Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

The best Nintendo Switch shooter games

While the Nintendo Switch system is home to a variety of family games, platformers, and puzzlers, it also has a lengthy list of shooters. These range from third-person online shooters, to first-person single-player campaigns, and everything in between. Some are realistic, others are sci-fi, and some even blur the lines between genres.

But with so many options, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. In this list, we’ll go over the best shooters on Nintendo’s latest platform.

Neon White

Neon White
89 %
4/5
T
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch
Genre Shooter, Platform, Adventure, Indie
Developer Ben Esposito
Publisher Annapurna Interactive
Release June 16, 2022
There isn’t anything else like Neon White and since it pulls off nearly everything it attempts to execute, it deserves a spot on this list. Neon White is a first-person shooter with a heavy emphasis on platforming. In it, you must run around the large open stages, use parkour to reach platforms, defeat enemies, and get to the finish line in time. Along the way, you’ll come across various cards, each offering a temporary ability and weapon. This gives the game an original identity, offering a bit of strategy while navigating each stage. The other selling point is this game’s art. It’s absolutely stunning, with an aesthetic that looks partly like an anime and comic book combined. If you liked Mirror’s Edge, you’ll probably enjoy Neon White.
Read our full Neon White review
NEON WHITE | Reveal Trailer

DOOM

DOOM
86 %
3.5/5
M
Platforms Nintendo Switch
Genre Shooter
Developer id Software
Publisher Bethesda Softworks
Release May 12, 2016
Id Software and Bethesda surprised just about everyone when 2016’s Doom reboot managed to not only be worthy of the series’ name, but was miles better than we assumed it would be. The smooth action and brutal Glory Kills system were impressive on PC, Xbox One, and PS4, but the Nintendo Switch port managed to make the kill perfectly playable on a handheld as well. Despite lower resolutions and some muddy textures, Doom runs like a dream on Switch. Its sequel, Doom Eternal, is available on Switch as well, though it’s largely regarded as a downgrade from the first entry, at least in terms of performance on Switch, but it’s also worth playing.
Read our full DOOM review

Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread
88 %
4.5/5
T
Platforms Nintendo Switch
Genre Platform, Adventure
Developer MercurySteam, Nintendo EPD
Publisher Nintendo
Release October 07, 2021
If you’re looking for one of the best Metroidvania games on Switch, this is it. Metroid Dread picks up where Fusion left off narratively, but it’s a much more mechanically modern title comparatively. As a shooter, it has the vibe of an old-school 2D Metroid game with some difficult fights. You get access to weapon upgrades, suite upgrades, and a whole suite of abilities to play around with. Dread also ups the series’ horror tendencies as Samus must escape from the robotic E.M.M.I., which stalk her like Alien‘s xenomorphs. It all comes together to form one of the scariest, toughest, and most stylish games Nintendo has made in a very long time. Take a look at our Metroid Dread beginner’s guide to get started.
Read our full Metroid Dread review

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
83 %
4/5
M
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre Shooter, Adventure
Developer MachineGames
Publisher Bethesda Softworks
Release October 27, 2017
Bethesda’s other major first-person shooter franchise went in a very different direction with the 2014 soft-reboot, Wolfenstein: The New Order, and its sequel Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, which is available in full on Nintendo Switch. Set primarily in an alternate-history United States taken over by Nazi Germany, the game’s story sees legendary hero BJ Blazkowicz slaughter fascists in even more entertaining ways and even offers information on his childhood and parents. It’s backed up by excellent first-person shooting gameplay with plenty of challenge, too, letting you play as either a one-man wrecking crew or as a stealthier agent who takes out his enemies from a distance. If you’re a fan of Doom and Doom Eternal, you might like Wolfenstein II. Check out more Bethesda games if you want to go even further.

Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2
65 %
T
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Shooter
Developer Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher Blizzard Entertainment
Release October 04, 2022
Now that  Overwatch 2 is here, the original game is no longer playable — but thankfully, the newest entry fills the void left by its predecessor. This all-new hero shooter builds upon the foundation of the first game but with several changes, many of which are for the better. Overwatch 2 offers better pinging, along with a slew of quality-of-life improvements. Most notably, the game is free, which opens the floodgates for more players to jump in. With Blizzard’s plans to keep supporting Overwatch 2, there’s plenty to be excited about — especially with its upcoming PvE mode coming at some point in the future.
Overwatch 2 - Free to Play Trailer - Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase 2022

SUPERHOT

SUPERHOT
77 %
T
Platforms Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
Genre Shooter, Puzzle, Tactical, Indie
Developer SUPERHOT Team
Publisher IMGN.PRO, SUPERHOT Team
Release February 25, 2016
Few shooter games are as creative as Superhot, and even fewer are able to execute on their ideas as well. Set in a cyberpunk-infused world with a user interface similar to The Matrix, you battle against faceless enemies and are killed instantly if you take one hit. The twist in Superhot, however, is that time only moves when you move, so you can plan every step and attack in advance to take down your targets efficiently. It’s a simple gimmick that manages to be extremely effective, and the story that unfolds in between each stage had us invested and frequently laughing from beginning to the very end. It’s definitely one of the coolest Nintendo Switch games out there.

BioShock: The Collection

BioShock: The Collection
87 %
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
Even 13 years after its original release, BioShock remains one of the best first-person shooters of all time — and thankfully, we can now play it on the go on Nintendo Switch. Its visual style is designed in such a way that it still looks great and will likely remain timeless. The underwater city of Rapture oozes with environmental storytelling, and its inhabitants are just as creepy as ever. We arguably don’t get enough good survival horror games (or many at all), but BioShock is up there with the greats like Resident Evil and Dead Space. When you’re finished with the first one, you can play its follow-ups, BioShock 2 and BioShock: Infinite, as part of the collection on Switch.

Borderlands Legendary Collection

Borderlands Legendary Collection
M
Platforms PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre Shooter, Role-playing (RPG)
Developer Gearbox Software
Publisher 2K Games, Take-Two Interactive
Release May 29, 2020
We also don’t get enough shooter RPGs, but thankfully, the fan-favorite Borderlands 2 is available on Switch. It sends you on an insane quest for loot, with over-the-top weapons and a gameplay loop that will likely sink its teeth into you. It’s important for a game to feel good to play, and Borderlands 2 absolutely hits it out of the park in that department. Unlike a lot of shooters that focus on dark and realistic tones, Borderlands always has emphasized silly themes and sticks out due to its beautiful cel-shaded visuals. You can play the original Borderlands, The Pre-Sequel, and Borderlands 2, along with all of their DLC, on Nintendo Switch. Borderlands 2 is easily one of the best FPS games of all time and it’s now available on Switch!

Fortnite

Fortnite
68 %
4/5
T
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy
Developer Epic Games
Publisher Epic Games
Release July 25, 2017
The biggest video game in the world can be played in your living room or while you’re sitting on the toilet. Fortnite: Battle Royale took the basic formula established in titles like The Culling and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and mixed in a structure-building element that lets you turn any location into a defendable fortress. Its goofy art style and continuous updates have changed the game drastically over time, and as a cross-play game, it is supported across all systems. This means a Switch player can enjoy the battle royale game with his friends on Xbox, PlayStation, or even their mobile phone, so no one has to ever play by themselves again. As one of the best free games on Switch, it also comes at no cost to you.
Read our full Fortnite review

The Outer Worlds

The Outer Worlds
80 %
5/5
M
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher Private Division
Release October 25, 2019
Fans of the Fallout series will be right at home, as The Outer Worlds gives players dozens the choices to make, weapons to wield, and locations to explore, all while navigating a satirical storyline. A few concessions had to be made due to technical limitations, and the graphics leave a bit to be desired, but anyone looking for an FPS fix will be happy this gem found a home on the Switch. When it first launched for Switch, it was a little tough to play due to performance issues, but it runs a lot more smoothly now. You can also keep an eye out for The Outer Worlds 2 which will come out at some point in the future.
Read our full The Outer Worlds review

Warframe

Warframe
76 %
M
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer Digital Extremes
Publisher Digital Extremes
Release March 25, 2013
You can’t play Destiny 2 on Nintendo Switch, but you can play a game that millions of players seem to prefer: Warframe. The free-to-play science-fiction game blends elements of shooters and third-person action together, with a ton of content and customization options. It’s a free-to-play game done well, never feeling like it’s asking for your money before you can do well, and developer Digital Extremes even includes enormous ships you can fly through space to take on roaming enemies. You have very little to lose by trying it out, except the time you’ll spend playing it if it manages to get its hooks in you — especially with it being a free game.

Resident Evil 4 HD

Resident Evil 4 HD
89 %
M
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre Shooter, Adventure
Developer Capcom Production Studio 4
Publisher Capcom
Release September 08, 2011
Sure, Resident Evil 4 often is categorized as a survival horror game, but c’mon — it’s a shooter, too. Many consider it to be the best Resident Evil game in the series, and while we like to lean more toward the newer entries like Resident Evil 7 and the recent remakes, Resident Evil 4 is a must-play. It masterfully treads the line between a shooter and horror game, with tons of campy characters and scary monsters to fall in love with. This Switch game especially satisfying to acquire new upgrades to make the main character, Leon Kennedy, even stronger. Even if this game has some outdated things like the depiction of its damsel in distress, Ashley, there’s still a lot to love in RE4. Word on the street is that it will be getting a remake treatment, due out in the next few years, so survival horror fans might have that to look forward to.

The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+

The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+
85 %
4.5/5
M
Platforms Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure, Indie
Developer Edmund McMillen, Nicalis, Inc.
Publisher Nicalis, Inc.
Release January 03, 2017
What a bizarre and wild game. The Binding of Isaac is a rougelike that we’re honestly surprised is even available on the Nintendo Switch, due to its heavy religious themes. It just goes to show how Nintendo — and video games as a whole — have evolved over time. In this Nintendo Switch game, you play as a naked baby named Isaac, who shoots horrifying enemies with his tears (no, we aren’t joking). It plays a lot like a dungeon crawler but features procedurally generated levels, in which no two runs are the same. But this also feels like a horror game at times. Random drops will help (or hurt) your character as he climbs through each floor in this top-down shooter. It’s grotesque, difficult, and funny — and there isn’t anything else like it.

Nuclear Throne

Nuclear Throne
70 %
E10
Platforms Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure, Indie, Arcade
Developer Vlambeer
Publisher Vlambeer
Release December 05, 2015
Rogue-like games and shooters don’t usually mix, but no one told that to Vlambeer. The developer’s take on the top-down shooter lets you augment yourself with abilities via the nuclear wasteland, and backs it up with blistering shooting action as you make your way to the titular Nuclear Throne. You have tons of different weapons and explosives to choose from as you fight your way to your goal, and you’ll need to learn just a little bit more on each run if you want to ever be successful. Even just one slip-up can leave you vulnerable to shot from the game’s bizarre enemies, so never take your safety for granted.

Cuphead

Cuphead
86 %
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
Initially only available on Xbox One and PC, Cuphead now is an indie game on Nintendo Switch, and we’re so glad it is. The 2D shooter plays like a classic run-and-gun game mixed with a platformer, and its art style is reminiscent of classic Disney animated films like Steamboat Willie. Don’t let the cute exterior fool you, however, as it’s also one of the hardest games available on Switch. The Cuphead bosses show you no mercy, particularly as you approach the ending, and it will take every ounce of your abilities to make it to the final boss unscathed.

Rolling Gunner

Rolling Gunner
98 %
E10
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch
Genre Shooter, Indie, Arcade
Developer Project Rolling Gunner
Publisher mebius
Release August 10, 2018
Rolling Gunner is a traditional horizontal shooting game exclusive to Nintendo Switch, and it will appeal to fans of Thunder Cross and Gradius. It’s a challenging game — you’ll need to avoid bullets while attacking enemy ships — but you can customize your difficulty setting if need be. It features a marriage of modern and retro visual styles, with both forefront and hidden enemies. It’s not exactly revolutionary, but it builds on the classic shooter games of the 1990s and early 2000s.

Turok

Turok
67 %
M
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre Shooter, Platform, Adventure
Developer Night Dive Studios
Publisher Night Dive Studios, Limited Run Games
Release December 17, 2015
Functioning as an enhanced port of the 1997 classic, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter is a first-person shooter that — as its name suggests — pits you against deadly dinosaurs. In 1997, 3D worlds were still a novel idea, and this is one of the games that brought 3D to the forefront. In this Nintendo Switch game, you’ll use a large arsenal of weapons (including a grenade launcher, Plasma Pulse Rifle, the Atomic Fusion Cannon, and more) to take out a slew of foes such as the Laser-Guided T-Rex. Expect to navigate through traps and puzzles along the way, as you progress towards defeating the evil overlord known as The Campaigner.

Apex Legends

Apex Legends
78 %
4/5
T
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre Shooter
Developer Respawn Entertainment
Publisher Electronic Arts
Release February 04, 2019
In terms of value, it doesn’t get much better than Apex Legends, a free-to-play multiplayer Battle Royale shooter that launched for Nintendo Switch in 2021. This FPS game has been available on other platforms since 2019, but is now playable on the Switch, with cross-play functionality as well. Apex Legends features a slew of characters to choose from, each with their own unique abilities and personalities. This offers a twist on the familiar battle royale formula, giving it elements of hero shooter as well. And thanks to Respawn Entertainments’ continued support, Apex Legends players have no shortage of content to enjoy, with more planned for the future.
Read our full Apex Legends review

Metro Redux

Metro Redux
84 %
M
Platforms Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Shooter, Role-playing (RPG)
Developer 4A Games
Publisher Deep Silver, Koch Media
Release August 26, 2014
Metro Redux is a compilation featuring Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light, which originally launched in 2010 and 2013, respectively. These are two of the best survival first-person shooters, with an emphasis on exploration, resource management, and horror. Both games give you an arsenal of weapons to choose from, but don’t expect to mow down enemies Rambo-style. Instead, you’ll need to preserve ammo as much as possible by using stealth attacks to get by unseen. The Metro series leans into realism, with a limited heads-up display (HUD), and immersive animations that mimic real life. While these two entries aren’t as good as the recent Metro Exodus, they’re both fantastic and worth playing on Switch.

Splatoon 3

Splatoon 3
4/5
E10
Platforms Nintendo Switch
Genre Shooter, Platform
Developer Nintendo
Publisher Nintendo
Release September 09, 2022
Since Splatoon 3 is widely a step up from its predecessor in most ways, we’re replacing Splatoon 2 with its sequel here. Splatoon 3 is fantastic and is currently enjoying a large player-base thanks to its recent launch. That means Nintendo is supporting it with various events called Splatfests, along with balancing updates to keep things as polished as possible. Beyond the excellent competitive online mode, Splatoon 3 features the most robust and jaw-dropping single-player campaign the series has ever had, offering plenty of depth, and a stunning finale that steals the show. Splatoon 3 has plenty of personality and is one of Nintendo’s most beloved series for a reason.
Read our full Splatoon 3 review
Splatoon 3 - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch

Metroid Prime Remastered

Metroid Prime Remastered
95 %
T
Platforms Nintendo Switch
Genre Shooter, Platform, Adventure
Developer Retro Studios
Publisher Nintendo
Release February 08, 2023
After being rumored for years, Nintendo finally released Metroid Prime Remastered. This, as its name suggests, is an enhanced version of the original Metroid Prime, which first launched for the GameCube in 2002. It takes many of the series’ best features but flips the perspective on its head, shifting from 2D to 3D. In this first-person shooter, Samus must battle enemies, uncover new locations, and unlock powers to aid her on her journey. It’s easily one of the best games of all time, and we’re glad it’s finally available on Switch.
Metroid Prime Remastered - Launch Trailer - Nintendo Switch

Editors' Recommendations

Joseph Yaden
Joseph Yaden is a freelance journalist who covers Nintendo, shooters, and horror games. He mostly covers game guides for…
The 13 best gaming laptop deals in March 2024
An Alienware m16 gaming laptop in use on a desk, playing Baldur's Gate III.

There are loads of fantastic laptop deals out there right now, but not all of them will be able to meet the specific needs of gamers who want to play the best PC games. Fortunately, there's no shortage of gaming laptop deals in the market so that you can enjoy savings on these machines. Brands like HP, Alienware, Acer, and Lenovo are all available in the offers that we've gathered below, so read on to find more details on these gaming laptops and determine which one you should buy. Hurry up though, as the discounts may not last long.
HP Victus 15 gaming laptop -- $580, was $800

Ideally designed for someone looking for one of the best budget gaming laptops, the HP Victus 15 might mean you’ll need to tweak some detail levels with certain games but it’s a great starting point. It has an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of memory, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050. There’s also 512GB of SSD storage so you’ll be able to install a few games at once without a problem. The 15.6-inch screen has a refresh rate of 144Hz so you won’t need to worry about motion blur while other useful features include HP Fast Charge support and speakers tuned by B&O. A backlit keyboard looks great while there’s an integrated numeric keypad.

Read more
Best Nintendo Switch deals: consoles, games, and accessories
Original Switch next to Switch OLED.

The Nintendo Switch is probably one of the most popular handheld consoles right now, if not one of the most popular consoles altogether. So if you're considering grabbing yourself a Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, or Nintendo Switch OLED, you might want to take advantage of the deals below. On the other hand, if you already have one, we've gone out and scoured retailers for accessories and game deals you can snag to expand your library and gear. Of course, we don't know how long these deals will last, so be sure to pick up something you like as soon as you can. There's a bit of a Switch-famine right now, so deals are few and far between.
Best Nintendo Switch deals
Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle -- $300

With the Nintendo Switch going for $300, this bundle technically gets you a digital copy of popular racing game Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which usually costs $60, and a three-month individual membership to Nintendo Switch Online, which costs $8, for free. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe lets you race as one of many Nintendo characters across big and bold courses and with power-ups at your disposal, while Nintendo Switch Online grants access to online multiplayer modes, cloud saves, classic Nintendo games, and more.

Read more
All Call of Duty games in order, by release date and chronologically
e3 2021 missing games call of duty

Call of Duty is one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. The original Call of Duty set a new standard for first-person shooters, the series' online multiplayer work has been a must-play for gamers for nearly two decades, and Warzone has been one of the top battle royale experiences of late.

The series has covered a lot of warfare, from World War II to futuristic fictional wars in 2187, but never in any set order. Players have been bounced around from era to era with each annual COD release and even revisited the same conflicts multiple times from different perspectives through direct sequels and remakes.

Read more