At first glance, the Nintendo Switch seems like a kid’s system. The platform has, historically, been considered for children. However, as Nintendo has grown, so has its fan base. The company has worked to change this perspective and try to garner adult viewership. They’ve primarily done this by focusing on creating games and bringing in ports that focus on adult audiences.
Although the system may not have all the capabilities of the PlayStation or Xbox, the Nintendo Switch can still bring any adult joy. Adults can, and should, pick up the switch, not just for its portability but also for the awesome games you can play. If you’re looking for a more grown-up-centered game for your Nintendo Switch, you’ve come to the right place!
Bayonetta 3
M
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer
PlatinumGames
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 28, 2022
Ready for a good hack and slash? Bayonetta 3 is the perfect game to get your hands into the meat of what the Switch can offer. Right from the jump, you know that this game is not for kids. Bayonetta is a hell-bringing witch who will shoot, whip, slice, and burn any angel, demon, or other monstrosity that stands in the way of her goal. The game can come off as campy because her weapons, style, and movements can be a bit over the top, but it’s a fun game that’s sure to bring you hours of entertainment. Bayonetta can slow down time to stop attacks and inflict Torture Attacks on her enemies to get more bang for her buck. It’s no wonder it’s not a children’s game. The Switch offers both Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 as well, but it doesn’t really matter where you start. This game is definitely for a more mature audience. Bayonetta’s clothes are made up of hair, and some of her heavy-hitting attacks can leave her, uh, exposed, to say the least. But who wouldn’t want to be a foxy, badass witch who can destroy her enemies by summoning Infernal Demons?
No More Heroes III
M
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer
Grasshopper Manufacture
Publisher
Grasshopper Manufacture
Release
August 26, 2021
Don’t you hate when you’re not at the top of your field? So does No More Heroes 3 protagonist Travis Touchdown. Even after climbing the assassination ranks in the previous games, there are still more foes to overcome. So, there’s only one way to be number one: Take out everyone above you. And you don’t have to use your awesome, lightsaber-esque katana. You’ll have a chance to learn some of the coolest wrestling moves, from Power Bombs to Brain Busters. With so many ways to kill people, there’s no way you can’t win, right? No More Heroes 3 provides us with a main character who loves technology but is a little socially awkward. This action game is sure to give you the R-rated fun you’re looking for.
Read our full No More Heroes III review
Metroid Dread
T
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
MercurySteam, Nintendo EPD
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 07, 2021
It took years, but we finally got a new, true sequel to the 2D Metroid series. Announced and released within the same year, Metroid Dread is the game fans of the series have been so eagerly awaiting. The series is famous for spawning the Metroidvania subgenre, but Metroid Dread proves that Samus is still the queen of these search-action-style games, but also that this series is far more mature and challenging than most Nintendo franchises thanks to the new EMMI enemies that hunt you down. Featuring a giant map to explore, tons of upgrades to collect, secrets to find, and bosses to take down, Metroid Dread is perfect for playing in both handheld and docked mode. Even though the game uses 3D models, the cinematography is used to amazing effect, and the story is actually very gripping.
Read our full Metroid Dread review
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
E10
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 3
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
May 12, 2023
The Legend of Zelda is a game a lot of players grew up with. Solving puzzles, smashing pots, and exploring Hyrule are definitely staples of this series. However, the latest installment of the series, Tears of the Kingdom, takes the game one step further. Aside from the normal exploration, players are brought into Hyrule as an open world, with both sky islands and an entire underground map. Don’t feel like doing the first part of the game? The good news is you can wander away and do whatever else you want. Sometimes the freedom can be too much and you’ll find yourself doing god knows what. The game makes this list because of the puzzles. Although a lot of the Legend of Zelda games seem easy, Tears of the Kingdom is fundamentally more difficult. The puzzles are more open-ended, allowing for creative and unexpected solutions to work.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Simulator
Developer
Nintendo EPD, Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
March 19, 2020
Okay, so maybe this entry isn’t convincing, but hear us out. Imagine you live in a world where it’s possible to pay your bills, hang out with friends, garden, and enjoy life without stressing? That’s honestly an adult’s dream. The game will provide players with a cathartic experience of accomplishing chores and outside work while still having friends and enjoying your time. Although Animal Crossing: New Horizons may not seem like an adult game, players can quickly turn it into an adult game because it’s so malleable. Essentially, you’re in charge of a desert island. You can morph and form the island into anything you want. This has given players so many liberties in what they can do. In fact, it’s actually become an issue in some respects. Players are able to share their island with anyone who wants to play via Island Dream Codes. This lets players either visit a particular island or visit a random island that the game deems would be fun to visit. Problem is, some children are finding their way into islands that they probably shouldn’t be visiting. Parents have been reporting these islands, and Nintendo is suspending Dream accounts and removing islands from dreams because of it. That being said, what do you think of the spot on our island that’s definitely not a murder corner?
Read our full Animal Crossing: New Horizons review
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Racing
Developer
Nintendo EPD
Publisher
Nintendo of America, Nintendo of Europe
Release
April 28, 2017
Okay, so Mario Kart 8 is an all-ages game. It’s particularly great for watching little kids get extremely mad. Mario Kart is the perfect game for when friends come over and you want to show them the what-for. However, this Mario Kart game feels different. In previous renditions of the game, players were able to sort of predict who would be first, second, etc. based on how the race was going. Mario Kart 8, however, doesn’t do that. You could find yourself in 12th place throughout two and a half laps, then get a sudden stroke of luck in the final second that puts you at first. Although this mechanic makes the game extremely fun, it’s also extremely frustrating. Nothing will get you cussed out faster than having your friend go from first to eighth place because of one red shell you threw. But playing with friends can make for an amazing time.
BioShock: The Collection
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
2K Games, Virtuos
Publisher
2K Games, Take-Two Interactive
Release
September 13, 2016
Need to shoot something? Good news — the Nintendo Switch has plenty of shooters for you to try out! One of the best shooters is Bioshock: The Collection. This game has all three of the Bioshock games, letting you continue through its crazy narrative without stopping. You’ll encounter deranged people, Big Brothers that can beat your ass, and little sisters who you hope aren’t truly related to you. The game has a lot of interesting background as well. Although you may encounter some things that seem nice, it’s usually masking some horrible joke at your expense. Also, the story itself has a lot of twists and turns. The game will lead you into believing that one idea is pushing your main character, only to suddenly shift and change the story’s direction. It can leave you feeling unsettled but in a good way!
South Park: The Fractured But Whole
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Adventure
Developer
Ubisoft San Francisco
Publisher
Ubisoft Entertainment
Release
October 17, 2017
Maybe you want something a little more mindless. South Park: The Fractured But Whole is a constant stream of adult jokes for adult audiences. This outrageously offensive superhero game will keep you coming back for more. You’re able to customize your avatar and join the superhero team of Stan, Kyle, Kenny, and Cartman in the town of South Park. You’ll face off against the darkness that has found itself in South Park and stop it before it’s too late. Those familiar with South Park will understand why this game is here. It’s a funny, quirky fighting game that has complex fighting mechanisms. However, some of the jokes can leave some uncomfortable. Although this game may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s definitely a fun adult-centered game for the Nintendo Switch.
L.A. Noire
Platforms
PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Genre
Shooter, Strategy, Adventure
Developer
Rockstar Games
Publisher
Rockstar Games
Release
November 14, 2017
Need a dark and violent crime thriller? L.A. Noire is the game for you. Set in the 1940s, the game follows officer Cole Phelps as he searches for the truth in a city where everyone has something they want to hide. You’ll have a chance to follow Cole as he works for Traffic, Homicide, Vice, and Arson. Each new department will give Phelps a new partner to help navigate you through the cases. You’ll also get flashbacks of Phelps’s war memories. This game will require more patience and problem-solving than most kids have. You’ll have to carefully examine the scene to unravel what happened at each crime scene. Also, you’ll definitely see a few dead bodies and women of the evening.
Doom Eternal
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter
Developer
id Software
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Release
March 19, 2020
If you’re looking for the right first-person horror shoot-fest, Doom Eternal is just the ticket. Somehow the wizards at ID managed to cram this fast, fluid, and gory shooter onto this portable system. Step into the boots of the Doomslayer and rip and tear your way through a massive campaign full of demons, weapons, collectibles, and hidden secrets around every corner. You’ll never feel more empowered than after a brutal, drag-out brawl with a swarm of demons.
Dark Souls: Remastered
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
QLOC, Virtuos, FromSoftware
Publisher
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release
May 23, 2018
If horror and gore aren’t your thing, why not an action role-playing game that can make you cry? Although it’s arguably one of the best games of all time, the Dark Souls series is notoriously difficult. If you tried Elder Scrolls: Skyrim and found that game too difficult, you probably should pass up Dark Souls. The game centers on a time called the Age of Fire. Humans have started to rise in power, but are stopped by an undead curse. This curse will perpetually resurrect humans after death which eventually leads them to lose their minds, which is called the “hollowing.” The bad news is, you’re cursed with the hollowing. To make matters worse, you start by being locked in an asylum. You’ll need to escape to start the story. Dark Souls is a hardcore fantasy role-playing game that will entice and entrance you. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart or the young of age. Be ready to square off with difficult enemies and extremely tough bosses.
Cuphead
E10
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Studio MDHR
Publisher
Studio MDHR
Release
September 29, 2017
There are so many reasons to love Cuphead. The art style takes directly from Disney and Warner Brother’s early 20’s art style. The jazz music flickers and bounces as you face off against seemingly ordinary objects and people. However, the premise of the game is that Cuphead is helping the devil reap the souls that he’s owed in order to escape a terrible fate. The story, although minor in the game, is definitely not something children should know too much about. Additionally, each battle in the game feels like a boss fight. There isn’t one part of this game that should be considered easy. Each fight forces you to take a new approach and, often, it will feel like you’re just doing a little bit better each time. Because of this and the game’s story, it’s definitely not a game we’d recommend for kids
Editors' Recommendations
- The best VR games
- Best gaming laptop deals: Alienware, Razer, Asus and more
- All upcoming Switch games: 2024 and beyond
- One of the best Tomb Raider games is coming to Xbox Game Pass
- Is Stardew Valley cross-platform?
