Best Nintendo Switch Card-Based Games

The history of playing cards goes a long way. From the Chinese games of the Tang dynasty to the Mamluk cards prevalent in the Ottoman Empire, card games have truly been a global passion through the ages. Their versatility hasn’t been lost on the gaming industry. The Nintendo Switch in particular boasts a broad library of as many deck-building titles as story-driven action-adventure entries. So, let’s check out some of the best card-based games on the Nintendo eShop.

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Cardpocalypse

Cardpocalypse puts you in the shoes of 90s kid Jess, the newcomer at Dusdale Elementary. On her first day at school, the new girl in town inadvertently gets everyone’s favourite collectible card game prohibited, which results in her peers shifting their Mega Mutant Power Pets duels to secret underground spots.

But things get out of hand when the game’s monsters start materialising in the real world, leaving 10-year-old Jess and her newfound friends in charge of fending off the invading mutants. To do so, this squad of unlikely heroes needs to build the strongest card decks.

So, roam the halls and classrooms to collect cards and candies for bartering with your fellow schoolmates. Doing side missions helps you amass new cards and level up your existing Champion cards to unlock ultra-powerful MEGA versions. Once the game is on, be ready to bend the rules. With its cartoonish South Park-like visuals and nostalgic vibes, this card battler, both tactical and wholesome, plays its 90s card gloriously.

Card Shark

Next up is another indie Switch game that’s all about stretching the rules to win. Card Shark follows the story of a mute peasant turned budding scam artist on behalf of a shadowy French count. Recruited by the Comte de Saint-Germain to con the elite of 18^th-century French society, this former tavern boy will rise from humble gambling parlours to the very King’s table.

But as he effectively climbs the French aristocracy ladder without knowing much of his benefactor’s real intentions, he ultimately stumbles upon a deeper conspiracy. Deceit is key, therefore, to get to the bottom of this mysterious affair without raising any suspicion.

Cheating gets riskier with every new card trick strategy you must master to wrap all minigames. Performing tricks at decisive moments can even get legitimately nerve-wracking. A gorgeous watercolour art style and a superb score made of remastered compositions of European classical musicians only elevate this dashing period caper with a cunning edge.

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics is a Switch-exclusive compilation of board, card, and tabletop games from every corner of the world. Backgammon, chess, darts, dominoes, hanafuda, you name it. This party game even features sports minigames like golf and toy baseball.

You can either hone your skills by yourself or challenge your friends for a fiery contest in multiplayer mode. Guided by a toy figurine, you may even learn some trivia tidbits about your favourite game. For all this Switch game’s extensive catalogue, however, there are some glaring omissions for seasoned card players.

Blackjack and Texas Hold’em poker are the only casino classics around, with no baccarat or craps in sight. Thus, gamers with a knack for casino gaming may feel like switching to online platforms. Newcomers can check websites like casinobonusca to find up-to-date casino offers worth claiming to start a bankroll. Welcome packages comprising free spins and deposit bonuses often await first-timers. Users can also make their search easier with advanced filters sorting through bonus and game types. Plus, new casinos offering juicy promotions are constantly added to the list.

Frost

Frost draws inspiration from cult deck-building games such as Dominion and Ascension, only to twist them into a single-player experience. This solo survival game of strategy takes place in a world where a bitingly cold blizzard keeps moving around the globe. People may have learned to survive this hostile environment but they are actively searching for a refuge from the lethal Frost.

You aim to guide this group of chill-bitten survivors to safety by managing meagre resources, defeating the many dangers lurking around, and completing new ideas to move onward. For every region you successfully travel to, however, the Frost quickly follows.

Various difficulty levels add extra challenge to this strategy game, which amount to different decks and abilities. While pretty niche, this indie entry packs a surprising amount of depth in the gameplay department. Besides, players unfamiliar with deck-building mechanics may get the hang of it with a free demo.