Nintendo’s hybrid console has always been known for its flexibility, offering players a blend of portability and power. But, despite its somewhat limited hardware compared to other systems, the Nintendo Switch has seen some surprisinglygorgeous games.
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While there have been some third-party games ported from more powerful systems that run very poorly on the handheld, these titles are the exception. They push the boundaries of what the Switch can do, showcasing the impressive visuals that the system is capable of – from stunningly-detailed environments to meticulous character designs.
8Alien Isolation
A Terrifying Masterpiece of Detail
Alien: Isolation
The 1979 sci-fi classic film Alien is known for its intense atmosphere of fear, and the Nintendo Switch port ofAlien Isolationmanages to bring that same level of tension with stunning visuals. Running on the Switch at a dynamic 720p resolution in handheld mode, Alien Isolation delivers dark, atmospheric corridors that will send chills down your spine.
The game’s visuals are enhanced by realistic lighting that flickers and dies out, eerie shadows that shift with the creaks of the Sevastopol Station and a level of detail in the ship’s decay that feels hauntingly real.
Though the visuals might not be the highest on the Switch, the game makes the most of its setting. The flickering lights, grimy walls and even the distant hum of machinery help build an oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere thatworks best when played in the dark.
7Luigi’s Mansion 3
Polished and Playful Ghostly Graphics
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Nintendo’sLuigi’s Mansion 3offers a completely different vibe from the dark corridors of Alien Isolation. Here, players find themselves in a whimsical, haunted hotel where Luigi must rescue his friends.
The game is a visual delight, boasting charming, cartoonish graphics that are rich in color and full of small details that make each room feel alive. Running at a smooth 30 fps in handheld mode with an impressive 720p resolution, it’s clear that Luigi’s latest ghost-hunting adventure was made with a love for detail.
The varied environments within the hotel are designed to make players feel like they’re stepping through different worlds. Whether it’s the industrial boiler room, the 1920s-inspired ballroom or the creepy, carnival-like level, the game offers visuals that are both captivating and fitting for its eerie theme. The playful lighting and smooth animations make Luigi’s expressions and his interactions with the environment look absolutely fantastic, while the spooky ghost models are full of personality.
A World of Color and Emotion
Grisis a game that transcends traditional visuals. This beautifully hand-drawn title tells the story of a girl named Gris who navigates her emotional turmoil through a world that changes with her. The game’s art direction is its strongest point, with every scene being a watercolor painting brought to life.
Each level is based on a different color, which gradually builds throughout the game, affecting not only the visuals but also the tone and mood. On the Switch, Gris runs beautifully at a steady 30 fps, maintaining its fluid animation and incredible attention to detail, even in handheld mode. Players are treated to a unique visual experience that reflects the protagonist’s growth, with every color change marking an emotional transition.
Nature Comes to Life
InPikmin4, the tiny plant-like Pikmin return to help their human captor navigate a lush and vibrant world. The game offers one of the most visually impressive and detailed depictions of nature on the Switch. From the dew drops on blades of grass to the subtle rustling of leaves in the breeze, Pikmin 4 creates an immersive world that’s as beautiful as it is dangerous.
Running at 30 fps and 720p in handheld mode, the game may not have the technical prowess of triple-A titles, but it compensates with charming, near-photo-realistic environments. The Pikmin are more expressive than ever, and their small size relative to the expansive environments makes for an interesting visual contrast.
4Metroid Prime Remastered
A Classic Reborn
Metroid Prime Remastered
Metroid Prime Remasteredbrings a GameCube classic to the Switch with an impressive visual overhaul. The remaster takes full advantage of the Switch’s capabilities, running at 30 fps in 1080p, with upgraded textures and lighting that breathe new life into the game. The eerie atmosphere of Tallon IV, once limited by older technology, now shines with crisp detail, from the jagged rocks to the ethereal glow of Samus’s Power Suit.
In this remaster, even the smallest elements have been given attention, with environmental details like rusting metal and damp, glowing moss adding a layer of realism. The game’s iconic scan visor also benefits from the remaster, showing more information with refined texturing. The visual improvements go hand in hand with the gameplay, making this version of Metroid Prime an essential experience for fans of the series.
3Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age
A Beautiful Journey
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Dragon Quest 11S is a testament to the enduring charm of the Dragon Quest franchise, combining classic RPG elements with stunning visuals. On the Nintendo Switch, the game runs at a dynamic 720p in handheld mode and 1080p in docked mode, maintaining a consistent frame rate throughout. The world of Erdrea is rendered in a colorful, cel-shaded art style that brings the fantasy world to life.
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The character models are expressive, each one brimming with personality, and the environments are detailed with a vibrant color palette that makes the world feel alive.
2Xenoblade Chronicles 3
A Massive World Full of Detail
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
WithXenoblade Chronicles 3,Monolith Soft took the franchise’s signature open-world exploration to new heights, and it shows. The game features vast landscapes, detailed character models and towering structures that make its world feel alive.
Running at 720p in handheld mode and 1080p in docked mode, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 delivers some of the best visuals available on the Switch, with its expansive environments showcasing intricate textures and vivid color contrasts.
Whether it’s the lush fields, ancient ruins or stormy skies, the game’s scale and visual design stand out. The game’s dynamic lighting adds depth to every area, and the high level of detail in the world design creates a breathtaking atmosphere that enhances the narrative. For a Switch title, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a visual marvel that rivalsany other RPG.
1The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
A Visual Masterpiece
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
TheLegend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis a true visual masterpiece, delivering some of the most stunning and immersive graphics ever seen on the Nintendo Switch. From the detailed textures of Hyrule’s fields and forests to the soaring, cloud-streaked skies, Tears of the Kingdom pushes the boundaries of what the Switch is capable of.
The game runs at 30 fps in 720p handheld mode and 900p docked, maintaining impressive performance even during intense moments. Every aspect of the game’s art direction works in harmony – the vibrant landscapes, the complex architecture and the dynamic weather system that shifts the world in real time.
The lighting and shading effects, especially when exploring Hyrule’s skies or the dark caverns below, create a sense of atmosphere that’s unmatched on the console. Tears of the Kingdom is not just a visual delight but a testament to the power of art direction and technical innovation, making it one of the best-looking games on the Nintendo Switch.
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Tears of the Kingdom was an unforgettable masterpiece that leaves you wanting more…so here’s more!
