Some of the longest Switch games will have us holding the handheld device for a very long time if you play the system on the go. TheXenoblade Chroniclesseries, for example, is one exclusive Nintendo franchise that will keep you entertained for ages and ages.
Please note that for this list, we are only covering games that have launched on Switch first or are exclusive. We are basing this knowledge onHowLongToBeat‘s data.
15) Mario & Luigi: Brothership (49.5 hours)
Mario & Luigi: Brothershipbrings back the classic RPG franchise and puts it on a console for the first time. While the combat is cherished among reviewers, some have criticized its “bloated runtime,” likeIGN. “There are so many places in this game that could have been cut down or abbreviated, but a lot of it feels there just as a way of extending the game,” saidour review. “It doesn’t feel rushed or unpolished; there’s just too much of it, and it gets in its own way.”
14) Pokemon Scarlet & Violet (50 hours)
The first open-world take in a mainlinePokemongame isScarlet & Violet.While the game is often criticized for its poor graphics, it does give a refreshing change to the formula as you’re given free rein on where to go next and which missions to complete first, adding to the hours spent in-game.
13) Ring Fit Adventure (57 hours)
Ring Fit Adventurekeeps you exercising for many weeks as it has a 57-hour run-time, according to HowLongToBeat. You’ll constantly unlock new workout moves to utilize against your foes in this pseudo-RPG exercise concept. It can be very fun in bursts.
12) Fire Emblem: Engage (63 hours)
Fire Emblem: Engageis a fantastic RPG that has you invested in forming friendships (or even a relationship) with the characters in the game. There is plenty of side content on offer as you go through the main campaign, keeping you “engage”d for many, many hours.
11) Rune Factory 5 (70 hours)
Rune Factory 5is a flawed yet fun experience on the Nintendo Switch. This RPG has you building resources, fighting enemies, and forming friendships with the people in your town. Your character can also marry others in the game. “It has a great cast, a wealth of activities, and much of the farm sim experience I love,” saidour review. “But every time I found myself smitten with the game, something would come along to point out just how underwhelming it is as a whole.”
10) Fire Emblem: Three Houses (75 hours)
This game may take you 75 hours to finish, but I was able to complete it in just a week. I believe I was unemployed at the time, but that’s how addicting this RPG can be. The characters are well-developed, and the strategy RPG battles are thrilling. You’ll keep wanting to play more.
9) Octopath Traveler (77 hours)
Another grand RPG to experience on the Nintendo Switch isOctopath Traveler.Originally released as a console exclusive in 2018, it blends classic sprites and 3D environments together in a stunning mix. “Winding vertical dungeon layers hide secrets without making navigation too frustrating, small towns have their own charm about them, and character models, especially bosses, are emotive,” saidour review.
8) Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (78 hours)
This RPG series is known for its lengthy games, and the first entry is no different. You’ll be exploring large plains with plenty of side quests to spend your life with. It also has an illustrious story that features Shulk and the legendary Monado.
7) Monster Hunter Rise (79 hours)
You’ll be hunting for many hours inMonster Hunter Riseas you attempt to make the best armor and go on quests with your friends. Games like this take your time as you master each monster’s moves and try to strategize your best route to eliminate the beast.
6) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (93 hours)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildrevolutionized the open-world genre by packing all manner of content, puzzles, and events all over Hyrule. It’s an incredible game that will keep you entertained for many hours. This game received a10/10 scorefrom us when it first launched.
5) Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (96 hours)
Monolith Soft created a magnum opus of a game withXenoblade Chronicles 2.The game is filled with stunning environments to find along the way, and the story is impactful for many. The more light-hearted dialogue, when compared to the first, however, may be a turn-off for some.
4) Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (102 hours)
The trilogy comes to a close withXenoblade Chronicles 3.Expect plenty of high-stakes drama as you go through this game’s campaign. At over 100 hours, there are many side quests to complete and a thrilling main story to keep you going until the very end. “The cast, the weight of the story, and the freedom of party composition are the power trio that won me over,” saidour reviewer, who was invested until the end.
3) Animal Crossing: New Horizons (106 hours)
During the COVID pandemic, many were invested in the tropical scenery ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizons.There is much to do in the game as we decorate our island villages, find new friends, and show our creations to online buddies. It was a paradise for us to wake up to every day.
2) The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (113 hours)
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomtook the world from its predecessor,Breath of the Wild,and expanded it greatly. Now, we can explore lands in the sky and down below in the underground. While it admittedly feels too bloated,Tears of the Kingdomis seen as one of the best Nintendo Switch games. You certainly get your money’s worth.
1) Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (171 hours)
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimateis, above and away, the longest Nintendo Switch game you’re able to play. The game has over 14 different weapon types to master, and there are a bunch of Hunting Styles and Hunter Arts to figure out as well. It has a mix of old and new monsters to slay, which will keep you entertained for more than 170 hours.
