10 Best Story-Driven Nintendo Switch Games

There are many reasons why the Nintendo Switch ranks among the most popular consoles ever, and its vast library of games is one of the main factors. Players can find diverse titles, from exclusives to ports known for high quality, but especially those that stand out for the narrative they present.

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For those seeking a story-driven experience on the Nintendo Switch, these titles fill that role through mechanics and plots that keep fans engaged from start to finish. They pull the fans deeper into each world, delivering impactful stories that cater to many different tastes.

10

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

Game Is A Visual Novel With An Incredible Narrative

Vanillaware, the storytellers behind Odin Sphere and Dragon’s Crown, craft a sci-fi mystery epic spanning thirteen intertwining stories in 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. With a Metacritic score of 86, 13 Sentinels has won the praise of critics all over the world.

Uncover the truth and delve into a 2D sidescrolling adventure featuring gorgeous art and environments. Then, battle the kaiju in fast-paced, top-down combat. Customize the Sentinels with an arsenal of mechsuit weaponry, and fight to defend humanity

Systems

Released

September 22, 2020

ESRB

T For Teen due to Fantasy Violence, Language, Partial Nudity

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Aimed at sci-fi enthusiasts, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim places players in control of 13 different protagonists who must protect their city from the attack of giant creatures. To fight, they pilot huge robots called Sentinels, blending many mecha elements into one of the best Vanillaware storytellings ever.

However, the biggest highlight is not just the gameplay, which still entertains, but rather the non-linear narrative and each character’s development. While they battle to defend their home and even deal with time travel, the protagonists of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim evolve in meaningful ways, making this game one of the best story-driven titles available on the Nintendo Switch.

9

Oxenfree

A Supernatural Journey With A Strong Focus On Narrative

Released

January 15, 2015

ESRB

T For Teen due to Violence, Sexual Themes, Drug Reference, Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Stylized visuals may hide the true nature of Oxenfree, filled with supernatural elements and psychological horror. The story unfolds through Alex’s perspective during a trip to Edwards Island that was supposed to be calm but soon turns into a life-or-death struggle.

The characters that shape the narrative are also interesting, with amazing dialogues that add more depth to the story. Some decisions affect each one’s fate, making those choices feel even more critical during the game. So, these elements turn Oxenfree into one of the finest story-driven options on the Nintendo Switch.

8

Night In The Woods

Exploration Takes Center Stage

Released

February 21, 2017

ESRB

T For Teen // Blood, Drug Reference, Fantasy Violence, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

In Night In The Woods, players follow Mae Borowski, a young adult returning to a hometown after dropping out of college. The game shines with its intimate approach, addressing identity, friendship, and mental health. Yet as Mae reconnects with old friends, a darker side of Possum Springs emerges.

A key charm of Night In The Woods lies in its well-written dialogue, infused with humor. The supporting cast also stands out, each with personal stories and motivations. By turning everyday situations into a unique journey, the game delivers one of the Nintendo Switch’s best narratives.

7

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

A Tactical RPG On The Nintendo Switch With A Great Narrative

Systems

Released

July 26, 2019

ESRB

T for Teen: Blood, Suggestive Themes, Violence

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

A signature of Fire Emblem has always been how the series intertwines a complex political narrative with its traditional combat. This formula is retained on the Nintendo Switch, making Fire Emblem: Three Houses one of the top story-driven titles for the system, as it explores the consequences of war.

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That impact grows stronger because, in the first part, players take on the role of a professor guiding students to develop skills at the Officer’s Academy during a fragile peace. As the plot unfolds and territories clash, many lives are lost, leading to bittersweet endings.

6

Persona 4 Golden

One Of The Best Tales About Friendship On The Nintendo Switch

Featuring one of the best narratives in the franchise, Persona 4 Golden follows the Inaba Investigation Team, a group of high school students with supernatural powers who must solve a string of murders. Over time, the issue proves far bigger than they ever imagined.

While the main story is strong, Persona 4 Golden excels among story-driven Nintendo Switch titles thanks to its secondary characters. The Social Links, especially those of the Investigation Team, are well-developed, with a spotlight on Yosuke and Naoto. These arcs emphasize themes of friendship and overcoming personal challenges.

5

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

One Of The Most Ambitious Nintendo Switch Titles

Systems

Released

December 1, 2017

ESRB

T For Teen due to Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Xenoblade Chronicles stands out more than ever on the Nintendo Switch, partly due to Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Released early in the console’s life, it has emerged as one of its premier story-driven adventures. The plot follows Rex and Pyra on an epic journey loaded with plot twists as they search for Elysium.

Themes like friendship and sacrifice are the main focus, shaping an RPG filled with memorable characters and familiar JRPG tropes. The beautiful environments also impress, making it one of the best-looking Nintendo Switch games, where each area offers a unique ambience that enriches exploration.

4

What Remains Of Edith Finch

A Short But Amazing Nintendo Switch Story

Released

April 25, 2017

ESRB

T For Teen due to Violence, Blood, Drug Reference, Language

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Offering a singular experience among the best story-driven Nintendo Switch games, What Remains of Edith Finch takes only around two hours to complete. Still, it leaves a strong emotional impact, as the developers crafted a remarkable narrative in such a brief time.

The story unfolds like a collection of short tales while Edith Finch visits her old home. Each chapter introduces new gameplay twists to reflect different characters, making each segment feel fresh. The ending is both powerful and melancholic, providing few answers but prompting reflection on life itself.

3

Disco Elysium

Redefines Many RPG Elements By Skipping Traditional Combat

Released

October 15, 2019

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Although Planescape: Torment explored a similar gameplay on its release, Disco Elysium is a modern isometric RPG that stands out for not using the typical combat from the genre, focusing entirely on its narrative and well-crafted dialogues. Here, players assume the role of Harry DuBois, a detective investigating a murder in Revachol with Kim Kitsuragi, uncovering a story also filled with good characters.

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Each choice steers the plot, influencing others’ perception and shifting critical events. This choice system deepens the immersion and ensures each run feels different. As one of the best story-driven games on the Nintendo Switch, Disco Elysium delivers a flawless narrative supported by sharp writing and good characters from start to finish.

2

Firewatch

One Of The Nintendo Switch’s Finest Narratives

Released

February 9, 2016

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Suggestive Themes, Nudity, Drug and Alcohol Reference, Strong Language

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

At first glance, Firewatch appears to have a simple premise, where players control Henry, a man who gets a firewatch job during the summer to escape from his personal troubles. However, the plot soon reveals itself as one of the best introspective narratives available on the Nintendo Switch, evolving through choices that provoke real thought.

Though the atmosphere and story are captivating, Henry’s bond with Delilah, his supervisor, sets Firewatch apart from other games. Their only contact is via radio communication, yet the strong dialogue gives their relationship depth. It unfolds organically throughout the game, culminating in a memorable conclusion and open to different interpretations.

1

Outer Wilds

One Of The Greatest Story-Driven Titles Ever Made

Systems

Released

May 28, 2019

ESRB

E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Fantasy Violence, Alcohol Reference

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Few games examine themes of existence and the passage of time as expertly as Outer Wilds, making it a key recommendation for story-driven Nintendo Switch fans. Its premise seems straightforward, where players are trapped in a 22-minute time loop and must use that window to unravel nearby mysteries.

This mechanic calls for maximizing every loop, creating a sense of urgency. Still, the narrative remains non-linear, allowing secrets to be uncovered at a personal pace. This approach keeps the story engaging, offering a real sense of progression as each new discovery makes the overall journey unforgettable, leading players to different, and amazing, endings.

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