The Best Nintendo Switch Ports

Highlights

Nintendo Switch showcases top-tier ports, offering visually stunning gaming experiences even on a handheld console.
Titles like Hellblade, No Man’s Sky, and Alien: Isolation prove that Switch can handle intense games without compromises.
From Skyrim to Persona 5, the Switch offers a mix of graphically diverse and performance-stable ports for all types of gamers.

As someone who’s been around the gaming block more times than I care to admit, let me tell you that these games are nothing short of extraordinary. First off, we have Divinity: Original Sin II – Definitive Edition, a game that defies limitations and delivers an unparalleled RPG experience, even on the Nintendo Switch’s handheld mode.

Over the past decade, I’ve been absolutely thrilled with my Nintendo Switch – a console that has consistently stood at the pinnacle of sales charts. Time and again, it’s delivered stunning first-party games, essential AAA titles, and a treasure trove of indie gems from the last ten years. Some predicted that its lack of high frame rates and advanced graphics would leave it lagging behind, but the Switch has proven them wrong with an impressive lineup of ports. Even top-tier gaming experiences can be enjoyed on this compact handheld device without sacrificing too much else.

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how even the most graphically intensive games have found a home on this handheld gaming marvel, albeit with a bit less visual flair compared to their original versions. Yet, they still manage to maintain their charm and attract both seasoned gamers and newcomers who own this console. It’s been quite some time since the Switch debuted, making now an ideal moment to reminisce about some of the finest Nintendo Switch ports that have left a lasting impression on players.

10 Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

A Dark And Harrowing Adventure

Two years following its debut, the action-adventure game “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” was ultimately brought to the Nintendo Switch, astounding players with the remarkable quality of its adaptation for this platform. As we journey alongside protagonist Senua through a world blending Norse and Celtic mythology in a dark fantasy setting, this tale chronicles her unyielding struggle to retrieve the soul of her deceased lover. Along the way, she faces otherworldly adversaries and bravely overcomes numerous trials.

As a devoted gamer, I can’t help but sing praises for Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, often compared to the prowess of the PS4. This game stands out as one of the most visually stunning titles on the system, maintaining a steady 30fps frame rate in most instances, with occasional minor hiccups. The pre-recorded cutscenes are nothing short of breathtaking, and while the visuals on the Switch may be slightly softer and less sharp than the original, they still deliver an epic experience that’s worthy of admiration.

9 No Man’s Sky

A Whole Universe On-The-Go

One of the most remarkable turnarounds in gaming lore, No Man’s Sky, graced the Nintendo Switch in the year 2022, having undergone six years of essential improvements and transformations. This transition brought a fully-fledged space exploration adventure to Nintendo gamers, an experience that remains unparalleled in its genre. In this action-adventure survival game, players are granted unrestricted access across entire galaxies to uncover story-driven content, endless procedural generation, base construction, and much more.

In spite of longer wait times during loading screens, No Man’s Sky manages to deliver a smooth 30 frames per second, remaining impressively consistent even during intense space travel sequences. However, it occasionally experiences slight fluctuations during combat and mining sessions. The game’s visuals are commendable, with some mild blurriness for improved performance, yet they perfectly align with the anticipated art style of the game. Consequently, No Man’s Sky stands out as an exceptional port due to its massive scale and remarkable gaming experience.

8 Alien: Isolation

Beware The Relentless Alien Stalker

Five years following its initial release, Alien: Isolation made its way onto the Nintendo Switch, swiftly establishing itself as one of its most acclaimed ported games. This version showcased the incredible capabilities of the Switch’s graphics and performance in a manner that had not been seen before. As a survival horror game set 15 years after the original Alien movie, players find themselves taking on the role of protagonist Amanda Ripley as she explores the space station Sevastopol in search of her missing mother.

Experiencing this terrifying survival horror game feels incredibly fitting as you settle into your couch with the dimmed lights, thanks to the Nintendo Switch. Despite some minor graphic adjustments, they’re barely noticeable amidst the atmospheric lighting, volumetric effects, and stunning visuals that run smoothly at 30fps, almost never experiencing stutters or frame drops, ensuring players remain deeply engrossed in the unyielding horrors they encounter.

7 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

Vast Fantasy RPG Goodness

It’s well-known that “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” is adored by countless gamers, offering an immersive fantasy action role-playing adventure that remains a top choice for many even after nearly a decade from its debut in 2016. Featuring a sprawling open world, numerous storylines, combat involving magic and melee, and much more, players will discover the enchanting aspects that made this game so popular.

Although graphically, portable Skyrim may not surpass Xbox 360 visuals, its convenience and the fresh perspective it offers to the classic game are undeniable. In many aspects, it breathes new life into the original game with its easy-to-carry design. Moreover, the steady 30fps performance is a welcome addition, ensuring smooth gameplay no matter where players decide to embark on their journeys.

6 What Remains Of Edith Finch

An Immersive, Melancholic Indie Darling

Given that the Nintendo Switch has rapidly emerged as a popular destination for indie gaming, it’s only fitting that the captivating narrative game “What Remains Of Edith Finch” would fit seamlessly into its collection, providing an unparalleled indie experience centered around storytelling. Clocking in at approximately two hours, this enchanting yet somber tale follows the journey of seventeen-year-old Edith Finch as she revisits her family home as the lone survivor. Through childhood recollections and flashbacks, notes, hidden truths, and mysteries, players will piece together their family’s history and the peculiar circumstances surrounding each member’s demise.

On the Nintendo Switch, “What Remains of Edith Finch” consistently captivates, much like it does on other systems. It runs smoothly with minimal hiccups, features only a few loading intervals, and immerses players in its stunning, intricately crafted environments, whether indoors or outdoors. The game maintains a steady 30fps, making it challenging to find faults, and the experience is undeniably rewarding.

5 NieR Automata – The End Of YoRHa Edition

Top-Notch Edition Of A Solid Action-RPG

Release Date: 23 February 2017
Developer: PlatinumGames, Virtuos, PlatinumGames Inc.
Genre: Action role-playing game, Fighting game, Shooter Video Game, Adventure game
Systems: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

The action role-playing game NieR: Automata – The End of YoRHa Edition, which has finally made its way to Switch after a few years, was absolutely worth the patience. In this game, you’ll be engaged in a mission to reclaim Earth from hostile machine lifeforms that originated from another world, as part of the military force called YoRHa.

Boasting an impressive blend of anime-inspired and realistic graphics, the Nintendo Switch offers an ideal canvas to showcase its stunning artwork. Although some textures might be reduced and resolution may fluctuate slightly during gameplay, overall, it presents a clear and immersive view of the world that appears tailor-made for handheld viewing. Additionally, it delivers a steady 30fps frame rate with only occasional drops, exceeding expectations and offering exceptional performance, making it a compelling choice for portable gaming.

4 Persona 4 Golden

An Older JRPG With Plenty Of Style And Substance

Ever since its debut in 2014, “Persona 4 Golden” has solidified itself as a must-play classic JRPG for any gaming enthusiast. Initially released on the PS Vita and now back on the Switch, players can enjoy significantly improved graphics as they revisit this timeless game in today’s gaming landscape. Similar to other “Persona” games, you’ll follow the story of a high-school student, immersing yourself in a captivating blend of RPG and life-simulation elements that make each playthrough unique and engaging.

In its older design, the game Persona 4 Golden can occasionally appear less sophisticated with simpler character models. However, the meticulously crafted 3D environment and modest graphic demands make it an exceptional choice for playing this timeless classic on the Switch. Remarkably, it maintains a steady 60 frames per second in both docked and handheld modes, ensuring smooth gameplay without any sacrifices.

3 Divinity: Original Sin II – Definitive Edition

Deeply Engaging And Meticulously Crafted

Moved over to Nintendo Switch shortly following its debut, the Divinity: Original Sin II – Definitive Edition offers remarkable role-playing gameplay, despite being confined to the Switch’s handheld mode. Although a predecessor, the 2014 release of Divinity: Original Sin, regrettably hasn’t been ported to the Switch, this gaming adventure follows a new lead character who possesses the forbidden magic of the Source. As their fellow Sourcerers are falsely accused of the emerging Voidwoken threat and subsequently incarcerated, it falls on them to set things right.

In terms of its performance on the Nintendo Switch, Divinity: Original Sin II – Definitive Edition offers a top-notch gaming experience. The graphics are highly detailed, making the open areas vibrant and easy to see. It consistently maintains a frame rate of 30fps during gameplay. Although some significant loading pauses can occur, the turn-based combat generally makes these hiccups go unnoticed, providing players with engaging challenges instead. However, these initial loading and saving times tend to be lengthy but improve as gamers progress further.

2 Persona 5 Royal

A Stylish, Well-Rounded, And Engrossing JRPG

Approximately three years after its debut, Persona 5 Royal became available on Nintendo Switch, marking the first time a Persona game was playable on this platform. Interestingly enough, Persona 4 Golden followed suit and joined the Nintendo Switch lineup only a few months later. This latest installment follows a high-school protagonist as they engage in battles against adversaries with corrupted desires while assuming the guise of the Phantom Thieves. However, it’s not all about fighting – there are plenty of school days, friendships, and life events to navigate through as well.

The vibrant, comic-book-like aesthetic of “Persona 5 Royal” makes it an ideal fit for the Nintendo Switch library, concealing any graphical shortcomings beneath polished visuals and humorous elements. Equal to its performance on the PS4, the Switch manages to keep a consistent 30 frames per second throughout the game, even while handling some of “Persona’s” more dramatic visual effects.

1 Portal: Companion Collection

Pitch-Perfect Puzzle Gameplay In One Solid Package

It was only natural that the Portal and Portal 2 games be compressed for Nintendo Switch, and the Portal: Companion Collection does this flawlessly. This collection offers both new and seasoned gamers an opportunity to immerse themselves in these captivating puzzle adventures with a strong narrative thread. The Portal: Companion Collection guides players through the test chambers of Portal, providing commentary from a sly artificial intelligence via intercoms as they advance.

As a gamer, I must say that while Portal: Companion Collection may not boast the most visually stunning graphics out there, its clean visuals perfectly encapsulate the atmosphere of Aperture Labs. Running smoothly at 60fps on both handheld and docked modes is quite impressive, albeit it might dip a bit when I get too carried away with creating portals or looping them excessively. The slightly longer load times between levels could be seen as a negative for some, but the brief pause provides a welcome respite before diving back into the intricate puzzle-solving action.

2024-08-14 13:34