Kinda Funny Gamescast: Top 25 Nintendo Switch Games Summary
Introduction
In the episode released on March 6, 2025, the Kinda Funny Gamescast delves into the highly anticipated topic: the Top 25 Nintendo Switch Games. Hosted by Blessing Adeoye Jr., Tim Gettys, and Andy Cortez, the discussion centers around notable game lists published by Polygon and Rolling Stone. The hosts aim to evaluate and compare these lists, offering their insights and predictions on what makes a Nintendo Switch game truly exceptional.
Comparing the Lists: Polygon vs. Rolling Stone
The conversation begins with Blessing introducing the Polygon list titled "25 Best Nintendo Switch Games," published on February 11, 2025. Shortly after, Rolling Stone released a similar compilation named "20 Best Nintendo Switch Games of All Time" on March 2, 2025. This proximity in publication dates sparks the idea to conduct a "list versus list" showdown.
Blessing Adeoye Jr. suggests, "Instead of deciding if these lists are the shit or if they're shit, that's how we rate them. Andy, is it the shit or is it shit?" (Timestamp: 06:22). Tim Gettys adds humorously, "Three is definitely the limit." (06:07), referring to LaCroix beverages, which becomes a recurring joke throughout the episode.
The hosts agree to evaluate both lists, recognizing that Polygon is a dedicated gaming site, whereas Rolling Stone approaches from a broader entertainment perspective. Andy Cortez muses, "There's got to be 50 lists. There will be 50 outside looking in that will not pop up for sure." (06:56), highlighting the myriad of opinions and lists available.
Key Debates and Predictions
One of the central debates revolves around The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild versus its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. Andy Cortez questions the placement of these titles, stating, "I feel like if I had three [LaCroix], you'd say something" (01:05), continuing the LaCroix analogy to emphasize their limits.
Tim Gettys expresses his thoughts, "I think Polygon will have Tears as number one and Rolling Stone's gonna be like, nah, it's, you know, fucking Pikmin 4 or something." (07:54). Blessing counters, "Tears of the Kingdom, better video game mechanically... but Breath of the Wild was first and introduced us to that Hyrule." (08:27).
The discussion highlights the improvements in Tears of the Kingdom, such as enhanced mechanics and storytelling, while also acknowledging the nostalgic and exploratory charm of Breath of the Wild. Blessing notes, "There's something powerful about the fact that it gave us that Hyrule." (11:47), emphasizing the first game's impact on players' experiences.
Inclusion of Other Notable Titles
The hosts touch upon various other games that likely feature prominently on both lists:
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses: Recognized for revitalizing the franchise and becoming a core Nintendo title.
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Anticipated to secure a spot in the top 10, with Andy declaring, "I want that game in the top ten." (16:39).
- Metroid Dread: Discussed for its impressive mechanics and art style, though Andy expresses doubt about its high ranking, saying, "I don't think it's going to be that high." (54:02).
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Expected to be staples in the list due to their popularity and quality.
Indie Gems and Exclusives
The conversation acknowledges the significance of indie titles on the Switch platform, mentioning games like Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Dead Cells. Blessing asserts, "If you're making a correct list, it has to have Celeste." (21:57), emphasizing the importance of these games in enriching the Switch's library.
Rolling Stone List Highlights
As the hosts transition to discussing the Rolling Stone list, Blessing expresses some skepticism about the methodology, especially the absence of ranking. "I don't like this not being ranked." (29:32), she remarks, hinting at the challenges in comparing different editorial approaches.
Top Picks and Surprises
Upon reviewing the Rolling Stone list, several key titles emerge:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is lauded for its groundbreaking exploration and immersive world-building.
- Tears of the Kingdom follows closely, praised for exceeding the expectations set by its predecessor.
- Super Mario Odyssey remains a fan favorite, celebrated for its creativity and engaging gameplay.
- Luigi's Mansion 3 earns its place with its charming design and innovative mechanics.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons is highlighted for its cultural impact and beloved gameplay.
A surprising inclusion is Astral Chain, earning a spot at number 13, which sparks excitement among the hosts: "March 6th is actual chain day now. Put it on the calendar, everybody." (50:08). This unexpected ranking underscores the game's unique appeal and the hosts' appreciation for its quality.
Controversial Placements
Some host disagreements emerge regarding the placement of titles like Metroid Dread and Super Mario Maker 2. Andy's contention, "I respect number two is too high for Dread." (62:22), contrasts with Tim's admiration for the game's design and mechanics. Similarly, Super Mario Maker 2 receives mixed reactions, with some hosts questioning its position relative to other high-caliber games.
Final Rankings and Reflections
As the episode approaches its conclusion, Blessing emphasizes the difficulty in directly comparing the two lists due to their differing structures and editorial intents. "It's like a list by Polygon as a nice little appetizer and Rolling Stone does something different." (38:34).
The final top placements highlight the enduring legacy and quality of key Nintendo Switch exclusives, while also acknowledging the platform's rich diversity brought forth by indie developers. The hosts celebrate the Switch's success, noting its eight-year milestone and record-breaking sales, affirming that it remains a powerhouse in the gaming industry.
Conclusion
The Kinda Funny Gamescast episode on the "Top 25 Nintendo Switch Games" provides a thorough and engaging analysis of the best titles available on the platform. Through lively debates, humorous exchanges, and insightful commentary, the hosts offer listeners a comprehensive overview of what makes these games stand out. Whether you're a long-time Switch enthusiast or new to the system, this episode serves as a valuable guide to some of the most exceptional gaming experiences Nintendo has to offer.
Notable Quotes
- "Three is definitely the limit." — Tim Gettys (06:07)
- "Instead of deciding if these lists are the shit or if they're shit, that's how we rate them." — Blessing Adeoye Jr. (06:22)
- "I think Polygon will have Tears as number one and Rolling Stone's gonna be like, nah, it's, you know, fucking Pikmin 4 or something." — Tim Gettys (07:54)
- "They're cowards." — Barrett Courtney (07:41)
- "Breath of the Wild was special, man." — Blessing Adeoye Jr. (63:57)