Nintendo Switch has become a go-to choice for gamers who appreciate the flexibility of portable gaming systems. With its wide assortment of games, it caters to various gaming preferences. Recognising its significance, developers of top-tier shooter games have made it a priority to optimise their offerings for the Nintendo Switch platform. This competitive effort produces an extensive selection of high-quality series — so let’s talk about the best Nintendo Switch shooter games.
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1. Doom Series
Doom has carved its name in the annals of gaming history. Its legacy persists, primarily due to its highly-praised reboot in 2016, released 12 years after the original series’ final instalment. With platform-optimised mechanics like the “Glory Kills”, system, Doom seamlessly translates its adrenaline-fueled action onto the Nintendo Switch console.
The high-octane combat sequences will keep you engrossed, distracting from any graphical compromises inherent to the compact device. The escalating tension ensures an immersive gaming experience right in your hands. And if you’re craving more Nintendo Switch shooters, don’t hesitate to explore its sequel, Doom Eternal.
Release Date: November 10, 2017
Developer: id Software
Related: A Complete List of id Software Games
2. Metro Redux
Metro Redux is worth exploring for those drawn to survival games and who value a dose of realism in their preferred Nintendo Switch shooter. This compilation includes both Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light and is available on a multitude of platforms like PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, including the Nintendo Switch.
The emphasis on survival in these games induces a palpable sense of urgency, amplified by the Switch’s immersive handheld experience. Like a surgeon poised for a delicate procedure, you must maintain a steady hand and readiness for pulse-racing encounters that elevate the gaming thrill.
Release Date: February 28, 2020
Developer: 4A Games
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3. Overwatch 2
Overwatch fans would undoubtedly be disappointed if they couldn’t partake in the new, free-to-play iteration of the series. Expectations for the successor are understandably high, with the predecessor no longer available. It is difficult to say that the second game fully met these expectations. But at least it manages to be one of the best Nintendo Switch shooter games.
In this “Hero Shooter”, game, you can vanquish your foes either with sharpshooting precision or through the unique abilities of your hero — or even a combination of both. With enhancements in mechanics, graphics and a reduction in latency issues, Overwatch 2 is poised to be a significant cross-platform hub, effortlessly accessible for players on various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.
Release Date: October 4, 2022
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
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4. Borderlands Legendary Collection
The Legendary Borderlands series, renowned for its captivating graphics and immersive world, has also found its place on the Nintendo Switch. This compilation, dubbed the Borderlands Legendary Collection, unites the classic and the contemporary in a single bundle: It includes the original Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and all the respective DLCs.
Armed with two of the best Nintendo Switch shooter games, you’ll find yourself delightfully engaged in their intricately entertaining realms, with nary a moment of dullness.
Release Date: May 29, 2020
Developer: Gearbox Software
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5. Apex Legends
Wrapping up our list is a title that stands among the best battle royale games and confidently claims its spot as one of the best Nintendo Switch shooter games. Introduced in 2019, Apex Legends is a first-person shooter with a roster of diverse characters, each possessing unique abilities for survival — and, of course, combat.
Although it took a while for Respawn Entertainment to bring Apex Legends to the Switch platform (2021), the wait is over. But here’s the real kicker: The game supports cross-play functionality. You can join forces or duke it out with players from other platforms on the same server. Truly a game-changer for Switch users everywhere.
Release Date: March 9, 2021
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Borderlands 3 in the Borderlands Legendary Collection?
No — While there’s ongoing speculation about Borderlands 3 potentially launching on Nintendo Switch, no official date has yet been set. Legendary Collection includes only the first two games and all downloadable content.
Do All Nintendo Switch Shooter Games Support Cross-Play?
No — The implementation of cross-play functionality, even in the best Nintendo Switch shooter games, is subject to the game itself. Factors include the game’s release, server capabilities, and the developers’ individual decisions. As it stands, there’s no universal cross-play feature across all Nintendo Switch games.
Is Overwatch 2 Cross-Platform on Nintendo Switch?
Yes — Overwatch 2 is not only free-to-play, but it also supports cross-play, allowing a multitude of players to join the fray and create a more exhilarating battlefield for everyone. With cross-play, you can carry over your original account and maintain your progress across different platforms, including Nintendo Switch.
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