There are some games that push a high-end gaming PC to the absolute limit, just to give a somewhat serviceable number of frames per second (ahem-Alan-Wake-2-ahem). Granted, these games are visual eye candy when pushed to their highest settings with Ray Tracing turned to the max, but such cinematic experiences require players to sit at their gaming setup, put on a headset and stay in the same spot while they play that title (or the console equivalent of this).
10 Best Nintendo Switch Games to Play in Short Bursts
Whether you have a few minutes or a short commute, these ten Nintendo Switch games are perfect for quick and satisfying play sessions.
This, however, doesn’t sound that attractive after a hectic day at work, when all the body wants is to lie down on a bed or a couch and game in total comfort. For such situations, the Nintendo Switch is the perfecthandheld console, and it brings with it a library of third-party titles that are either not very demanding to require the power of a PC or are too lengthy to play while remaining seated in a single spot.
10Sonic Mania
Gotta Go Portable
Sonic Mania
Sonic Maniais often considered thebest Sonic gamein decades, bringing the franchise back to its roots with 2D side-scrolling action, tight controls and colorful, retro-inspired visuals. On other platforms, Sonic Mania is excellent, but it truly shines on Switch.
The fast-paced gameplay is perfect for short bursts of play and the Switch’s instant sleep mode also makes it easy to pause and resume at any moment, a convenience that a PC can’t match. Performance-wise, the game runs at a smooth 60 FPS and the vibrant pixel art pops beautifully on the OLED model’s screen.
But it’s not just about portability; playing Sonic Mania on the Switch feels like a natural extension of the franchise’s legacy. The game hearkens back to the days of Sega’s handhelds like the Game Gear, making it feel right at home on Nintendo’s hybrid console.
9Slay the Spire
Perfect on a Touchscreen
Slay the Spire
Blending deckbuilding with roguelike progression,Slay the Spiretasks players with climbing a procedurally-generated tower, battling enemies and carefully managing their deck to survive increasingly difficult encounters. Every run presents a fresh challenge, with different relics, cards and routes leading to wildly-different experiences.
While available on a wide variety of platforms, the Switch version offers an unmatched level of convenience. Its turn-based gameplay makes it ideal for short sessions, letting players strategize through a boss fight during a quick break or theory-crafting new deck combinations while lounging on the couch. The main selling point of Slay the Spire, however, is its fully touchscreen-friendly controls which are tons more intuitive than a controller or a mouse.
8Diablo 3: Eternal Collection
Sanctuary in Your Hands
Diablo 3: Eternal Collection
Diablo 3: Eternal Collection took years to refine its gameplay and the Switch version distills everything great about Blizzard’saction RPGinto a package that doesn’t compromise performance.
While Diablo 3 can be played without any hiccups on PC or a home console, Switch’s portability makes the game all the more enjoyable while still giving players the option to seamlessly transition between the handheld’s smaller screen or a bigger TV via the dock. The game also supports local wireless co-op, something that isn’t as easily accessible on other platforms.
7Octopath Traveler 2
A Timeless Journey, Anytime, Anywhere
Octopath Traveler 2
With its stunning HD-2D art style and deep, intertwining narratives,Octopath Traveler2 is an old-school RPG that brings the genre’s golden era into the modern age. Players control eight unique characters, each with their own stories, abilities and reasons for traveling through the vast, beautifully-crafted world.
While available on PlayStation and PC, the turn-based combat and chapter-based structure make it ideal for handheld play. The Switch’s portability allows players to chip away at individual storylines in bite-sized sessions without feeling rushed. Additionally, the HD-2D visuals look just as crisp on the smaller screen and the ability to play in bursts makes the rich world and intricate battle system feel even more accessible.
6The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+
A Portable Descent into Madness
The Binding of Isaac
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ is an endlessly-replayable roguelike that combines brutal difficulty, randomly-generated dungeons and grotesque-yet-compelling aesthetics. With hundreds of items that can wildly alter each run, no two playthroughs are ever the same.
While its dark humor and punishing gameplay might not be for everyone, the game thrives on Switch’s portability. The ability to quickly jump into a new run and experiment with different power-ups makes it a perfect pick-up-and-play experience. On home consoles, sessions can feel more like a commitment, whereas on Switch, it’s easier to squeeze in quick attempts during spare moments.
Escaping the Underworld, One Run at a Time
Supergiant Games’Hadesredefined the roguelike genre by blending fast-paced, satisfying combat with an ever-evolving narrative. As Zagreus, players battle through the layers of the underworld, using boons from Olympian gods and gradually uncovering more of the game’s deep lore with each escape attempt.
The Switch version is the best way to play for those who value convenience. Hades is structured around short runs and the ability to instantly suspend a session without losing progress makes the Switch version stand out.
4Stardew Valley
A Farm that Fits in Your Pocket
Stardew Valley
Few games offer the same sense of relaxation and accomplishment asStardew Valley. Whether tending crops, fishing by the river or forging relationships with villagers, the game provides an escape into a charming, pixelated countryside.
10 Most Useful Items In Stardew Valley
When you’re making up some long-term goals in Stardew Valley, you’ve got quite a few items to consider, and these should be your priorities.
While playable on nearly every platform, the Switch version feels like a natural evolution of classic handheld farming sims. The ability to play in short bursts makes tending to daily farm tasks more manageable, while the cozy atmosphere translates well to handheld mode, allowing players to take the game under the blanket for the ultimate cozy gaming experience.
3Disco Elysium – The Final Cut
A Masterpiece of Storytelling, Always Within Reach
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium– The Final Cut delivers an unparalleled role-playing experience, with deep philosophical themes, intricate dialogue trees and one of the most-memorable protagonists in gaming. Playing as Harry, a detective suffering from amnesia, players try to solve a murder mystery in a town drowning in politics while battling their own inner demons.
On consoles and PC, the game is engaging, but the ability to play in handheld mode makes its text-heavy experience even more accessible. The Switch version allows players to process its dense storytelling at their own pace, making it easier to immerse themselves in its richly-detailed world.
2Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
A Masterpiece On-The-Go
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
Square Enix’s remaster of Final Fantasy X and X-2 breathes new life into two of the most-belovedJRPGsof all time. With upgraded visuals, remastered music and quality-of-life improvements, the collection modernizes these classics while preserving their emotional impact.
On the Switch, the ability to play these games anywhere is a game-changer. The turn-based combat system is perfect for portable play, allowing players to take breaks without losing the flow of battle. Additionally, the flexibility of switching between English and Japanese voiceovers and including both standard and expert sphere grids make the experience more customized. Whether players are revisiting Spira for a dose of nostalgia or experiencing the story for the first time, the Switch version is arguably the best way to experience Tidus’s story.
1Persona 4 Golden
The Town of Inaba in Your Pocket
Persona 4 Golden
For years, Persona 4 Golden was considered one of PlayStation Vita’s finest exclusives, but its release on modern platforms has given more players the chance to experience its captivating mix of dungeon crawling and social simulation.
The Switch version retains everything that made the game special from its deep character interactions to its stylish, turn-based combat. When it was released on Vita, players discovered how perfectly Persona games and the handheld console’s ability to play in handheld mode makes managing daily activities in Inaba feel even more natural, allowing players to dive into the time-sensitive mechanics with greater flexibility. Unlike home consoles, the Switch allows for a more personal, immersive experience, reminiscent of the original handheld roots.
10 Best Narrative-Driven Games On Nintendo Switch
These ten best story-driven games on Nintendo Switch are perfect to dive into when real life starts to feel too much.
