Best Open-World Games That Run Well On The Switch

Key Takeaways

Some open-world games are well-suited for the simplicity, controls, and portability of the Nintendo Switch.
Games like Minecraft and Palia run smoothly on the Switch, especially with a strong internet connection.
Switch-friendly games like Aka and The Outer Worlds offer great player agency, captivating narratives, and smoothly integrated platforming elements.

As a seasoned gamer who’s spent countless hours navigating through various digital landscapes, I can confidently say that the Nintendo Switch has been a game-changer for me. The console’s ability to deliver high-quality gaming experiences, especially with its handheld and couch co-op capabilities, is simply unparalleled.

As a game enthusiast, I find that open-world games thrive best on devices with generous storage capacity, swift frame rates, and expansive viewing ranges to truly savor their top-notch performance. With sprawling terrains, an emphasis on player freedom, and intricate non-linear storylines, it’s no wonder that high-quality open-world games often present a challenge when it comes to being ported onto compact consoles like the Nintendo Switch.

While the Switch may not be renowned for exceptional performance, it doesn’t necessarily imply that every open-world game performs superiorly on other platforms. Quite the contrary, many open-world games are well-suited to the Switch’s simplicity, control scheme, and portable nature.

For the sake of brevity, Nintendo-only games will not be featured.

1 Minecraft

Great With A Strong Internet Connection

Online Play Capability: Yes
Game File Size: 1.4GB

As a dedicated enthusiast, I can’t help but express my excitement over the fact that Minecraft, arguably one of the most iconic open-world games ever created, graced the Nintendo Switch. The announcement of its arrival was like music to our ears. What sets Minecraft apart is not only its online playability, but also the two distinct modes it offers. But what truly makes this game a magnet for gamers of all skill levels is its unique lack of set objectives – a diversity that draws in players from far and wide.

On the Nintendo Switch, it’s great that Minecraft performs well in multiplayer with a robust internet connection. Some players have noticed an enhancement in their gaming experience when they changed the game’s frame rate to 60FPS rather than the standard 30FPS for single-player games.

2 Palia

Beautiful Visuals And Online Multiplayer

Online Play Capability: Yes
Game File Size: 9.7GB

Similar to Minecraft, the game Palia thrives on a robust internet connection. It’s a free-to-play adventure simulator, offering unique gaming dynamics and an enchanting soundtrack.

Instead of being similar to typical farming/lifestyle simulation games, Palia stands out with its captivating narrative. What sets it apart further is that it delivers a competent MMO experience on the Nintendo Switch, adding a fresh flavor to your gaming hours. Despite its substantial file size, the game’s immersive nature makes the storage investment more than worthwhile, as players can lose themselves in Palia for countless hours.

3 Dredge

Fish For Mysteries On The Open Sea With Ease

Online Play Capability: No
Game File Size: 1.3GB

The game titled “Dredge” is a blend of fishing simulation and an immersive storyline set in treacherous waters. Players aim to navigate these perilous seas, catch and market fish for survival.

Since Dredge doesn’t require an internet connection, it performs exceptionally well on the Nintendo Switch, handling the game’s extensive exploration features smoothly. Moreover, its art style aligns more naturally with the Switch because of its low-poly design, making it a better fit compared to other platforms.

4 Terraria

Experience A Classic Sandbox Adventure

Online Play Capability: Yes
Game File Size: 455MB

Terraria is an engaging 2D pixel action game that generates its world randomly, filled with numerous items, adversaries, and diverse biomes to discover, much like the well-known game Minecraft. It allows for single-player and online play, and it offers multiple game modes tailored for various gaming abilities and expertise.

Unlike Minecraft, Terraria’s 2D pixel art style and compact file size enable a smoother performance on the Nintendo Switch, preventing lengthy rendering times and problems related to game space capacity.

5 Aka

Calming Island Exploration Advanced

Online Play Capability: No
Game File Size: 1.2GB

Aka is an engaging and snug game that allows players to traverse, farm, and accomplish missions, all while integrating aspects of platforming, simulation, and adventure. As a non-linear journey, Aka offers substantial freedom for the player while keeping essential objectives within its vast open world.

The platforming aspects of the game function exceptionally on Nintendo Switch, as the button controls ensure smooth performance that outperforms its PC version. Given its brief length, the game doesn’t fully test the capabilities of the Switch but still makes an excellent choice for an open-world game on this system.

6 Cat Quest 3

Fast Loading Times With Great Theming

Online Play Capability: No
Game File Size: 1GB

Cat Quest 3 marks the third adventure in the beloved Cat Quest game series, delighting gamers since its debut in August 2024. Players traverse diverse landscapes and dungeons as a feline swashbuckler, on a quest to uncover legendary treasure. The game maintains a cheerful atmosphere and is brimming with clever cat-themed puns, offering a fun-filled and endearing gaming experience for all players.

The open world of this game features few interruptions from loading screens, providing uninterrupted gameplay on the Nintendo Switch. This smooth play is facilitated by the game’s small storage requirement of just 1GB. Moreover, it offers both multiplayer and single-player modes, making it ideally suited for the Nintendo Switch’s two joy-con controllers.

7 Loddlenaut

Subnautica Without The Lag

Online Play Capability: No
Game File Size: 896MB

Loddlenaut is an excellent choice for the Nintendo Switch because it has controls tailored for this platform. Its open world is spacious yet manageable, striking a balance that doesn’t strain the Switch’s capabilities. The game involves crafting, cleaning up the ocean, and discovering charming underwater creatures known as Loddles.

In simpler terms, if you’re looking for an open-world game similar to Subnautica, it would be that one. Unfortunately, due to its large size and highly detailed graphics, Subnautica doesn’t perform well on the Nintendo Switch. A fantastic alternative is Loddlenaut, which offers a more comfortable gaming experience for Switch users, while still maintaining the progression-focus of Subnautica.

8 The Outer Worlds

One Of The Best Looking Games On The Nintendo Switch

Online Play Capability: No
Game File Size: 17.3GB

In simple terms, “The Outer Worlds” is a role-playing game (RPG) played from the first-person perspective. It offers a storyline where your choices matter, allowing you to choose who becomes part of your crew, whether to eliminate or spare characters, and what details to disclose to others.

On the Nintendo Switch, the game “The Outer Worlds” generally maintains a consistent frame rate of 30FPS. This game has been specifically tailored for the Switch, as shown in the streamlined visuals, the rhythm of the battle scenes, and the handling options.

9 Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

All Lego Classics Suit The Switch Perfectly

Online Play Capability: No
Game File Size: 15.8GB

Generally speaking, LEGO games tend to run smoothly on the Nintendo Switch more than they do on other systems. A major plus for this platform is its convenience for local multiplayer (couch co-op), as two Joy-Con controllers can be used simultaneously. Additionally, the E rating means these games are appropriate for people of all ages and skill levels.

Choosing LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a smart move because it offers an open-world level selection system, making it easier for the Switch to handle performance without getting bogged down or lagging while showcasing intricate landscapes. Furthermore, its block art style guarantees that graphics remain crisp and clean on the Nintendo Switch, much like they do on other platforms.

2024-11-17 09:34