Best Open-World Games That Run Well On The Switch

Key Takeaways

• Some open-world games are well-suited for the simplicity, controls, and portability of the Nintendo Switch.
• Games like Minecraft and Palia run smoothly on the Switch, especially with a strong internet connection.
• Switch-friendly games like Aka and The Outer Worlds offer great player agency, captivating narratives, and smoothly integrated platforming elements.

Open-world games typically require a platform with ample storage, a high frame rate, and a broad visibility range to be enjoyed at their optimal performance. With large landscapes, a focus on player agency, and non-linear narratives, quality open-world games tend to be more difficult to adapt to smaller consoles such as the Nintendo Switch.

The Switch is definitely not known for outstanding performance capabilities, but that does not mean that all open-world games run better on other systems. Many open-world games actually suit the simplicity of the Nintendo Switch, its controls, and its portability.

For the sake of brevity, Nintendo-only games will not be featured.

1 Minecraft

Great With A Strong Internet Connection

• Online Play Capability: Yes
• Game File Size: 1.4GB

Minecraft is perhaps one of the most famous open-world games of all time, and its appearance on the Nintendo Switch was a welcome sight for fans of the game when it was announced. The ability to play online, in two different modes, and without distinct goals is what makes Minecraft so appealing, as its diversity attracts many players of many different abilities.

For the Nintendo Switch, Minecraft can play very well in multiplayer with a strong internet connection. Some players have found their experience improved when they altered the frame rate of the game to 60FPS instead of the usual 30FPS for single-player mode.

2 Palia

Beautiful Visuals And Online Multiplayer

• Online Play Capability: Yes
• Game File Size: 9.7GB

Like Minecraft, Palia performs well with a strong internet connection. It is a free-to-play adventure simulator that features innovative gameplay mechanics and a captivating musical score.

However, Palia is not like the average farming/lifestyle sim! Its rich narrative truly distinguishes it from other titles in the genre. The game also offers a competent MMO experience, which is a refreshing addition to the Nintendo Switch. Despite its large size, the game is well worth the storage, as players can easily spend countless hours immersed in Palia.

3 Dredge

Fish For Mysteries On The Open Sea With Ease

• Online Play Capability: No
• Game File Size: 1.3GB

Dredge is a fishing simulator game that combines management mechanics with a mystery narrative experience. Players’ main goal is to traverse the deadly seas to acquire and sell fish to survive.

As Dredge does not have online capabilities, it can run very well on the Nintendo Switch – even with the game’s vast exploration opportunities. Additionally, the art style suits the Switch more aptly compared to other platforms due to its low poly design.

4 Terraria

Experience A Classic Sandbox Adventure

• Online Play Capability: Yes
• Game File Size: 455MB

Terraria is a randomly generated 2D-pixel action game that offers a wide variety of items, enemies, and biomes to explore. Similar to Minecraft, it can be played both in single-player mode and online and offers a variety of game modes catered for differing gaming capabilities and skills.

However, unlike Minecraft, Terraria‘s 2D-pixel art style and smaller file size make it easier for the Nintendo Switch to handle without experiencing some long rendering times or issues with game space capacity.

5 Aka

Calming Island Exploration Advanced

• Online Play Capability: No
• Game File Size: 1.2GB

Aka is a charming and cozy game that lets players explore, farm, and complete quests while blending elements of platforming, simulation, and adventure genres. As a non-linear experience, Aka provides great player agency while maintaining key objectives in its open-world environment.

The platforming elements of the game work very well on the Switch, as the button controls allow for seamless performance capabilities compared to its PC counterpart. As a relatively short game, Aka does not challenge the Switch beyond its potential, making it a great open-world game option for the system.

6 Cat Quest 3

Fast Loading Times With Great Theming

• Online Play Capability: No
• Game File Size: 1GB

Cat Quest 3 is the third installment in the Cat Quest game series and has proven quite popular since its release in August 2024. Players explore various biomes and dungeons as a cat swashbuckler on a mission to find mythical treasure. The game is consistently lighthearted and riddled with cat-themed puns, creating a charming and enjoyable gaming experience for players.

Its open world has minimal loading screens, allowing for seamless play on the Nintendo Switch – aided by the fact the game only takes 1GB of storage space. Plus, it has couch co-op capabilities as well as a single-player mode, so the Switch’s two joy-cons suit the game perfectly.

7 Loddlenaut

Subnautica Without The Lag

• Online Play Capability: No
• Game File Size: 896MB

Loddlenaut is a great option for the Nintendo Switch due to its well-suited controls. Its open world is large enough to feel expansive but small enough not to overwhelm the Switch’s capabilities. The game consists of crafting, ocean clean-up, and the identification of adorable aquatic creatures called Loddles.

Its closest open-world counterpart would have to be Subnautica. However, Subnautica runs quite poorly on the Nintendo Switch due to its size and intricately detailed graphics. Loddlenaut is a great alternative that admittedly caters more to the cozy Switch gamer, but does not lose the goal-oriented progression of Subnautica.

8 The Outer Worlds

One Of The Best Looking Games On The Nintendo Switch

• Online Play Capability: No
• Game File Size: 17.3GB

The Outer Worlds is a first-person RPG that features a choice-based narrative style. Players have the freedom to decide who will join their crew, whom to kill or spare, and what information to share with others.

On the Nintendo Switch, The Outer Worlds typically runs at a steady frame rate of 30FPS. The game has been meticulously adapted for the Switch, and this is evident in the simplified graphics, the pace of the combat sequences, and the control capabilities.

9 Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

All Lego Classics Suit The Switch Perfectly

• Online Play Capability: No
• Game File Size: 15.8GB

In general, LEGO games perform exceptionally well on the Nintendo Switch compared to other platforms. The accessibility of couch co-op play on the Switch is a significant advantage, as players can use two Joy-Con controllers, and the E rating makes these games suitable for players of all ages and abilities.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is an excellent choice due to its open-world level selection system, which helps the Switch manage performance without becoming overwhelmed or slowing down while rendering detailed landscapes. Additionally, the block art style ensures that the graphics look just as clean on the Nintendo Switch as they do on other platforms.