Best Sci-Fi Games On Switch

Nintendo's famed bounty hunter Samus is set to (eventually) blast her way onto Switch with the fourth installment of the Metroid Prime series. Still, the console's library when it comes to straight-up sci-fi, while growing, isn't quite what it could be. While a number of titles sprinkle in light science fiction elements a la Xenoblade, it's largely vibrant fantasy-themed games that reign supreme on Switch.

Even these games, however, often shy away from the rich, sleek, and darker science fiction elements found in games like Metroid, Cyberpunk 2077, or Mass Effect. But Switch's arsenal of sci-fi romps is building, and there are more than a few stellar games that science fiction fans should enjoy on the machine.

Updated November 29, 2023 by Stephen LaGioia: With the Switch now several years old (how time flies), the console's library has grown increasingly diverse and vast. Along with this comes various new science fiction-themed games, most notably the side-scrolling action game Metroid Dread, which features Nintendo's prime sci-fi mascot, Samus.

The popularity of this much-anticipated game should give Switch's growing lineup of sci-fi games more well-deserved attention. And since the library of futuristic romps continues to expand, we thought we'd revisit and build upon this list of the Switch's best of the genre.

19 Katana Zero

Metascore: 83

Stylish, exciting, and delightfully retro, Katana Zero follows a sword-wielding assassin named Subject Zero as he coasts along pixelated 2D biomes, while slicing and dicing foes in his path. The game almost plays like an extreme sports romp as much as it does a hardcore action scroller.

The pacing and physics maintain a smooth, swift flow throughout, as Zero can scurry about with haste, as well as wall kick and dodge attackers. What really sets this warrior apart, however, is his ability to manipulate time, looking into the future and slowing the action at will.

While straightforward, the thrills rarely slow down, and repetition is avoided by way unlockable challenges, and a few variants on the formula which include stealth and a motorcycle chase.

18 Warframe

Metascore: 64

Given the sleek visuals and epic nature of this expansive online game, some were surprised to hear of the 2018 release of Digital Extremes' Warframe on Switch. And with a slew of add-ons and refinements that same year, this port (courtesy of Panic Button) couldn't have come at a better time.

In Warframe, players lock-and-load as an ancient warrior race known as the Tenno, awaken from cryosleep only to find themselves at odds with clone and robotic factions. Convoluted mod system aside, this free-to-play game is a thrilling, and frankly overlooked third-person shooter. Players can expect tons of fun collectibles, unique fighters, and ample action.

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17 Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope

Metascore: 86

Rabbids Kingdom (2017) hit Switch as a sleeper that intrigued with its X-Com-meets-Nintendo concept — with this celestial sequel refining and adding to the rewarding formula. The game embraces the atmospheric, sci-fi overlay of Super Mario Galaxy, which many fans have missed over the years.

The game largely sticks to its strategic turn-based isometric fights, though adds some freedom and depth to the level design and battlefields. Another welcome addition is enemy encounters and generally more action populating the space between battle maps. With a slew of new weapons and abilities, as well as five distinct planets to explore, there's much tactical fun to lock into here.

16 Subnautica

Metascore: 87

Underwater sci-fi can be overlooked, given the vast, often empty nature of the dark oceans. Yet they can also have a very surreal, and even alien quality to them.

This exploration survival game seems to recognize this sci-fi trait, utilizing it to its advantage. Players venture through a seemingly endless water world inhabited by hostile alien sea creatures, after having crashed their spacecraft.

Vulnerable, and (literally) left in the dark, this outsider will need to find resources, tools, blueprints, and tasks in order to progress and remain safe from threats. More intriguing details — as well as dangers — will come to light as players branch out and cobble together submersibles and bases.

15 Overwatch 2

Metascore: 79

Blizzard takes the solid, gripping formula of their hit hero-shooter Overwatch and amps things up to a frenzied pitch in this sequel. Rounding out this robust online game is a roster of over 30 unique heroes, each with their own mechanics and abilities.

While familiar fun multiplayer modes are still here, with new ones added and rotated in the lineup, Overwatch 2 also delves into more PvE content, setting things up for more narrative surrounding this band of supersoldiers and antiheroes. Residing merely decades in the future, this one is more of a "soft" sci-fi, though there's much emphasis on sleek tech, electrified abilities, and the robotic Omnic.

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14 Into The Breach

Metascore: 90

Into the Breach is an alluring tactical game akin to futuristic (and more puzzle-based) Final Fantasy Tactics. The game was made by Subset Games of FTL: Faster Than Light fame—though one may not realize that by looking at this distinct, isometric follow-up.

Players take command of human fighters as they square off against battalions of invading monsters called the Vek. Not unlike FTL, ITB tasks players with a slew of pivotal decisions made all the more pressing by the quasi-roguelike structure.

13 Astroneer

Metascore: 71

Indie studios have largely been on the frontier of the sci-fi gaming scene, with efforts that often push boundaries and add new twists on the genre. Case in point: System Era Softworks' Astroneer. The game is a sandbox romp that has players assume the role of a wandering astronaut who explores vast, procedurally generated planets.

The name of the game is to scour the alien wilderness in order to gather items used to build, expand, and just survive. This interplanetary mission can be undertaken either solo or by teaming up with a friend. The result is a deceptively deep survival adventure that's both epic and whimsical. Generally speaking, Astroneer feels akin to a more colorful, stylistic version of The Martian.

12 Starlink: Battle For Atlas

Metascore: 74

While a true Star Fox game remains MIA on Switch, Ubisoft Toronto flies in to at least partly fill the black hole void with this similar space odyssey. Not only do these planetary and outer space flights feel Star Fox-esque, but the animal space hero himself is featured in the Switch version, complete with his iconic Arwing.

Even when disregarding this cameo—and the appeal of interchangeable toys-to-life ships—2018's Starlink shines as an overlooked space-shooter in its own right. The journey is full of solid mechanics, fun action, rewarding progression, and some colorful worlds, traversable from outer space in real-time.

11 RAD

Metascore: 74

Start with addictive hack 'n' slash gameplay, flesh it out with a post-apocalyptic premise, and decorate it with retro '80s flair. RAD would be the result.

This zany roguelike from Double Fine Productions holds on with its tentacles and never lets go, pummeling players with countless mutant foes, rich wasteland locales, and frantic combat. The increasingly absurd critters must be staved off by one's own arsenal of mutated, toxified powers. These amusing abilities are collected and upgraded throughout the procedurally generated journey.

10 Aegis Defenders

Metascore: 74

Venturing off the beaten path for this pick—Aegis Defenders stands as a hidden indie gem on Switch; one that warrants unearthing. The game creatively meshes tower defense/survival gameplay with team platforming and puzzle-solving a la Lost Vikings. After reaching a certain point in a stage, players will set up shop, crafting upgradable artillery and other structures to stave off waves of foes.

While these styles feel vastly different on the one hand, they're tied together by some charming 2D pixel art and interesting lore. Players take control of "Ruinhunters" tasked with protecting an ancient weapon from a malicious empire. A streamlined multiplayer feature helps in adding even more depth and enjoyment to the experience.