As the Nintendo Switch ages, it’s fun to look back at all the games we’ve played, the quests we’ve gone on, and the wild boss fights we’ve encountered. Though, hey, those final boss battles are fun to look back on, right? No, really, though, because these encounters often involve everything you’ve learned so far in any game that usually requires an immense amount of dexterity and on-the-fly problem-solving. So, it’s only natural for fans and gamers alike to reflect on twenty of our favourites — especially with the Nintendo Switch 2 seemingly coming very soon.
Now, with all that out of the way. Let’s get at it.
20. Lord Fredrik (Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze Switch)
Ok so, this one isn’t bad; it’s just kinda bland. In a game like Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze, with its incredibly creative level design, music, setting, and visuals — The Snowmad King ends up feeling like a bit of a letdown. At least it’s surprisingly challenging because the needlessly specific hitbox that occurs when he’s making his charge move definitely doesn’t help things. Again, it’s not awful, but the lack of gimmicky platforming or a more engaging intro cutscene puts Lord Fredrik at the lowest spot on this list.
19. Bowser (New Super Mario Bros. Deluxe)
Yeah, wow, you probably didn’t expect to see a Bowser fight ahead of something from Tropical Freeze, right? Well, if it weren’t for the great atmosphere, the gigantic Bowser chasing you with reckless abandon, and the fact that it’s Mario, for Pete’s sake, then it would’ve changed places with the previous entry. It’s everything the Donkey Kong fight should’ve been; it just sucks how it’s from a New Super Mario Bros. game instead of something better. Oh well.
18. The Great King Bowser (Yoshi’s Crafted World)
While it’s not unlike the others, as it is a bit too easy and often relies too much on previous mechanics, this Geat King Bowser fight still gets a few points. It’s substantial and a great surprise for those who went into the game without any spoilers. Here’s hoping we get a better Yoshi game on the Switch 2 or, better yet, a Yoshi’s Wooly World port.
17. King Olly (Paper Mario: The Origami King)
Now, we’re back to the controversial titles. Paper Mario: The Origami King left a bad taste in many people’s mouths, but it’s still a game you can squeeze some fun out of with some great humour spread throughout. However, regardless of how many Paper Mario fans may feel about this final boss battle, it should still be ranked on its own. King Olly is a fun character despite his shortcomings in terms of writing and story arc. If only this game was like those, older, well, ya know…
16. Null (The Legend of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom)
Apologies for the negativity! It just had to be there as we moved along through to the next fifteen games. But you can be confident that those next fifteen games will be discussed in the most beautiful ways.
Back to the topic at hand, though, Echoes of Wisdom continued the Zelda team’s philosophy of emphasizing creativity and freedom. It was handled well, and this Null fight is evidence of that. You even get to have Link as your fighting partner after he was trapped in a crystal for the entire game – it’s so cool!
15. MegaDragonBowser (Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle)
Hey, remember this little bugger? A delightfully unique mix of turn-based strategy and the Mario universe, Kingdom Battle even features a three-phase fight against a dragon-tail-wearing mega Bowser. Plus, there are even ways to gain an advantage by using your intuition. It’s what any good strategy game needs and the brilliant animation makes it even sweeter.
14. Dragaux (Ring fit Adventure)
So this may be cheating, as Ring Fit Adventure doesn’t necessarily count as a core title, but who cares? This feature is already long enough. Plus, Dragaux gives players more of a workout than anything on this list thus far. It’s draining, has some story context, and looks pretty. Here’s hoping we get something like it on Switch 2 because Nintendo’s blue ocean efforts continue to surprise us.
13. Ganon And Astor (Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity)
This game was so freakin’ cool, though. This encounter features battles against all the blights from Breath of the Wild, Ganon, and Astor. While you’d think it would be way too overwhelming, it’s actually manageable, thanks to the character-swapping mechanic and some great communication from your fellow team members. The ending is a bit unsatisfying, as you don’t see everyone get wiped out. It doesn’t matter, though, because everything about it is so epic and reaches a peak, unlike many other Nintendo series. Awesome stuff.
12. Narwa The Allmother (Monster Hunter Rise)
The Monster Hunter series is full of great boss fights, and Rise is no different. What makes this one great is how it combines attacks from previous encounters in the game but does it with Monster Hunter’s typical unpredictability. Oh, and you have a grappling hook. Then you must also be at level 50 to even get to the fight, but then you have to deal with the Allmother’s rage. Yeah, it’s hard, but it is so worth it in the end.
11. Zanza (Xenoblade Chronicles Switch)
Xenoblade Chronicles already had some hard-to-master, incredible gameplay and excellent storytelling, but this boss battle took the game to another level. Whether it’s the huge build-up, banging soundtrack, or Shulk raising his sword against Zanza, this encounter is full of memorable moments. It’s safe to say this series is in good hands.
10. Arcues (Pokemon Legends: Arcues)
Pokemon Legends: Arcues was already a really cool title due to its commitment to doing away with the typical formula. Add a heap of a challenging boss fight with good music and surprisingly decent visuals, and you’ve got a stew. It’s exciting, it features Pokemon, and it’s good!
9. Metroid Prime (Metroid Prime Remastered)
Thanks to its excellent sound design and Prime’s terrifying appearance, this final boss fight makes you feel powerful and terrified. The Hyper Beam ability may be a bit overpowered since you can easily rip through Prime’s health bar if you know what you’re doing – but it doesn’t matter because of how satisfied you feel after delivering that final blow. And after such a grueling adventure, it’s kind of nice not to have some so intense to fight right at the end of the game. It’s spooky, too!
8. Noah Prime (Astral Chain)
Because, of course, Platinum had to be on here. When those lyrics kick in, control feels like it is being taken away from you by the hand of Astral Chain; it’s a feeling unlike anything else. Couple that with the hard-hitting soundtrack and fun challenge, you’ve got a fight that dreams are made of. Astral Chain deserves to return on Switch 2.
7. Bowser (Super Mario Odyssey)
Released in 2017, Super Mario Odyssey still has all of its charm, even though it’s getting old. One of the most charming aspects is its final boss fight. Since the game is all about hats, it’s only fair for Mario to use a lifesize King Koopa hat that fits with a pair of boxing gloves to punch Bowser in the tummy. Ok, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch, but it works out because you can believe you can control Bowser as the moon falls apart and an anime song plays in the background. Ahhhh!! So cool.
6. The Shadow Queen (Paper Mario: The Thousand Door)
In a game bursting at the seams of creativity, The Shadow Queen offers a fitting end for an already fantastic game. Mario and Goombella eventually chase down Sir Grodus, only to find a passed-out Princess Peach, who the Shadow Queen takes over. Featuring some challenging attacks that force the player to play defensively, this fight is everything it needs to be and more. Oh, and don’t forget to accept the boss’ offer. Or else…
5. The Ancient Sirehound (Pikmin 4)
The main Pikmin games have consistently delivered with their final boss fights, but this one might take the cake. After a twenty-floor gauntlet featuring fights against every boss in the game, including some brand-new ones depending on how much played of it, the Ancient Sirehound offers an insane challenge. If the constant changes in elemental effects weren’t enough, you even have to contend with gloom that can instantly kill your Pikmin, and the hitbox on the dog’s tail is surprisingly tiny. The hard-rock tunes playing in the background as you suffer a Dandori issue definitely help, though.
4. Fury Bowser (Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury)
Hey, a Mario final boss fight that’s actually hard! Who would’ve thought!? Riding Plessie the Dinousar, avoiding heat-seeking missiles, and listening to a guitar riff that’s surprisingly fitting for a game like this. It’s everything a Mario fan would’ve wanted. SO epic.
3. Mr. Grizz (Splatoon 3)
Splatoon 3 answered everyone’s lucid dream of shooting ink at your capitalistic bear, Mr Grizz, while riding a rocket that is also covered in ink. Yep, it’s just a typical day in the realm of squid land. The thought of this series going even crazier on the Switch 2 is enough to make any fan sweat buckets.
2. Raven Beak (Metroid Dread)
Oh man, where to even begin!? This fight is the ultimate culmination of everything that Samus has gone through in her adventures. She even screams at the top of her lungs while ripping the big bird to shreds piece by piece. Then there is the incredibly challenging difficulty spike that’s no less fulfilling. In the end, it makes you feel like a God, and when it does, it’s almost guaranteed that you will want to play through Metroid Dread all over again. Immaculate.
1. Demon King (The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom)
Yeah, you knew it had to be here. Tears of the Kingdom’s final boss fight is just the best. Your sage friends come to help you; you think you’re on the cusp of victory, but then the Demon King’s health bar fills to what feels like beyond the edge of the TV screen and before you know it, you’re flurry rushed and soon after that you’re thrust into the battling against a dragon. Nothing is held back, and there is still a suitable amount of difficulty, too. This is one amazing Zelda game, and the last entry in our top twenty is no different. Can’t wait to see what this team can do on more powerful hardware thanks to the Switch 2.
Wow, that’s a lot of endings. You know what they say: every ending is a new beginning, so use it to your advantage to tell everyone what your favourite is of all the big baddies and the fights within them. Thanks for reading!! Here’s to Switch 2.
