The Nintendo Switch has quickly become a favorite among gamers of all stripes for its adaptability and widespread appeal. Despite its reputation as a system perfect for kids, the Switch actually has quite a few titles that are more appropriate for adults.
There is a wide variety of games available for the Switch, from epic open-world adventures to challenging roguelikes. The best Switch games for adults in 2023 are discussed here, and they range from long-running series to brand-new IPs.
There’s something on this list for everyone, whether you want a lighthearted way to unwind or a serious test of your mettle.
Article Contents
Top 26 Fun Switch Games for Adults (2023)
1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Action role-playing game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was released in 2011 by Bethesda Game Studios. The game transports players to the legendary land of Skyrim, where dragons, magic, and a deep history await them.
The player assumes the role of the Dragonborn, a hero who can call upon the might of dragons in the fight against a dark force that threatens to overrun the land.
Players are free to go wherever they like, do whatever they want, talk to whomever they want, and alter their character to suit their play style thanks to the game’s open-world design. Due to its incredible depth and replayability, the role-playing game Skyrim has become a fan favorite.
2. Mortal Kombat 11
NetherRealm Studios created and Warner Bros. published Mortal Kombat 11, a fighting video game. Fun with Interactions. It came out for the Nintendo Switch in 2019 and instantly became popular.
The game includes both classic Mortal Kombat characters and brand-new fighters, each with their own special attacks and fatalities. In addition to its classic one-on-one battles and online team battles, Mortal Kombat 11 features a robust and engaging story mode where players can experience an epic time-bending adventure.
The Nintendo Switch version of the game features gorgeous visuals and fluid, responsive gameplay, making it a must-have for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a series veteran or this is your first Mortal Kombat game, Mortal Kombat 11 is a must-have for your Nintendo Switch library.
3. DOOM
DOOM was created by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks, and it is a first-person shooter. It’s a new take on a series that helped pioneer the first-person shooter genre, and it came out in 2016.
Players assume the persona of the Doom Slayer, a legendary warrior tasked with defending humanity from Hell’s legions of monsters. Combat in this game is notoriously fast and intense, requiring players to constantly be on the move and employ a diverse arsenal of weapons and abilities.
DOOM has both a single-player campaign and a multiplayer mode where players can compete in traditional first-person shooter modes like Deathmatch and Capture the Flag.
DOOM is a must-play for first-person shooter fans looking for a thrilling and challenging experience thanks to its stunning visuals, exhilarating gameplay, and heavy metal soundtrack.
4. Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus
MachineGames and Bethesda Softworks created and published the first-person shooter Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus. It’s the follow-up to 2017’s critically acclaimed Wolfenstein: The New Order which was released that same year.
Players assume the role of BJ Blazkowicz, a resistance fighter in a world where the Nazis won World War II and must now lead a group of rebels to overthrow the Nazi regime in America.
The game’s story is interesting, the characters are memorable, and the action moves quickly. Armored soldiers, giant robots, and even mechs are just some of the enemies that players can expect to face.
Players can tailor their experience with the game’s wide selection of weapons and abilities. Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus is a must-play for fans of the first-person shooter genre thanks to its tense and atmospheric setting, stellar voice acting, and satisfying combat mechanics.
5. Bayonetta 1
PlatinumGames and Sega created and published Bayonetta 1, an action-adventure video game. It’s a remaster of the original game, which came out for Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2009, and it came out for Nintendo Switch in 2018.
Bayonetta, the protagonist of the game, is a witch who, after a 500-year nap, suddenly finds herself in the present day with no recollection of her past. Players will face legions of angels and demons throughout the game and will need to resort to melee attacks, firearms, and potent magical spells to survive.
The game’s combat system is robust, allowing players to experiment and develop their own personal fighting styles. The impressive visuals and catchy soundtrack of Bayonetta 1 only add to the game’s compelling atmosphere.
Bayonetta 1 is a must-play for fans of action-adventure games thanks to its fast-paced gameplay, over-the-top action, and memorable characters.
6. This Is The Police
Weappy Studio and THQ Nordic created and published the strategy/adventure game This Is The Police. Set in an invented city called Freeburg, it debuted in 2016. In this game, you play the part of Jack Boyd, the police chief who must resign from his position within 180 days after being indicted on corruption charges.
During this time, the player will be faced with a number of challenging decisions, such as prioritizing cases, managing employees, and navigating the city’s corrupt political system. The game’s visual style is distinct and hand-drawn, and it depicts police work in all its grim realism.
This Is The Police is a must-play for strategy and adventure game fans seeking a mature and challenging experience, as it is a thought-provoking game that explores complex themes like morality, corruption, and power.
7. Enter the Gungeon
Dodge Roll and Devolver Digital created and published Enter the Gungeon, a bullet hell dungeon crawler. It came out in 2016 and can be played on a Nintendo Switch console.
Players assume the role of one of several protagonists in the game, all of whom are on the hunt for a legendary weapon with the power to destroy the past. Players face off against enemies and traps in randomly generated dungeons as they search for weapons and abilities.
The gameplay revolves around dodging a constant onslaught of enemy fire while simultaneously trying to dispatch your foes. The game’s endearing visual style and offbeat humor makes it a must-play for fans of rogue-likes and bullet hells.
Enter the Gungeon is a fantastic addition to anyone’s Nintendo Switch library thanks to its responsive controls, interesting gameplay, and high replayability.
8. Octopath Traveler 
Square Enix and Acquire’s Octopath Traveler is a role-playing game for the Nintendo Switch that came out in 2018. The player has the option of taking on the role of any one of the game’s eight main characters, who all have their own stories and special abilities.
Players will face off against numerous foes and perils as they explore the game’s world in search of the narrative threads that connect each character’s backstory.
Although the game’s combat is turn-based, it’s surprisingly deep and strategic thanks to the ability to combine the skills of multiple characters into powerful combos.
In addition to its overall charm, the game’s retro-inspired visuals, and enchanting soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of classic role-playing games. Octopath Traveler is the kind of game that keeps players coming back for more thanks to its challenging gameplay, interesting characters, and deep story.
9. Astral Chain
PlatinumGames created and Nintendo published an action-adventure game called Astral Chain. It came out in 2019 for the Nintendo Switch. Players assume the role of police officers charged with protecting the world from dangerous chimeras from other dimensions.
Using a mechanism called the Astral Chain, players command not only their own character but also a creature known as a Legion. In battle, the Legion can be used to carry out devastating attacks and uncover cryptic solutions.
Fast-paced and demanding of skill and strategy, combat in this game requires players to work in tandem with the Legion to bring down formidable foes. The cyberpunk-inspired setting and sleek visuals set this action game apart from the crowd.
Astral Chain is a game that will keep players entertained for hours thanks to its interesting story, difficult combat, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
10. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
Moon Studios created and Microsoft Studios published Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition, an action-adventure platformer. It debuted on Xbox One and PC in 2015, and in 2019, it made its way to Nintendo Switch.
In this game, you’ll accompany a small spirit creature named Ori as he or she ventures through a mystical forest in search of its lost glory. The story in the game is touching and interesting, and the game itself looks and sounds stunning.
Combining elements of exploration, puzzle solving, and platforming, the gameplay places a premium on quick reflexes and precise timing. Players must utilize Ori’s skills, such as wall-jumping and double-jumping, to explore the forest’s many areas and overcome challenges they may face along the way.
The Definitive Edition of the game expands on the original in many ways, with new areas, abilities, and challenges. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition has stunning visuals, a touching story, and rewardingly difficult gameplay, all of which will stick with players long after they finish the game.
11. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition
CD Projekt Red created and published The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition, an action role-playing game. It debuted in 2015 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, and made its way to the Nintendo Switch in 2019.
Players assume the role of Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter and “Witcher,” in a vast open world rife with danger and adventure. Players will meet numerous characters and groups in the game world, each with their own goals and objectives.
The story is intricate and sophisticated, with multiple options and outcomes depending on the player’s actions. The game’s combat system combines elements of both action and strategy, allowing players to choose from a wide array of weapons and spells to vanquish their foes.
In addition to the main game, the Complete Edition of the game includes all of the downloadable content and expansions for the game.
Fans of role-playing games on the Nintendo Switch can look forward to dozens of hours of fun with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition thanks to the game’s compelling story, the deep cast of characters, and challenging gameplay.
12. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair
Playtonic Games was created and Team17 published the 2.5D platformer Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. It came out in 2019 for the Nintendo Switch.
The game continues the adventures of Yooka, a chameleon, and Laylee, a bat, as they encounter new foes and overcome new challenges in a colorful world full of peril. The game’s unique “2.5D” perspective combines a 2D gameplay experience with a 3D overworld.
The game combines traditional platforming with puzzles and challenges that make use of Yooka and Laylee’s special skills. The game’s levels are meant to be played multiple times, with the player’s choices resulting in new opportunities and difficulties.
Composed by David Wise, the game’s soundtrack features infectiously catchy and uplifting tunes that go wonderfully with the vibrant visuals. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a platformer for the Nintendo Switch that features charming characters, challenging gameplay, and a fun soundtrack.
13. Bayonetta 2
PlatinumGames created and Nintendo published Bayonetta 2, an action game. It was initially released in 2014 for the Wii U and then again in 2018 for the Nintendo Switch.
Bayonetta, the game’s protagonist, is a powerful witch with incredible fighting abilities who must save the world from destruction by defeating hordes of angelic enemies.
Players can string together elaborate combos and finish them off with devastating moves in the game’s fast-paced, stylish combat. As you progress through the game, you’ll gain access to new weapons and abilities and be able to improve those you already have.
The game has stunning visuals, with intricate character designs and beautiful, eerie environments. Storywise, the game excels, with interesting subplots, memorable characters, and a satisfying conclusion.
The Nintendo Switch version of the game features a number of enhancements, one of which is a new control scheme that takes advantage of the Switch’s capabilities. Fans of action games on the Nintendo Switch will enjoy Bayonetta 2 for its impressive visuals, interesting story, and rewarding gameplay.
14. Bayonetta 3
Bayonetta 3, announced for the Nintendo Switch and scheduled for release in 2022, follows the critically acclaimed first two games in the series. Many new features have been added to this game, such as the ability to exert direct control over demons and a villain named Viola who operates across multiple universes.
You can expect the standard amount of mature themes from a Bayonetta game. Are children welcome? Even in the new “Naive Angel” mode, which makes Bayonetta invisible, she is still a poor choice. Adults in search of a good action game, however, should give it a shot.
Fans of the Bayonetta series will find all the same fast-paced action in Bayonetta 3. If you’re playing a Bayonetta game, you know what to expect from the new censorship mode.
15. South Park: The Fractured But Whole
Ubisoft San Francisco and South Park Digital Studios created South Park: The Fractured But Whole, an RPG. Based on the long-running animated TV series, South Park, this 2018 Nintendo Switch release is sure to please fans of the show.
The player assumes the role of a character from the show as they explore South Park and fight enemies in turn-based encounters. The game has a robust system for customizing characters, letting players select from a variety of classes and abilities to create their ideal avatar.
The game’s sense of humor is one of its strongest points, with many inside jokes and series references. The plot of the game is interesting and well-written, and it has many unexpected turns to keep players guessing.
The game’s visuals are top-notch, with a design that nails the show’s aesthetic to a T. South Park: The Fractured But Whole is a fantastic role-playing game for the Nintendo Switch, and it won’t just please South Park fans.
16. Luigi’s Mansion 3
Next Level Games and Nintendo have collaborated once again on the puzzle-action game Luigi’s Mansion 3. The third Luigi’s Mansion game was released for the Nintendo Switch in 2019.
Luigi, the protagonist, must find his way through a haunted hotel to save his friends and vanquish the ghosts causing havoc there. The game combines exploration, puzzle solving, and combat; Luigi fights ghosts and solves puzzles with the help of his trusty hoover, the Poltergust G-00.
Each floor of the hotel has its own theme and set of challenges, and the game’s visuals are charming and colorful. The game’s music is also noteworthy, with a memorable and upbeat score that fits the game’s carefree spirit perfectly.
The game’s plot is entertaining and well-written, full of twists and surprises. There is also a cooperative mode where you and a friend can explore the hotel together. In sum, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a fantastic title for Nintendo Switch owners who enjoy action-adventure and puzzle games.
17. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Nintendo and Retro Studios created the platformer Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. It debuted in 2014 on the Wii U and made its way to the Nintendo Switch in 2018.
Donkey Kong and his pals embark on an adventure across multiple islands, where they must overcome various dangers and challenges. The game’s platforming mechanics are responsive and responsive, and there are multiple playable characters, each with their own set of skills to choose from.
Each of the game’s levels features its own set of challenges and secrets for players to uncover. The game’s visuals are vivid and eye-catching, with an aesthetic that fits its island setting perfectly.
The soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring various memorable songs that will have players tapping their feet as they play. The game’s difficulty is challenging without being unfair, making it suitable for players of all skill levels.
If you’re a fan of platformers on the Nintendo Switch, you’re going to love Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.
18. Hollow Knight
Originally released in 2017 for PC, Hollow Knight was later ported to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
The player assumes the role of a young knight on an adventure through the decrepit underground kingdom of Hallownest, where they will face off against a wide variety of interesting and difficult foes.
Combat is fast and fluid, and players can choose from a variety of weapons and abilities to dispatch their foes. With a vast, interconnected world full of secrets and difficult platforming sections, exploration plays a significant role in the gameplay.
The game’s hand-drawn art style stands out for its eerie and atmospheric visuals, which go well with the game’s themes of discovery and exploration. And the game’s music is also a highlight, with a haunting and melancholic score that perfectly captures the game’s mood.
The game’s difficulty is high, but it’s not unfair, so anyone looking for a test will find it satisfying. If you own a Nintendo Switch and enjoy games in the action-adventure and platforming genres, you absolutely must check out Hollow Knight.
19. Sniper Elite 4
Rebellion Developments created and released the third-person tactical shooter Sniper Elite 4. The player assumes the role of a skilled sniper during World War II in Italy and must complete a variety of missions behind enemy lines.
Stealth, pinpoint shooting, and strategic planning are core gameplay elements that allow players to complete missions undetected. Particularly impressive is the game’s sniper gameplay, which features accurate bullet physics and an X-Ray kill cam that reveals the horrific aftermath of precision headshots on enemy soldiers.
You can also approach each mission however you like thanks to the game’s wide selection of weapons, which includes pistols, rifles, and explosives. The game’s levels are large and free-form, encouraging players to experiment and discover new things.
Additionally impressive are the game’s visuals, which feature detailed environments and character models that contribute to the game’s realism. The game’s replay value is increased by the inclusion of a co-op mode in which players can join forces to take on missions.
Sniper Elite 4 is an excellent tactical shooter on the Nintendo Switch, and it will please fans of the genre.
20. Alien: Isolation
Developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega, Alien: Isolation is a first-person survival horror game. Gameplay takes place in the Alien universe 15 years after the events of the first film.
Amanda Ripley, daughter of Alien’s iconic protagonist Ellen Ripley, is the player’s character, and she is tasked with finding out what happened to her mother.
Stealth and survival are central to the gameplay, as players must complete objectives and scavenge for resources without drawing attention from the game’s titular alien or other enemies.
The game’s eerie and foreboding aesthetic is a standout feature, perfectly capturing the spirit of the Alien film series. The game’s sound design is also noteworthy, particularly the tense and creepy soundtrack.
The alien’s AI is particularly impressive, as it learns from the player’s mistakes and gradually ramps up the difficulty. Players looking for a tense and immersive survival horror experience on the Nintendo Switch shouldn’t look any further; the game’s difficulty is challenging but fair.
Fans of the Alien series and the survival horror genre should not miss out on Alien: Isolation.
21. Dead by Daylight: Definitive Edition
Behavior Interactive created and Starbreeze Studios published Dead by Daylight: Definitive Edition, a survival horror game. The game features a deadly cat-and-mouse dynamic for its multiplayer mode, with players taking on the roles of either survivors or killers.
The survivors must band together to fix the generators and get out of the map without getting caught by the killer who is out to sacrifice them to a supernatural being.
Players are put through their paces with the game’s emphasis on stealth, strategy, and quick reflexes. The game’s visuals and audio design are also worth mentioning, thanks to the game’s detailed character models and environments.
The game’s replay value is boosted by the inclusion of multiple maps and playable characters, some of whom are licensed horror icons like Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger.
Cross-play functionality allows gamers from different platforms to compete against one another. All of the downloadable content for the game up to this point, such as new maps, killers, and survivors, is included in the Definitive Edition, making it a fantastic deal for players.
Fans of survival horror and online multiplayer games on the Nintendo Switch should not miss out on Dead by Daylight: Definitive Edition.
22. Metro Redux
The video game studio 4A Games and the video game publisher Deep Silver collaborated to create the first-person shooter Metro Redux. Based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, this game is a remaster of the original Metro 2033 and its sequel, Metro: Last Light.
The setting of the game is a post-apocalyptic world in which survivors of a nuclear war have taken refuge in the Moscow Metro. Players assume the role of Artyom, a young man trying to uncover the shadowy secrets of the Metro system while fighting for survival against mutants and other threats.
The core gameplay elements of the game are stealth, combat, and survival, and they require players to scavenge for materials and carefully manage their inventory in order to succeed in the hostile Metro setting.
The game’s haunting and oppressive aesthetic does a wonderful job of conveying the bleakness of the post-apocalyptic setting. The game’s visual and aural design is also worth mentioning; the attention to detail in the game’s character models and environments contributes to a highly immersive experience.
If you’re looking for a tense and immersive first-person shooter experience on the Nintendo Switch, this is a fantastic option. The game’s difficulty is challenging but fair. For fans of the Metro series and the post-apocalyptic genre, Metro Redux is an absolute must.
23. Saints Row 4: Re-Elected
The player assumes the role of the Third Street Saints’ leader in the made-up city of Steelport. The Zin, an alien race, has invaded Earth, and the player must defend humanity at all costs.
The game’s mechanics center on these three activities and players have a wide variety of tools at their disposal to combat the alien invaders: weapons, vehicles, and superpowers.
The game’s satirical take on popular culture and politics makes for some great laughs and a very enjoyable time overall. The visual and aural design of the game is both noteworthy, with eye-catching visuals and immersive sound.
The game has a high replay value because of the variety of possible endings and side quests. All of the downloadable content that has been released for the game up to this point is included in the Re-Elected edition, making it a fantastic deal for players.
24. Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
Techland and Ubisoft have collaborated on a first-person shooter game called Call of Juarez: Gunslinger. The player assumes the role of Silas Greaves, a bounty hunter in the Wild West.
The gameplay focuses on shooting, exploring, and storytelling as the player takes on missions and meets historical figures like Billy the Kid and Jesse James. The game’s graphics are well-made, with a comic book vibe thanks to the cel-shaded art style.
The sound design of the game is also worth mentioning; it features a Western-themed soundtrack and authentic sound effects that help to pull the player deeper into the game’s world.
The game’s story is told in an unusual way, with protagonist Silas Greaves narrating his tale to a saloon crowd. Enjoyable and challenging gameplay awaits, with a wide array of weapons and abilities to discover and develop.
The game features a New Game+ mode and a bounty mode where players can compete for high scores, both of which add significantly to the game’s replay value. Fans of Western-themed first-person shooter games on the Nintendo Switch will enjoy Call of Juarez: Gunslinger.
25. Bulletstorm: Duke of Switch Edition
Developed by People Can Fly and published by Gearbox Software, Bulletstorm: Duke of Switch Edition is a remaster of the original Bulletstorm. The player assumes the role of Grayson Hunt, an ex-member of a black ops team on a mission of vengeance against his former commander in this first-person shooter.
The mechanics of the game are based on skill shots, which reward players for coming up with new and interesting ways to kill enemies. The game’s visuals are polished and look great on the Nintendo Switch thanks to updated textures and character models.
The game’s sound design is also worth mentioning; the upbeat score and stellar voice acting perfectly complement the game’s exaggerated atmosphere. The Duke of Switch Edition adds new features, such as a new Duke Nukem campaign.
The game is a lot of fun to play because of the wide array of weapons and abilities at the player’s disposal. Players can increase the game’s replay value by trying out new strategies with a variety of weapons and abilities thanks to the skill shot system.
If you’re a fan of first-person shooters and want a game that’s entertaining without being too serious or realistic, Bulletstorm: Duke of Switch Edition is a fantastic option.
26. Valfaris
Action-platformer Valfaris was created by Steel Mantis and published by Big Sugar. The game takes inspiration from heavy metal. The game chronicles Therion’s exploits as he fights evil on his home planet of Valfaris and returns to the battlefield after a long absence.
The game’s hand-drawn pixel art captures the heavy metal aesthetic and is both striking and visually impressive. The game’s audio is also excellent, with a thumping score that fits in perfectly with the frenetic pace of the gameplay.
The game features exciting and difficult combat, with a wide array of weapons and abilities to choose from. Boss fights in the game are both difficult and rewarding, and each uses its own special mechanic to force players to think outside the box.
If you’re looking for a challenging, interesting, and aesthetically distinct action platformer, then look no further than Valfaris.
The gameplay in these games encompasses a wide variety of genres and subgenres, ranging from open-world adventures and platformers to strategy and puzzle games.
There is something for everyone on the Nintendo Switch, whether you’re looking for a challenging game that puts your skills to the test, an engaging experience that you can have all by yourself, or a fun party game to play with your friends.
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Rohit Yadav is a writer with passion for gaming, cosmos, and philosophy. He has a keen interest in exploring the depths of these topics through his writing, offering insightful and thought-provoking perspectives to his readers. Rohit brings a unique perspective to the world of online gaming and is well-versed in the latest developments and trends in the industry.