<p>The first quarter has not been a very active period for Switch players. This video highlights the highest-rated Switch games released between January to March. You can find the full, updated ranking on our page dedicated to the <a href="https://whatoplay.com/switch/best/2023/" title="Best Nintendo Switch games of 2024">best Nintendo Switch games of 2024</a>.</p>

<h2>7. <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/tales-of-symphonia-remastered/" title="Tales of Symphonia Remastered Switch game">Tales of Symphonia Remastered</a></h2>

<p>The Tales series continues to shine over the years. With this Remaster, the age old classic returns to modern audiences. 20 years was a long time ago, and to be honest, Symphonia definitely shows its age. A lot of work was put into its polish,but it just can’t keep up with today’s demands. Nonetheless, anyone deep into the Tales lore can find something to come back to.. Whether it’s your first time or not, this grand <a href="https://whatoplay.com/switch/best/jrpg/" title="Best Nintendo Switch JRPG Games">JRPG</a> <a href="https://whatoplay.com/switch/best/adventure/" title="Best Nintendo Switch Adventure Games">adventure</a> still holds up. If you ignore its technical hiccups. </p>

<h2>6. <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/spongebob-squarepants-the-cosmic-shake/" title="SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake Switch game">SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake</a></h2>

<p>Spongebob’s been around longer than most kids on the internet right now. And it’s a great surprise to see he’s back for more games. The Cosmic Shake doesn’t really change the formula of their 3D <a href="https://whatoplay.com/switch/best/platformer/" title="Best Nintendo Switch Platformer Games">platformers</a>. However, with the technology to back it up, the game has a lot more detail. Making it a more colorful Bikini Bottom adventure.</p>

<h2>5. <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/fire-emblem-engage/" title="Fire Emblem Engage Switch game">Fire Emblem Engage</a></h2>

<p>The latest Fire Emblem to hit the market. Engage continues the series’ ‘engaging’ turn-based gameplay, now with a handful of new tweaks. The ability to summon past Fire Emblem heroes into battle isn’t just great fanservice, it’s also a neat mechanic overall. You don’t have to play the previous games to enjoy this. Like all Fire Emblem titles, this comes with a standalone story, with just a few callbacks and easter eggs to surprise longtime fans. Much of the criticism was for its barebones plot and underdeveloped social elements. Two big reasons for the success of the previous <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/fire-emblem-three-houses/" title="Fire Emblem: Three Houses Switch game">Fire Emblem game, Three Houses</a>. Even with all that, if you’re a big FE fan, those issues may not even matter.</p>

<h2>4. <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/kirbys-return-to-dream-land-deluxe/" title="Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe Switch game">Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe</a></h2>

<p>The big return of Nintendo’s pink alien ball…isn’t exactly new for old fans of the series. Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a Remake of the 2011 Wii U title. Kirby’s ever powerful mouth can copy new and returning abilities! If you missed out on Kirby’s epic quests before, this version offers a lot of platforming goodness…and more. For starters, the improved 1-4 player couch co-op lets you team up to three friends to venture out into the world. It’s a game built around teamwork and what better nightmare for enemies than Kirby’s mouthfuls.</p>

<h2>3. <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/octopath-traveler-ii/" title="OCTOPATH TRAVELER II Switch game">OCTOPATH TRAVELER II</a></h2>

<p>The sequel to Square Enix’s beloved 2.5D JRPG. Octopath Traveler II continues the series’ multi-character narrative. Taking you into the lives of eight unique individuals, each unpacking their own trauma and motivations. This sequel not only improves on its character interactions, but also its combat. Enemy encounters aren’t as tedious as the original and the traditional turn-based mechanic is more intuitive. It’s considered one of the early contenders for the best games of this year with a playscore of 8.92.</p> 

<h2>2. <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/theatrhythm-final-bar-line/" title="THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE Switch game">THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE</a></h2>

<p>A Final Fantasy <a href="https://whatoplay.com/switch/best/rhythm/" title="Best Nintendo Switch Rhythm Games">rhythm</a> game for anyone interested in the breadth of music the series has. Originally a 3DS classic, The Final Bar Line is the definitive way to experience this celebration of Final Fantasy music. With over 380 songs to choose from, including songs from newer FF titles,  there’s more fun and variety to be had for the fans of the series. Even if you’re not into FF music, you might have already heard of classics like One Winged Angel. It’s not just for Final Fantasy enthusiasts. It’s for anyone who enjoys great video game soundtracks. </p>

<h2>1. <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/metroid-prime-remastered/" title="Metroid Prime Remastered Switch game">Metroid Prime Remastered</a></h2>

<p>Taking the crown for the best Nintendo Switch game so far is none other than Metroid Prime Remastered. Samus Aran returns in the same adventure she had two decades ago. The only difference is the polished visuals. It’s a surprise the Nintendo Switch can run a game as good-looking as this. It’s a complete retread of the original, but with a few bonus content that might encourage fans to push their speedruns by a mile. It is a fantastic Remaster that touches up the original without removing its soul. Now fans are anticipating more Metroid Prime Remasters before <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/metroid-prime-4/" title="Metroid Prime 4 Switch game">Metroid Prime 4</a> comes out. </p>


<h3>Related pages</h3>

<ul>
  <li><a href="https://whatoplay.com/switch/new/">Latest Nintendo Switch games</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://whatoplay.com/switch/upcoming/">Upcoming Nintendo Switch games</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://whatoplay.com/switch/best/" title="Best Nintendo Switch games of all time">Best Switch games of all time</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://whatoplay.com/3ds/best/">Best Nintendo 3DS games</a></li>
</ul>

Ranking the highest-rated Switch games released between January to March

This video highlights the highest-rated Switch games released between January to March. 

Best New Switch Games of 2023 (First quarter)

Ranking the highest-rated Switch games released between January to March