Fornite tops Nintendo’s most-downloaded Switch games of 2019
Nintendo has revealed its 25 most-downloaded games for the Nintendo Switch in 2019 and, of course, Fortnite was the most popular.
Nintendo typically marches to the beat of its own drum when it comes to consoles and games, but when looking at the Nintendo Switch’s most-downloaded titles of 2019, it’s no different than the rest of them. Nintendo revealed 2019’s most-downloaded games (via Nintendo Everything) and topping the list was none other than Fortnite, Epic Games’ massively popular battle royale title.
It probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that the world’s most popular game was also the most downloaded on the Nintendo Switch. Maybe I’m just taken a bit aback because I thought the Switch would be different. I’m not used to seeing so many third-party games make the list, probably because the Wii U didn’t have access to many of them.
But with better hardware and a constantly growing install base, more publishers and developers are willing to bring their games over to the Nintendo Switch. That’s probably why games like Fortnite, Minecraft and Cuphead were among the top five most downloaded games on the Switch this year.
Of course, Super Smash Bros. — one of Nintendo’s signature titles — ranked second. And the recently released Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield placed sixth and eleventh, respectively. Not bad considering they launched in November.
Perhaps the most surprising game in the top 10 is Untitled Goose Game, the puzzle-stealth game from House House. But the wonky nature and intriguing concept led to its booming popularity. Since released in September, Untitled Goose Game has sparked all sorts of memes and viral clips, undoubtedly leading to many wanting to check it out for themselves.
Here’s the full list of 25 most downloaded Nintendo Switch games for 2019:
- Fortnite
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Minecraft
- Cuphead
- Untitled Goose Game
- Pokemon Sword
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- NBA 2K19
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
- Dragon Ball FighterZ
- Pokemon Shield
- Super Mario Maker 2
- Overcooked! 2
- Hollow Knight
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
- Luigi’s Mansion 3
- Cadence of Hyrule
- Super Mario Party
- Final Fantasy VII
- Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
- Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
- Undertale
- Crypt of the NecroDancer
- Warframe
- Mortal Kombat 11
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I have to say, I’m probably most surprised at how low Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 placed. I figured a Marvel game on the Switch, with co-op support, would easily be among the top games of the year.
Looking down the line, 2020 will be another big year for the Nintendo Switch. Coming to the platform next year are multiple big-named titles, including Animal Crossing: New Horizons, No More Heroes III, Bravely Default II and more.
Did you download any of the games on the list? Which has been your favorite Switch game in 2019 and what games are you most looking forward to playing?