Ever since Nintendo entered the gaming market with their NES, they have been makingamazing first-party gamesthat are widely loved by every gamer. Titles likeSuper Mario Bros., Mario Kart and The Legend of Zelda are now household names, and every new entry in these franchises is guaranteed to be a hit.
8 Best Co-Op Games on Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch was created with co-op in mind, and these eight games make the best use of this console’s multiplayer capabilities.
Nintendo Switch isn’t exclusive to just their own franchises, though. In fact, this portable handheld is surprisingly powerful and can handle major third-party releases that blew critics away when they got ported to this console. Here are ten games on the Switch that weren’t made by Nintendo themselves.
10Octopath Traveler 2
An Amazing JRPG With a Unique Visual Style
Octopath Traveler 2
TheOctopath Travelerseries has carved a niche for itself with its stunning HD-2D art style, and with Octopath Traveler 2, the developers have reached their peak. Created by Square Enix, this RPG features eight unique protagonists, each with their own intertwining storylines.
The combat utilizes a deep, turn-based system with the Boost and Break mechanics that requires strategic planning. Its atmospheric soundtrack and beautiful visuals capture the charm of classic JRPGs while innovating with modern features. With its vast world, engaging storylines and tight gameplay,Octopath Traveler 2 is a must-playfor fans of narrative-driven RPGs.
9Diablo 3: Eternal Collection
Endless Dungeon Crawling on the Go
Diablo 3: Eternal Collection
Blizzard’sDiablo 3remains a standout in the action RPG genre, and the Eternal Collection brings the definitive version of the game to the Switch. It includes all previously-released content, such as the Reaper of Souls and Rise of the Necromancer expansions.
The game offers near-endless replayability with its procedurally-generated dungeons, diverse character classes and engaging loot system. The portability of the Switch elevates the experience, allowing players to delve into dungeons or tackle the game’s Seasonal content while they’re on the go. The game can be played solo or with friends and is a prime example of how well large-scale games can adapt to the Switch, provided that the developers put in the effort.
8Portal Companion Collection
One of the Best Puzzle Games
Valve’s Portal Companion Collection packs two of the most iconic puzzle games ever made in one package: Portal and Portal 2. The duology is famous for its mind-bending mechanics, dark humor and Glados, who is one of themost iconic video game villainsof all time.
The first game introduces players to the concept of creating portals to solve puzzles, while Portal 2 expands the formula with more complex mechanics and a brilliant co-op mode. Playing them on the Switch is even more fun since players can take the games anywhere they like. The controls are well-adapted to the console and both titles run smoothly, and since the games are endlessly replayable, there’s no reason why anyone should snooze on the Portal Companion Collection.
7Persona 5 Royal
Live a Japanese Life
Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5 Royal brings the beloved JRPG experience to the Switch, offering a rich blend of turn-based combat, life simulation mechanics and a gripping narrative. Players step into the shoes of Ren Amamiya, a high school student navigating both the trials of daily life and the fantastical world of the Metaverse, where they become a Phantom Thief to steal corrupt hearts.
The Ten Best Personas in Persona 5 Royal, Ranked
These are the top ten personas in Persona 5 Royal.
The Royal edition expands on the base game with additional story content, a new party member and quality-of-life improvements. Despite it being slow for the liking of most players, the turn-based combat isn’t so deep that anyone who has never played turn-based JRPGs can’t jump in, but still adequately fleshed out to appease long-time fans. And if that’s not enough, the deep narrative moments and the day-to-day life sim gameplay, which is a standout feature of every Persona game, is something that will attract many players, especially those who like to watch anime.
6Monster Hunter Rise
Join the Hunt on the Switch
Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise started development as a 3DS game until Capcom got their hands on the Switch’s hardware, and then redirected development of the game to play perfectly on the Switch first and foremost. So while many other third-party games on the Switch are titles ported from other platforms, Monster Hunter Rise is truly a Switch title in the flesh.
The game introduces new mechanics, such as the Wirebug which lets players fly around the map, and Palamutes, which are rideable dog companions that make exploration seamless. The setting, Kamura Village, is steeped in Japanese folklore, adding a unique cultural flavor to the series. Whether players are hunting solo or in multiplayer mode, Monster Hunter Rise offers a satisfying loop of preparing for hunts, battling massive creatures and crafting gear from their parts.
5Doom Eternal
Eradicating Every Demon
DOOM Eternal
Doom Eternal is no less than a technical marvel on the Switch that showcases the tiny handheld’s ability to handle a fast-paced, visually intensive FPS game. Being the sequel to the critically acclaimed Doom (2016), Eternal ups the ante with more intense combat encounters, new enemies, more intricate level designs, new weapons and a stronger focus on player mobility.
As usual, players take on the role of the Doom Slayer who is up against a demon horde, this time on Earth. The game is hard, but players who can master the movement mechanics while concurrently shooting at demons will be rewarded with an adrenaline rush like no other. Despite the hardware limitations of the Switch, Doom Eternal runs smoothly, albeit at a lower resolution and reduced graphic fidelity.
4Nier Automata: The End of YoRHa Edition
Some of the Best Soundtracks in Gaming
NieR: Automata
When it comes to satisfying gameplay, masterful storytelling, philosophical introspection and beautiful soundtracks, no other title even comes close to Platinum Games’ Nier Automata. The End of YoRHa Edition brings this beloved title to the Switch, complete with all its DLCs.
Players control the Androids 2B, 9S and A2 in a post-apocalyptic version of Earth, exploring themes of identity, humanity and existentialism. The game seamlessly blends hack-and-slash combat, bullet hell mechanics and RPG elements, creating a genre-defying experience. Plus, the port is remarkably well done, retaining both the breathtaking visuals and fluid performance. Even players who have played the game before should consider getting this version on Switch because the title is just so much better when it’s on a portable console.
3Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1
The Very Best in the Stealth Genre
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1
Fans ofMetal Gear Solidwere ecstatic when the Master Collection Vol.1 was released on different platforms, including Switch. Not only did this mean that they could replay their favorite franchise, from the first Metal Gear game on the MSX up till MGS 3: Snake Eater, on a more powerful and portable console at higher graphical fidelity, but it also meant that a Vol. 2 was also on the horizon that would include MGS 4, a title that had been console-locked on the PS3.
This particular collection includes Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, along with bonus content like the original Metal Gear games. These titles revolutionized storytelling and gameplay in the industry, offering deep narratives, tactical stealth mechanics and memorable characters like Solid Snake and Big Boss, which players can now revisit from their Switch no matter where they are.
Dusty Streets and Rusty Revolvers
Red Dead Redemption
Before it came to the PC, John Marston landed on the Switch in the 2010 Red Dead Redemption, which was previously only playable on the Xbox 360 and the PS3. Set in the dying days of the Wild West and acting as a prequel to the outstanding Red Dead Redemption 2, the game follows John Marston as he seeks redemption for his criminal past.
The Switch version faithfully captures thegame’s vast landscapes, rich storytelling and atmospheric details, from dynamic weather to lively NPCs. The game also includes the Undead Nightmare expansion which adds a zombie apocalypse twist to the classic tale. For fans ofimmersive open worldsand compelling narratives, Red Dead Redemption on Switch is a dream come true.
1The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Geralt’s Final Journey
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Widely considered one of the best video games of all time, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt surprisingly makes its way to the tiny Nintendo Switch, along with both of its expansions. Players take on the role of Geralt, a monster hunter navigating a morally-complex world filled with rich characters and engaging quests.
Despite the technical challenges of bringing such a massive game to the Switch, the port is impressive, cutting back on the graphics and resolution without ruining the atmosphere of the title, making sure it still feels authentic in every way. Being able to experience Geralt’s story, explore the beautiful open world and take on the numerous, hand-crafted side quests on a portable console is a miracle indeed.
10 Best Locations in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
This is a look at some of the best and most memorable locations within the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
