Nintendo Switch ain't just about Pokemon - the platform's also got some killer action games in its library. We at Game8 have compiled a list of the best ones out there just for you.
The Best Action Games on the Nintendo Switch
20. Katana Zero
Katana Zero is a cyberpunk 2D action slasher where you take control of The Dragon, a time-manipulating samurai with a LOT of personal baggage. Participate in instant death combat, where you'll have to push your creativity to the limits to deflect gunfire back at foes, dodge oncoming attacks, and leave no survivors. If you love intense and flashy 2D sword-versus-gun combat, give Katana Zero a try.
Katana Zero on the Nintendo eShop
19. No More Heroes
No More Heroes is an open-world sandbox slash ‘em up where you’ll be outclassin’ assassins as the eternally broke otaku Travis Touchdown. Directed by Suda51, known for his work on "The Silver Case" and "Killer7", No More Heroes is one of the most offbeat action games ever made - and the Switch port does not disappoint in the slightest. With polished up graphics but with the same charm, No More Heroes on the Nintendo Switch is one of the best ways to play this classic gem.
No More Heroes on the Nintendo eShop
18. Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning
Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning is a remastered version of the classic action RPG that features an epic storyline where the Fateless One must battle against the evil fae Gadflow and his army of Tuatha Deohn once again. The game features an intriguing and customizable Destiny RPG system, where players can build their character's stats in any of three unique disciplines - Might, Sorcery, and Finesse. Depending on how you build your character, you will earn dynamic Destiny cards that unlock further abilities based on your chosen discipline specialization.
With its well-developed combat systems combined with HD graphics and smooth controls, Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning provides engaging gameplay for both casual action fans and seasoned gamers alike. Plus, as a bonus, Re-Reckoning comes with an amazing new expansion pack: the Fatesworn DLC.
Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning on the Nintendo eShop
17. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is an indie Souls-like platformer that had become famous over the years before making its way to the Switch. Explore Hallownest, the ancient land of insects deep underground, and find your origins. Get through trap-laden corridors, beat various enemies and bosses using hectic melee combat, and find new areas you’ve never seen before in this open-ended Metroidvania-inspired game.
Hollow Knight on the Nintendo eShop
16. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a 2D roguelike that places you in the role of a mysterious sword-wielding creature called The Prisoner, bent on discovering not only its own identity but also the secrets of the island prison it found itself in. Your ultimate goal is to complete the game without dying - which is no easy feat, mind you. If death does come knocking at your door, however, don't worry. Each time you respawn, you'll grow stronger than before and be better equipped to unravel the island's macabre mysteries.
Dead Cells on the Nintendo eShop
15. Dark Souls Remastered
Dark Souls has undoubtedly solidified its place as one of the most influential action titles of the late 2010s. And now, with the release of Dark Souls Remastered on Nintendo Switch, players can experience all the same intense thrills and challenges that have made this game so legendary.
Descend into the forsaken land of Lordran and discover for yourself the secrets behind the curse of Darksign and unravel mysteries surrounding the undead. In addition to improved graphics and an online multiplayer mode (with up to six players!), Dark Souls Remastered also includes the Artorias and The Abyss DLC.
Dark Souls Remastered on the Nintendo eShop
14. Sifu
Sifu is a unique beat-em-up where, not only do you unleash flying kicks and other kung-fu moves on your opponents, but also make unique use of resurrection. If you get killed by your opponents, you'll be able to have another go at them, but each death adds one year to your age. Reach 70 years of age before finishing the game, and it’s game over. But with every failed run, you can put experience points toward learning new skills, becoming more powerful over time.
13. Metroid Dread
The sixth entry to the mainline Metroid series, Metroid Dread takes Samus to planet ZDR, where X Parasites have resurfaced. But things go awry as a mysterious warrior attacks Samus, and the Galactic Federation robots, sent in beforehand to deal with the X Parasites, have suddenly become hostile. The gameplay is classic Metroid through and through, presented in a 2.5D format that shows off its crisp visuals.
Metroid Dread on the Nintendo eShop
12. Monster Hunter: Rise
Monster Hunter: Rise puts you in the boots of a hunter from Kamura Village - a quaint little place that's currently threatened by hordes of giant monsters. Your job is simple (on paper at least): investigate the source of these "Rampages" and put an end to them before they wipe out the entire village for good.
What sets MH: Rise apart from its predecessors is addition of the Wirebug tool - a nifty little contraption that lets you defy gravity like a certain mutant arachnid person. With a Wirebug on your wrist, nothing can stand in your way when it comes to taking down massive beasts and carving them up for loot.
Monster Hunter Rise on the Nintendo eShop
11. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA returns players to the boots of Adol Christin, the series' beloved hero. While traveling back to the Eresian mainland, Adol's ship falls victim to a colossal sea monster off the coast of Seiren Island.
Stranded and alone on this strange island, Adol must gather his fellow castaways while dealing with both Seiren’s savage wildlife and visions of a mysterious woman named Dana Iclucia. With its real-time action combat system plus a fully-3D world that encourages deep dives into every corner of Seiren, Ys VIII is an action-adventure game like no other.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA on the Nintendo eShop
10. NieR Automata
Get ready for some serious machine carnage as 2B and 9S wage war against robotkind in NieR:Automata The End of YoRHa Edition - now available on Nintendo Switch! This pulse-pounding port includes the main game, along with the 3C3C1D119440927
DLC and three new coliseums for additional thrills. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, the folks at Square Enix have also tossed in some new costumes for good measure.
NieR Automata on the Nintendo eShop
9. Doom Eternal
Get ready to kick some serious ass in Doom Eternal on the Nintendo Switch. As the Slayer, you'll take on both Heaven and Hell and blast those supernatural freaks straight back to where they came from. Use Glory Kills to replenish your health, and slice through your enemies with the Chainsaw to stock up on ammo.
With Nintendo Switch's gyroscope controls, there's never been a better time or way to aim your guns with precision like never before. And if that isn't enough, then you can enter BATTLEMODE and duke it out as a Slayer against two other player-controlled demons.
Doom Eternal on the Nintendo eShop
8. Metroid Prime Remastered
Metroid Prime Remastered is the newly polished version of the 2002 classic first-person shooter that will have you joining Samus Aran once again as she pursues the surviving remnants of the space pirates she defeated back in the original Metroid. This time around, they've set up shop on planet Tallon IV, where they're not only rebuilding their power but also dabbling with a dangerous mutagen called Phazon. With a fresh coat of paint, updated graphics, and sounds, explore Tallon IV and face tougher challenges than ever before - if you think you can handle it!
Metroid Prime Remastered on the Nintendo eShop
7. NEO: The World Ends With You
NEO: The World Ends With You (TWEWY) is the long-awaited sequel to the original TWEWY released way back in 2007. This time around, Shibuya becomes the battleground for another Reaper's Game, and Rindo Kanade finds himself accidentally thrown into the mix as a contestant. Winning the game isn't just about bragging rights - it's a matter of life and death. In this electrifying new installment, players will experience a brand new action combat system that takes everything to the next level while still retaining that signature TWEWY style.
Are you ready to put your psychic abilities to the test on Shibuya's mean streets? It won't be easy, but with some grit and determination, there's nothing you can't do!
NEO: The World Ends with You on the Nintendo eShop
6. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is the latest installment in The Legend of Zelda’s Hyrule Warriors sub-series. Relive the gripping tale of how Link and Zelda battled to prepare Hyrule against the impending threat of Calamity Ganon 100 years before the events of Breath of the Wild. Command Hyrule's greatest swordsman as he slices through hordes of enemies in epic 1-vs-100 battles inspired by Dynasty Warriors, and, maybe, change the kingdom's fate forever.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity on the Nintendo eShop
5. Astral Chain
Are you ready to unleash the power of Legion in Astral Chain? This stylish action game makes full use of the Nintendo Switch’s controls for an unparalleled fighting experience.
As part of an elite police task force known as Neuron, it's your duty to protect the Ark from monstrous Chimeras by taking charge of not one but two characters at once. Combine flashy combos and well-timed dodges with increased synchronization between you and your robotic companion, Legion, to vanquish all foes that stand in your way.
Astral Chain on the Nintendo eShop
4. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
One of the biggest games to come out for the Switch in 2023, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is set a few years after Breath of the Wild. Though the Kingdom of Hyrule is on the path to recovery, a new threat resurfaces in the form of the Gloom - a malady that comes from the depths of Hyrule Castle.
There, the Gerudo King Ganondorf has revived himself in a mummified form, while Princess Zelda has been whisked away to parts unknown. Now it’s up to Link, who has been given a new right arm and a new set of abilities, to take to Hyrule, the skies above it, and the caverns deep underneath to stop Ganondorf and save the world once again.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the Nintendo eShop
3. Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition
One of the best action games of all time - Devil May Cry 3 - has come to the Switch in the form of DMC 3: Special Edition. The game already boasts its classic story and gameplay, but now Switch owners get to experience even more features with the addition of Freestyle mode where Dante can switch up his fighting style on the fly.
If that wasn't enough, there's also a new Bloody Palace co-op mode where one player takes control of Dante while the other gets to be Virgil - together you'll have to fend off hordes of demons across a dizzying 9,999 floors.
Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition on the Nintendo eShop
2. Hades
Hades are undoubtedly one of the best Action RPGs on the Switch - and for good reason! As the immortal Prince of Hell, Zagreus, you'll have to fight your way through the four biomes of Hades to escape the clutches of the eponymous god of the underworld.
Don't worry though - you won't be alone on this journey! The gods of Olympus are ready to lend their strength to your cause by granting powerful Boons for each run, while the Mirror of Night will enhance your abilities permanently. You’ll definitely be needing the help, since escaping hell may require dying a few (hundred) times along the way.
1. Bayonetta 3
Bayonetta has faced the demons of Inferno and kicked the butts of Paradiso's angels - she's no stranger to a good fight. But in Bayonetta 3, our titular witch must confront Singularity and his army of Homunculi as they seek to dominate the multiverse. Luckily for Bayo, she won't be facing this threat alone.
Alongside feisty witch-in-training Viola, fellow Umbra Witch Jeanne, beloved demon weapons dealer Rodin, and countless other versions of herself from across the multiverse, let's just say Singularity is in for one hell of a ride in this Switch exclusive. If you’re looking for insane and flash action on the Switch, Bayonetta 3 is the best game choice you can make.
Bayonetta 3 on the Nintendo eShop
