The Best Ports on Nintendo Switch: Expanding Your Gaming Horizons

The Nintendo Switch, a marvel of hybrid gaming, has carved a unique niche in the video game landscape. Its ability to seamlessly transition between a home console and a handheld device has attracted a massive audience. This versatility, however, would be meaningless without a strong library of games. Thankfully, the Switch boasts an impressive roster, bolstered significantly by a plethora of excellent ports from other platforms. These ports allow players to experience beloved titles on the go, often with enhancements tailored for the Switch’s unique features. Let’s delve into the very best the Switch port scene has to offer.

Defining a “Good” Port

Before diving into specific titles, it’s crucial to define what constitutes a “good” port. A simple re-release isn’t enough. A truly excellent port goes beyond simply making a game playable on the Switch. It considers the system’s limitations and strengths, optimizing performance and taking advantage of unique features.

Key Considerations for Evaluating Switch Ports:

• Performance: Frame rate stability and resolution are paramount. A smooth, consistent experience is crucial, even if it means sacrificing some graphical fidelity. Dips below 30fps are generally unacceptable.
• Visual Fidelity: While the Switch isn’t a powerhouse, a good port should still look presentable. Textures should be clear, models detailed, and the overall aesthetic should be pleasing.
• Control Optimization: The Switch’s Joy-Cons present unique control challenges. A good port will offer customizable control schemes and intuitive mapping.
• Added Features: Bonus content, such as new characters, levels, or gameplay modes, can significantly enhance the value of a port.
• Price Point: The cost of a port should be commensurate with its quality and content. An overpriced port, even a good one, can be a hard sell.
• Handheld Mode Experience: Given the Switch’s hybrid nature, how well does the game play in handheld mode? Is the text legible? Are the controls comfortable?

Top-Tier Ports: Must-Have Titles

These ports represent the pinnacle of quality on the Nintendo Switch. They offer excellent performance, visual fidelity, and control optimization, making them essential additions to any Switch owner’s library.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt ─ Complete Edition

CD Projekt Red’s magnum opus, The Witcher 3, seemed an impossible feat to bring to the Switch. Yet, through sheer technical wizardry, they delivered a surprisingly competent port. While graphical compromises were necessary, the core gameplay, story, and world remain intact. The “Complete Edition” includes all DLC, offering hundreds of hours of monster-slaying goodness. The ability to play this sprawling epic on the go is simply remarkable.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 ─ Definitive Edition

Larian Studios’ critically acclaimed RPG, Divinity: Original Sin 2, is a complex and demanding game. Its intricate combat system, branching narrative, and deep character customization seemed ill-suited for the Switch. However, the port is a triumph. The performance is surprisingly stable, the controls are well-implemented, and the game looks remarkably good on the Switch’s screen. The addition of touch screen support is a welcome bonus.

DOOM (2016) & DOOM Eternal

Bringing id Software’s fast-paced, brutal shooters to the Switch was another seemingly impossible task. Panic Button, renowned for their porting expertise, pulled it off with aplomb. While both DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal require graphical sacrifices, they maintain a surprisingly smooth frame rate and retain the visceral intensity that defines the series. The ability to rip and tear through hordes of demons on the go is an unparalleled experience.

Diablo III: Eternal Collection

Blizzard’s action RPG, Diablo III, feels perfectly at home on the Switch. The game’s isometric perspective and relatively simple controls translate seamlessly to the handheld format. The “Eternal Collection” includes all expansions and updates, providing a wealth of content. The ability to play with friends online or locally makes this port a truly social experience. The responsive controls and satisfying gameplay loop make it hard to put down.

Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition & Ori and the Will of the Wisps

These visually stunning Metroidvanias from Moon Studios are a joy to experience on the Switch. The vibrant colors, intricate level design, and emotional storytelling translate beautifully to the handheld format. While Ori and the Will of the Wisps faced some initial performance issues, subsequent patches have significantly improved its stability. Both games offer a challenging and rewarding experience, perfectly suited for the Switch’s capabilities.

Hollow Knight

Team Cherry’s masterpiece, Hollow Knight, is a challenging and atmospheric Metroidvania that has garnered widespread acclaim. The Switch port is virtually flawless, offering smooth performance, crisp visuals, and responsive controls. The game’s intricate world, challenging combat, and haunting soundtrack are perfectly suited for the Switch’s handheld format. It is a must-have title for any fan of the genre.

Dark Souls: Remastered

FromSoftware’s notoriously difficult action RPG, Dark Souls, made its way to the Switch in a remastered form. While the port isn’t perfect, it’s a commendable effort. The performance is generally stable, and the game looks surprisingly good on the Switch’s screen. The ability to play Dark Souls on the go is a tempting proposition for fans of the series. Prepare to die… repeatedly.

Solid Ports: Worth Considering

These ports may not be as technically impressive as the top-tier titles, but they still offer a worthwhile experience on the Nintendo Switch. They may have some minor performance issues or graphical compromises, but their core gameplay remains intact.

L.A. Noire

Rockstar Games’ detective thriller, L.A. Noire, is a unique and atmospheric experience. The Switch port offers a solid rendition of the game, with improved textures and motion controls. While the frame rate can be inconsistent at times, the game’s compelling story and engaging gameplay make it a worthwhile addition to any Switch library.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Another impressive port from Panic Button, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus brings the intense and action-packed shooter to the Switch. While the graphical compromises are more noticeable than in the DOOM ports, the game maintains a surprisingly stable frame rate and retains its visceral intensity. The ability to play this high-octane shooter on the go is a testament to the Switch’s capabilities.

Alien: Isolation

Creative Assembly’s terrifying survival horror game, Alien: Isolation, is a masterclass in tension and atmosphere. The Switch port is a surprisingly faithful adaptation, capturing the game’s claustrophobic environments and relentless alien pursuit. While the visuals have been downgraded, the game’s core gameplay and atmosphere remain intact. Prepare to be scared.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Vicarious Visions’ remastered collection of the original Crash Bandicoot games is a nostalgic treat. The Switch port offers a solid rendition of the trilogy, with improved visuals and responsive controls. While the frame rate can be inconsistent at times, the game’s challenging platforming and charming characters make it a worthwhile addition to any Switch library. Prepare to die… a lot.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

Toys for Bob’s remastered collection of the original Spyro the Dragon games is another nostalgic treat. The Switch port offers a solid rendition of the trilogy, with improved visuals and responsive controls. While the frame rate can be inconsistent at times, the game’s charming characters, colorful worlds, and addictive gameplay make it a worthwhile addition to any Switch library. Prepare to collect gems… lots of gems.

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Level-5’s charming JRPG, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, is a visual treat. The Switch port offers a beautiful rendition of the game, with vibrant colors and detailed environments. While the performance can be inconsistent at times, the game’s compelling story, engaging combat, and charming characters make it a worthwhile addition to any Switch library.

Ports with Caveats: Proceed with Caution

These ports are playable on the Nintendo Switch, but they suffer from significant performance issues, graphical compromises, or control problems. They may be worth considering for die-hard fans of the original games, but they are not recommended for newcomers.

ARK: Survival Evolved

Studio Wildcard’s survival game, ARK: Survival Evolved, is notoriously demanding, even on powerful PCs. The Switch port is a technical disaster, suffering from abysmal performance, blurry visuals, and numerous bugs. Unless you are desperate to play ARK on the go, this port is best avoided.

WWE 2K18 & WWE 2K20

These wrestling games are plagued by performance issues, graphical glitches, and unresponsive controls. They are a far cry from the quality of the console versions and are not recommended for wrestling fans.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (Initial Release)

While subsequent patches have improved the performance of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, the initial release was riddled with technical issues. Frame rate drops, blurry visuals, and long loading times plagued the experience. While the game is now in a much better state, it’s still not the definitive version.

The Future of Switch Ports

The Nintendo Switch continues to be a popular platform, and developers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As technology advances and porting techniques improve, we can expect to see even more impressive ports on the Switch in the future. The success of titles like The Witcher 3 and DOOM Eternal has proven that even seemingly impossible games can be brought to the Switch with enough ingenuity and dedication. The future of Switch ports looks bright.

Optimizing Your Switch Experience

To get the most out of your Switch ports, consider these tips:

• Update Your Games: Developers often release patches to improve performance and fix bugs. Make sure your games are always up to date.
• Adjust Graphics Settings: Some ports offer adjustable graphics settings. Experiment with different settings to find the optimal balance between visual fidelity and performance.
• Use a Pro Controller: The Joy-Cons are fine for some games, but a Pro Controller offers a more comfortable and precise control experience, especially for demanding titles.
• Invest in a Fast MicroSD Card: A faster microSD card can improve loading times and overall performance.
• Clean Your Cartridge Slot: Dust and debris can interfere with cartridge connectivity, leading to performance issues.

Ultimately, the best Nintendo Switch ports provide a unique and valuable experience. They allow gamers to enjoy beloved titles on the go, and they demonstrate the versatility of the Switch hardware. While not all ports are created equal, the ones mentioned above represent the best of what the Switch port scene has to offer. They showcase the ingenuity of developers who have managed to bring complex and demanding games to a relatively underpowered platform. The Nintendo Switch’s vast library of ports continues to grow, offering players a wealth of gaming experiences. This makes the console a great choice for anyone looking for gaming on the go.