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The Nintendo Switch games with the best graphics

Billy Givens
By

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

Super Mario Odyssey
90 %
4/5
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.
Read our full Super Mario Odyssey review
Super Mario Odyssey - Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017 Trailer
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
92 %
4.5/5
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.
Read our full The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild review
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - E3 2014 Announcement Trailer [HD]
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Astral Chain

Astral Chain
83 %
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.
ASTRAL CHAIN - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch

Luigi's Mansion 3

Luigi's Mansion 3
84 %
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.
Luigi's Mansion 3 (Working Title) - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
84 %
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.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch

Rayman Legends

Rayman Legends
85 %
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.
Rayman Legends - E3 2013 - Gameplay Trailer [UK]

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land
85 %
4/5
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?
Read our full Kirby and the Forgotten Land review
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Xenoblade Chronicles 3
88 %
4/5
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.
Read our full Xenoblade Chronicles 3 review
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch

Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise
83 %
4.5/5
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.
Read our full Monster Hunter Rise review
Monster Hunter Rise - Announcement Trailer

Yoshi's Crafted World

Yoshi's Crafted World
79 %
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.
Yoshi for Nintendo Switch - Official Game Trailer - Nintendo E3 2017

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Billy Givens
Billy Givens
Gaming Writer
Billy Givens is a freelance writer with over a decade of experience writing gaming, film, and tech content. His work can be…
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