One of the biggest draws to the Nintendo Switch was the ability to play stationary console quality games on the go. The Switch lets us take some of our favorite games that normally were homebound anywhere we want. However, some games lose quality or aren’t as enjoyable without a controller when in portable mode. Because the Switch is made for portability, it can be tough to tell which games are more fun to play when the Switch is docked.
After playing many games, we have put together a list of games that we find to be more enjoyable on the Switch when it is docked. Here are the Nintendo Switch games you should play docked whenever you can.
Further reading
- Best Switch controllers for 2020
- Most anticipated games of 2020
- How to charge a Nintendo Switch controller
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is a whimsical and creative platformer that plays relatively well in both docked mode and undocked mode the majority of the time, but there are a few moments when you’ll find docked mode to be preferable. Mario has access to a spin-attack using his cap that makes use of a spinning motion with the Joy-Con controllers. You can use the analog stick in the handheld mode to do this move, but it’s fast with the motion controls, and doing this with a handheld Switch requires you to spin the entire console.
Read our full Super Mario Odyssey review.
Doom
Id Software’s Doom reboot is a brilliant shooter, mixing fast-paced arcade-like control with gloriously gory kills. It runs surprisingly well on the Nintendo Switch, but you’ll run into a few problems when playing it undocked. The Joy-Con’s analog sticks aren’t as big as those on other game controllers, so you’ll find it harder to aim your weapon than if you were using a Pro Controller. The text displayed on the Switch’s screen is also comically tiny, so it will benefit from being played on a larger display.
Read our full Doom review.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is one of the few Nintendo Switch games that suffers noticeable downgrades when playing undocked. Resolution will be at 720 pixels when playing on your television, but take the system out of its dock and resolutions can drop to as low as 368p in certain areas. The image is noticeably blurrier, with jagged edges on objects. Given the amount of information and statistics displayed on the screen at any one time in the game, you’re going to want to have a clear image at all times.
Fire Emblem Warriors
You aren’t going to get a bad experience playing Fire Emblem Warriors with the Switch undocked. It runs at 30 frames per second and looks great, but an added frame-rate boost will lead to a more pleasant experience. When the system is docked, you can choose between “quality mode,” which locks the frame rate at 30 fps with 1080p resolution, and “performance mode,” which bumps the frame rate up to 60 fps and drops the resolution to 720p. Either way, you’ll be looking at a better version of the game when the system is docked.
Lego City Undercover
Originally released as a Wii U exclusive, the Switch version of Lego City Undercover does not run particularly well when played undocked on the Switch. At launch, players complained of frame rate problems and slowdown. Some reports said the problems made the game just short of unplayable. Things have improved thanks to some software updates, but if you’ve got the choice, you’ll want to experience Chase McCain’s adventure on the big (or bigger) screen.
Snipperclips – Cut it out, together!
If you and your gaming partner have impeccable vision, you might not have issues playing Snipperclips undocked, but since the game requires two players to work together to complete puzzles on one screen, you’re going to be crowded on a small system. In docked mode, you’ll have a better view of the action and you’ll still be able to use the simple horizontal Joy-Con controls the game suggests.
Minecraft
The Nintendo Switch allows you to play a great version of Minecraft no matter where you are, but there are a few noticeable advantages to playing it with the system docked. A post-launch patch added support for native 1080p resolution, making the game look noticeably crisper on television sets, and it can keep this resolution along with a high frame rate when playing in split-screen mode. With the ability to connect to Xbox One and PC players, as well, you’ll want access to your Wi-Fi network, which you won’t be able to do if you take the console with you somewhere.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Yes, being able to take Skyrim with you on the go is a dream come true, but there are a few concessions you’ll have to put up with that aren’t found when the Nintendo Switch is docked. The undocked version runs at 720p but can drop to below that and then jump up again, resulting in flickering. It’s a small quirk, but it could ruin your immersion. Additionally, the optional Joy-Con motion controls will be much easier to use when playing on a larger display. Adjusting your constantly ballooning inventory will also be easier.
Read our full Elder Scrolls V review.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Sure, you can play this game in handheld mode, but then you’d be missing out on some of the best graphics the Nintendo Switch has to offer. This game is a graphical masterpiece and just begs for a large display.
At peak resolution, the sprawling open-world environment looks amazing. Nintendo has also released a patch that helps the game run smoother in docked mode. If you haven’t seen Hyrule in high-definition, you’re really missing out.
Read our full Breath of the Wild review.
$45 FROM AMAZON $60 FROM BEST BUY
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Previous Fire Emblem titles released for the 3DS and Game Boy Advance made the franchise a classic designed for playing on the go. The Switch version plays better in docked mode, unlike its portable predecessors.
You’ll be able to take advantage of different character modes and scope out a clearer view of the battleground. This is huge when it comes to your next battle; being able to see a whole map during your fight will help you plan out and execute your subsequent attacks.
$30 FROM AMAZON $55 FROM BEST BUY
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
We’ll be upfront with you; you won’t find the best overall edition of Hellblade while playing on a Nintendo Switch. However, the game does support Switch’s requirements, which can bring you some of the best graphics you’ll see on a Switch console. If you want to get the best visuals you can out of Hellblade on this device, try to play it in dock mode.
You’ll likely notice that the resolution adjusts pretty freely between the docked and handheld versions. That ultimately means that, when necessary, the Switch will automatically power down to a lower resolution— especially during heavily involved scenes. While you’re in handheld mode, the resolution can get as low as 400p. For docked gameplay, the minimum level it will reach is 567p, making a clear difference in your game experience.
$23 FROM AMAZON
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