Look — no one is going to argue that the Nintendo Switch is a graphical powerhouse on par with other modern consoles. Released in 2017 as a hybrid device, its lower specs make sense, of course, given that Nintendo designed the Switch to function as both a home entertainment system and a handheld. Despite the console not bringing high-end hardware to the table, though, many developers have found ways to pull off some visually impressive titles over the past half-decade. Here are some of the Nintendo Switch games with the best graphics.
Super Mario Odyssey
E10
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 27, 2017
Released early in the Switch’s lifespan, Super Mario Odyssey marks the titular plumber’s first official game on the system, and it’s clear that Nintendo went all out. Not only is it an exceptional game from start to finish, but it sports some downright gorgeous art direction that makes the most of what the console can do. Every level is a beautifully detailed wonderland that is a joy to explore, setting the bar high for games that came in the years after its release.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
E10
Platforms
Wii U, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
March 03, 2017
Releasing alongside the Switch in 2017, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a breathtaking achievement for the fledgling console, proving quite handily that its lower specs weren’t going to hold it back. Breath of the Wild’s stunning open world remains a high point for the Switch even today, with the game maintaining its spot as one of the most scenic titles available for the hardware. So, if you want a massive open world to explore without sacrificing too much visually, this one continues to be your best option.
Astral Chain
T
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
PlatinumGames
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
August 30, 2019
Astral Chain is a frenetic action game that doesn’t pull any punches in the graphics department, either. Though it might’ve been a truly jaw-dropping sight on a more powerful console, it still makes excellent use of its anime style to offset the hardware limitations of the Switch to ensure that a moment never passes when the game isn’t looking its absolute best. It helps that it consistently runs smoothly and is an absolute joy to play, too.
Luigi's Mansion 3
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Next Level Games
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 31, 2019
Though he’s often sidelined in favor of his more popular brother, Luigi’s own horror-lite games are usually a delight to play, and Luigi’s Mansion 3 is no exception. While sucking up ghosts and foiling their devious plans is always a great time, it’s even better that the game is so pretty. The giant haunted mansion is filled to the brim with interesting locales brought to life with detailed visuals and creative art direction. Luigi really deserves more credit than he gets, you know.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Grezzo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
September 20, 2019
Though not quite the type of technical achievement as Breath of the Wild, the 2019 remake of The Legends of Zelda: Link’s Awakening packs an art style worth admiring. Channeling a chibi-like vibe with a bright, colorful aesthetic, Link’s Awakening is one of the Switch’s most vibrant titles, with no shortage of charm to go around for anyone just looking for a smile. If you want an old-school Zelda experience with fresh coat of paint, this one’s for you.
Rayman Legends
E10
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Ubisoft Montpellier
Publisher
Ubisoft Entertainment
Release
August 30, 2013
Mario may be Nintendo’s beloved mascot, but he’s not the only platforming hero in town. Originally released near the end of the seventh generation of consoles, Rayman Legends received a port to the Switch in 2017 – and it brought its dazzling visuals with it. You might try your best, but when it comes to hand-animated art styles, it’s going to be a true challenge to find a game quite as elegant as this one.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
E10
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
HAL Laboratory
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
March 25, 2022
It’s no surprise that games developed internally from Nintendo come sporting among the best graphics on the Switch, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land is no exception to that rule. This exciting title is bright and colorful at its best, with incredibly detailed levels that never cease to amaze from both a visual, animation, and gameplay perspective. It helps that Kirby is so cute, though, right?
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
T
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Monolith Soft
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
July 29, 2022
Regardless of which game you pick to play out of the Xenoblade franchise (all three mainline games are available on the Switch now), you’re in for a treat graphically, as the beloved role-playing series is known for vistas that seem simply impossible on Nintendo’s hardware. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is likely the prettiest of the bunch, though, showcasing the true capabilities of a system in its later years, all while offering one of the console’s best RPG journeys.
Monster Hunter Rise
T
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
Capcom Development Division 2
Publisher
Capcom
Release
March 26, 2021
While it may not be the most striking entry in the franchise as a whole, Monster Hunter Rise is easily the best the series has ever looked on a handheld device. This thrilling adventure offers plenty of monster hunting and crafting while managing to push out a staggering level of detail – though it’s worth noting you may see some occasional frame dips as a result. Even so, being able to play a well-rounded Monster Hunter game on the go is worth such a minor sacrifice.
Yoshi's Crafted World
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform
Developer
Good-Feel
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
March 29, 2019
Though Yoshi started off as a sidekick for Mario, the lovable dinosaur has made its own path forward in a line of well-received games. The most recent is Yoshi’s Crafted World, which combined the usual gameplay of the series with a world made up of common household supplies. Exploring levels made of cardboard and paper cut-outs shouldn’t be stunning, but Nintendo really showed what sheer dedication to an art style can achieve with this one.
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