The Best Switch Games To Explore Space

Space exploration is the most satisfying challenge when discovering the unknown. The vast size of the universe shelters many secrets and mysteries, such as new planets, resources, and life forms. When video games take place outside of Earth, there’s so much room for creative worlds and rules, like differing gravity and life cycles.

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Of course, space exploration is easier said than done because of the amount of dangers lurking in the void. Humans are very vulnerable outside their home planet, with threats like extreme terrain, uninhabitable atmosphere, low survival resources, or hostile predators all being factors. For those who would rather explore space from the comfort of their home, these space exploration games on Nintendo Switch should keep them firmly grounded on home soil.

11 Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic 2

Finding The Purpose Of The Force

Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic 2 provides an opportunity to become a Force user for any purpose, good or evil. The game is set during the end of the Jedi Extermination, with only a few escaping to carry on the fight. Players can customize their character freely, changing their playstyle from distant ranged combat with blasters to close-range melee fighters with staves and lightsabers.

Players will travel the galaxy and meet diverse races in the Star Wars universe. Quests can be acquired, though decisive choices are forced on the player to test their force alignment. Whether the player follows the teachings of the Jedi or the influence of the Sith will greatly affect the future of the Star Wars universe.

10 Void Bastards

Convicts In Space

Void Bastards gives a unique perspective of a convict being taken away from their incarceration due to a pirate raid. The invasion ruined the ships' resources, leaving them stranded in space. The convicts are forced to escape by following the orders of a distant voice which could lead them to their freedom.

The convicts must scavenge each ship for necessary materials and items to build an escape route. Weapons and oxygen tanks are essential for survival in dangerous ships, especially when facing pirates, turrets, morphed patients, and other possible abominations. If the current convict dies, another will take their place to continue the mission in true roguelike fashion.

9 Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

A Mario SRPG In The Galaxy

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a sequel that takes Mario and his team off their home planet. An ominous villain is spreading Darkmess that endangers not only the Mushroom Kingdom, but the whole galaxy. Their corruptive plan requires draining the energy of the Sparks, a powerful being fused with a Rabbid and Luma.

Mario has to travel to each planet to cleanse the Darkmess before everything falls to its malicious influence. The spreading corruption is making the planets harsher, making their terrain freeze or stormy. The team has to be cautious when dealing with enemies that use debuffs, such as poison ooze and electric shocks. When selecting a team, the gang can advantageously use the Sparks for offensive attacks or beneficial effects.

8 Outer Wilds

Exploring The Loop

Outer Wilds is the Solar System for players to explore on a journey for answers. In a limited time, the sun will explode, destroying the entire Solar System. The end isn’t permanent as some mysterious force resets everything before the explosive end.

Players can travel to any planet to find secrets and knowledge about the hidden truth behind the the sun's death. Despite the tragic end of everything, it’s encouraged to explore at any pace. The universe does reset, but the player’s memories will be retained, similar to The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. Any planet can be investigated in any order, as long as the player properly manages their oxygen and jetpack fuel.

7 Alien Isolation

How To Face An Outworldly Threat

Alien: Isolation encapsulates the feeling of solitude and fear when dealing with great alien danger in the lost Sevastopol station. Amanda Ripley searches the ominous space station with an invader creeping through the walls to find its prey. She has to solve the mystery of her lost mother and escape the area alive.

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Amanda will face certain challenges and enemies during her exploration, but her main concern is the Xenomorph. It uses its stealth and senses to find its prey, whether it crawls in the hallway or through the vents. Amanda has to search for tools and materials to build weapons for fighting the abnormal threat.

What makes the Alien so dangerous is its adaptability, using its previous experiences to learn the player's tactics. It can check any hiding spot, avoid constructed traps, or ignore distracting lures. The creature can't ever be killed and won't stop until it catches the player for its meal.

6 Metroid Prime Remastered

First-Person Exploration In Its Prime

Metroid Prime Remastered suits up players for a classic first-person adventure set on planet Tallon IV. Samus was forced to land on an ominous planet after investigating a space station, which resulted in the culprit escaping. After losing her resources, she has to explore Tallon IV to find materials and equipment while figuring out the threat’s location.

Despite losing her gear, Samus is still equipped with her hand cannon and visors for exploration and combat. She has several visors for different purposes, whether to examine enemies or unknown materials for info, to see through walls, or to find the heat signatures of enemies.

5 Opus: Echo Of Starsong

Dense Narrative Space Adventure

• Released: May 11, 2022
• Developer: SIGONO
• Publisher: SIGONO

Opus: Echo of Starsong combines everything from its predecessors to create the series' most accessible entry with a dense, engaging story. Players will lead Jun and Eda on a journey through the cosmos to uncover the truth of an ancient myth within deep space. The team must land on different planets to find resources and materials for ship upgrades, which are necessary to progress further into the vast galaxy.

The main team will interact with diverse characters, whether acquaintances or foes. Some characters could assist with the main journey, having their own backstories and reasons to travel far in the universe. The duo must always be cautious of some strangers holding more corrupt secrets. The game tells a dense, unforgettable story on the adventure for answers.

4 Battlestar Galactica Deadlock

An Inside Look At Battlestar Galactica's Past

Battlestar Galactica Deadlock is a creative interpretation of the TV show, Battlestar Galactica, to showcase the First Cylon War. Players take command of the Colonial Fleet as Admiral Lucinda Cain to challenge the Cylon, a race of cybernetic lifeforms. Battles occur in a strategy-based grid, allowing the ships to take any offensive and defensive commands.

Another system that the admiral must manage is the alliance of the Twelve Colonies. This abundant group of humans banded together to face the hostile Cylons. As the story progresses, the favor for each colony may rise or drop depending on certain player actions. The admiral must maintain the favor of every colony to gain their support. This can be done by completing other missions to regain a colony’s trust. If any colony's trust gets too low, the admiral won’t gain its support, hindering progress and the Colonial Fleet’s power.

3 Super Mario Galaxy

Addictive Pull Into Space

Super Mario Galaxy takes the tension between Bowser and Mario across the cosmos, as Bowser aims to cause havoc across the galaxies. Mario will save and meet various beings on his journey, including bees, gearmos, and a penguin coach. Some characters will reward Mario when doing required tasks like cleaning garbage or racing through spooky levels. Lumas offer help for Mario’s quest, whether they launch the plumber to new planets or become a new galaxy to explore.

The levels are vast and feature different terrain, making Mario deal with ice, magma, deserts, machinery, and more. Boo Mushrooms and Ice Flowers are a few of the unique power-ups for Mario to gain a better advantage. Each planet has its own gravitational pull, letting Mario hop freely from one side to another on smaller planets. He has to be cautious when jumping near black holes, especially at later levels when there are multiple of them.

2 Astroneer

Minecraft In Space

Astroneer allows players to make their own ideal homes in its space. The setting is within the 25th Century’s Intergalactic Age of Discovery, encouraging Astroneers to uncover rare mysteries and findings at their pleasure. Each planet has unique terrains, atmospheres, and resources for players to experience. There are no enemies to give players worry, though extreme environments can still be an issue.

The main goal is to colonize discovered planets by crafting machines and shelter for anyone to live, similar to Minecraft. Players can even use the terrain-building mechanic to makeshift the environment to their desired shape and form. It’s a more relaxing way for players to enjoy themselves within different environments.