The best open world games that run well on Switch

Key Takeaways

• Some open world games are a great fit for the Nintendo Switch's simplicity, control, and portability.
• Games like Minecraft and Palia run smoothly on the Switch, especially if you have a strong internet connection.
• Switch-friendly games like Aka and The Outer Worlds offer great player agency, engaging narratives, and seamlessly integrated platforming elements.

Open world games typically require a platform with ample storage space, high frame rates, and a wide visibility range for optimal performance. Due to their large landscapes, focus on player agency, and non-linear narratives, high-quality open world games tend to be more difficult to adapt to smaller consoles like the Nintendo Switch.

The Switch certainly isn't known for great performance. But that doesn't mean that all open world games will run better on different systems. Many open world games are actually suited to the Nintendo Switch's simplicity, controls, and portability.

For brevity, no Nintendo-exclusive games are featured.

1 minecraft

Great with a strong internet connection

• Online Play Capability: Yes
• Game file size: 1.4GB

minecraft It's probably one of the most popular open world games of all time, and its arrival on Nintendo Switch was a welcome sight for fans when the game was announced. The ability to play online without a clear goal in two different modes minecraft Its variety is very attractive because it attracts many players with different abilities.

For Nintendo Switch, minecraft If you have a strong internet connection, you can play very well in multiplayer. Some players have found that their experience has improved. Changed the game's frame rate to 60 FPS. Instead of the usual 30 FPS in single player mode.

2 Palia

Beautiful visuals and online multiplayer

• Online Play Capability: Yes
• Game file size: 9.7GB

good night minecraft, Palia It works well if you have a strong internet connection. A free-to-play adventure simulator with innovative gameplay mechanics and a captivating musical score.

but, Palia It's not like your typical farming/lifestyle sim! The rich narrative certainly sets it apart from other titles in the genre. The game also offers A competent MMO experienceThis is a new feature added to Nintendo Switch. Despite its large size, the game is well worth the storage space. Because players can spend countless hours immersed in the game. Palia.

3 dredge

Easily enjoy mysterious fishing in the open sea

• Online Play Capability: No
• Game file size: 1.3GB

dredge It is a fishing simulator game that combines management mechanisms with a mystery narrative experience. The main objective of the player is to traverse the deadly ocean to acquire and sell fish to survive.

like dredge It doesn't have any online features, but it could run very well on the Nintendo Switch. This is true even with the game's vast exploration opportunities. additionally, The art style is better suited to the Switch compared to other platforms. Due to the low-poly design

4 terraria

Experience a classic sandbox adventure

• Online Play Capability: Yes
• Game file size: 455MB

terraria It is a randomly generated 2D pixel action game that offers a variety of items, enemies, and biomes to explore. similar minecraftIt can be played in both single-player mode and online and offers a variety of game modes to suit different gaming abilities and skills.

But otherwise minecraft, terrariathanks to its 2D pixel art style and small file size. The Nintendo Switch is easier to handle. No long rendering times or game space capacity issues.

5 Aka

Calm island exploration advanced

• Online Play Capability: No
• Game file size: 1.2GB

Aka is a charming and cozy game that allows players to explore, build farms, and complete quests while mixing elements of the platform, simulation, and adventure genres. As a non-linear experience, Aka It provides great player agency while maintaining a primary objective in an open world environment.

The platforming elements of the game work very well on the Switch. This is because button controls enable smooth performance features compared to PC. As a relatively short game, Aka It doesn't challenge the Switch beyond its potential. A great open world gaming option for your system..

6 cat quest 3

Fast loading times with great themes

• Online Play Capability: No
• Game file size: 1GB

cat quest 3 It is the third work of cat quest It is a game series and has proven to be quite popular since its release in August 2024. Players explore various biomes and dungeons as a cat trickster on a mission to find mythical treasure. The game is consistently light-hearted and full of cat-themed puns. Attractive and enjoyable gaming experience For players.

The open world has minimal loading screens, allowing for smooth play on Nintendo Switch. It also helps that the game only takes up 1GB of storage space. It also features couch co-op as well as a single-player mode, making the Switch's two Joy-Cons a perfect match for the game.

7 rod nut

Subnautica without lag

• Online Play Capability: No
• Game file size: 896MB

rod nut It's a great option for the Nintendo Switch due to its well-fitting controls. The open world is large enough to feel expansive, but small enough to not overwhelm the Switch's capabilities.. The game consists of crafting, cleaning up the ocean, and identifying adorable underwater creatures called Loddles.

The closest open world counterpart would be: Subnautica. but, Subnautica Due to its size and complex, detailed graphics, it runs very poorly on the Nintendo Switch. rod nut It's a great alternative that offers more for cozy Switch gamers but doesn't lose out on goal-oriented progression. Subnautica.

8 outside world

One of the coolest games on Nintendo Switch

• Online Play Capability: No
• Game file size: 17.3GB

outside world A first-person RPG featuring a choice-based narrative style. Players are free to decide who to join their crew, who to kill or spare, and what information to share with others.

On Nintendo Switch, outside world It typically runs at a steady frame rate of 30FPS. The game is Meticulously tuned to your switchThis is evident in the simplified graphics, pacing of battle sequences, and controls.

9 LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

All LEGO Classics fit perfectly into the Switch.

• Online Play Capability: No
• Game file size: 15.8GB

In general, LEGO games perform very well on Nintendo Switch compared to other platforms. The accessibility of couch co-op play on Switch is a significant advantage, as players can use two Joy-Con controllers and the E rating makes these games suitable for players of all ages and abilities.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga It's an excellent choice thanks to its open-world level selection system, which helps manage performance while rendering detailed scenery without the Switch becoming overwhelmed or slowing down. Additionally, the block art style ensures: The graphics look just as clean on Nintendo Switch as they do on other platforms..