The Best Switch Games That Run at 1080p & 60 FPS

Highlights

• Nintendo Switch, a wild success, but dated hardware causes performance issues.
• High-performance Switch games like Star Wars Episode 1: Racer are rare gems.
• Splatoon 3 and Streets of Rage 4 offer fast-paced, immersive gameplay on Switch.

In 2017, Nintendo took its monopoly of the handheld market and blended it with a home console release to wild success. The Nintendo Switch has sold over 130 million consoles worldwide and currently stands as the third best-selling console of all time. However, it is running on hardware that was dated on release, and for all its ingenuity and Nintendo charm, performance issues have been a cloud hanging over the console.

Finding titles that run at high performance consistently, be it in resolution or frame rate, has been a rarity for many Switch owners on their portable hybrid machine. Though that is not the case universally, below are some outstanding titles that pull off the highest performance levels on a docked Nintendo Switch.

Updated on March 27, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: The Nintendo Switch has garnered an unflattering reputation for being a console that is way too dated now. The hardware has certainly seen better days, and bonafide exclusives have started stuttering on this platform, which is worrying for fans. With news that the Switch 2’s launch will be delayed, fans may think that their hybrid console won’t last another year, but that isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, there are many brilliant Switch games that run at 1080p and 60 FPS, which is more than what most fans could’ve asked for.

16 Star Wars Episode 1: Racer

Metascore: 70

In 1999, Star Wars Episode 1: Racer was a child’s dream of podracing brought to fruition in gaming. Featuring all the characters, podracers, and locations from The Phantom Menace and more; the game was an inspired blend of futuristic racing games and the Star Wars license. The gameplay is a winning mix of boosting at top speed across long stretches, mastering winding turns, and making breathtaking jumps.

Its 2020 HD re-release on the Switch brings the breathtaking high speeds of podracing to today’s 1080p 60fps standard. Despite dated textures, the high-octane thrills and winding courses remain untouched and Switch motion controls can bring unparalleled immersion.

15 Fast RMX

Metascore: 81

The Fast Series has brought high-speed futuristic racing to Nintendo gamers since 2011’s Fast Racing League on Wii. Taking favorable comparisons to the Wipeoutand F-Zero franchises, the gameplay works on a color-switching mechanic to pull off boosts and jumps respectively. This is truly a celebration of futuristic racing games with navigating tracks at ferocious speeds proving one of the most satisfying twitch reflex tests around.

A 2017 Switch launch title, Fast RMX is an enhanced, expanded version of the Wii U’s Fast Racing Neo. Its plethora of tracks and vehicles with crisp visuals and high performance make this one of the strongest racing games on the Switch.

14 Doom 3

Metascore: 81

Though it met a tepid response from franchise fans on its initial 2004 release, Doom 3 has come to be seen as one of the defining FPS experiences of its era. Set on Mars in the year 2145, the player is placed in a corporate research facility where experiments with teleportation open up a gateway to hell, and shortly afterward, Mars is invaded by Demons.

As a franchise reboot, Doom 3 replaced the frantic, blasting-through hordes approach to the dismay of many, but what it offered instead was an unforgettable claustrophobic horror. Its revolutionary lighting stands up to this day, and there is still plenty of run-and-gun mayhem among unnerving environments and jump scares for the ages.

13 The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

Metascore: 81

A game many thought would be lost to the Wii eternally due to its motion controls arrived on the Nintendo Switch in 2021. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD would bring the last of the linear 3D Zelda titles to Nintendo’s hybrid console to outstanding success. Not only were the motion controls of the original available through Joy-Cons, but an entirely analog control scheme was worked into this remaster. Yet most notably the performance of the game was dramatically improved. Running at a locked 60FPS, shortening load times, and revamping the aesthetic for a charming watercolor effect, brought the Master Sword origins story a new breath of life.

Without this long linear Zelda title Breath of the Wild would never have come to be. It is not without its flaws, but it contains some of the most imaginative and brilliant dungeons Eiji Aonuma’s team ever designed.

12 Splatoon 3

Metascore: 83

Nintendo’s original online shooter franchise would finally get a Switch-exclusive entry in 2022. Splatoon 3 would carefully build on the additions made from the previous entry, namely in its imaginative campaign. Using the paint mechanic as a method for open-ended exploration, the player must fight Octarian enemies and save Alterna from the Fuzzy Ooze. The bite-sized missions offer a choice of exploration and racking up collectibles or racing to the objective. At its best, this single-player experience echoes some of the most innovative designs of Super Mario Sunshine. Yet the hub world base campaign is not the main attraction.

Splatoon 3 delivers all the fast ink-splattered multiplayer mayhem of previous entries with more weapons, practice ranges, and customization options than ever before. Turf Wars and the cooperative Salmon Runs return for some of the fastest online gameplay available on the Switch.

11 Streets Of Rage 4

Metascore: 84

Most people were glad to see one of the most legendary beat-’em-up franchises make a comeback, with Streets of Rage 4 being widely anticipated by the masses. While some players were worried about whether this game would hold up to the series’ immense legacy, a few hours in this fun title was all it took to convince players of its quality.

With an art style that is both modern and reminiscent of the series’ past, Streets of Rage 4 feels like a labor of love that proves once again that state-of-the-art graphics are overrated in the grand scheme of things. This game runs like butter on the Switch and is tailor-made for the multiplayer focus of this console.

10 Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition

Metascore: 84

Rayman as a franchise may well have peaked with the arrival of Rayman Legends in 2013. Initially designed to be a Wii U exclusive, Legends has come to be seen as one of the greatest 2D platformers ever made, and has been released on nearly every platform since. Containing over 120 levels, many unlockable from the previous Rayman Origins as well as time trial ‘invasion’ levels make for outstanding replayability.

Original-level design, creative soundtrack choices, and seamless controls make this a must-play for any fans of the genre. Rhythm-based levels and raucous multiplayer will leave a lasting impression from this short but incredibly sweet experience.

9 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Metascore: 86

This return to the Donkey Kong Country franchise brings precision platforming and superlative-level design to 1080p perfection on the Switch. The Kongs are called to action when Kong Island is frozen over by the invading Snowmads cutting Donkey Kong’s birthday celebrations short. Akin to its predecessors, Tropical Freeze is a challenging, engrossing platformer demanding the very best of players across pitfalls, vines, springboards, buzzsaws, and minecart mazes.

The vibrant art style is one of Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze‘s outstanding assets, making a tough experience at once inviting and moreish. Should difficulty be off-putting, consider Funky Kong, a playable character who lowers the game difficulty to a less demanding level.

8 Cuphead

Metascore: 87

Not for the faint of heart, Cuphead is one of the most challenging games of its generation. This brilliant run and gun was a Microsoft exclusive in 2017 till its overwhelming success earned it ports across all platforms. The plot is as simple as it is beguiling: having lost a game at the Devil’s Casino, Cuphead must run and gun his way through fellow debtors to pay off his own debt.

Blessed with an impeccable 1930s animation art style, addicting boss runs, and tight controlling gameplay, this classic side-scrolling shoot ‘em up is not one to miss. The Switch release of Cuphead adds its unique portability element to a perfect port along with the available multiplayer and DLC.

7 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

Metascore: 89

A sequel to the outstanding Super Mario 3D Land on Nintendo 3DS, Super Mario 3D World was ported to the Switch in 2020. Part of the 35th Anniversary of the titular character, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury brings a fascinating blend of 2D side-scrolling Mario games and its open-world 3D counterparts. Featuring fun to truly challenging level designs and one of the most memorable co-op experiences Nintendo has ever offered, the title received universal acclaim for its beautiful presentation and bundles of energy.

Exclusive to the Switch version are fast character running speeds, online multiplayer, and some Amiibo functionality. The add-on game of Bowser’s Fury would also receive critical acclaim, noted as one of Nintendo’s most experimental titles in years.

6 Quake 2

Metascore: 90

Winning universal plaudits for its, the Quake 2 remaster offers the definitive way to play this iconic first-person shooter. The player is put in the role of Bitterman, a space marine launched into a counteroffensive against the Strogg, an alien race warring against humanity. Fast, frenetic, gory action bursts from every level as industrial metal pumps from the soundtrack.

No doubt a product of its time, this remaster comes packed with content and remarkable quality-of-life improvements. This less than 10-dollar purchase offers listless customization, 5 campaigns, and local and online multiplayer; both cooperative and competitive: this is a remarkable remaster of a legendary sci-fi FPS.

5 Ori And The Blind Forest

Metascore: 90

Critically acclaimed for its beautiful art direction and moving storytelling, Ori and the Blind Forest is a quality Metroidvania that deserves the attention of any Switch owner. The player traverses environmental level design as Ori, a guardian spirit who must weather the elements to restore the forest to its natural health. Exploring the forest is a joy and never overwhelming with the ability for the player to set their own checkpoints with the use of ‘soul links’.

Though initially released on Microsoft platforms, the Switch release is the highest-rated with portability adding another layer to this dream-like fable. A 2015 ‘Game of the Year’ winner, Ori and the Blind Forest is among the Switch’s best with a cracking sequel of the same caliber.

4 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Metascore: 92

When Mario Kart 8 arrived on the Wii U it was universally praised and rightly labeled the pinnacle of the franchise. However, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe takes everything that title had and expands with stacks more content. Tracks and cups have been added, Battle Mode has received a much-needed overhaul, and minor gameplay additions like the ability to hold two items are in.

The roster of Deluxe is expanded, and the ability to customize karts to one’s bespoke desire has also expanded but most importantly the amount of tracks has only grown since launch. For gamers looking for even more Mario Kart the Booster Course Pass DLC is worth every penny with remastered courses from across the entire franchise available.

3 Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Metascore: 92

With the 3D Mario games impressing players during the Switch’s run, most people felt like the age of 2.5D Mario had passed. It didn’t help that New Super Mario Bros. U left a bad taste in the mouths of fans, who found this game to be lacking when compared to its predecessors.

So, fans were more than pleased to see the sheer amount of love and effort put into each and every one of Wonder‘s levels. The Wonder Seeds add a new dynamic to every stage, and the game runs like butter on the Switch.

2 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Metascore: 93

Regarded as one of the greatest fighting games ever, Super Smash Bros Ultimate is the series zenith and an unmissable Switch game. Its pantheon of 89 playable characters and staggering depth of content only complement the wild brawling the series has been built upon. The core gameplay mechanic of laying in hits to build damage till the opposition can be sent flying from the stage remains intact and entertaining as ever.

Nintendo gamers are given listless choices and fan service across the 104 stages seen in single and multiplayer. Winning multiple ‘Game of the Year’ awards across 2018, Super Smash Bros Ultimate remains the best-selling fighting game of all time.

1 Super Mario Odyssey

Metascore: 97

To this day, fans can’t get enough of Super Mario Odyssey‘s relentless charm. This platformer is one of the most endearing games players can check out, with Mario’s adventures on the Switch being an absolute treat to witness.

As expected the game looks breathtakingly beautiful, as one would expect from a mainline Mario game. Along with this, the level design, seamless Moon collecting, and smooth performance of this title elevate the overall fun factor.