When the original Switch was entering its twilight years, my biggest complaint with the system was how underpowered it was. It just meant that outside of the most impressive ports, you had to play massively inferior versions of vaguely modern games or more often just go without. I remember covering 2D pixel art platformers with performance issues, and in the end trying to avoid multiplatform games altogether on Nintendo’s beloved console.
Because of this, one of the most exciting aspects of the Switch 2 for me was getting to play modern games which ran well. I’m somebody who adores handheld gaming, and is more than happy to double dip on a game if it means playing it wherever I park my lovely bottom. A year on the Nintendo Switch 2 is still my favourite console, and where I aim to play as many games as feasibly possible.
I’ve played a pretty daft number of ports on the Switch 2 in the last twelve months, and the vast majority of them have really impressed me. When making a list of the top five this meant leaving a few off, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth playing. A lot of these are in the same series as games on the list so I’ll mention them all together, but others deserve a special honourable mention shout-out.
Sonic X Shadow Generations brought the newest and shiniest hedgehog game to the console at launch, and was perfect if played in performance mode. Pokémon Legends Z-A left everyone forgetting the sadness of Scarlet and Violet a few years prior. I now exclusively play Fortnite on the Switch 2, and there’s mouse support for those who crave it too. The WWE 2K games all run great on the portable console now too, which means a ridiculous amount of grappling content is there if you want it.
There were also a whole host of ports I didn’t get a chance to play or cover, which are highly praised by the masses and the other hunks here at Loot Level Chill. Games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Outlaws and Indiana Jones all brought AAA blockbusters to the small screen, and impressed everyone in the process. Now that all the other fantastic ports are out of the way, let’s celebrate the top five shall we?
5. Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
I will sneak this game onto any list I can, just because not enough people played this wonderful and creative game. Kunitsu-Gami is a fantastic blend of tower defence and action, which looks gorgeous and runs as smooth as butter on the Switch 2 hardware. It even features mouse controls (which are admittedly a bit weird to use) and was a great way to show off the improvements in this new console at launch.
4. Dynasty Warriors: Origins
Origins is my favourite entry in the Dynasty Warriors series, but back when it released I had to play it on the big screen like a chump. The Steam Deck struggled to handle the massive scale battles of the latest Musou title, so I was a little worried about the Switch 2. I didn’t need to be though, because it plays like a dream there even in handheld mode. It’s great being able to slice through thousands of foes on the comfort of the toilet, and with lots of different battle sizes it’s a lovely pick up and play experience
3. Resident Evil 7
All three of the recent Resident Evil offerings on the Switch 2 are remarkable (and the newly released Requiem especially would belong on this list if not for this entry) but Resident Evil 7 is pretty much flawless whether you play docked or in handheld mode. Resident Evil 7 is easily one of my favourite games in the entire survival horror series, and playing it while wrapped up in bed is equal parts delightful and upsetting. I really hope that we get more Resident Evil ports on the Switch 2 soon (2-4 remakes next please?) because they’re a match made in heaven for this console.
2. Pragmata
When I was playing through Pragmata pre-release, I kept forgetting that I was technically enjoying an inferior version of the game. This port simply doesn’t feel like it’s much of a compromise, it just feels like a fantastic, action packed adventure that has to be played as soon as physically possible. I expected slower paced experiences like RPGs to be a perfect fit for the Switch 2, but bombastic action titles releasing day and date with powerful home consoles wasn’t on my bingo card. Pragmata is a game that will absolutely sit on my personal Game of the Year list come December, and playing it on the Switch 2 made me enjoy it all the more.
1. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
I was absolutely awestruck when I first started playing Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the Switch 2. It felt like such a pivotal moment in handheld gaming, getting to play one of the most gorgeous and exceptional JRPGs of all time on a portable console. It was just magic, I couldn’t comprehend how it was possible. The game looks stunning and runs at an incredibly stable 30fps throughout, and the reason I know that is because I played through the entire game including all side content again. I just couldn’t put the game down, and with a console you can take anywhere that’s almost dangerous.
It’s worth mentioning that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth also has a wonderful port worthy of this list, but one that is a little bit inferior just due to the sheer scope of the game. Having a Nintendo console that will happily house the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy is something I simply never thought would be possible, and I will never forget experiencing it for the first time with this fantastic first title.
Are there any we’ve missed? Let us know your favourite Switch 2 ports in the comments below.
