Best Switch Games That Run at 1080p & 60 FPS

Key Takeaways

• Nintendo Switch is a wild success, but dated hardware causes performance issues.
• High-performance Switch games like Star Wars Episode 1: Racer are rare gems.
• Splatoon 3 and Streets of Rage 4 offer fast-paced, immersive gameplay on Switch.

In 2017, Nintendo took its monopoly of the handheld market and blended it with a home console release to wild success. The Nintendo Switch has sold over 130 million consoles worldwide and currently stands as the third best-selling console of all time. However, it runs on outdated hardware, and for all its ingenuity and Nintendo charm, performance issues have been a cloud hanging over the console.

Finding titles that run at high performance consistently, be it in resolution or frame rate, has been a rarity for many Switch owners on their portable hybrid machine. Though that is not the case universally, below are some outstanding titles that pull off the highest performance levels on a docked Nintendo Switch.

Updated November 5, 2024 by Blaise Santi: Nintendo fans are eagerly awaiting the company’s announcement for the Switch’s successor, with the hopes of getting to experience the next generation of casual gaming and all its new specs. However, some Nintendo Switch owners have barely scratched the surface of what the console is capable of, including plenty of games that operate smoothly at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second.

Though some of the most notable releases on the console, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Pokemon Scarlet & Violet suffer from notorious performance issues, there are still many games out there to satisfy those who obsess over a game’s graphical capabilities. Check out these additional games, and maybe consider purchasing them if you’re willing to give your Switch another run before its lifespan ends.

1 Star Wars Episode 1: Racer

Now This Is Podracing!

In 1999, Star Wars Episode 1: Racer was a child’s dream of podracing brought to fruition in gaming. Featuring all the characters, podracers, and locations from The Phantom Menace and more; the game was an inspired blend of futuristic racing games and the Star Wars license. The gameplay is a winning mix of boosting at top speed across long stretches, mastering winding turns, and making breathtaking jumps.

Its 2020 HD re-release on the Switch brings the breathtaking high speeds of podracing to today’s 1080p 60fps standard. Despite dated textures, the high-octane thrills and winding courses remain untouched and Switch motion controls can bring unparalleled immersion.

2 Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition

Even The Mainline Zelda Games Don’t Look This Good

Hyrule Warriors was originally released for the Wii U before being ported to both the Nintendo 3DS and the Switch. As a result, the Switch edition of this Legend of Zelda spin-off has seen a lot of improvement in terms of its performance. When docked, the game reaches 1080p with 60 fps, but even in handheld mode, it renders at 1080p despite the Switch screen only displaying 720p.

The improved framerate on this game is especially important given that it’s a high-octane hack-n-slash. Players will get to experience all the mayhem of fighting hordes of minions as the most iconic Zelda characters without fear of lagging or poor resolution. Simply put, Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition is a great deal for Switch users wanting some more quick fun.

3 Fast RMX

It Definitely Feels More Than 60 FPS

• Platform(s): Switch
• Released: March 3, 2017
• Developer(s): Shin’en Multimedia
• Genre(s): Racing

The Fast Series has brought high-speed futuristic racing to Nintendo gamers since 2011’s Fast Racing League on Wii. Taking favorable comparisons to the Wipeoutand F-Zero franchises, the gameplay works on a color-switching mechanic to pull off boosts and jumps respectively. This is truly a celebration of futuristic racing games with navigating tracks at ferocious speeds proving one of the most satisfying twitch reflex tests around.

A 2017 Switch launch title, Fast RMX is an enhanced, expanded version of the Wii U’s Fast Racing Neo. Its plethora of tracks and vehicles with crisp visuals and high performance make this one of the strongest racing games on the Switch.

4 DOOM 3

The Iconic Series Looks Great On Switch

Though it met a tepid response from franchise fans on its initial 2004 release, Doom 3 has come to be seen as one of the defining FPS experiences of its era. Set on Mars in the year 2145, the player is placed in a corporate research facility where experiments with teleportation open up a gateway to hell, and shortly afterward, Mars is invaded by Demons.

As a franchise reboot, Doom 3 replaced the frantic, blasting-through hordes approach to the dismay of many, but what it offered instead was an unforgettable claustrophobic horror. Its revolutionary lighting stands up to this day, and there is still plenty of run-and-gun mayhem among unnerving environments and jump scares for the ages.

5 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

The Wii Title Needed A Big Upgrade

A game many thought would be lost to the Wii eternally due to its motion controls arrived on the Nintendo Switch in 2021. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD would bring the last of the linear 3D Zelda titles to Nintendo’s hybrid console to outstanding success. Not only were the motion controls of the original available through Joy-Cons, but an entirely analog control scheme was worked into this remaster. Yet most notably the performance of the game was dramatically improved. Running at a locked 60FPS, shortening load times, and revamping the aesthetic for a charming watercolor effect, brought the Master Sword origins story a new breath of life.

Without this long linear Zelda title Breath of the Wild would never have come to be. It is not without its flaws, but it contains some of the most imaginative and brilliant dungeons Eiji Aonuma’s team ever designed.

6 Splatoon 3

As Long As Your Wi-Fi Connection Is Solid…

Nintendo’s original online shooter franchise would finally get a Switch-exclusive entry in 2022. Splatoon 3 would carefully build on the additions made from the previous entry, namely in its imaginative campaign. Using the paint mechanic as a method for open-ended exploration, the player must fight Octarian enemies and save Alterna from the Fuzzy Ooze. The bite-sized missions offer a choice of exploration and racking up collectibles or racing to the objective. At its best, this single-player experience echoes some of the most innovative designs of Super Mario Sunshine. Yet the hub world base campaign is not the main attraction.

Splatoon 3 delivers all the fast ink-splattered multiplayer mayhem of previous entries with more weapons, practice ranges, and customization options than ever before. Turf Wars and the cooperative Salmon Runs return for some of the fastest online gameplay available on the Switch.

7 Streets Of Rage 4

The Graphics Are Impressive For A 2D Sidescroller

Most people were glad to see one of the most legendary beat-’em-up franchises make a comeback, with Streets of Rage 4 being widely anticipated by the masses. While some players were worried about whether this game would hold up to the series’ immense legacy, a few hours in this fun title was all it took to convince players of its quality.

With an art style that is both modern and reminiscent of the series’ past, Streets of Rage 4 feels like a labor of love that proves once again that state-of-the-art graphics are overrated in the grand scheme of things. This game runs like butter on the Switch and is tailor-made for the multiplayer focus of this console.

8 Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition

Every Level Is A Painting

Rayman as a franchise may well have peaked with the arrival of Rayman Legends in 2013. Initially designed to be a Wii U exclusive, Legends has come to be seen as one of the greatest 2D platformers ever made, and has been released on nearly every platform since. Containing over 120 levels, many unlockable from the previous Rayman Origins as well as time trial ‘invasion’ levels make for outstanding replayability.

Original-level design, creative soundtrack choices, and seamless controls make this a must-play for any fans of the genre. Rhythm-based levels and raucous multiplayer will leave a lasting impression from this short but incredibly sweet experience.

9 Sonic Mania

Sonic Has A Need For Speed

Sonic Mania is a Switch classic at this point, originally released in 2017 to commemorate Sonic’s 25th anniversary. It’s a return to form for the platforming franchise, featuring the 16-bit graphics of the earliest games but with a brand-new story as well as reimaginings of iconic Sonic the Hedgehog levels. Best of all, it runs incredibly well on the Nintendo Switch. Plus, getting to see classic Sonic graphics at 1080p is especially a treat for the most nostalgic of video game fans.

10 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

This Game’s Performance Is Bananas

This return to the Donkey Kong Country franchise brings precision platforming and superlative-level design to 1080p perfection on the Switch. The Kongs are called to action when Kong Island is frozen over by the invading Snowmads cutting Donkey Kong’s birthday celebrations short. Akin to its predecessors, Tropical Freeze is a challenging, engrossing platformer demanding the very best of players across pitfalls, vines, springboards, buzzsaws, and minecart mazes.

The vibrant art style is one of Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze‘s outstanding assets, making a tough experience at once inviting and moreish. Should difficulty be off-putting, consider Funky Kong, a playable character who lowers the game difficulty to a less demanding level.

11 Minecraft

Fret Not About Graphics For This Casual Classic

No one needs to be told what Minecraft is, seeing as it’s become one of the most famous video games of all time since originally released in 2011. However, it might be easy to overlook its recent ports to Switch and other consoles as just rehashing the same content, but it’s not. At 1080p and running at 60fps, the Switch edition of Minecraft is the definitive portable version of the game.

Alongside all the features of the other console versions of Minecraft, the Switch iteration also includes some exclusive content, like an entire DLC pack including assets from the Super Mario games. If you’re the kind of gamer who can lose hours upon hours creating or surviving in this game, the Switch version should not be forgotten.

12 Cuphead

There’s So Much To Love About Each Frame

Not for the faint of heart, Cuphead is one of the most challenging games of its generation. This brilliant run and gun was a Microsoft exclusive in 2017 till its overwhelming success earned it ports across all platforms. The plot is as simple as it is beguiling: having lost a game at the Devil’s Casino, Cuphead must run and gun his way through fellow debtors to pay off his debt.

Blessed with an impeccable 1930s animation art style, addicting boss runs, and tight controlling gameplay, this classic side-scrolling shoot ‘em up is not one to miss. The Switch release of Cuphead adds its unique portability element to a perfect port along with the available multiplayer and DLC.

13 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

This Game Really Has Quite The World

A sequel to the outstanding Super Mario 3D Land on Nintendo 3DS, Super Mario 3D World was ported to the Switch in 2020. Part of the 35th Anniversary of the titular character, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury brings a fascinating blend of 2D side-scrolling Mario games and its open-world 3D counterparts. Featuring fun to truly challenging level designs and one of the most memorable co-op experiences Nintendo has ever offered, the title received universal acclaim for its beautiful presentation and bundles of energy.

Exclusive to the Switch version are fast character running speeds, online multiplayer, and some Amiibo functionality. The add-on game of Bowser’s Fury would also receive critical acclaim, noted as one of Nintendo’s most experimental titles in years.

14 Quake 2

The Definitive Version Of This Iconic Shooter

Winning universal plaudits for its, the Quake 2 remaster offers the definitive way to play this iconic first-person shooter. The player is put in the role of Bitterman, a space marine launched into a counteroffensive against the Strogg, an alien race warring against humanity. Fast, frenetic, gory action bursts from every level as industrial metal pumps from the soundtrack.

No doubt a product of its time, this remaster comes packed with content and remarkable quality-of-life improvements. This less than 10-dollar purchase offers listless customization, 5 campaigns, and local and online multiplayer; both cooperative and competitive: this is a remarkable remaster of a legendary sci-fi FPS.

15 Ori And The Blind Forest

Become Enchanted By This Game’s Resolution

Critically acclaimed for its beautiful art direction and moving storytelling, Ori and the Blind Forest is a quality Metroidvania that deserves the attention of any Switch owner. The player traverses environmental level design as Ori, a guardian spirit who must weather the elements to restore the forest to its natural health. Exploring the forest is a joy and never overwhelming with the ability for the player to set their own checkpoints with the use of “soul links.”

Though initially released on Microsoft platforms, the Switch release is the highest-rated with portability adding another layer to this dream-like fable. A 2015 ‘Game of the Year’ winner, Ori and the Blind Forest is among the Switch’s best with a cracking sequel of the same caliber.

16 Shovel Knight

Steel Thy Shovel, And Thy Framerate!

Even though it had humble beginnings as a promising Kickstarter campaign, Shovel Knight has become one of the most iconic indie games of all time. Although the graphics may seem primitive, there’s a lot to love visually about the world of Shovel Knight, a platformer with loads of content, including extra game modes, incredible music, and three extensive bonus campaigns!

At 60fps, the platforming of Shovel Knight will feel smooth as butter whether players are on the go in Handheld mode or lounging on the couch in Docked mode. It just goes to show that even games with retro art styles and simplistic controls can have great graphics and amazing performance, whether it’s on a high-powered PC or a seven-year-old console like the Switch.

17 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

These Races Will Make You “Ooh” And “Aah”

When Mario Kart 8 arrived on the Wii U it was universally praised and rightly labeled the pinnacle of the franchise. However, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe takes everything that title had and expands with stacks more content. Tracks and cups have been added, Battle Mode has received a much-needed overhaul, and minor gameplay additions like the ability to hold two items are in.

The roster of Deluxe is expanded, and the ability to customize karts to one’s bespoke desire has also expanded but most importantly the amount of tracks has only grown since launch. For gamers looking for even more Mario Kart the Booster Course Pass DLC is worth every penny with remastered courses from across the entire franchise available.

18 Super Mario Bros. Wonder

A New Era For Mario Brings An Improved Look

With the 3D Mario games impressing players during the Switch’s run, most people felt like the age of 2.5D Mario had passed. It didn’t help that New Super Mario Bros. U left a bad taste in the mouths of fans, who found this game to be lacking when compared to its predecessors.

So, fans were more than pleased to see the sheer amount of love and effort put into every one of Wonder‘s levels. The Wonder Seeds add a new dynamic to every stage, and the game runs like butter on the Switch.

19 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Fight Your Friends At The Highest Possible Resolution!

Regarded as one of the greatest fighting games ever, Super Smash Bros Ultimate is the series zenith and an unmissable Switch game. Its pantheon of 89 playable characters and staggering depth of content only complement the wild brawling the series has been built upon. The core gameplay mechanic of laying in hits to build damage till the opposition can be sent flying from the stage remains intact and entertaining as ever.

Nintendo gamers are given listless choices and fan service across the 104 stages seen in single and multiplayer. Winning multiple ‘Game of the Year’ awards across 2018, Super Smash Bros Ultimate remains the best-selling fighting game of all time.

20 Super Mario Odyssey

There’s A Whole Planet To Explore In Hi-Def

To this day, fans can’t get enough of Super Mario Odyssey‘s relentless charm. This platformer is one of the most endearing games players can check out, with Mario’s adventures on the Switch being an absolute treat to witness.

As expected the game looks breathtakingly beautiful, as one would expect from a mainline Mario game. Along with this, the level design, seamless Moon collecting, and smooth performance of this title elevate the overall fun factor.