Best Nintendo Switch Single-Player Games

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch)

Let's get the most obvious one out of the way first, shall we?

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a landmark release for its franchise and Nintendo. It's the first time that Nintendo truly took on the open-world genre, and by arriving late to the party it embraces the strengths from top-of-the-class games while also forging its own unique identity. This game was a revolution for the series, but the Legend of Zelda essence is still there — its soul remains. After years of following the same old template, Nintendo bravely took the Zelda series in a new direction, and delivered an absolute triumph which still has us regularly revisiting its iteration of Hyrule.

No wonder we were so excited about the prospect of a direct sequel (which you'll find further down this list); Breath of the Wild forged a new and exciting path in a franchise that had been treading old ground for a while on home consoles and we cannot wait to see where it goes next. Engrossing single-player exploration doesn't get much better than this.

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SteamWorld Dig 2 (Switch eShop)

SteamWorld Dig 2 is another confident effort from Image & Form, and a worthy successor to the original. Stylish and good-looking, it also has the series' trademark humour and a great soundtrack. It refines and expands upon the qualities of SteamWorld Dig and hits some delicious high points.

Whether you played the first game or not, SteamWorld Dig 2 is a must-have — its charming aesthetic and cast set the scene for a tightly designed and clever exploration game.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (Switch)

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a stellar example of an enhanced re-release done right. Its comprehensive approach to improving the story and various gameplay systems of the original release makes for an experience that’s even more engrossing. Though we were disappointed by the lack of any performance gains here, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is still a must-buy forgenre fans.

Some may consider SMT to be “Persona without the heart,” but SMT V: V cleanly demonstrates that this old Atlus stalwart still has an abundance of fantastic gameplay and unique appeal.

Death's Door (Switch eShop)

Another modern classic, Death's Door utilises old gameplay ideas in a new setting to make for a short and sweet experience you won’t want to miss. The snappy combat, rewarding exploration, and relaxing music will stick with you once you've finished.

While it may not have anything 'new' to offer, Death’s Door is so high quality that you’ll hardly have time to think about it's lack of innovation. Acid Nerve has crafted an experience that’s absolutely worth your time and money.

Celeste (Switch eShop)

Celeste is an exemplary amalgamation of style, mechanics and character. A devilishly brilliant action platformer with enough skill required to excite genre purists and the speedrunning community, while at the same time featuring a breakdown of gameplay elements to customize and cater for all audiences.

While the game mechanically is great, if familiar, the art style and narrative are truly special, showing both a visual and emotional range and depth that will resonate and inspire. Celeste is the absolute peak of personal exploration and discovery on Nintendo Switch.

Hades (Switch eShop)

Hades is a sublime mix of satisfyingly gritty and flexible combat, a wonderfully vibrant art style and genuinely fun and engaging narrative. Supergiant Games has an excellent track record with games like Bastion and Transistor, but this really does feel its finest hour, a rip-roaring rampage through the underworld that's arrived here on Switch in a port that's nigh-on perfect.

Even if you're yet to be swayed by the admittedly repetitive ebb and flow of roguelikes, we passionately urge you to at least give this roguelite a try; for fans of the genre or anyone even remotely interested, this is one heavenly vision of hell.

TRIANGLE STRATEGY (Switch)

Triangle Strategy is an absolute triumph for Artdink and Square Enix, a fantastic mix of satisfyingly strategic battles, an excellent choice-driven campaign narrative and top-notch world-building, all of which come together to form one of the finest tactical RPGs we've played in a very long time.

There's an absolute ton of content here, with a huge story featuring multiple paths to take depending on the choices you make and several properly impactful endings to enjoy on return visits. Serenoa Wollfort's epic journey is a joy from start to finish, a grand and ambitious adventure that stands proud as one of the very finest examples of its genre on Switch.

If turn-based tactics aren't you're thing, Octopath Traveler is a great alternative if you love the HD-2D art style.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps (Switch eShop)

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is not just a great sequel; in many ways, it outdoes Ori and the Blind Forest. The addition of more customization options, a greater focus on combat and a better-developed story (all in an incredibly beautiful game that's running at 60 frames per second) means it comprehensively outshines the original.

It's a supremely enjoyable platform adventure which everyone should experience.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition (Switch)

Another remarkable single-player Switch port, being able to take such a grand and engrossing adventure on-the-go is something well worth celebrating. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition is a truly impressive achievement on Switch, 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.

Hollow Knight (Switch eShop)

Hollow Knight feels like it found its natural home on Switch. The game's beautiful 2D world, tactile combat and impressive bevy of secrets constantly drag you in for more, and it proves to be as strong an experience on the move as it is on your TV.

On an eShop that's filled with top quality indie games, Hollow Knight is one of the very best; a big, beautiful, foreboding Metroidvania that's absolutely thick with detail. From its punchy combat system to its charming art and sound design, this is one of the finest adventures a single player can have on Nintendo Switch.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition (Switch)

Originally released for 3DS (and PS4) in Japan, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is one of the best games Square has ever put its name to, plain and simple — and this Switch release was a fine port, too. Featuring 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, it all combines to make this an unforgettable modern classic.

Whether you’re a newcomer to the series (or genre) or a returning vet, you're sure to love with sprawling single-player adventure. It's the epitome of a gift that keeps on giving, and it more than deserves a spot in your Switch library.

The House in Fata Morgana: Dreams of the Revenants Edition (Switch eShop)

A celebrated, gruelling, and incredibly affecting visual novel, The House in Fata Morgana is over 40 hours long, and in those 40 hours, you'll maybe get to make about three decisions.

It is a visual novel in the strictest sense of the word, and you must be prepared for that going in. But with a fantastic, original, slow-burn story about love, loss, hurt, forgiveness, and recovery, it's one of the best visual novels out there — and your patience will be paid off in the end.

A Short Hike (Switch eShop)

From one extreme to another, A Short Hike is a fat-free single-player experience from top to bottom – or should we say bottom to top? It's the kind of game that makes us just sigh with happiness when we recall our time with it, and even having played it through to its ostensible conclusion multiple times, we know for a fact there are still things to see and do on that mountain.

What we have here is something of an apotheosis – a milestone in indie games akin to Cave Story, or Spelunky. The very best bits of multiple game genres, stripped of all padding and bloat, mixed perfectly into a delicious video game stew that only gets richer and richer the more you play. An exploration in every sense of the word, A Short Hike is cute without being twee, challenging without being obnoxious, and emotional without being cloying. A landmark game for all ages. Don't miss it.

Metroid Dread (Switch)

The perfect adventure for a lonely bounty hunter, Metroid Dread is a triumphant return for both Samus Aran and developer MercurySteam following the team's Metroid debut with Metroid: Samus Returns on 3DS. This is a super-slick, hugely entertaining and exquisitely designed entry in the Metroid franchise that plays better than anything we've seen from the series so far.

With a bunch of fantastic new abilities, super tense and enjoyable stealth sections, plenty of great big boss fights and a story that fans will definitely enjoy, we can't really see how this one could have been improved. There's a strong argument that 2D Metroid has never been better.

Pentiment (Switch eShop)

Pentiment is a fantastic adventure RPG that revels in a studious approach to history and immaculate recreations of the styles and traditions of 16th-century Bavaria. There's a super smart, funny, and engaging murder mystery to investigate here, but it's how that mystery is so fully rooted in the world that's been lovingly crafted around it that really elevates this experience.

It's one of the best games of the past decade, hands down, and to have that experience running and performing perfectly on Switch is a joyous thing — it feels like it was made for Nintendo's console. This is about as essential as games get.

Undertale (Switch eShop)

Undertale is a brilliant and smartly-designed game that understands well what makes a good RPG work; so much so that it can upend expectations and deliver something that’s almost a satire of the genre. It’s been a long time since we’ve played a game that manages to surprise so often and in so many unique ways, and even if it doesn’t look like much, Undertale has way more going for it under the surface.

Excellently written characters, a genre-bending battle system and a solid soundtrack make this one an easy recommendation, especially to RPG lovers.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Switch)

Fire Emblem: Three Houses expanded the turn-based tactical series' horizons with gameplay styles, retooled combat, lovable characters, and in-depth character customisation hook you fast and are almost guaranteed to keep you engaged for dozens, if not hundreds, of hours as you come to understand this enormous game in its entirety.

Fans both new and old won’t want to miss out on what Fire Emblem: Three Houses has to offer; this sets a new standard for what a strategy RPG can be and proved itself to be another must-have single-player Switch game.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Switch)

The 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. It's one of the all-time single-player experiences in video games. May its dancing northern lights never dim.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (Switch eShop)

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was a landmark achievement back in 2004 and remains so almost two decades later. It represents a significant shift in gameplay style from the previous two games, which might prove overwhelming for newcomers, but ultimately makes this one of the most involving Metal Gear titles available. The 30fps performance on Switch is certainly disappointing in principle, but the gameplay holds up regardless, making this a must-play if you're wondering what all the fuss is about.

The whole Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection is worth picking up if you're a fan, but for our money, Snake Eater is the best of the bunch — and the best port, too.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Switch)

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening was a technical marvel when it first arrived on the scene back in 1993. Easily one of the great Game Boy releases, it was a first bash at a handheld Zelda that took the formula as perfected by A Link to the Past, jammed it all onto a tiny portable console and, somehow, managed to make it all work while adding a host of new features and concepts to the mix.

This beautiful Switch remake rebuilds all of this from the ground up in fine style. It adds modern conveniences, a dungeon creator, amiibo support and lots of little quality of life improvements whilst infusing every single square inch of Koholint – every secret passage, Piranha, Pokey and Pig Warrior – with a level of detail and depth that totally reinvigorates both its timeless story and classic Zelda gameplay for a whole new generation of gamers.

BioShock: The Collection (Switch)

BioShock: The Collection stands as yet another fantastic port in 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 series of strong single-player shooters to pick up for your Switch, look no further — it’s tough to go wrong here.

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (Switch eShop)

Disco Elysium's narrative and dialogue, which is already wonderfully compelling on its own, was given a massive boost thanks to the excellent voice acting introduced for the Final Cut. The gameplay features a host of branching paths for you to explore, and while the slow, methodical approach may turn a few people off, this is nevertheless one of the most well-told stories in any medium from the last few years.

The performance issues at the time of our review slightly took the shine off things, but even with them present, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut stands as one of the best RPGs available on Switch.

Castlevania Advance Collection (Switch eShop)

There are plenty of fine retro collections and compilations (particularly for Castlevania) on Switch, but we'll go with Castlevania Advance Collection on this occasion — mostly thanks to the sublime Aria of Sorrow which does the heavy lifting here; it really is one of the best entries in the entire Castlevania series. Circle of the Moon and Harmony of Dissonance are fine but on a lower tier, while Dracula X is middling even on its own standards.

These are still very much worth playing, though, and this collection makes for an essential purchase for both longtime Castlevania fans and newbies.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles (Switch)

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is two brilliant games for the price of one, and it not only gives us more of what we love, but gives us something that is visually, narratively, and historically deeper than ever before.

Taking the Ace Attorney back to the late 19th century, there's a bit of a learning curve that you'll have to get on top of to meet the game where it's at, but honestly, we couldn't have asked for a better version of the game we've been wanting for years.

Honestly, you can't really go wrong with any Ace Attorney game — Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy, and Ace Attorney Investigations Collection are all worth playing.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Switch)

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a genuine masterpiece and the highlight of Monolith Soft's superb series thus far. There's an emotionally-charged and surprisingly edgy epic to get stuck into here, a sprawling and hugely engaging narrative populated by a cast of unforgettable characters that's backed up by some of the very best combat we've had the pleasure of getting to grips with in this genre to date.

Over 100 hours into this one, we're as captivated now as we were when we first booted it up and it has more than delivered every bit of the adventure, emotion, and action that its key art promised it might. Aionios awaits, it's time to seize the future.

Persona 5 Royal (Switch)

Persona 5 Royal is the very definition of ‘required reading' for JRPG fans. 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. While 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.

Persona 5 Royal remains a game that we absolutely recommend you pick up as soon as you can. This easily stands as one of the very best RPGs of the last decade and you’d be doing yourself a disservice to miss out.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch)

It’s impossible to talk about everything that makes The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom so incredible, and making many of those discoveries yourselves is part of the magic. It’s also impossible to overstate just how much there is to do in this Hyrule the second time around.

Much like its predecessor, this will likely become your playground for several years to come, with a little sprinkling of that older Zelda fairy dust mixed into Breath of the Wild’s formula. It’s a glorious, triumphant sequel to one of the best video games of all time; absolute, unfiltered, single-player bliss to lose yourself in for hundreds of hours.

Animal Well (Switch eShop)

Developer Shared Memory's stated goal is “to craft complete experiences that will be playable long after the world loses its internet connection,” and screen after screen, Animal Well excels in delighting your eyes and giving your brain something to stew on.

It’s a riposte against a culture of post-launch updates in favour of a meticulously crafted, singular vision with potentially years’ worth of discoveries baked in. By all indications, Animal Well delivers on that long-term promise and does so with a one-of-a-kind elegance.

Balatro (Switch eShop)

Balatro is a roguelike for gamers who don't like roguelikes... and then everybody else on top of that. It utterly nails what it sets out to do, providing an instantly accessible, satisfying, and addictive gameplay loop that anybody can grasp.

It's an immensely enjoyable experience from the start, but as you get deeper in, there's really nothing else quite like it.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Switch)

For years, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has been held as the best Mario RPG of all time, and the Switch remake proves it has earned that title. This is a fantastic RPG adventure, whether you’re a Mario fan or not, with some best-in-class combat and brilliant writing.

A fresh new localisation, beautifully enhanced visuals, and new quality-of-life features help iron out a few little creases to make this the definitive way to play Thousand-Year Door.