Highlights

• Mass Effect fans looking for similar games on the Nintendo Switch have options like BioShock: The Collection, No Man's Sky, and Citizen Sleeper to scratch that sci-fi itch.
• While these games have different gameplay and storytelling styles than Mass Effect, they all offer immersive experiences with unique settings and themes.
• Players can also explore Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic on the Switch, which is regarded as one of BioWare's best games and offers a rich world and memorable NPCs. Warframe is another option for fast-paced action and a lore-rich experience.

Mass Effect wowed players with its incredible science-fiction plot and enjoyable gameplay when it debuted back in 2007. BioWare's game went on to spawn two direct sequels and a further entry that was meant to start a new era for the IP, along with a 2021 compilation of the original trilogy. While some are more loved than others, all four games have their fans and left their mark on gaming as a whole.

Mass Effect might not be available on the Switch, but players can turn to other games to scratch a similar itch. Even if not the greatest option for BioWare's output, the Nintendo console has a massive library of titles that cover most genres and preferences.

Updated on December 27, 2023 by Mark Sammut: BioWare's space opera does not seem like it will ever be coming to the Nintendo Switch. Consequently, fans will need to check out some Switch games like Mass Effect to get their fill.

5 BioShock: The Collection

Fascinating Settings

The BioShock series is composed of three shooter games that explore different settings and themes. BioShock Remastered explores an undersea dystopia, BioShock 2 explores the theme of family with a character looking to save his sister, and finally, BioShock Infinite combines the two with the idea of rescue and the interesting setting of a city above the clouds.

The franchise's interesting settings, visuals, and complex themes make all three games worthy of praise and recommendation, although they are still largely different experiences from Mass Effect. In terms of gameplay, BioShock is played from a first-person perspective and blends gunplay with unique abilities similar to BioWare's series.

4 No Man's Sky

Explore A Galaxy

Another great adventure game that is a must-play for sci-fi fans is No Man's Sky. Now, on the surface, Hello Game's release is very different from Mass Effect since the former prioritizes exploration and resource management over anything resembling a story; however, they both highlight the appeal of space investigation, even if they emphasize different elements. There is even a Mass Effect Easter egg in No Man's Sky, with the Normandy SR1 being brought into the game.

The game is an action-adventure survival game where players must focus on surviving in the galaxy as they try to reach its core. No Man's Sky generally leaves players to their own devices rather than streamlining them down a specific path (although there is some direction), and while launching to a mixed reception, the game has benefited from several substantial updates.

3 Citizen Sleeper

Rich Sci-Fi World

Citizen Sleeper is a narrative RPG that leans into immersive sim territory. Before moving any further, it should be mentioned that Citizen Sleeper moves at a fairly slow pace and is nowhere near as action-driven as Mass Effect. However, the game does a stellar job of immersing players in its cyberpunk-esque universe through its fleshed-out NPCs and intelligent world-building.

After escaping an overwhelming corporation, players try to settle down in a space station, which is easier said than done since they are fugitives. Using a dice system that showcases its tabletop inspirations, Citizen Sleeper constantly challenges players to make both major and minor decisions, even if it is something as simple as how they would like to spend a day.

2 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

BioWare's Star Wars RPG Masterpiece

The Nintendo Switch has a couple of Star Wars games that, more often than not, are decent recommendations for sci-fi fans. The Skywalker Saga is a stellar Lego-themed option that comes packed with plenty of content as it covers all the main movies, although its family-friendly nature results in a tone that is far removed from Mass Effect. The Force Unleashed is a solid hack and slash option, while old-school titles like Republic Commando have their charm. However, when it comes to Switch games like Mass Effect, there is no need to look further than BioWare's Knights of the Old Republic and its Obsidian sequel.

Released in 2003, KOTOR is still regarded as one of BioWare's crowning achievements, and time has done little to diminish its stronger aspect. Featuring a genre-pushing dialogue system that leans into a simple but effective morality mechanic, KOTOR nails its world-building, crafting a universe that feels completely alive. The main plot is solid, but the campaign is at its best when highlighting smaller stories driven by memorable NPCs. The combat is not particularly great, but it does not take away too much from the overall experience or the class system.

1 Warframe

A Free-To-Play Epic

A rough launch aside, Warframe has been a staple of the free-to-play scene for the best part of a decade, and the game runs surprisingly well on the Switch. While that might sound like a given for a 2013 release, Digital Extremes has expanded significantly on Warframe's original blueprint, including incorporating wide open areas. Ultimately, there are better platforms for running this action RPG, but Switch-only users are not short-changed either.

Set in a lore-rich world and granting players access to Warframes as Tenno members, Warframe centers around fast-paced combat that blends melee and ranged action. Although not necessarily the main reason to play, the overall story is serviceable and helps add some stakes to the fantastic gameplay. At this point, the game has so much free content that it could easily keep a new player hooked for months or years.

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