Premium Nintendo Action Games Worth Every Penny
For the best premium Nintendo action experience, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom stands out as the top pick. It suits players who crave open-world exploration and creative problem solving. Its main advantage is the massive, physics-driven world that rewards experimentation. The main limitation is that it can feel overwhelming due to its sheer scale and complexity.
Nintendo has long been the home of action games that blend tight mechanics with unforgettable worlds. These are not just games; they are premium experiences that justify their price tags with hours of content and meticulous design.
Whether you are a fan of epic fantasies, sci-fi adventures, or fast-paced combat, this list covers the best that Nintendo has to offer. We compared each game’s value, gameplay innovation, and critical reception to help you choose your next must-have title.
The shortlist, ranked
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
This sequel to Breath of the Wild expands the kingdom with sky islands and underground depths. Players use new abilities like Fuse and Ultrahand to craft vehicles and solve puzzles. The story is deeper and more emotional, with memorable characters. It is a masterpiece that redefines what a premium action game can be.
Pros
- Vast, interconnected world with incredible freedom
- Creative building mechanics offer endless possibilities
- Stunning art direction and soundtrack
Cons
- Can be intimidating for newcomers due to scale
- Performance drops in certain areas
Metroid Dread
Samus Aran returns in a side-scrolling adventure that masterfully blends exploration and combat. The EMMI robots create tense stealth sequences that keep players on edge. Responsive controls and precise platforming make every moment feel fluid. It is a short but intense experience that respects your time.
Pros
- Tight, responsive controls
- Excellent pacing and atmosphere
- Challenging but fair difficulty
Cons
- Short main campaign
- Limited replayability
Bayonetta 3
Bayonetta returns with even more outrageous action and set pieces. The new Demon Masquerade system lets players transform into creatures for devastating attacks. Levels are chaotic and full of spectacle, from giant battles to reality-bending sequences. It is a wild ride that never stops entertaining.
Pros
- Deep and stylish combat system
- Ridiculous, memorable boss fights
- High replay value with unlockables
Cons
- Story is nonsensical and convoluted
- Can be repetitive for some players
Super Mario Odyssey
Mario’s globe-trotting adventure is a celebration of platforming. Each kingdom offers a unique theme and new mechanics, and Cappy adds a fresh layer of gameplay. The game is accessible to newcomers but offers depth for veterans. It is a joyful, polished experience that continues to be a system seller.
Pros
- Creative level design and captures
- Perfect controls and camera
- Huge amount of collectibles
Cons
- Story is minimal
- Some moons are too easy to find
Astral Chain
From PlatinumGames, this action title has you control two characters simultaneously. You fight alongside a Legion, a sentient weapon, to take down hostile creatures. The combat is challenging and rewarding, with a deep combo system. The sci-fi setting and detective story add intrigue.
Pros
- Original and engaging combat mechanic
- Stylish presentation and soundtrack
- Good variety of missions
Cons
- Camera can be problematic in tight spaces
- Story pacing is uneven
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi explores a haunted hotel with his ghost-catching Poltergust. The game blends action with clever puzzles and exploration. Each floor has a unique theme, and boss fights are inventive. ScareScraper mode offers multiplayer fun for friends and family.
Pros
- Charming and humorous atmosphere
- Great level design with secrets
- Excellent local co-op
Cons
- Combat is relatively simple
- Some puzzles are obscure
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
This game is a prequel to Breath of the Wild, set 100 years before the Great Calamity. It takes the Warriors formula and adds Zelda elements like runes and elemental attacks. You can control multiple characters, each with unique moves. It provides a satisfying power fantasy with a tragic story.
Pros
- Engaging story that expands the lore
- Large roster of playable characters
- Fast-paced and satisfying combat
Cons
- Can become repetitive
- Performance issues in crowded battles
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Genre | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Action-adventure | Open-world exploration and creative building | 9.8 | Check price |
| 2 | Metroid Dread | Action-adventure, Metroidvania | Fast-paced sci-fi action and exploration | 9.3 | Check price |
| 3 | Bayonetta 3 | Action, Hack-and-slash | Over-the-top hack-and-slash combat | 9.1 | Check price |
| 4 | Super Mario Odyssey | 3D Platformer | 3D platforming and family fun | 9.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Astral Chain | Action | Unique dual-character action combat | 9.0 | Check price |
| 6 | Luigi’s Mansion 3 | Action-adventure, Puzzle | Polished puzzle-action and co-op play | 9.2 | Check price |
| 7 | Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity | Action, Hack-and-slash | Action with a story tied to Zelda lore | 8.8 | Check price |
How to pick the right one
Frequently asked questions
What is the best premium Nintendo action game for beginners?
Super Mario Odyssey is an excellent choice for beginners due to its accessible controls and forgiving difficulty. It offers a gentle learning curve while still providing depth for experienced players.
Which game has the longest playtime?
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom offers the longest playtime, often exceeding 100 hours for completionists. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity also provides dozens of hours with its many missions and unlockables.
Are there any co-op options in these games?
Super Mario Odyssey has a two-player mode where one controls Cappy. Luigi’s Mansion 3 features a co-op mode for up to eight players in its ScareScraper. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity supports two-player local co-op.
Do these games have any downloadable content?
Some games offer DLC, such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s expansion pass. Others like Metroid Dread have no additional content. Check the Nintendo eShop for each game’s available DLC.
Can I play these games on the Nintendo Switch Lite?
Yes, all these games are compatible with the Switch Lite, but note that games with motion controls (like Super Mario Odyssey) require a separate controller. Also, co-op features may require additional controllers.
Which game has the best story?
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity offers a compelling narrative that expands the Zelda universe. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also delivers a deep story with emotional moments. For a more personal story, Metroid Dread excels in atmospheric storytelling.
Are these games available on other platforms?
No, these games are exclusive to Nintendo platforms, primarily the Nintendo Switch. They are not available on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC.
Which game is the most challenging?
Metroid Dread is known for its difficulty, especially the EMMI encounters. Bayonetta 3 also offers a high skill ceiling on higher difficulty levels. Both provide rewarding challenges for seasoned players.
What is the replay value of these games?
Most of these games have high replay value. Super Mario Odyssey encourages collecting all moons, Bayonetta 3 has multiple unlockables, and Luigi’s Mansion 3 offers multiplayer modes. Tears of the Kingdom’s open-ended nature invites multiple playthroughs.
Do any of these games use motion controls?
Super Mario Odyssey uses motion controls for certain moves, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom supports motion for aiming. Others like Metroid Dread and Bayonetta 3 use traditional controls only.
Final word
If you want the definitive premium Nintendo action experience, get The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. It offers the most content, innovation, and pure adventure. For a more focused and intense action game, choose Metroid Dread. And if you want something family-friendly with broad appeal, Super Mario Odyssey is the way to go.
