with open zone level templates emphasizing lateral platforming challenges over pure straight line speed running – previously series‘ halcyon days hallmark.
Racing across CYberspace obstacle course challenges before navigating the mysterious Starfall Islands satisfyingly balances classic sensibilities against contemporary open world trappings like tower climbing synchronization.
Reactions seem divided on nailing play control and combat systems, but eShop momentum and incoming DLC suggest Frontiers has sufficiently piqued interest towards a Sonic renaissance.
8. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- Released April 2022
- All Nine Skywalker Saga Films Adapted
- Expansive Hub Worlds To Explore
- New Blaster/Lightsaber Combat
- Signature LEGO Series Humor
TT Games‘ latest brick-powered movie adaptation ambitiously chronicles all nine core Skywalker cinematic chapter milestones with customary block busting bombast and grins.
From dicey pod racing negotiations to stunning trench run recreations, Skywalker Saga‘s exhaustive recreation of LucasFilm‘s sci-fi/fantasy saga toys with new combat and hub worlds lending themselves towards captivating open world adventuring.
Effortlessly accessible gameplay couples with sharp writing realizing iconic arcs often lost amidst Ron Howard narration and Lucas‘ propensity for stilted romantic banter.
The Force remains strong with TT Games proving maestros of playful multimedia homages even without deep narrative pathos.
9. Splatoon 3
- Released September 2022
- Third Entry In Nintendo‘s Hit Shooter Series
- Ink-Covered 4v4 Online Turf War Battles
- Single Player Story Campaign With New Hub World
- One Of Switch‘s Best Performing New 2022 Titles
This neon-soaked online squad based shooter renown for replacing bullets with vivid ink salvos retains its primetime popularity in the wake of September‘s masterful Switch threequel.
Shifting over seven million units at launch, Splatoon 3‘s brand of family friendly paint-slinging antics continues enthusing gamers through immense character customization options and Nintendo‘s reliably butter smooth netplay capabilities.
It might lack certain genre staples such as voice chat and elaborate progression systems, butunderline Splatoon‘s pick up and play accessibility empowers exciting match dynamics catering to all commitment levels.
With free post-launch map and weapon updates promised extending 2023, early success seems far from drying up.
10. Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope Gold Edition
- Released October 2022
- Sequel To 2017‘s Rabbids Crossover Hit
- Turn Based Tactical Combat
- All DLC Included
- Collaborative Ubisoft/Nintendo Title
Ubisoft‘sustries continue fruitful Nintendo collaborations via this lauded sequel to 2017‘s unexpectedly delightful Mario / Rabbids kingdom battle. Which married conventional Mushroom Kingdom iconography against the former‘s irreverent mascot rabbits.
Sparks Of Hope wisely avoids overhauling predecessors winning formula bar some welcome quality of life concessions easing accessibility while emphasizing tactical depth further.
Rousingly colorful XCOM-lite skirmishes coupled with typically absurdist Rabbids humor continues driving strong ongoing engagement suggesting a new Switch exclusive franchise bearing rich future narrative potential.
Full Nintendo Switch eShop Top Sellers: December 2022
Beyond the current cream of the eShop crop, let‘s briefly highlight selections across the full 30 best selling Switch titles over last month.
Franchise mainstays, sports favorites and surprise breakouts all carved out solid positions as 2022 drew to an exciting close!
I‘ve included extra details like all-time sales figures and release dates for context alongside editor thoughts where appropriate.
| Game | Copies Sold | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Violet | 10+ Million | 2022 | Gen 9‘s first open world monster catcher |
| Pokémon Scarlet | 10+ Million | 2022 | Violet‘s sister title acts as excellent counterpoint |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 52+ Million | 2017 | The Switch‘s lifetime software sales leader |
| FIFA 23 Legacy Edition | Over 1 Million Each Annual Release | 2022 | Basic 2022 roster update; lacks next-gen features present on PS5/Xbox versions |
| Minecraft | 200+ Million | 2009 originally | Microsoft‘s infinite building game retains immense appeal across platforms 13 years later |
| Among Us | Over 100 Million | 2018 | Exploded into a party game sensation in 2020 off streaming exposure |
| Disney Dreamlight Valley | N/A | September 2022 | Crafting + life simulator with Disney/Pixar universe appeals |
| Stardew Valley | Over 20 Million | 2016 | One of indie gaming‘s monumental breakout hits still going strong post-launch |
| Sonic Frontiers | Over 2.5 Million | November 2022 | Open world experiments drawing mixed reactions, but strong sales continue |
| Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate | N/A | Initial 2019 Launch | Packs all DLC; quintessential shock n‘ gory fighting |
| Cult of the Lamb | Over 1 Million | August 2022 | Rogue-lite dungeon crawler meets colony builder in darkly comedic indie smash |
| Nintendo Switch Sports | Over 5 Million | April 2022 | Brings back classic Wii Sports activities like bowling and tennis using motion controls |
| Mario Party Superstars | Almost 10 Million | 2021 | Polished collection of series‘ best old minigames disappoints some seeking new ideas |
| Just Dance 2023 Edition | N/A | 2022 | Latest annual dance routine showcase arrives day and date on Switch |
Top Selling Nintendo Switch Download Exclusives: December 2022
Let‘s conclude by spotlighting selections among December 2022‘s 30 top selling download only Switch titles unavailable physically. Ranging from acclaimed indies like Cuphead to legacy classics, these digital exclusives currently claim peak eShop mindshare.
Again, I‘ll offer extra context like genre, developer details and thoughts for these likely less ubiquitous highlights. Discover your next obsession!
| Game | Developer | Genre | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Among Us | Innersloth | Social Deduction | Who knew betrayal could be this addicting? Still a smash 4 years later |
| Disney Dreamlight Valley | Gameloft | Life Simulator | Charming Disney meets Stardew Valley appeals to all ages |
| Stardew Valley | ConcernedApe | Farming Sim | One determined developer‘s passion project resonated with millions |
| Cult of the Lamb | Massive Monster | Rogue-lite | Darkly comedic smash seamlessly fusing dungeon crawler and colony building hooked critics |
| Limbo | Playdead | Puzzle Platformer | Stark, minimalist indie using sharp silhouettes and extreme contrasts to drive an oppresive adventure |
| Cuphead | StudioMDHR | Run n‘ Gun Platformer | Painstakingly hand-drawn visuals recreate 1930s animation styles in all their stuttering, surreal glory |
| Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 Road to Boruto | CyberConnect2 | Fighting | Beloved long-running manga‘s video game adaptation arrives packed with content updates |
| Goat Simulator | Coffee Stain Studios | Physics Sandbox | Utterly daft simulation of what life thinning as a goat plausibly entails complete with tongue grappling and head butts proved a surprise hit |
| Kirby‘s Dream Buffet | HAL Laboratory | Multiplayer | The pink puffball‘s latest co-op adventure evaluates competing players‘ ability to scarf down Strawberry Shortcake |
| Retro Bowl | New Star Games | American Football | Surprisingly engaging football management maintains simple roots |
| Castle Crashers Remastered | The Behemoth | Beat ‘em Up RPG Hybrid | Updated version of 2008 Xbox Live Arcade phenomenon satisfyingly smashes baddies with deep role playing progression |
| The Jackbox Party Pack 9 | Jackbox Games | Party | Annual bundle of offbeat multiplayer minigames succeeds again |
Well, those represent the Switch games currently dominating the eShop! Let me know which titles you‘ve enjoyed most recently or still remain on your backlog! Personally, I cannot peel myself away from Violet and Scarlet‘s engrossing open worlds. That Pokédex won‘t fill itself after all!
Until next time, may your downloads remain bountiful and microSD cards expansive enough to house those long play session recordings! Game on friends! 🕹️
