The Nintendo Switch is Nintendo’s pride and joy, a handheld console that can beat PlayStation and Xbox at their games. It’s not as powerful as the PS4, but Nintendo games have always been colourful, creative, and innovative. For one, games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and many more Nintendo exclusives aren’t the most visually stunning.
However, what they lack in stunning graphics, they make up for with sleek and enjoyable combat mechanics. That said, this Player.com article focuses on seven games that have been ported over to the Nintendo Switch that aren’t exclusive.
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7 Best Games Ported Over to Nintendo Switch
These are the seven best games that have been ported over to the Nintendo Switch ever since it was released. Sure, Nintendo has remastered several of their exclusives to work on their new console. However, that’s a story for another time so instead, we’re breaking down seven AAA games that were painstakingly ported over.
#1: Alien Isolation
Alien: Isolation is a survival horror game that leaves you in the shoes of a protagonist who’s trapped on a spaceship with an apex predator. That is, you’re hunted by an Alien that is agile, powerful, and dangerous. It’s also hypersensitive to sound, so you can’t make too much noise or it’ll hone in on your location. This game of cat and mouse is addicting, suspenseful, and terrifying at the same time.
The game pays homage to one of the best sci-fi movies of all time, pushing players to recreate many iconic scenes. Still, this isn’t the only reason why we love the game so much and actively refer it to friends and family. You can also check out upcoming alien games here. Now that the game is available on the Nintendo Switch, fans can pick up the game to experience features such as:
- Atmospheric Pressure: Forget physics, the atmosphere in Alien: Isolation seems tense and choked out. It’s like you’re being watched from angles that you’re not aware of. So, the feelings of dread and mortal danger are exciting. It’s all thanks to the Cathode game engine.
- Underdog Combat System: The combat system is unique because you’re underpowered from the onset. You don’t have any special powers or weapons to even the odds. So, you can only rely on your wits and backbone to escape the spaceship alive.
- Improvise or Die: Hack systems and craft items to survive another encounter with your predator. You’ll also have to scavenge for resources like a rat in the sewer, or else your hunter will catch you.
#2: BioShock: The Collection
BioShock: The Collection is a combination of BioShock, BioShock 2, and BioShock Infinite. The games’ visuals have been upgraded and their frame rates have been stabilised for the Nintendo Switch. Let’s not forget that the story is immersive and the combat is top-notch with great weapons and powers. In short, it’s a shooter title unlike any you’ve ever played before. Hopefully, we’ll see BioShock 4 in the coming years. We also loved other features of the game, such as:
- Weapons Galore: Enjoy different weapons, including revolvers, grenade launchers, and chemical throwers. However, in BioShock: The Collection, you’re the greatest weapon at your disposal so you’ll be able to modify your DNA to pull off terrifying feats.
- Variety of Add-Ons Available: Enjoy different modes like Museum of Orphaned Concepts, Protector Trials, Challenge Rooms, Minerva’s Den, Clash in the Clouds, and Burial at Sea: Episodes 1 & 2.
- New Textures and Lighting: BioShock: The Collection’s textures and lighting have been overhauled. So, expect brighter visuals with detail-packed scenery and areas to explore. Gun and superpower effects are also more beautiful now than ever.
#3: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a critically acclaimed action RPG where you can customise your avatar down to his or her powers. It’s like Baldur’s Gate 3, but in third-person view instead of being isometric. For spatially aware gamers, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim offers a huge and detailed sandbox that’s alive. Walk off an unknown path and you might stumble across a monster nest. Other paths might lead you to hidden treasure, so you can expect an experience that’s similar to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
The game has racked up more than 200 Game of the Year awards because of its unique combat system and entertaining lore. However, those features are barely the tip of the iceberg, since Nintendo Switch owners can look forward to features such as:
- Lush Sceneries: Explore lush sceneries with top-notch weather effects and daytime cycles. Vegetation, flora, animals, beasts, and monsters are all realistically rendered. PC gamers can enjoy a remastered version of the game, but the Nintendo Switch port is still a stellar experience.
- Great DLCs: You can experience the game in its full glory by playing the DLCs too. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim already offers a lengthy campaign, but the DLCs take that experience further. Try out Dawnguard, though Hearthfire and Dragonborn are incredibly fun too.
- Enthralling Characters: The characters in the game are fun, deep, and unique because of their different histories. So, expect a variety of personalities across the board, not an NPC template.
#4: Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is an enhanced edition of the original game that’s available on the Nintendo Switch. It’s a game that’s as immersive as Super Mario Bros. Wonder or even The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This is because of its relaxed combat pace and powers that aren’t too hard to master. Also, the in-game enemies are difficult to defeat, since you only need to learn their moves and exploit any weaknesses you find.
Let’s remember that Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition also features one of the best art styles in the industry. The icing on the cake is the variety of scores that you enjoy as you beat the odds. Other features of the game that we enjoyed while trying to save the forest of Nibel are:
- Full Support for the Nintendo Switch: Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is available in tablet, handheld, and TV modes on the Nintendo Switch.
- Expect New Features: Players can expect to try out new features in this version of the game. Explore new areas, abilities, sequences, and difficulty settings. Dash and Light Burst are two terrifying new abilities you’ll wield in the game.
#5: Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is a shooter title that was released way back in 2017 and we love the gory gameplay. There’s also a great variety of weapons to go through, including pistols and assault rifles. We also love other features of the game, such as:
- Great Narrative: It’s 1961 in America and after you assassinate Nazi General Deathshead, you realise your efforts were all a waste. You are BJ, otherwise known as Terror-Billy, a member of the Resistance. Only you have the guns and guts to lead the Resistance to victory.
- World Future Tech: You’ll be able to use a variety of impressive weapons, including Laserkraftwerk, a laser weapon that can clear huge waves of enemies within the blink of an eye. There’s also Dieselkraftwerk, which is a gas-powered grenade launcher. For players who love to be up close and personal, there are shotguns, pistols, submachine guns, and machetes.
- Customise Your Playstyle: You can play however you want by picking weapons that suit your playstyle. Go for heavy weapons if you don’t mind being slow, while submachine guns are perfect for agile players.
#6: DOOM Eternal
DOOM Eternal is a horror-action game where you control DOOM Marine, a devastating warrior that demons and humans alike fear. You’ll crush interstellar enemies, dominate demon bosses, and crush skulls with your bare hands. You’ll also enjoy features like Arcade and Photo modes to show off your favourite demon slayer. Nevertheless, there aren’t the features that made us fall in love with the game.
- Adrenaline-Packed Combat: The combat is full of relentless action and you’re given no room to breathe or heal up. Rather, you have to kill demons constantly to regenerate and earn ammo. Combine your guns, fast movement, and an advanced melee system to crush your enemies. You’ll be able to knock down foes as well as stomp, crush, or slash them.
- DOOM SnapMap to the Rescue: Use DOOM SnapMap to create intricate and detailed levels where you can hunt down monsters. You can create new modes and even share them with your friends with the click of a button. There’s also the option to play as a demon from hell.
#7: Dark Souls: Remastered
Dark Souls: Remastered is a sleek game with upgraded visuals that affect the textures, lighting, animations, shadow, and overall quality of the game. It’s a tough game that encourages players to grind through trial and error. Bosses are a menace that you can’t topple on your first try so you must learn their moves and adapt to them. The gameplay is trippy because each end is a new beginning for players to beat the odds.
You’ll also enjoy Artorias of Abyss, a DLC that is as dark as it sounds. Likewise, players will be able to try out different types of weapons, including sabres and great swords, in Dark Souls: Remastered. There’s also a multiplayer experience that lets you play with up to six other gamers. The cherry on top is that you’ll be able to experience this game at a smoother frame rate than its original version.
Wrapping the Facts Up
The fact is that the Nintendo Switch is a powerful piece of tech that lets you play games on the go. You can also hook the console up to your TV for an enhanced experience, but overall, games run smoothly on the platform. There are more games but these are our favourites for now. At least, besides Nintendo exclusives like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Nevertheless, Nintendo’s games are cartoonish the majority of the time so these are the titles that you can play instead. The creators of these games have packed in plenty of gore and realistic animations and characters. So, your experiences are vivid and worth the price, especially games like BioShock: The Collection, which is a 3-in-1 title.