First-party games tend to run the best on the Nintendo Switch as they find the perfect balance between graphic quality, stylized looks, and gameplay. However, some third-party games manage to slip into the Switch lineup and feel right at home.
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There are remasters of older games as well as some ports that take advantage of the Switch’s unique controls to enhance the experience.
10
Digimon Cyber Sleuth
A Pokemon-Like Experience
- Released
-
October 17, 2019
- Developer(s)
-
h.a.n.d.
- Publisher(s)
-
Bandai Namco Games
- ESRB
-
e
If you’re looking for a third-party alternative to Pokemon, then Digimon Cyber Sleuth is the perfect choice. This game has cool creature designs, colorful characters, and a world that feels perfectly stylized for the Nintendo Switch despite not being a first-party game.
The scope of the game is perfect for both hand-held and docked modes without any noticeable hiccups to the performance. If you love type matchups and transforming your current monsters into even stronger ones, then this is one game you don’t want to miss out on.
9
Sonic X Shadow Generations
Classic Worlds Reimagined
- Released
-
October 25, 2024
- Developer(s)
-
Sonic Team
- ESRB
-
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
Sonic X Shadow Generations is a remaster of an Xbox 360 classic but with a whole new twist. This time there is a whole new Shadow the Hedgehog chapter that feels like a perfect fit for the character.
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While this game does lose a bit of lighting on the transition to the Nintendo Switch console, this game does not fail to give you that feeling that you gotta go fast. With modern 3D levels and classic-styled experiences, it’s the best of both worlds for Sonic the Hedgehog fans.
8
Epic Mickey Rebrushed
Mickey Is Back
Action-Adventure
Platformer
- Released
-
September 24, 2024
- Developer(s)
-
Purple Lamp
- ESRB
-
Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence
Epic Mickey originated on the Nintendo Wii, but since then, the franchise has gone in all directions. However, there is one major reason to consider Epic Mickey Rebrushed for the Nintendo Switch instead of a different platform.
This is because Epic Mickey Rebrushed for the Switch includes exclusive control schemes that feel better with a controller that has the shape of a joycon. These controls try to mimic the original schemes and do so better than the PS5. So get ready to experience a Disney classic once more.
7
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
A Massive Roster Of Characters
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
- Platform(s)
-
Switch
- Released
-
July 19, 2019
- Publisher(s)
-
Nintendo
- ESRB
-
T For Teen due to Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order does some amazing legwork in gathering as many Marvel characters as possible for their roster. This is not only exclusive to the heroes you know from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the comics as well.
With so many characters to choose from and abilities to master, this is one of the best third-party games if you love Marvel or excellent co-op that you can easily play anywhere. From villains to heroes, you’ll easily find a character to choose as your favorite.
6
Portal Companion Collection
PC Legends On Switch
Portal
- Released
-
October 10, 2007
- ESRB
-
t
The Portal Franchise is one of those games that you can easily run on the most budget of PCs. Some would even say it can run on a potato. Well, the Portal Companion Collection brings the franchise to the Nintendo Switch.
These games are the perfect length for a Nintendo Switch console as you explore the remains of Aperture Science and face off against the corrupted AI, Glados. This is also one of the best co-op games ever made, which will test your compatibility with your teammates.
5
South Park The Stick Of Truth
The Perfect Style For Switch
South Park: The Stick of Truth
- Released
-
March 4, 2014
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Violence
One older game that still runs perfectly on the Nintendo Switch is South Park The Stick of Truth. Aside from having the perfect satirical humor that makes fun of common RPG tropes, the graphics are also stylized in a way that runs on handheld and docked mode without losing much in terms of visuals or performance.
This game truly feels like an actual episode of South Park with every character from the series making an appearance as party members or assists that you can call in to aid you in battle.
4
Monster Hunter Rise
Hunt Monsters Together And On The Go
- Released
-
March 26, 2021
- ESRB
-
T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Violence
Monster Hunter Rise was originally made for the Nintendo Switch despite being a third-party title. This is one of the best Monster Hunter games on the console that delivers a more traditional gameplay style that the franchise is known for.
Hunt down monsters alone or with your friends as you collect the ingredients you need to craft new weapons and equipment. If you love that good old caveman style of gameplay where you can whack monsters, then this is the perfect experience for you.
3
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble
Perfect For Parties And Solo Play
- Released
-
June 25, 2024
- ESRB
-
E For Everyone
The Monkey Ball franchise is known for its colorful characters, tense gameplay, and variety of minigames that offer fun for multiple players at once. Who doesn’t love party games? This makes Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble a perfect game to bring to a friend gathering.
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Monkey Ball is satisfying due to its unique gauntlets that require speed but precision to get through. One wrong move, and you’ll fall off the platform. However, don’t forget that the timer is constantly ticking down, so you had better get a move on.
2
Persona 5 Royale
A Fantastic Port
Persona 5 Royal
If you’re looking for a game with a much grander scale, then Persona 5 Royale does a good job of fitting into the Switch mold without giving up the experience. As you navigate through the various palaces of the mind, you’ll face off against many stylized enemies in an RPG setting.
Persona 5 Royale is the definitive version of the original game, so when you play it on the Switch you are getting the complete version of the game and not just the one that was originally released.
1
Cuphead
The Perfect Switch Game
- Released
-
September 29, 2017
- Developer(s)
-
Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
- Publisher(s)
-
Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
- ESRB
-
E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
Cuphead is one of the best third-party games on the Nintendo Switch. The game has gorgeous 2D graphics and animations, which make it easy for the Switch to run without having to worry about antialiasing. The gameplay is also killer as you struggle to parry attacks and land enough shots for a knockout.
The game also makes it incredibly easy for a second player to join in on the fun since the second joycon can just be passed over to your player two. Ironically, if you use the red and blue joycons, the colors match up perfectly with the characters.
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