Nintendo Switch’s Best-Reviewed Game by Users Is Surprising

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If you consider the Nintendo Switch’s most popular and highly-rated games, titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Metroid Dread likely come to mind – the games that have really shaped the console over the last ten years. So it’s surprising to see that the game with the highest user score on the entire platform isn’t a Nintendo-made game at all. It’s Sonic X Shadow Generations, and it has an impressive score of 9.4. That’s right, a Sonic game is topping the charts on a Nintendo console.

Take a moment to consider this: on the Nintendo Switch – home to beloved franchises like Zelda, Mario, and Pokémon – Sonic X Shadow Generations has surprisingly earned the highest user review score of any game. Metacritic’s rankings show it’s even surpassed critically acclaimed titles like Deltarune, Hollow Knight, and Pikmin 4. This isn’t just a surprise; it’s almost unbelievable. For years, Sonic has been seen as either a legendary character or a series struggling to find its footing. Now, on Nintendo’s own system, he’s unexpectedly come out on top, beating out some of the biggest names in gaming.

A Redemption Arc No One Saw Coming

For longtime fans, this new Sonic game feels like a real turning point for the series. Sonic games have been hit or miss over the years, but Sonic X Shadow Generations seems to finally deliver what players have been hoping for. It’s an updated version of the 2011 game Sonic Generations, but it’s much more than just a visual upgrade. Sega improved many of the game’s issues and added an entirely new story focused on Shadow the Hedgehog. Their extra effort paid off, earning the game a perfect score on a rival platform.

The new content is a huge hit with fans! They’re loving the fast-paced, smooth gameplay, which successfully blends the classic Sonic experience with modern elements. The story focused on Shadow is generating a lot of buzz, bringing a surprisingly emotional depth to a series usually known for its speed. It’s giving Shadow more personality and nuance than he’s had in years, and that’s really resonating with longtime players. The game is visually vibrant, the music is fantastic, and the controls are finally polished. It all comes together to create a Sonic game that genuinely feels complete and well-executed.

What truly sets this game apart is its straightforward approach. Unlike experimental titles like Sonic Frontiers, or attempts to completely change the formula, Sonic X Shadow Generations understands its strengths and delivers exactly what fans want. It’s a confident, fast-paced, and genuinely fun experience. In fact, players love it so much it’s become the highest-rated Switch game ever, based on user scores – and this isn’t just down to nostalgia; it’s a testament to a game that finally nails the formula.

Outspeeding Nintendo’s Own Legends

It’s actually pretty funny when you consider this: on a Nintendo console packed with fantastic, exclusive games, it’s Sonic – a character who used to be Nintendo’s main competitor – that’s getting the highest scores. Right below him on Metacritic are critically acclaimed games like Deltarune: Chapter 2, Hollow Knight, and Pikmin 4, all with a score of 9.0. People love those games, but Sonic is still outperforming them, almost like he’s reminding everyone he’s still a top contender.

What’s so surprising about all this is how things have changed. In the 1990s, everyone was firmly on Team Sega or Team Nintendo – it was a huge rivalry! Sonic was seen as the edgy, cool character, while Mario was the friendly, all-ages option. Kids would argue endlessly about which console was better, and the idea of Sonic ever being on a Nintendo system seemed impossible. Now, Sonic is not only doing well on Nintendo consoles, but people actually seem to like him more than Mario! It’s like Pepsi suddenly becoming the best-selling drink in Coca-Cola’s own vending machines – it’s really unexpected.

As the Switch gets closer to being replaced by Nintendo’s next console, it feels significant that Sonic the Hedgehog is helping to end its run with a successful game. It’s a surprising turn of events – Sonic, who used to compete directly with Nintendo, is now celebrating the console’s legacy. No one predicted this, and that’s part of what makes it so satisfying. Sonic didn’t just return to popularity; he did it on Nintendo’s own system, making for a truly unexpected and fitting finale.

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2025-11-08 22:10