The Nintendo Switch is a handy and innovative little system that allows players to take their games with them everywhere they go. As such, many of the games that have been released for the Switch have been specifically designed so that they don't require an internet connection in order to be enjoyed.
While video games have become largely focused on internet connectivity in the past decade, offline, single-player games are just as important to have available on a console's library. Not everyone has access to high-speed internet, but that should not be an issue when it comes to the best offline Switch games.
Updated March 4, 2025 by Mark Sammut: Compared to some other consoles, the Switch has had a relatively quiet 2025 so far, especially since its successor has been revealed and seems set to debut before the end of the year. Three more fantastic offline Nintendo Switch games have been added to this discussion, all of which arrived in 2024 on the console: Balatro, Animal Well, and Pentiment.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom
Some Formulas Never Grow Old
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Released
- September 26, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo, Grezzo
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom might represent Zelda's modern era, but the franchise has not forgotten its roots either. Echoes of Wisdom is very much a throwback to the license's classic formula, albeit one that takes a few big risks. The most obvious is the protagonist: Zelda. Yes, for the first time in what feels like forever, the iconic Princess takes center stage, finding herself needing to protect Hyrule after a portal to another realm removes Link from the equation. While usually presented as a capable warrior in her own right, Zelda's skills are naturally very different from Link's, and her mage-style background is emphasized throughout Echoes of Wisdom.
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Aided by a fairy, Zelda gains access to the Tri Rod, which allows her to create copies (or echoes) of items and enemies. The entire game is built around this mechanic, with combat encounters revolving around Zelda's ability to summon creatures and exploration heavily using echoes. Despite the change in protagonist, Echoes of Wisdom nevertheless feels like classic Zelda, including a structure that manages to be both liberating like a sandbox and also fairly linear. Each dungeon offers a good mix of action and environmental puzzles, while also ending with generally fun boss fights.
2 The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
Building On Perfection
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Released
- May 12, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Action, Open-World
In 2023, the Switch had long stretches were not a lot was really happening. That said, a decent release was never too far away Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe and Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp were both good-to-great remakes, while Fire Emblem Engage was another confident strategy RPG in a franchise packed to the brim with them. At this point in its life, the Switch does not need system sellers, and these titles suffice as solid additions to an already vast library.
However, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is another beast entirely. Breath of the Wild's sequel somehow does the impossible and arguably improves upon what many consider to be the best single-player Switch game, even though it cannot hope to feel as groundbreaking as its predecessor. TOTK finds Link going on another expansive journey across Hyrule, this time in search of the missing Zelda. Furthermore, he also needs to explore floating islands and a massive underground world. Gameplay-wise, the 2023 release fundamentally feels the same as BOTW, just with a few new mechanics such as a fuse system that rewards creativity.
Breath of the Wild is, obviously, also one of the best offline Switch games, and its omission is simply to avoid doubling down on two similar projects. That said, BOTW and TOTK are roughly the same quality.
3 Metroid Dread
The Classic 2D Metroidvania Formula Is Timeless
Metroid Dread
- Released
- October 8, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- MercurySteam
Like many of the other all-time greats of gaming, the Metroid series has suffered long spells on the sidelines since first breaking onto the scene more than three and a half decades ago. When it does rear its helmet-covered head though, fans can generally expect a fantastic experience, whether that be in two dimensions or three. Metroid Dread is an example of the former, and, depending on who one asks, possibly the best 2D Metroid game of all time.
Other than the ill-fated spin-off game, Metroid Prime: Federation Force, the franchise has always been geared towards a single-player experience, and that is once again the case with Dread. Players couldn't play the game with a friend or loved one even if they wanted to, which actually plays into some of its core themes quite nicely. At its core, Dread is a game that seeks to invoke feelings of isolation, and the single-player setting works incredibly well in that respect.
4 Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Ambitious Open-World JRPG With So Much Content
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
- Released
- July 29, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
All of the Xenoblade Chronicles JRPGs rank among the best offline switch games, but the 2022 entry gets the nod due to being more accessible than the second entry. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 introduces a world defined by a seemingly eternal conflict between two nations, both of which utilize young soldiers who are expected to die within a decade. Due to a strange turn of events, two squads who were once enemies find themselves having to work together.
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Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is full of endgame content for players to challenge after clearing the main story, so here are some solid Endgame Team Builds.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 offers potentially more than a hundred hours of content, and a significant portion of that playtime revolves around the main storyline. The combat gradually expands as the campaign progresses, adding mechanic upon mechanic to create a complex and satisfying system.
5 Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Beautiful & Plays Beautifully
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Released
- October 20, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
While not devoid of representation, the Switch does not have all that many traditional Mario projects. Consequently, Super Mario Bros. Wonder filled a genuine void that had been present for most of the console's lifespan, and the side-scrolling platformer is far from a retread of former glories. Boasting a gorgeous visual style and an array of new power-ups and gimmicks, Wonder lives up to its name by radiating creativity and imagination throughout most stages. It is arguably the best 2D Mario outing in decades.
Now, the game's marketing emphasizes its multiplayer quite a bit, and playing with friends certainly brings a unique charm to the campaign. However, Super Mario Bros. Wonder works flawlessly as a single-player package, as do most mainline entries in Nintendo's legendary franchise.
6 Super Mario Odyssey
3D Mario At His Best
Super Mario Odyssey
- Released
- October 27, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Though there are a few online functions attached to Super Mario Odyssey - most notably the time trial-inspired, Luigi's Balloon World - the crux of the experience is centered around classic single-player action. It is technically possible to play with a second person controlling Cappy, although this is more of a gimmick than anything else.
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The game itself features an array of vibrant sandbox kingdoms for Mario to explore with his brand-new capture ability, which allows him to take control of enemies and other characters that would usually be NPCs. There's a ton to do in every single kingdom, players can easily spend well over 100 hours in the game.
7 Pikmin 4
Worth The Wait
Pikmin 4
- Released
- July 21, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle, Adventure
Nintendo took its time with Pikmin 4, and that patience paid off. The sequel builds beautifully on its predecessors' brilliant foundations, crafting arguably the most enjoyable entry in the series so far. As always, players must navigate an alien planet while leading Pikmin, small entities that come in a wide range of colors signaling their unique powers and uses.
While the core experience is not far removed from Pikmin 3, the 2023 release fine-tunes enough elements to feel like its own beast, all the while adding a few neat mechanics that largely complement the central gameplay loop. Visually, Pikmin 4 is among the best looking games on the Switch.
8 Persona 5 Royal
Arguably The Best Turn-Based JRPG & Social Sim On The Switch
Persona 5 Royal
- Released
- March 31, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Atlus, P-Studio
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
After existing as a PlayStation exclusive for a couple of years, Persona 5 Royal is now available across a spectrum of platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. Combining dungeon crawling with turn-based combat and social sim sections, Atlus' JRPG delivers a lengthy and engrossing story alongside enjoyable gameplay.
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As the Phantom Thieves, players dive into people's subconsciousness to trigger a change of heart; while inside these mental palaces, the heroes encounter Persona, which they can battle or recruit. P5R is absolutely overflowing with content, making it one of the best single-player Switch games.
9 Metroid Prime Remastered
A Masterpiece On Any Console
Metroid Prime Remastered
- Released
- February 8, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo, Retro Studios
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Metroidvania
Metroid Prime was a masterpiece when it debuted in 2002, and age has done nothing to change this fact. Randomly released in early 2023, Metroid Prime Remastered gives the GameCube classic a predictable graphical makeover, which largely serves to reinforce the original's brilliant and timeless visual design. More importantly, the Switch version incorporates modern dual-analog controls that are a better fit for a first-person shooter, although fans who prefer the old ways can pick the classic setup.
The new controls change the gameplay's feel quite a bit, so veterans who have played Metroid Prime to death can enjoy a somewhat fresh experience. Meanwhile, newcomers can just jump into one of the greatest Nintendo games of all time without having to deal with a learning curve.
10 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Tactical Combat With Social Elements
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Released
- July 26, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Intelligent Systems
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, RPG
Fire Emblem: Three Houses features a small amount of online content in the form of travelers, but, overall, they're not even close to being required to enjoy the game. As with most of the other Fire Emblem games, the real fun can be found in single-player offline gameplay and Three Houses is one of the best examples of this.
Three Houses allows players to complete every single battle at their own pace, explore the monastery, and enjoy their support conversations with other units - all without any online connection. There is a ton of fun to be had with the game, and completing every possible route can take anywhere from 200 to 300 hours.