The Surprising Rise of First-Person Shooters on Nintendo Switch
When the hybrid console first launched, few gamers expected it to become a haven for first-person shooters. However, thanks to impressive technical feats from dedicated conversion studios and the precise addition of motion (gyro) controls, the handheld system has assembled a formidable library of shooters. From legendary AAA campaigns to thrilling boomer shooters, here are the top 20 best FPS games on Nintendo Switch available today.
1. Metroid Prime Remastered
A masterpiece reborn, Metroid Prime Remastered sets the golden standard for how classic action games should be updated. Blending immersive exploration, clever environmental puzzles, and tight combat on the alien world of Tallon IV, this release features completely overhauled visuals and dual-stick controller layouts alongside intuitive gyro controls.
2. DOOM Eternal
Considered a modern technical miracle on handheld hardware, Panic Button brought DOOM Eternal to Nintendo Switch with astonishing success. Fighting off demonic hordes requires fast movement, strategic weapon switching, and aggressive resource management. It remains one of the most intense and visually impressive shooters available on the system.
3. BioShock Infinite
As part of BioShock: The Collection, BioShock Infinite transports players high above the clouds to the airborne city of Columbia. With smooth performance, rich narrative themes, dynamic rail-riding combat, and incredible art design, it stands out as one of the finest story-driven FPS experiences on the platform.
4. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Continuing BJ Blazkowicz's intense fight against tyranny, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus delivers an emotional story packed with relentless action. The Nintendo Switch port manages to maintain cinematic quality while offering responsive motion aiming that elevates the fast gunplay.
5. Borderlands 2
Included in Borderlands: Legendary Collection, Borderlands 2 provides endless hours of looter-shooter fun on Pandora. Featuring distinct playable Vault Hunters, hilarious writing, billions of procedural weapons, and rock-solid 30fps performance with co-op support, it is an essential title for shooter fans.
6. DOOM (2016)
The game that proved modern AAA first-person shooters could succeed on hybrid hardware, DOOM (2016) is relentless, violent, and incredibly fun. Glory kills and high-speed movement make clearing corridors of hellspawn immensely satisfying, especially when utilizing handheld motion controls.
7. Dusk
If you love classic retro shooters inspired by classics like Quake and Blood, Dusk is an absolute must-play. Running at a buttery-smooth 60 frames per second, this atmospheric retro FPS features clever level design, haunting audio design, and lightning-fast action optimized perfectly for portable play.
8. Crysis Remastered
The iconic meme "Can it run Crysis?" was finally answered with a resounding yes. Crysis Remastered brings the iconic Nanosuit combat to portable devices, offering dynamic tactical freedom, destructive foliage, and open-ended combat across tropical islands.
9. Apex Legends
For fans of competitive multiplayer, Apex Legends delivers fast battle royale action directly to handheld devices. While visual trade-offs were made, cross-platform play and full gyro support ensure squad combat remains fluid and competitive on the go.
10. Portal 2
Arriving as part of Portal: Companion Collection, Valve's iconic puzzle-shooter Portal 2 shines on Nintendo Switch. Featuring exceptional writing, mind-bending physics puzzles, and superb single-player and co-op campaigns, it runs at a flawless 60fps in both handheld and docked modes.
11. Metro 2033 Redux
Set in the claustrophobic underground tunnels of post-apocalyptic Moscow, Metro 2033 Redux offers incredible survival horror and shooter mechanics. Resource management, tactical gunplay, and immersive storytelling make it one of the most atmospheric games on the hardware.
12. Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
This arcade-style Wild West shooter delivers stylish cel-shaded action, score-chasing gunfights, and duel mechanics. Call of Juarez: Gunslinger utilizes motion controls effectively and runs exceptionally well on Nintendo Switch.
13. Superhot
Superhot blurs the line between strategic puzzle solving and FPS action with its unique mechanic: time moves only when you move. Planning dodges, shooting enemies, and grabbing weapons out of thin air creates an addictive and stylish gameplay loop perfect for quick gaming sessions.
14. Prodeus
Prodeus blends classic retro FPS aesthetics with modern rendering techniques and high-octane gore. Featuring a heavy industrial soundtrack and satisfying weaponry, it offers a thrilling throwback campaign for classic shooter enthusiasts.
15. Quake II
Nightdive Studios outdid themselves with the remastered release of Quake II. Packed with enhanced graphics, improved AI, full expansion packs, brand-new levels, online multiplayer, and local split-screen co-op, it is an unbeatable value for classic FPS fans.
16. Ion Fury
Built on the legendary Build Engine that powered classics of the 90s, Ion Fury puts players in the boots of Shelly "Bombshell" Harrison. Massive non-linear levels, retro visuals, and explosive firefights make it a stand-out boomer shooter.
17. Bulletstorm: Duke of Switch Edition
Bulletstorm: Duke of Switch Edition rewards players for creative and stylish kills through its unique skillshot system. Featuring an energy leash, sliding mechanics, and the option to play through the full campaign as Duke Nukem, it provides pure high-energy fun.
18. Overwatch 2
Blizzard's popular hero shooter Overwatch 2 brings team-based objective combat to handheld gaming. With a massive roster of heroes and frequent seasonal updates, gyro aiming helps players keep up with fast team fights on portable screens.
19. Star Wars: Republic Commando
For fans of squad tactics and sci-fi lore, Star Wars: Republic Commando places players in command of Delta Squad. Issuing tactical commands to your squadmates while taking down Separatist forces remains intensely satisfying in this remastered classic.
20. Bright Memory: Infinite
Bright Memory: Infinite combines high-speed first-person gunplay with visceral melee sword combat and special abilities. Despite high graphical demands, this fast action shooter offers stunning visuals and high-speed gameplay on the hybrid system.
FPS Features Comparison on Nintendo Switch
| Game Title | Target Framerate | Gyro Aim Support | Co-op / Multiplayer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metroid Prime Remastered | 60 FPS | Yes | Single-player |
| DOOM Eternal | 30 FPS | Yes | Online Battlemode |
| Dusk | 60 FPS | Yes | Single-player |
| Borderlands 2 | 30 FPS | Yes | Local & Online Co-op |
| Portal 2 | 60 FPS | Yes | Local & Online Co-op |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Nintendo Switch FPS games support motion controls?
Yes, many top FPS games on Nintendo Switch, such as Metroid Prime Remastered, DOOM Eternal, and Dusk, feature motion control (gyro aiming). Gyro aiming allows for fine adjustments by physically tilting the Joy-Cons or Pro Controller, bringing precision close to mouse aiming.
Can you play FPS games comfortably in handheld mode?
Yes, FPS games play well in handheld mode, especially titles optimized with readable UI elements and motion aiming. For prolonged sessions, using ergonomic grips or a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller in tabletop mode is recommended for maximum comfort.
Are shooter ports visually downgraded on Nintendo Switch?
To run ambitious titles like DOOM Eternal or Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus on portable hardware, developers use dynamic resolution scaling and lower texture detail. However, retro shooters like Dusk or optimized remasters like Metroid Prime Remastered render crisp visuals at 60 FPS.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch has established itself as an unexpectedly versatile console for first-person shooters. Whether you want deep single-player campaigns like Metroid Prime Remastered, chaotic looter-shooters like Borderlands 2, or adrenaline-fueled retro action in Dusk, there is an exceptional FPS game ready for docked or portable play.
