The 23 best shooting games on Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch offers a great line of shooter games in 2D and 3D format, with a little bit of everything for its users. It’s no secret that Nintendo’s third party selection was never known for hosting video games that caught the attention of its users, but that changed the launch of the Nintendo Switch.

Today, it is common to find independent games on the system, some being outsourced and some being even from Nintendo itself.

While shooting games on Nintendo Switch don’t usually stand out when compared to shooters for PC, Xbox One or PS4, it has enough variety to make it a good choice for shooters in this style.

We’ve put together for you a list of the best shooting games on Nintendo Switch, including some free games, and we’ll tell you what makes each one so amazing!

Read also: The 21 best FPS games on PC available right now!

1. Doom

To start our list of the best shooting games on Nintendo Switch, let’s talk about Doom. Developed by id Software and published by Bethesda, the game surprised many fans when it was released in 2017.

Managing not only to be worthy of the series that preceded it, it also boasted a much better performance than one would expect on Nintendo Switch.

The violent “Glory Kills” system that performed excellently on PC, Xbox One and PS4 can also be found on Nintendo’s handheld, with adequate light gameplay. The game has low resolution and low quality on some textures, but Doom works surprisingly on Switch.

2. Metroid Dread

If you are looking for one of the best games in the Metroidvania genre (combining the names of Metroid and Castlevania games) on Switch, Metroid Dread will be your best choice.

Narratively, Metroid Dread is a sequel to Metroid Fusion (2002), but it is a much more modern title in its design choices and it shows. You also have access to upgrades like: weapons, areas and a full set of skills to play.

Metroid Dead presents a lot of suspense and fear, which are known characteristics of the series, featuring robotic and alien chases. It all fits together, forming one of the scariest, most difficult and most stylish games on the Nintendo Switch, easily placing it among the best Nintendo Switch shooters.

3. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is the eighth title in the Wolfenstein series and a direct sequel to 2014’s Wolfenstein: The New Order. Wolfenstein is a major Bethesda shooter franchise that had its first title released in the 1980s.

The game is set in 1960, in an alternate history of the United States taken over by Nazi Germany. The story shows the legendary and heroic BJ Blazkowicz, fighting nazis while trying to liberate the United States.

The game has excellent first person shooter gameplay with plenty of challenges. It is possible to play as a one man demolition crew or as a stealth agent who defeats your enemies from a distance.

If you are a fan of Doom and Doom Eternal, you will love Wolfenstein II.

4. Overwatch

After three years of being released for Windows, Playstation and Xbox, Overwatch was finally released for the Nintendo Switch in 2019. Overwatch works with two teams of six players each, and each player has the right to choose between 30 characters.

Although the game has some low resolution textures and some loading issues, it is still considered a good way to play the online shooter game.

The game characters are divided into roles, each of which serves to categorize the game’s heroes.

These roles are:

• Damage: with high mobility and being known for their ability to deal damage wherever they go, they are the classic damage dealers. And so that everything keeps balanced, characters in this category don’t count with a large health pool. In total, 16 damage heroes are in the roster.
• Tank: unlike the previous characters, these are the ones that have the most amount of HP inside Overwatch. Through this and crowd control and damage mitigation abilities in their kits, they manage to fend off enemies and disrupt the opposing team. In total, 8 Tank heroes are in the roster.
• Support: characters in this category may not have many hit points or do more damage, but their strength lies in the ability is to boost the performance of their own team, weakening the enemy and healing their teammates. They work on behalf of their own team. Altogether there are 7 support characters in the game.

5. Superhot

Superhot is probably one of the most creative shooting games on Nintendo Switch.

With a provocative story, the game starts with just a friend-to-friend conversation, then the story unfolds and becomes just a competition, with a mixture of conversations and games.

The most important mechanic in the game and the gimmick the entire thing is based on is the fact that time only passes when the player moves, so the player is able to properly measure each step to efficiently attack and defeat their targets.

Based on a mix of basic tricks that manage to be extremely effective, the story unfolds between each level and proves to be one of the most fun shooting games for Nintendo Switch around.

Pros

• Addictive gameplay
• Unique experience
• Innovative conceptualization and gameplay design

Cons

• No longer has updates
• Short campaign
• Not compatible with Switch’s VR

6. Bulletstorm

Developed by People Can Fly and Epic Games, the game stands out for its rude sense of humor, where players win a prize for every kill, the more creative, the better.

The game has gameplay totally different from the standard, as it is focused on points instead of just progression.

With a release that had little fanfare, Bulletstorm functions as an exaggerated parody of other games. Fact is, it’s a shame that it had little publicity, because its gross and absurd story, along with the game’s “Skillshot” system, make it an excellent choice when compared to all the popular shooting games on the market.

7. BioShock

Originally released 13 years ago, BioShock remains one of the best first-person shooters ever. The good news is that it is now available to play on Nintendo Switch.

Its visual style is designed in such a way that it still looks great and will likely remain timeless. The underwater city of Rapture is brimming with stories, and its inhabitants are as terrifying as ever.

We don’t have enough good survival horror games, but BioShock is there among the big ones like Resident Evil and Dead Space, even if all these titles oftentimes are more action than anything else.

When you finish the first one, you can play the other hits, BioShock 2 and BioShock: Infinite, as part of the collection on Switch.

8. Borderlands 2

There aren’t many shooter-RPG hybrid options available on Switch yet, but luckily players have Borderlands 2.

The gameplay is based on an insane quest for loot, with amazing weapons and a gameplay loop that is likely to mesmerize you.

It is important for a game to bring the feeling of satisfaction during the gameplay cycle and we can say that Borderlands 2 is above average in this regard. Unlike many shooters that focus on dark, realistic tones, Borderlands has always emphasized silly themes and it stands out due to its beautiful visuals in cel-shading (a set of rendering techniques that look like 2D drawings).

You can play these three great shooting games on Nintendo Switch by purchasing the collection: Borderlands, The Pre-Sequel and Borderlands 2, along with all its DLCs, in a single package!

9. Splatoon 2

This is the only game on this list developed in-house by Nintendo. Splatoon 2 is part of a third-person shooter franchise. The multiplayer gameplay stays fast-paced and intense while it’s possible to destroy enemies with inkjets. The main goal is usually to paint as much of the stage as you can.

The multiplayer progression system and customization options are enough to keep the player addicted to the game.

It also offers a very creative campaign mode, as well as a new Co-op mode named Salmon Run, which will put your skills to the test!

Splatoon 3 is planned for release in 2022 and promises to deliver an even more fun experience!

10. Fortnite

The world’s biggest multiplayer game can now be played in your living room or anywhere in your home, right from your Nintendo Switch.

Fortnite: Battle Royale used the formula presented in The Culling e PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds titles and mixed it with a construction mechanic that allows you to transform any location into a defensible fortress.

Its characteristic art style with frequent updates has changed the game drastically over time and, as a crossplay game, it is compatible with all systems. This means Switch players can enjoy the best of the Battle Royale genre with their friends on Xbox, PS4 or even their mobile phones.

Click here to check availability.

11. The Outer Worlds

The Outer Worlds is a popular role-playing game on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles and it now has a Nintendo Switch version.

The game offers players multiple choices, weapons to wield and locations to explore, all while navigating the game’s sarcastic but rich storyline.

Some concessions had to be made in the gameplay of the game due to the consoles technical limitations, but it’s possible to find a great experience and fans of the Fallout style will really appreciate it.

12. Warframe

You can’t play Destiny 2 on Switch, but you can find a very similar option that millions of players seem to prefer: Warframe. The sci-fi game combines elements of shooter and third-person action, with loads of content and a host of customization options.

It’s a well-crafted free game and the developer has included items such as huge ships that allow players to fly through space to face enemies on the move.

Game lovers have nothing to lose by trying this game!

13. Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 is known as a survival horror game, but it can definitely be classified as a shooting game. The fourth entry is considered by many to be the best game in the series, although there are many who say that newer versions like Resident Evil 7 take first place on the podium.

The game seamlessly permeates between a shooting game and a horror game, with lots of whimsical characters and scary monsters to fall in love with.

The Switch version is delivering a very satisfying experience, much like the versions for other consoles. Even with some things out of date, there’s still a lot to enjoy in RE4.

There is speculation that it will receive a remake treatment, due to be released in the next few years, which could cheer up even more fans of the series in the future.

14. The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth

This is one of the wildest and most bizarre games on this list. The Binding of Isaac is a roguelike (RPG game subgenre) that is surprisingly available on the Nintendo Switch, unexpected due to its religious themes. This is a good example of how Nintendo and other video game makers as a whole have evolved over time.

In the game, you play as a naked baby named Isaac, who shoots scary enemies through his tears. It is very similar to a dungeon crawler (a term used in role-playing games to designate caves or labyrinths full of monsters), although at many times it looks like a horror game.

In short, The Binding of Isaac is grotesque, difficult and funny and there is nothing quite like it.

15. Ikaruga

One of the best shoot’em up and bullet hell games available on the market. It is also one of the best shooting games on Nintendo Switch.

To play you only need to use a few buttons, to pilot a spaceship that fires projectiles and change its polarity to damage certain enemies while absorbing the attacks of others.

The game served as the main source of inspiration for Nier: Automata, and while it doesn’t come out for consoles, it’s possible to get a taste of its aesthetic and intensity on Nintendo Switch.

16. Jamestown+

Released in 2011 as Jamestown: Legend of the Lost Colony, it is a vertical shooter with an alternate story arrived on Nintendo Switch in 2019 as Jamestown+.

The game is set in a kind of “Colonial Mars”, where forces battle with several advanced weapons. The game uses a gold collection system to power special “Vaunt” abilities that help provide momentary protection and increased damage.

In Jamestown+, the soundtrack is the result of a bizarre mix we’ve never heard before.

In summary, this game is much more than meets the eye and may surprise some players on Switch.

17. Nuclear Throne

Rogue and shooter genres don’t usually mix, but Nuclear Throne doesn’t care about that.

The developer’s approach to this top-down shooter game allows you to increase your skills in a nuclear wasteland environment, and this can be paired together with the mind-blowing shooting action as you make your way through the game.

There are many different weapons and explosives options to choose from as you fight your way to your goal. You have to learn a little more in each run if you want to be successful.

With just one oversight you can become vulnerable to gunfire from the bizarre enemies that exist in the game, so safety should never be taken for granted.

18. Cuphead

Initially only available for Xbox One and PC, Cuphead is now available on Nintendo Switch. The game bears resemblance to classic racing and shooting games mixed with a platform game, and makes great references to classic Disney animated films such as Steamboat Willie.

Even though it presents a “cute” image, it is one of the most difficult games available for the Nintendo Switch. In Cuphead there is no easy life, especially as you approach the end, and it will require every ounce of your skills to reach the final boss unscathed.

19. Rolling Gunner

Rolling Gunner is a traditional shoot’em up and one of the best shooting games on Nintendo Switch. The game is horizontal and might appeal to fans of games like Thunder Cross and Gradius.

Rolling Gunner’s logic is challenging, where players need to avoid bullets while attacking enemy ships, but of course the game offers a difficulty level customization if necessary.

The game features a mix of modern and retro concepts and visual styles, with hidden and avant-garde enemies. It’s not a revolutionary game, but it’s based on the classic horizontal shooters of the 1990s and early 2000s and it does right what it sets out to do.

20. Blazing Chrome

For those who love shooting games, you might miss the Contra series. Luckly, Contra: Rogue Corps is available as one of the best shooting games on Nintendo Switch! Alternatively, we suggest Blazing Chrome, which is similar to Contra III and Contra: Hard Corps in all the best aspects.

In it you will find challenging bosses and enemies with a myriad of weaponry options.

The best part about Blazing Chrome is its extensive checkpoint system and game continuity points, which means that even if you’re having problems with a game phase, you won’t have to waste time starting from scratch.

21. Sine Mora EX

With a close resemblance to Ikaruga,  Sine Mora EX features a fun variation on a standard shoot’em up that links player life to time limits. In other words: if you are hit by an enemy, you will not die instantly, but your available time to finish the game will decrease.

This means there is no margin for error and you need to defeat enemies as quickly as possible if you want to have time to reach your objective.

The game is set in an apocalyptic scenario with voice acting, but it’s still possible to find an arcade mode if you’re purely focused on shooting.

22. Turok: Dinosaur Hunter

Turok: Dinosaur Hunter is an enhanced version of the 1997 classic of the same name. This is a first person shooter game that pits the player against deadly dinosaurs.

In the 1990s, the 3D gaming world was still a new and unknown concept, and this is one of the games that brought 3D to the forefront.

In this game, you’ll have access to a large arsenal of powerful weapons like the Plasma Pulse Rifle, the Atomic Fusion Cannon, plus a flame thrower and much more to eliminate enemies. Some challenges like traps and puzzles along the way are present in the game as you progress to defeat the main villain known as The Campaigner.

23. Apex Legends

To finish off this long list of shooting games on Nintendo Switch we chose Apex Legends, which is a free multiplayer shooter in the Battle Royale genre recently released for the Nintendo handheld.

The game has been available for other consoles since 2019, but is now playable on Nintendo Switch and has cross-play capability, so players will have the freedom to play simultaneously with their friends.

In Apex Legends you will have a number of characters to choose from, who have their own individual abilities and unique personalities. This brings a very big twist aspect to the traditional Battle Royale formula, while also giving hero sniper elements.

Thanks to continued support from its developer Respawn Entertainments, Apex Legends players have no shortage of content to enjoy.

How’d you like this list about the best shooting games on Nintendo Switch?

So, did any game in this list grab your interest? Did we miss any games that should be here? Comment down below, let us know!