The Ultimate Collection: Top Nintendo Switch Games for Endless Long Journeys

Highlights

The Nintendo Switch is the ideal console for long journeys because of its portability and ability to be played anywhere.

Games such as Stardew Valley, Slay the Spire, and Hades provide captivating gameplay and can be easily paused, making them ideal companions for extended journeys.

On the other hand, titles like Football Manager Touch 23, Monster Hunter Rise, and New Pokemon Snap offer enjoyable experiences that can be enjoyed in short intervals or completed within a single trip.

The Nintendo Switch, one of the top-selling consoles in history, owes its success to its unique features. Users have the option to either connect it to a TV and play it like a traditional home console or take it on the go. Its portability makes it the perfect console for long journeys, such as train rides, plane trips, or road trips. With Nintendo being renowned for its family-friendly games, the Switch is also a great way to keep children entertained.

Updated October 23, 2023 by Mark Sammut: In search of the ultimate Switch game for those lengthy flights or long bus rides? Look no further! These titles are a must-have for any journey, as they have the power to turn hours into mere minutes.

11 Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley, released on February 26, 2016, by developer ConcernedApe, is a highly popular indie game that continues to captivate players. Combining elements of RPG and simulation genres, this game offers an extensive gameplay experience. With a playtime of approximately 53 hours, it provides ample content for players to enjoy. Available on the Nintendo eShop, Stardew Valley offers a realistic life simulation, allowing players to fulfill their every desire in the game world, from mundane tasks to battling monsters in the mines.

Each day in the game lasts only twelve minutes, making it crucial for players to return to their beds and sleep before the day ends. This setup naturally provides save points at regular intervals in case players need to abruptly exit the game.

10 Slay The Spire

Slay the Spire

Released on January 23, 2019, Slay The Spire is a highly acclaimed roguelike deck-building game developed by MegaCrit. Players engage in challenging battles as they ascend the eponymous spire, strategically enhancing and modifying their card collection to construct an impeccable deck. This game has garnered a dedicated fanbase and is widely recognized as one of the top card games for the Nintendo Switch.

Slay The Spire is highly captivating, with runs that can be as short as a few minutes if things don't go well. It's both addictive and immersive, offering the ability to pause at any point in case a lengthy adventure abruptly comes to an end.

9 Hades

Hades

Hades, developed by Supergiant Games, was released on September 17, 2020. This action RPG received a remarkable response from fans, who considered it one of the best games of that year. In this roguelike hack-and-slash game, players take control of Zagreus as he embarks on a journey to escape the underworld. With an estimated gameplay duration of 23 hours, Hades can be found on the Nintendo eShop.

8 Football Manager Touch 23

: Hades is undoubtedly among the top indie games that the console has to offer, captivating players with its addictive nature and leaving them wanting to embark on another thrilling adventure before putting it aside. This makes Hades the perfect companion for an extended journey, providing an immersive experience that engrosses players completely.

Football Manager 2023 Touch

Released on November 7, 2022, Football Manager is a highly successful series developed by Sports Interactive. Combining the genres of sports and simulation, this game allows players to take charge of their desired team. Originating as Championship Manager in 1992, Football Manager has evolved into a complex and immersive experience over the years. With an estimated gameplay duration of 40 hours, you can find Football Manager on Nintendo eShop.

7 Two Point Hospital & Two Point Campus

Football Manager stands out as the most comprehensive sports-management game currently on the market, providing players with an immersive experience and exciting challenges. The thrill of the game often lies in the pressure and stress encountered, making it all the more enjoyable. Embarking on a lengthy journey can set the stage for a successful season or allow for a complete squad overhaul through lucrative transfer market deals.

Two Point Campus

Released: August 9, 2022

Developer(s): Two Point Studios

Genre(s): Simulation

How Long To Beat: 20 Hours

View on Nintendo eShop

Despite being relatively new, Two Point Studios has already released two exceptional games - Two Point Hospital and the more recent Two Point Campus. Although these games focus on different businesses and offer distinct features, their core gameplay remains consistent.

Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus offer players the opportunity to create and nurture their own business ventures, witnessing their growth or grappling with challenges leading to potential failure.

These management games are regarded as top-tier third-party options for Nintendo Switch, capable of captivating players for countless hours.

6 Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise

Released March 26, 2021Developer(s) CapcomGenre(s) Action, RPGHow Long To Beat 22 Hours See at Nintendo eShop

Monster Hunter Rise offers an enjoyable gaming experience for long journeys, thanks to its well-designed structure. The gameplay loop remains consistent with other Monster Hunter titles, requiring players to defeat or capture different monsters and then craft new weapons and armor at the camp.

With its impressive visuals, Monster Hunter Rise stands out as one of the most visually appealing games on the Nintendo Switch. Its addictiveness is undeniable, capable of captivating players for hours on end. However, the game's division into smaller hunts also allows for regular breaks between sessions.

5 New Pokemon Snap

New Pokémon Snap

Released April 30, 2021Developer(s) Bandai Namco EntertainmentGenre(s) SimulationHow Long To Beat 12 Hours See at Nintendo eShop

On long journeys, players often prefer to avoid challenges, especially when they are in a confined space. This is where games like New Pokemon Snap come in. The gameplay is incredibly straightforward and being set in the Pokemon universe alone makes it highly appealing to numerous fans.

Completing each course only requires a few minutes, but capturing images of every Pokemon takes several attempts. Therefore, New Pokemon Snap is an excellent game to play during long journeys, providing players with ample time to try and complete a course before progressing.

4 Civilization 6

Civilization 6

Released October 21, 2016Developer(s) Firaxis GamesGenre(s) StrategyHow Long To Beat 23 Hours See at Nintendo eShop

Civilization 6, an immensely popular 4X strategy game, is the latest addition to the franchise. Originally launched for PC in 2016, it later made its way to Nintendo Switch after a two-year delay. The continuous release of downloadable content has successfully kept the game engaging and exciting.

A single session of Civilization 6 can span several hours, making it challenging to complete a game within a typical journey's duration. Nevertheless, the captivating nature of the game makes it easy to become absorbed and engrossed during an entire trip, and the length of a long flight may offer ample time to achieve victory.

3 Pikmin 4

Pikmin 4

Released July 21, 2023Developer(s) NintendoGenre(s) Puzzle, AdventureHow Long To Beat 17 Hours See at Nintendo eShop

The Nintendo Switch offers all the mainline Pikmin games, allowing fans to choose their favorites. While Nintendo doesn't frequently revisit this strategy franchise, each new numbered entry consistently meets expectations. Pikmin 4 stands out as not only the most modern representative of the series, but also the most well-rounded and accessible, making it a highly enjoyable game on the Switch.

As always, players must guide an army of adorable minions through stunning stages, which typically resemble ordinary environments but appear fantastical due to the protagonist's miniature size. The gameplay provides a good amount of variety without overwhelming players. In contrast to some previous installments, Pikmin 4 doesn't place significant pressure on player performance, opting for a relaxing campaign instead.

2 Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Released March 20, 2020Developer(s) Nintendo EPDGenre(s) SimulationHow Long To Beat 100 Hours See at Nintendo eShop

Animal Crossing: New Horizons took the gaming community by storm in 2020 and continues to be one of the most enjoyable and soothing games available. With the ability to save at any moment and a vast array of content, including seasonal events, players have endless possibilities for fun.

However, a drawback of playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons on long journeys is that the game's day-night cycle mirrors the real world. While there is always something to do, the experience may become less enjoyable after a couple of hours in-game if it is still daytime.

1 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild & Tears Of The Kingdom

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Released May 12, 2023Developer(s) NintendoGenre(s) AdventureHow Long To Beat 60 Hours See at Nintendo eShop

Recommending Breath of the Wild or its sequel may seem cliché by now, but these two Zelda masterpieces are undeniably perfect Switch games for lengthy journeys. With over a hundred hours of potential content, these titles immerse players in expansive worlds and allow them the freedom to explore at their own pace.

Tears of the Kingdom offers a greater sense of direction and narrative moments compared to its predecessor, without feeling intrusive. Most notably, TOTK builds upon BOTW's foundation by introducing a dynamic crafting and building system that enhances the gameplay experience.