Nintendo Switch is a platform that has a huge and varied selection of games, so much so, that there is something for everybody to enjoy, regardless of the genre.
Despite its relatively small size, Nintendo Switch is home to many big open-world titles, so if you are looking for an exciting new world that you can freely explore, stick around because we will be covering some of the Best Open World Nintendo Switch titles out there.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Our first entry probably comes as no surprise to anyone, considering the fact that is one of the most popular Nintendo Switch games out there. The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild was originally released back in March 2017 and it is the first game in the franchise to adopt the Open World format.
Players once again assume the role of Link and are free to explore the land of Hyrule as they see fit. Breath of the wild offers a plethora of activities for players to do, such as exploring shrines and uncovering various treasures, completing quests, fighting various creatures, and a lot more.
- Developer: Nintendo EPD
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: 3 March 2017
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, Wii U
2. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Coming in at number two we have the latest installment of the Elder Scrolls franchise, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This action RPG was developed and published by Bethesda and was released on multiple platforms way back in 2011, with the Nintendo Switch port debuting in November 2017.
The events of the game take place in Skyrim, one of the northern provinces of Tamriel and the homeland of the Nords. The player adopts the role of Dragonborn and is tasked with stopping the plans of an ancient dragon called Alduin.
Skyrim also provides a plethora of side activities for the player to perform such as joining one of many Skyrim factions, participating in a civil war, exploring ancient dungeons that are scattered across the land, and a whole lot more.
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
- Release Date: 11 November 2011
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
3. Witcher III: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition
The Witcher III: Wild Hunt is by many considered to be one of the best open-world RPGs out there and for good reasons. The game was first released in May 2015, however, it was in October 2019 that Nintendo Switch received its own port of Wild Hunt.
Just like in the previous two titles, the player takes control of Geral of Rivia who is on a mission to track down and rescue a woman named Ciri while exploring a vast open world, killing various monsters and completing quests along the way.
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Publisher: CD Projekt
- Release Date: 18 May 2015
- Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
4. Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection
Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection was released for Nintendo Switch back in December 2019, and just like the name implies, it is a collection of games from the popular Assassin’s Creed franchise.
The collection itself features two games, Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed Rogue as well as all single-player downloadable content for each of them.
Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection allows the player to take up the role of Edward Kenway and explore a huge open world while sailing the seas with your pirate crew, or fill in the boots of Shay Patric Cormac and play on the Templar’s side and hunt down assassin’s along the way.
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Release Date: 6 December 2019
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
5. Subnautica
Subnautica is an open-world survival action-adventure title that made its debut appearance back in 2018, however, it wasn’t until May 2021 that Subnautica was ported to Nintendo Switch.
Subnautica puts the player in the shoes of an unnamed protagonist who gets stranded on a strange planet known only as 4546B. It just happens that this planet is almost entirely covered by a vast ocean and an unknown virus has wiped out its entire civilization and a good chunk of the planet’s wildlife.
It is then up to the player to help cure the planet and themselves and make their escape by gathering materials, building a base, and exploring the deep oceans of planet 4546B.
- Developer: Team 17, Ghost Town Games
- Publisher: Team 17
- Release Date: 7 August 2018
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Linux, macOS, Google Stadia, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
6. Don’t Starve Together
Don’t Starve Together is a survival game developed and published by Klei Entertainment, and just like some of our previous entries, it has appeared on more than a couple of our lists. Don’t Starve Together arrived on Nintendo Switch in April 2022, although the game’s original release occurred back in April 2016.
Don’t Starve Together allows the player to choose one of the premade characters, each with their own unique mechanics and strengths, and weaknesses, and thrusts them into a strange world filled with mysterious creatures and various harsh environments. It is then up to the player to explore this new land, gather resources, build up their bases, and survive as long as possible.
- Developer: Klei Entertainment
- Publisher: Klei Entertainment
- Release Date: 21 April 2016
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
7. Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is an action role-playing game and a member of the eighth generation of Pokemon games. The game was developed by Game Freak and serves as a prequel to Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. The game was released in January 2022 and remains exclusive to Nintendo Switch.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is set in the Hisui region and revolves around an unnamed protagonist controlled by the player who is tasked with completing the roster of all the Pokemon that can be found within the Hisui region.
As far as gameplay mechanics go, the player can explore multiple biomes, capture wild Pokemon, participate in battles, and complete various quests provided by NPCs that they meet along the way.
- Developer: Game Freak
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: 28 January 2022
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
8. No Man’s Sky
Nest up, we have No Man’s Sky, an action-adventure survival game that was developed and published by Hello Games. While the game was originally released back in 2016, it wasn’t until October 2022 that it made it to Nintendo Switch.
Exploration is the name of the game when it comes to No Man’s Sky, however, instead of exploring a single world, or a single planet, the player is free to explore entire galaxies and the solar systems within them.
Players can visit planets, explore a wide variety of both friendly and hostile environments, document the native flora and fauna, gather resources, and even fight droids on some of them. Each of the star systems has its own space station where players can trade resources buy and upgrade their ships, and even interact with different races of aliens.
- Developer: Hello Games
- Publisher: Hello Games
- Release Date: 9 August 2016
- Platform: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, macOS, iPadOS
9. L.A. Noire
L.A. Noire is a detective action-adventure game that was developed by Team Bondi and published by Rockstar games. The game was released on multiple platforms back in 2011 with the Switch port being released later in 2017.
L.A. Noire takes place in Los Angeles during the year 1947 and puts the player in the shoes of a detective who is tasked with solving investigating and solving a multitude of crimes that range from petty street crime to homicide and arson.
- Developer: Team Bondi
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Release Date: 17 May 2011
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
10. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is a platform game and a Nintendo Switch exclusive that was developed and published by Nintendo and released back in October 2017.
The game features open-world 3D platform gameplay similar to Super Mario 64 and is arguably the best Mario game in the entirety of the Super Mario franchise.
Just like in every other Super Mario game, the player takes control of Mario himself as he explores multiple kingdoms in an effort to once again rescue Princess Peach from Bowser’s clutches with the help of his new ally Cappy.
- Developer: Nintendo EPD
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: 27 October 2017
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
11. Sonic Frontiers
Sonic Frontiers is a platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega. Released in 2022, the game was meant to serve as a model for the following titles in the franchise which is why the developers decided to adopt the open-world design for it.
In terms of gameplay, Sonic Frontiers adapts a large majority of Sonic’s moves from previous games as well as some new ones that the player can utilize to fight enemies, collect Chaos Emeralds and rings, and explore the Starfall Islands.
- Developer: Sonic Team
- Publisher: Sega
- Release Date: 8 November 2022
- Platform: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
12. Grand Theft Auto The Trilogy – Definitive Edition
Grand Theft Auto The Trilogy – Definitive Edition is a video game collection that features three games from the popular action-adventure series, Grand Theft Auto. Featured in this collection are 2001’s Grand Theft Auto III, 2002’2 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and 2004’s Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
Grand Theft Auto The Trilogy – Definitive Edition was developed by Grove Street Games and published by Rockstar Games. The collection was released in November 2021 on a multitude of platforms including the Nintendo Switch.
- Developer: Grove Street Games
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Release Date: 11 November 2021
- Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Android, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
13. Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition
Minecraft is a sandbox video game that has already made an appearance on a multitude of our lists and is one of the most popular games ever released. Developed and published by Mojang Studios, Minecraft was first released back in 2011 and arrived on Nintendo Switch a few years later in May 2017.
Minecraft’s gameplay loop revolves around exploring a vast open world, gathering various materials, crafting tools, weapons, and armor, and trying to survive the harsh environment and creatures that roam the world of Minecraft.
- Developer: Mojang Studios
- Publisher: Mojang Studios, Xbox Game Studios, Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Release Date: 18 November 2011
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Xbox 360, Raspberry Pi, PlayStation 3, Fire OS, PlayStation Vita, Windows Phone, tv OS, Wii U, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, New Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch
14. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a 2022 action RPG video game developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo for Nintendo Switch.
Taking place after the events of Xenoblade Chronicles and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 takes place within the diverse world of Aionios where the mechanically advanced nations of Agnus and Keves, are at war with each other.
The game features six main characters: Noah, a Kevesi seer joined by his childhood friends Lan and Eunie, as well as Mio, an Agnian accompanied by fellow servicemen Taion and Sena. The protagonists take a part in a tale with life itself serving as the main theme. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is all about finding yourself.
- Developer: Monolith Soft
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: 29 July 2022
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
15. Dying Light: Platinum Edition
Dying Light is an open-world survival horror game that was originally published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment back in 2015. In 2021, the game was ported to Nintendo Switch as Dying Light: Platinum Edition which included its four expansions and as well as additional cosmetic items.
When it came out, the game became immensely popular due to its unique weapon customization mechanics and parkour movement which the player can utilize to explore the zombie-infested corners of the city.
- Developer: Techland
- Publisher: Techland, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
- Release Date: 27 May 2021
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
16. Starlink: Battle for Atlas
Starlink: Battle for Atlas is an action-adventure video game that was released on multiple platforms in October 2018. However, it is worth mentioning that the Nintendo Switch version of the game features additional characters such as Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare, and Slippy Toad.
Set within the star system of Atlas, the players are tasked with exploring it and completing various objectives. Starlink: Battle for Atlas’s gameplay is very similar to that of No Man’s Sky and lets the players fight various enemies, customize their spaceships, and form alliances with numerous alien species that the player can encounter on their travels.
- Developer: Ubisoft Toronto
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Release Date: 16 October 2018
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Amazon Luna
17. Immortals Fenyx Rising
Immortals Fenyx Rising is an action-adventure game developed and released in 2020 by Ubisoft.
The game tells the story of Fenyx, a mortal who in order to rescue his brother must stop evil Typhon who managed to escape from the underworld and is seeking revenge against the Greek gods.
The story is narrated by the gods Zeus and Prometheus with Prometheus using his power of foresight to tell the story of Fenyx and isn’t afraid to implement humoristic acts into his storytelling.
- Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Release Date: 3 December 2020
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Google Stadia
18. A Short Hike
A Short Hike is an indie adventure title that was released in August 2020 for Nintendo Switch.
The game’s main goal is very simple. Take control of an anthropomorphic bird named Claire and get it safely over the mountain by jogging, climbing swimming, and pretty much anything else you can think of.
Besides the main goal, the game offers a wide variety of side activities that you can perform as well as a bunch of characters to meet as you traverse the mountain.
- Developer: Adam Robinson-Yu, Adamgryu
- Publisher: Adam Robinson-Yu, Adamgryu, Whippoorwill Limited
- Release Date: 5 April 2019
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Mac operating systems
19. Nier Automata
Nier Automata debuted back in 2017 on a variety of platforms, however, it wasn’t until October 2022 that this action role-playing game made it onto Nintendo Switch.
Taking place many centuries after the events of the first game Nier Automata puts the player in control of androids from the YoRHa units and allows them to explore the post-apocalyptic world of Nier, and fight against armies of enemies and test their mettle against a wide variety of bosses in fast-paced combat.
As you progress through the world and complete various objectives, you will slowly uncover the past events that led the world to its demise and the role of humanity within them.
- Developer: Platinum Games
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release Date: 23 February 2017
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
20. Dragon Ball Z Kakarot
Dragon Ball Z Kakarot is an open-world action RPG that was published by Bandai Namco Entertainment back in 2020 and later ported to Nintendo Switch in 2021.
The game focuses on the events of the Dragon Ball Z era, however, instead of just focusing on the important events and battles of the saga, Dragon Ball Z Kakarot allows the player to freely explore the world of the Z-fighters and interact with other characters who inhabit it.
- Developer: CyberConnect2
- Publisher: BNE Entertainment, Namco Bandai Games America Inc.
- Release Date: 16 January 2020
- Platform: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia
21. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
Dragons Dogma: Dark Arisen is an expansion and re-release of the original game from 2012. While keeping all the original game content, Dragons Dogma Dark Arisen adds an entirely new questline and new region in the game called “Bitterback isle”, as well as additional skill upgrades, monsters, weapons, and armor. Arisen is greeted with new quests on the Bitterback isle island which is located outside of Gransys. Players will face new enemies and discover valuable treasures. The expansion features much stronger enemies than the original game. Even though the Switch version saw the light of day in 2019, the game was released in 2013 on PS3 and XBOX 360.
- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: 23 April 2013
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
22. Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning
Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning is a remaster of the original Kingdoms of Amalur Reckoning game that came out back in 2012. The remastered version of the game was released in 2020 on various consoles, and the Switch version followed later in March 2021.
In this action RPG, the player assumes control of a warrior who is tasked with saving a fictional land that is currently being ravaged by war. As a traditional RPG, the game lets the player customize their hero as they see fit as they travel across a huge open world and complete a wide variety of quests.
- Developer: 38 Studios, Big Huge Games, Kaiko GmbH
- Publisher: THQ Nordic
- Release Date: 8 September 2020
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
23. Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise has already appeared on a few of our lists, and for a good reason as it is one of the best open-world games out there. The Switch port of the game was released in March 2021 along with an expansion pack Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak.
The main gameplay loop of Monster Hunter Rise revolves around the player hunting various monsters, collecting various materials from them, and using them to craft new weapons and armor in order to hunt bigger and stronger monsters.
- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: 26 March 2021
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
24. Green Hell
Green Hell is an open-world survival game that was developed and published by Creepy Jar. The game was released in 2019 with the Switch port following up in the year 2020.
As the game begins, you find yourself in an Amazon rainforest, and that is more or less all the information you have to go on. From there you are tasked with exploring your environment, finding a stable source of food and maintaining a proper diet, building yourself a shelter, and doing everything you can to survive.
- Developer: Creepy Jar, Forever Entertainment S. A.
- Publisher: Creepy Jar, Forever Entertainment S. A.
- Release Date: 29 August 2018
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
25. My Time In Portia
My Time At Portia is an RPG video game published in 2019 by the Chinese studio “Pathea Games”.
Set in the post-apocalyptic world of “Portia, you take on the role of a famous builder’s child. He inherits his father’s workshop and strives to become the best builder in Portia while competing and collaborating with other builders in town.
Besides the main goal in the game, which is upgrading and developing the workshop and expanding your hometown Portia, players are fronted with some really interesting missions, achievement goals, game mechanics, and interactions with other fellow citizens of Portia.
- Developer: Pathea Games
- Publisher: Team17, Nuverse
- Release Date: 15 January 2019
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, Android, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Xbox Cloud Gaming, macOS, Microsoft Windows