Join us as we delve into the world of Nintendo Switch and the games that truly shine on this versatile platform. We’ve handpicked ten games that not only deliver thrilling gameplay and immersive narratives but also push the technical capabilities of the Switch to the maximum.
These games, through their awe-inspiring graphics and powerful performance, have set new benchmarks and made their indelible mark in the gaming landscape. So, strap in as we journey beyond boundaries, exploring how these masterpieces have truly exploited the potential of the Nintendo Switch’s hardware.
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Astral Chain – A Stellar Exclusive for Nintendo Switch
For those who are on the hunt for an exceptional action-packed game that’s exclusively tailored for Nintendo Switch, Astral Chain comes across as an unrivaled choice. This fascinating game was meticulously crafted by the masters at PlatinumGames, the creative brains behind renowned titles like Bayonetta and Nier Automata. The unique signature of PlatinumGames is clearly stamped on Astral Chain through its high-speed sequences, fantastically devised combos, and the beautifully intricate art and visual components that set it apart.
It’s indeed a pity that we didn’t get to enjoy a sequel. Astral Chain doesn’t just wow players with its engaging gameplay, it also establishes itself as a pioneering game on the Nintendo Switch, leveraging its cutting-edge attributes. Despite the game operating at 30 frames per second (fps), the gameplay is so enthrallingly smooth and fast-paced that you might find yourself under the impression of a higher frame rate. This is particularly noticeable when you play the game in television mode.
Doom Eternal – A Masterpiece Port for Nintendo Switch
Bethesda has a proven track record of delivering high-quality ports for Nintendo Switch, and Doom Eternal stands as a testament to this. We first got a taste of their prowess with the incredibly adapted Skyrim, and later with the brilliantly transitioned Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus. But it is with Doom Eternal where the developers at Panic Button truly outdid themselves. This port, which is arguably one of the best releases of 2020, shines as a perfect example of their capability.
Panic Button, following their commendable work with the 2016 reboot, has truly raised the bar with Doom Eternal. Naturally, certain sacrifices had to be made for this adaptation (like the reduction from 60 to 30 fps), but these minor drawbacks do little to dull the game’s appeal on Nintendo Switch. In full motion, the Switch version remains as vibrant and captivating as its counterparts on other platforms, without missing out on any content. All things considered, it earns its reputation as a legendary First-Person Shooter (FPS) game.
Nier Automata: The End of Yorha Edition – A Stellar Addition to the Nintendo Switch Library
Last year certainly had its fair share of gaming surprises, but one standout moment was the addition of Nier Automata to the Nintendo Switch roster. Five years following its initial release on PS4, the combined efforts of PlatinumGames and Square Enix have finally delivered this esteemed title to Switch enthusiasts, and it isn’t just any old port. The aptly named Virtuos, the team behind the port, have once again proven themselves to be true maestros in adapting games across platforms.
The End of Yorha Edition is a complete delight to indulge in. From a gameplay perspective, it comes loaded with all the previously released DLCs and additional content that was created for the game, enhancing the overall gaming experience. But it isn’t just the gameplay that steals the show; visually, it stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the most high-octane titles on Switch, like Bayonetta 3. The action sequences, particularly when enjoyed in handheld mode, are a sight to behold.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – A Modern Classic by Monolith Soft
Monolith Soft’s finesse in creating games for the Nintendo Switch is simply unrivaled. Their mastery of the platform is clear in their contributions to games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. They’ve already proven their mettle in the realm of RPGs, having previously given us monumental titles that have garnered widespread recognition and become modern classics in their own right.
The grandeur of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is something to marvel at. The vast, immersive landscapes seem almost too immense for the Nintendo Switch to handle. And though the resolution does fluctuate at times, occasionally losing a bit of detail, the scale of the game’s world is genuinely impressive. But it’s not just the scale of the game that impresses; equal attention has been paid to crafting an engrossing storyline and well-rounded characters. This is one of those games that delivers on all fronts – story, gameplay, visuals – making it an essential play for any gaming enthusiast.
Bayonetta 3 – The Pinnacle of Nintendo Switch’s Technical Achievements
It wouldn’t be a stretch to proclaim Bayonetta 3 as the apex of technical accomplishment on the Nintendo Switch. While it may not have the expansive scope of games like Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, Bayonetta 3, a sublime hack and slash product from PlatinumGames, boasts a visual finesse that is seldom matched on the beloved console from Nintendo.
We’re discussing a performance that smoothly operates at 60 frames per second (fps), a technical achievement that perhaps only Devil May Cry 5 can parallel, albeit the latter is not available on the Switch platform. And that’s without even delving into the artistry on display, the riveting action sequences, and the expansive stages that the game presents. Bayonetta 3 isn’t just a feast for the eyes, it also stands as the most accomplished installment in the series thus far.
Alien: Isolation – A Revamped Horror Classic on Nintendo Switch
Regarded as one of the most chilling video games ever crafted, Alien: Isolation looks even more hauntingly impressive on the Nintendo Switch. Originally celebrated as one of the standout titles of its generation, the port of this game to Nintendo’s hybrid console, courtesy of Feral Interactive, proves that Alien: Isolation still has plenty of terrifying tales to tell.
It may sound astounding, but the Nintendo Switch rendition of Alien: Isolation might just be the best version of the game to date. This isn’t merely due to the inclusion of all previously released DLCs and Survival mode levels, but also its remarkable performance and technical prowess on the console. There’s something thrillingly eerie about being pursued by the ‘perfect organism’ in this graphically enhanced, fear-inducing masterpiece.
Mortal Kombat 11 – A Powerhouse Fighting Game on Nintendo Switch
Selecting a superior fighting game was a toss-up between Mortal Kombat 11 and Dragon Ball FighterZ. However, the decision tilted towards Mortal Kombat 11, thanks to its relatively steady 60 frames per second (fps) performance on the Nintendo Switch. A collaborative masterpiece from Warner and NetherRealm, this title has indeed proved itself to be one of the foremost fighting games on the platform.
If you have the chance, grab the Ultimate Edition. It not only includes all the released DLCs but also introduces new characters to the Mortal Kombat 11 universe. The smoothness of each fight enhances the overall gameplay experience, making it an absolute pleasure to immerse yourself in this captivating game on Nintendo’s hybrid console. Above all, its top-notch performance stands out as its crowning virtue.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – An Astonishing Port on Nintendo Switch
The fact that a game as expansive as CD Projekt’s RPG, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, is available on Nintendo Switch is nothing short of miraculous. It shares a common thread with Skyrim in terms of the magnitude of the game, but we’ve chosen to highlight Geralt and Ciri’s saga due to its superior technical prowess. It also stands out as one of the rare titles released on a 32-gigabyte Game Card.
The driving force behind this port is Saber Interactive, known for their creation of World War Z and the port of Vampyr. Despite the inevitable technical compromises and occasional visual glitches, playing The Witcher 3 on the Switch is a truly enjoyable experience. The ability to dive into its rich narrative and expansive world on a portable console is nothing less than a gaming treat.
Monster Hunter Rise – The Peak of the Capcom Franchise on Nintendo Switch
Among the many titles under Capcom’s belt, Monster Hunter Rise is widely agreed upon by fans as the standout game of the franchise. There are numerous reasons why it holds such a prestigious position, but a significant factor is its exceptional technical performance. It’s important to remember that initially, Monster Hunter Rise was an exclusive offering for the Nintendo Switch.
While it may not be as expansive as Monster Hunter World – a concession understandably made due to technical constraints – Monster Hunter Rise excels in exploiting the capabilities of the Switch hardware. The game is more streamlined, frenetic, and indeed more addictive than its predecessors, a trait that’s further accentuated with the addition of the Sunbreak expansion. This title offers the pinnacle of hunting experiences available on the hybrid console.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – A Grand Successor on Nintendo Switch
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands tall as one of the games that truly pushes the Nintendo Switch hardware to its limits. However, when juxtaposed with its recent sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild seems to pale somewhat, despite some performance hiccups that the new game exhibited in its early days.
The world of Hyrule is more expansive in Tears of the Kingdom, offering a larger assortment of foes, dungeons, and secrets to uncover. Not to mention, the game’s dazzling light effects, detailed textures, and stunning artistic direction deserve special commendation. Running at 30 frames per second, the sheer magnitude of this game is awe-inspiring, considering it fits into just 16GB. Tears of the Kingdom is an absolute must-have in any Nintendo Switch library.
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