The Nintendo Switch is a great console, but its power is pretty weak compared to the current-gen PlayStation and Xbox hardware. That’s why most gamers opt for PS5 and Xbox Series versions when titles are released on multiple platforms.
However, we think it’s worth pointing out that plenty of quality ports on the Switch are out there. Some might not be the “definitive” way to play these games, but they’re still good titles and are more than playable on Nintendo’s handheld. Even if the system is underpowered, these devs have worked hard to make
While these might not be the best versions of these games, here are some quality ports that Switch owners should consider picking up.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
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+ 2On paper, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time isn’t the best port you can play on Switch. Loading times can be a bit long, and you can notice the textures pop in when you choose costumes for Crash or Coco. However, even with those issues, this is a good port that platformer fans should pick up.
Even with some pop-in and long loading times, this is still a great game to play on Nintendo’s current system. The game’s visuals are colorful, with each area looking great, especially on an OLED model. Gameplay-wise, this complete Crash 4 experience features some of the most difficult platforming you’ll ever see.
If you haven’t picked up this port of Crash 4, it’s about time to do so.
Batman: Arkham City
Although it doesn’t run as well as the PC port, this version of Arkham City is feature-complete. In fact, we’d argue that it is better than the Return to Arkham ports on PS4 and Xbox One because it keeps the visual style of the originals instead of those off-looking remasters.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone to know that the Switch port of Arkham City runs pretty well on the Switch. Maintaining a consistent 30 FPS throughout, maybe a frame drop or two, fans won’t notice because the game is so fun. This port of Arkham City even has the Armored Edition skin from the Wii U version.
Despite the Arkham Knight port being an absolute mess, Arkham City is worth a purchase on Switch. So is Arkham Asylum.
Crisis Core - Final Fantasy VII - Reunion
click to enlarge + 2Now to talk about a port that hasn’t gained much attention. Despite being on the PlayStation 5 and Steam Deck, we feel that this port of the Crisis Core remaster should be discussed more.
Visually, this is a gorgeous-looking game on the Switch, and we’re surprised it looks this good. Thankfully, the PSP original’s core gameplay is pretty simple, so this game runs smoothly on Nintendo’s hybrid console, even if it's 30 FPS.
While there are better ports of this game, Crisis Core is quality on Nintendo’s dated system. It makes the Kingdom Hearts cloud ports look like a bigger joke. How Square Enix did so well here and fumbled the KH games continues to boggle this writer’s mind.
Dying Light: Definitive Edition
This one has gone under the radar, but this port of Dying Light is incredibly impressive. Even if the game doesn’t look as good as the PS4 and Xbox One versions, the fact that it’s playable is enough. Many thought this would be an impossible port but it looks and runs just fine.
While the Switch has gotten better at adding first-person shooters to Nintendo’s library, seeing an open-world FPS game work so well here is still cool. Anyone into zombies and first-person parkour should pick this up on Switch.
Those are the Switch ports that we think are pretty underrated. Even if they aren’t the best-looking or running versions of these games, they’re good enough for owners of this system.