Updated with Guilty Gear Strive and changed to our brand new format. Enjoy!
Few could have predicted just how successful Nintendo's hybrid console would be prior to launch back in March 2017. For the preceding decade or so, many prolific third-party publishers tended to overlook Nintendo's systems for a variety of reasons, but Switch has attracted a huge number of the world's premier developers back to Nintendo hardware, some for the first time in a long time.
Despite its relative lack of grunt compared to the more powerful home consoles, Switch has hosted a number of incredibly ambitious and impressive ports, and the list below is our pick of the very best. They may not be the most beautiful games on Switch, but the fact they're running — and well! — on handheld hardware at all is pretty incredible. The list below includes not only technical marvels, but also a handful of retro titles that shine brightest on Switch having been given the five-star restoration treatment.
So, let's take a look — in no particular order — at some of the best Switch ports since the console launched.
The Best Nintendo Switch Ports
SEGA AGES Virtua Racing (Switch eShop)
Not the first impressive Switch port that sprang to mind, eh? We begin with this one to highlight what a fine job port specialists M2 did with SEGA's classic arcade racer. Virtua Racing is by far the most impressive Sega Ages release to date, offering an incredible remaster that doesn’t just replicate the arcade game but actively improves its resolution and frame rate.
Newcomers should be aware that it still only offers three tracks and one car, but those willing to accept this fairly meagre offering will find that the new 20-lap Grand Prix mode and the online leaderboards give it a much-needed boost of longevity. Not for everyone, then, but those who ‘get’ it will adore it.
Alien: Isolation (Switch eShop)
Alien: Isolation is a survival horror masterpiece and straight-up one of the very best horror video games ever released. It's a nerve-wracking affair – a slow, methodical game of cat and mouse against a brilliantly clever recreation of one of cinema's most infamous killers – but if you're up to the task you'll find one of the most satisfying gameplay experiences in the genre.
Feral Interactive, who we've spoken to about porting this and another game coming later down the list — did a stellar job with this Switch port and the excellent motion controls and inclusion of all previously released DLC only go to sweeten the deal. This is essential stuff for survival horror fans.
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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Switch)
As this list attests, Switch isn’t short of games that have already taken a bow, or several, on other hardware, but Skyrim might be the one that most deserves another look from both hardy Elder Scrolls adventurers and absolute beginners alike.
Despite its age showing, with countless little cracks in its already fractured façade, it still delivers a palpable sense of space that few games before or since have managed. May its dancing northern lights never dim.
BioShock: The Collection (Switch)
BioShock: The Collection stands as yet another fantastic port in the Switch’s ever-growing library, combining three excellent games and all their DLC into one convincing package. Stable performance, engrossing narratives, fun gameplay, and lots of content make this one an easy recommendation, even if these releases show their age from time to time.
If you’re looking for a good single-player shooter to pick up for your Switch, look no further - it’s tough to go wrong here.
Ori And The Blind Forest: Definitive Edition (Switch eShop)
What we have here is a flawless port of a game which absolutely deserves all of the praise it has received. From start to finish, Ori and the Blind Forest (and its sequel Will of the Wisps) is a real joy to play. Challenging yet never feeling unfair or discouraging, and almost relaxing to control.
The mesmerising art style and musical score are the icing on the cake that makes the player actually care about the protagonist and want to keep playing to the game’s conclusion. It was a bit of a surprise to see this game make its way to the Nintendo Switch, but we’re glad that it did.
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (Switch)
While Wolfenstein II's graphical downgrade is hard to miss, that doesn’t detract from the fact that this is one of the best single-player FPS experience on the console. The lack of a multiplayer mode (the versions on other consoles didn’t have one either, so don’t worry about being short-changed) might grate, but with its brilliantly-written story and intense action, not even 2017’s excellent DOOM port can stand up to B.J.’s latest war on the Reich.
Given the console's technical limitations, we're fortunate to have access to this remarkable story on Nintendo's handheld.
DOOM (Switch)
DOOM is one of the best first-person shooters we've ever played - an incredible game, flaws and all - and it's certainly one of the best in its class on Switch. There's a certain magical quality about having a game this good on the go. Its brilliant campaign is reason enough to pick it up, but DOOM's multiplayer was also surprisingly good, with small arenas that make matches feel reminiscent of the halcyon days of first-person shooters when Unreal Tournament reigned supreme.
While it's perhaps not as polished as it is on other formats, having DOOM in portable form is a revelation, and developer Panic Button deserves high praise for porting over id Software's classic title so brilliantly.
Doom (Switch eShop)
And while we're at it, how about arguably the finest way to play the original DOOM on console? After launching with a smattering of technical issues, subsequent updates improved things to the point where this ranks alongside the very best versions of DOOM available anywhere.
Purists may suggest that it should only ever be played on a PC with a keyboard, but after a couple of minutes with this exquisite port you'll feel like it was made for a gamepad. If you’re looking to slay hordes of Hellspawn at home or on the move, there’s really no better way.
Dark Souls: Remastered (Switch)
While we had to wait a little longer than those playing on PS4 and Xbox One, the wait was more than worth it. Dark Souls: Remastered is a faithful remaster of a touchstone in video game design that improves overall performance while preserving all of the character traits that made the original such a memorable experience.
While it’s no less forgiving — and its menus are a little fiddly — this slick Nintendo Switch iteration offers a great way to experience Lordran’s ultra-challenging odyssey in true handheld form. Praise the Sun, indeed.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (Switch eShop)
To have Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice on Switch in this form is a blessing that you shouldn’t miss out on. The game itself is a psychological sensory experience that we thoroughly recommend, but the fact that it’s been translated to Switch in such a complete fashion is the true surprise here. It doesn’t feel like a downgrade at all – it stands proudly alongside the other ‘miracle’ ports on the system, arguably surpassing them in some ways.
It’s a remarkable effort and a challenge to other developers who insist Switch couldn’t handle their games. Anything’s possible, it seems, and we take our hats off to QLOC – bravo.
Cuphead (Switch eShop)
Cuphead was an absolute masterpiece when it originally launched on Xbox One and nothing has been sacrificed in its move to the Switch. A run-and-gun boss battler dressed up like a 1930s Fleischer or Disney animated short, it’s the same visually jaw-dropping, aurally delightful, knuckle-whiteningly difficult game it was on Microsoft’s console and the Switch’s library is all the better for its presence.
Its focus on intense boss battles won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but as long as you know what you’re getting yourself into we can’t recommend it enough. Just look at it!
GRID Autosport (Switch eShop)
Another fine effort from Feral Interactive, with over 100 cars and more than 25 different racing venues set over five distinct disciplines (as well as bonus DLC ones like destruction derby and drag racing), GRID Autosport is that rarest of beasts: a jack of all trades that doesn't sacrifice quality as a result.
The addition of all previously released paid console DLC – right down to the cynical XP boost – is extremely welcome. This is easily one of the best racing games on Switch.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition (Switch eShop)
From its opening moments upon a prison ship bound for Fort Joy to non-stop adventures that take you across the high seas to the Reaper’s Coast, Nameless Isle and beyond, Divinity: Original Sin 2 simply dazzles. In its seemingly endless parade of well-written characters, hilarious narration, deep and rewarding physics-based combat and the myriad ways in which it allows to you to engage and toy and with its systems, this is a truly epic RPG that revels in choice more than any other that’s come before it.
It takes the old-school isometric style of Baldur’s Gate, layers it with an unparalleled level of attention to detail and fuses it with a thoroughly modern take on meaningful player decisions, resulting in one of the greatest role-playing games available on any platform; and it’s all here, present and correct on a portable console.
Diablo III: Eternal Collection (Switch)
Diablo III: Eternal Collection is a lovely port of a classic RPG loot-a-thon that keeps its feet firmly in the past. Its visuals are clear and functional if not especially interesting, but performance is top notch to make up for it. It's one of those games which is best played with friends, too, and while you can play online, couch co-op offers a rich experience as you battle demons and collect loot together - three local players can drop-in and join you on your quest.
If you’re looking for a loot-driven grind-a-thon with more explosions of viscera than you can comfortably discuss with your mother, this is the game for you.
Okami HD (Switch eShop)
Okami HD is an utterly fantastic piece of software, and we feel you’d be doing yourself a disservice to pass on it. It's a 40-hour adventure that emulates Zelda wonderfully, adds in plenty of memorable mechanics, features one of the most beautiful art styles in gaming, and is completely playable on the go, to boot.
It may be showing its age a bit visually and its combat is sometimes a little on the easy side, but Okami is an important, fun, and notable landmark in gaming history — and one of the easiest recommendations we can make for your Switch library.
Warframe (Switch eShop)
While Digital Extremes hasn’t quite perfected the formula it needs to make Warframe completely accessible - the sheer number of interconnected systems and customisable elements suggests it never quite will - it still offers a co-operative third-person shooter with all the MMORPG elements you never thought you’d see running on Nintendo Switch.
From the impressive visual fidelity Panic Button has maintained, to the sheer breadth of content you can access for free, Warframe is a fabulous showcase of what's possible in the F2P space, as well as what the Switch is capable of.
Rocket League (Switch eShop)
One of modern gaming's true online multiplayer success stories, Rocket League is an essential addition to the Switch's striking library. The spirit of the game has been transferred perfectly, with the added benefit of portable play which opens up the chance to host local matches with your Switch-owning mates wherever and whenever you fancy.
Developer Panic Button has done an utterly fantastic job with this port, but what really matters is that the core game is so addictive, so compelling, so enjoyable and – perhaps above all else – so deep. Only the occasional network niggle throws shade on this otherwise sublime release, but it's still an essential online experience.
Bayonetta 2 (Switch)
Bayonetta 2 (along with its brilliant predecessor) shines brightest on Nintendo Switch. It runs without a hitch at 60fps, looks incredible in both TV and tabletop modes, and offers an addictive free-flowing combat formula that sprinkles in platforming, light exploration and a ridiculous story to create something that you simply need to experience.
If you’ve never played it for before, you’re in for a treat. If you’ve already played it, it’s even more bewitching as a handheld gem.
Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster (Switch)
Final Fantasy X was a watershed moment for the storied franchise, rightfully gaining widespread acclaim while also ushering the series into the new generation, and while Final Fantasy X-2 hasn’t quite reached the same level of influence, it stands as a fantastic adventure in its own right with a level of quality that surpasses most of the competition in the Switch library. Having both of these incredible games in one package, with all the international content thrown in, and with prettied up graphics and audio makes picking up this release a no-brainer.
Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster successfully does justice to these two RPG classics as it brings them to a new age of players. There's no shortage of Final Fantasy ports on Switch, but we'd say this one's the tastiest.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition (Switch)
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is an achievement that Square should be proud of; not only does it bear the longest title in the history of video games (probably), but it also is one of the best games they’ve put out in years. A heartwarming, well-paced narrative supported by a cast of fantastic characters, a dense and interesting overworld packed with dozens of hours of content, and one of the finest soundtracks we’ve heard in a JRPG combine to make this an unforgettable modern classic.
Whether you’re a newcomer to the JRPG genre or a returning vet, do yourself a favor and buy Echoes of an Elusive Age as soon as you’re able. This is the epitome of a gift that keeps on giving, and it more than deserves a spot in your Switch library.
Sniper Elite 4 (Switch)
Sniper Elite 4 is the best entry yet in this long-running franchise with great big meaty missions stuffed to bursting point with Nazis to snipe and stab in glorious slo-mo X-ray vision. There's a new-found flexibility to the gameplay, with Karl now able to shimmy and scurry vertically around levels and enemy AI that's much more up to the task than in previous iterations.
There may be some slightly rough edges, with duff writing, naff characters and gameplay that doesn't change much from start to finish but, overall, this is playful sniper's paradise that lands on Switch in a truly impressive port.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition (Switch)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains a masterpiece, and being able to take such a grand and engrossing adventure on the go is something well worth celebrating. The Switch's Complete Edition is a truly impressive achievement, and although performance isn't perfect, it's still an incredible and impactful role-playing experience.
The Witcher 3 set the bar for modern RPGs back in 2015, and this port is a startling reminder that it has yet to be bettered.
Metro Redux (Switch)
Both classic first-person shooters that comprise the Metro Redux collection are showcase examples of how to give games from the 360/PS3 era new life on Nintendo's platform.
The Redux versions of Metro 2033 and Metro Last Light feature rock-solid frame rates and sumptuous visuals in handheld form. Developer 4A Games really did a bang-up job on these, so check them out if they passed you by.
Subnautica + Subnautica Below Zero Double Pack (Switch)
Subnautica and its excellent sequel have arrived on Switch in unexpectedly fine form. This is an absolutely essential survival smorgasbord, a fantastic port and something of a must-buy double feature for fans of the genre.
If you're purchasing one or the other separately on Switch we'd still plump for the original game, as Below Zero's fleshed-out narrative and on-foot sections dilute the overall experience ever so slightly, but, regardless of which you choose, you're in for a mighty good time here with two of the very best survival games currently available on any platform.
Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom (Switch)
Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is an excellent action-RPG that's arrived on Switch in a fantastic, feature-packed port. Evan and Roland's antics across this game's sprawling world are stuffed full of great characters, exciting combat and adventuring and a kingdom building mechanic that's a delight to get to grips with.
It looks and sounds every bit as good as its predecessor and, although the story might be a little more hit-and-miss here, we were completely hooked into this one from beginning to end. This is a sumptuously crafted adventure you won't regret diving into.
DOOM Eternal (Switch eShop)
You'd be forgiven for thinking the Switch version of DOOM Eternal was a foregone conclusion after Panic Button's port of DOOM 2016, but id Software really pushed the boat out in the sequel. While the luscious gore-tinted visuals of other platforms are necessarily scaled back on Switch, the relentless action of this shooter means that you rarely get the chance to stop and smell the roses anyway.
We spoke to Panic Button about the port process just prior to release, and although we were cautiously optimistic that the extra time taken with the Switch port would yield good results (from a team with a proven track record, too), we still braced ourselves for disappointment. We needn't have worried.
Dying Light Platinum Edition (Switch)
Dying Light on Switch is quite a remarkable achievement. Its ambitious open world full of zombies is unlike anything else in the Switch’s library and, between the core campaign and six years of constant DLC updates, there’s potentially hundreds of hours of enjoyment to be had here. Granted, all of this comes at the cost of performance that can be middling, but this is neatly balanced out by the convenience of playing in handheld mode and developer Techland has done a fine job getting this open-world running well on portable hardware.
Switch owners who rarely play in portable mode may want to pause and consider buying it elsewhere, but we'd strongly encourage handheld gamers to consider this excellent Switch port.
NieR:Automata The End of YoRHa Edition (Switch)
NieR:Automata is a modern classic. Most importantly for Switch owners, this is a top-notch port that has clearly been produced with respect and focus, often surpassing our expectations in both visuals and performance.
Finding a comfortable seat and a pair of headphones makes the Switch version a wonderful way to experience the game, and it is an unforgettable journey. Nothing is as it seems, either in the story or gameplay, and it's one of the finest gaming achievements of the last decade.
No Man's Sky (Switch)
No Man's Sky on Switch is a fantastic port of a game we genuinely didn't really believe would make the transition to Nintendo's console without some serious technical issues. Hello Games has made the necessary cutbacks and downgrades to get this intergalactic survival sandbox playing at a super solid frame rate and the colourful, chunky graphical style here ensures that it all still looks pretty fantastic to boot.
With all of the game's previous updates and content included — barring multiplayer at this point — and a plethora of customisation options courtesy of the massive Waypoint update, this is an easy recommendation for survival fans and one of the most impressive ports we've seen on Switch to date.
Persona 5 Royal (Switch)
Persona 5 Royal is the very definition of ‘required reading' for JRPG fans, and the Switch port is pretty much everything you could wish for, with only slightly softer visuals to set it apart from the same game on other platforms. A deep and moving story, stylish presentation, amazing soundtrack, and decision-driven gameplay all combine to make for an unforgettable and exceptional experience that proves itself to be every bit deserving of the hype and praise it’s already received.
Those who have played this elsewhere may want to consider whether Switch's portability is enough of a selling point to justify paying full price to double dip, but it suits it perfectly.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim (Switch)
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a wonderful achievement for dynamic storytelling, as it puts forth a compelling and multifaceted narrative that’ll keep you guessing right up until the very end. This excellent story, combined with enjoyable combat portions, a striking art style, and some top-notch voice acting make for an experience that you won’t want to miss out on.
It’s the kind of game that’ll have you wishing that you could play it again for the first time, just so all its best elements could be new again. And the Switch port is so good, it feels like the game was made specifically for the console.
Quake II (Switch eShop)
Quake II arrives on Switch in the form of one of the very best remasters we've ever had the pleasure of digging into. As with its predecessor which is similarly excellent, it's the exhaustive nature of this port that earns it placement here. Obviously, Switch should be able to handle 1997's Quake II no trouble, but Nightdive Studios deserves specific praise.
With enhanced graphics and audio, refined AI, all-new animations, the iD Vault, a brand new episode, and all previously released DLC in the mix — plus the N64 version — this is an exhaustive package befitting the status of an iconic game and series. Add in crossplay support, gyro controls, and lots of co-op and competitive ways to play locally and online, and you've got an absolutely outstanding release.
Red Dead Redemption (Switch)
We considered this for quite some time before deeming it worthy of inclusion here. While the bare-bones nature of the Red Dead Redemption Switch port may be the polar opposite of the lavish treatment Quake and Quake II received — and we still think Red Dead deserves better — we also feel it's worth highlighting Double Eleven's work in getting this running nigh-on perfectly.
Of course, that's exactly what you'd expect 13 years after its initial release, but as we've seen elsewhere — from Rockstar's embarrassing GTA Trilogy Definitive Edition, no less — getting vintage games performing well isn't a foregone conclusion on any platform. While the Red Dead port is missing features (such as gyro control support and the excised multiplayer), the actual base game here runs admirably at a solid 30fps, presenting John Marston's open world in fine form.
Again, perhaps our expectations were lowered by how GTA Trilogy cockily sauntered up to Switch in a tank top and baggy jeans that turned out to be filled with excrement. Red Dead Redemption on Switch is just that — Red Dead Redemption, but on Switch — and despite the very modest ambitions of this port, it still has the power to impress.
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition (Switch)
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is the absolute pinnacle of the series and despite coming to Switch over five years after other platforms, this 'impossible' Switch conversion does very little to degrade the experience. Long-time franchise players and military aviation enthusiasts will be overwhelmed by the fan service at every turn, from craters on the ground to airplanes, liveries, callsigns, and emblems shouting out to previous entries.
We understand the genre is niche, but if this is your first foray into the franchise, this conversion is a perfect gateway into this rich, revered series. You get tons of content and an epic single-player campaign wrapped up in triple-A presentation that delivers the most comprehensive portable experience ever.
Guilty Gear -Strive- Nintendo Switch Edition (Switch)
Guilty Gear Strive is a bold step in a new direction for the Guilty Gear series. Its visual creativity and attention to detail without fault, Arc System Works has again gone above and beyond in its graphical evolution. With all DLC characters unlocked, there’s a lifetime of learning here, as well as tons of modes and bonuses to pore through.
While Strive is perhaps only the first step for Guilty Gear’s new evolutionary arc, and its sequels will no doubt improve certain aspects and find a way to better appease fans new and old, it remains undeniably solid. The most impressive aspect, though, is the strength of the port here, crafted with a kind of magic to perform near enough 1:1 with its multi-platform counterparts. And the soundtrack? Whether it's your heaven or hell, it most certainly rocks.
Some very fine video games there, wouldn't you say?
Best Switch Ports FAQ
Want to know whether the next big PS5 game is coming to Switch? Well, with the Switch 2 on the way, it's unlikely, but we're hoping we can help in some other ways!
What's the difference between a port, a remaster, and a remake?
We know the line between these three can be blurry, but the big thing for this list is that ports are — usually — games that have been brought to Switch at a later date, after its release on other consoles.
Remasters are rereleases of older games with new visuals and (sometimes) bundled with sequels or DLC content. You'll see Final Fantasy X / X-2 is on this list, but this is a port or a remaster — the PlayStation 3 version came out in 2013/14, but the Switch version didn't land until 2019.
Remakes are completely rebuilt versions of older games. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a good example of a remake — it may look like just a visual overhaul, but it's been entirely rewritten, adds new content, and has been entirely rebuilt in a new engine. It's not a port of the original GameCube at all.
If you're looking for the latter two, then have a look at our guide below!