Highlights

• Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game that takes place in a futuristic world invaded by giant monsters. Players must control mechs to protect cities and defeat the creatures. The game is praised for its strategic depth and replayability.

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.

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.

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.

9 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

Metascore: 94

Despite taking place in a virtual galaxy far, far away, this dynamic Star Wars game was ahead of its time. BioWare crams loads of detail and depth into the experience, made all the more fun by the potent Jedi protagonist. Players can choose their own path towards the Light or Dark side by earning points for each, affecting their arc and attributes down the line. This modern technique brings an interactive feel that intertwines with the story at large.

Knights of the Old Republic utilizes Lucas' and the company's rich backlog of world-building to the fullest. But the gameplay also shines in its own right; especially the free-flowing and nuanced combat. KOTOR stands the test of time, making the Switch remaster an appealing sci-fi game for the console—even without many refinements or additions.

8 Hyper Light Drifter

Metascore: 84

This satisfying blend of future and past harkens back to the glory days of the NES, with charming pixel art and button-mashing action. But beneath the seemingly simple exterior lies appealing gameplay and a gripping sci-fi-fantasy story reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's Castle in the Sky.

This sci-fi game also presents subtle shades of Star Wars-esque lore and themes. Players take the role of the energy sword-wielding "Drifter," who fights their way through tough monsters; honing their skills and tactics along the way. While the journey is fairly brief at eight hours, Heart Machine crams loads of thrilling gameplay and memorable moments in this dark sci-fi.

7 Alien: Isolation

Metascore: 79

It's a tall order for any game to match Ridley Scott's creepy, atmospheric thriller Alien, though Creative Assembly gets quite close with this game. Released in 2014, the aptly named Alien Isolation is often seen as one of the scariest horror games. It brings palpable scares with its dark, desolate settings, dynamic sound, and unsettlingly smart alien AI. And the fact that it's one of the Switch's best-looking games ensures gamers will be immersed in this tense virtual horror.

Players take the role of Ellen Ripley's daughter, as she's forced to traverse a massive ship and find out what happened to her mother. The catch? She is terrorized by an ominous alien monster, who must be eluded by the vulnerable protagonist.

6 Metroid Dread

Metascore: 88

Nintendo delighted fans with the announcement of a Metroid game at E3 2021, which hit store shelves well before the long-awaited Prime 4. To the relief of gamers, however, Metroid Dread is far from a gap-filler. Samus' Switch mission enthralls with thrilling gameplay, flashy visuals, and lush 2D biomes.

MercurySteam and Nintendo EPD partly adhere to the nostalgic Super Metroid with familiar, accessible sidescrolling gameplay. At the same time, cool new elements are brought to the fold. These include deep boss fights, intense stealth bouts via robot pursuits—and more recently the grueling "Dread Mode."

5 Axiom Verge

Metascore: 84

While many studios have sought to emulate Metroid and Metroidvania-style adventures, this 2015 cult hit particularly stands out with its retro feel and rewarding run-and-shoot gameplay.

Axiom Verge proves a faithful and worthy homage to Nintendo's classic IP while staying fairly authentic in its style. With crisp mechanics, satisfying upgrades, and tough but accessible gameplay, this sci-fi shooter is a great gap-filler for Metroid fans awaiting Samus' next big release.

4 BioShock: The Collection

Metascore: 84

For Nintendo fans that missed the boat (or submarine) with regards to 2K's underwater odyssey, there's never been a better time to take the plunge than 2016's BioShock package.

This great collection includes upgraded versions of the robust classics, BioShock 1 & 2, along with BioShock Infinite and DLC content. The result is 50 hours of deep, enticing FPS gameplay and a gripping Orwellian story. The lack of BioShock 2 multiplayer aside, this is truly the definitive way to experience this dystopian epic for new explorers and veterans alike.

3 Doom Eternal

Metascore: 88

Making up for lost time on Nintendo platforms, id Software and Bethesda come out guns blazing with multiple Doom renditions on Switch. Following its (2016) return to form, this awesome sequel convincingly takes its place as one of the Switch's best shooters and sci-fi games alike.

This version brings most of the same explosive, gory experience as other versions. At the same time, this version holds its own appeals by way of handheld functionality and surprisingly great motion controls. This apocalyptic demon-slaying romp serves to remind Nintendo fans of this FPS game's legacy.

2 The Outer Worlds

Metascore: 85

While the Bethesda classic Fallout is absent on Switch, this comparable ARPG from Obsidian proves a solid replacement, while bringing some Mass Effect vibes as well. The Outer Worlds feels like an interactive sci-fi odyssey as much as a game, with deep lore, imaginative locales, and a branching storyline.

Of course, there's still plenty of meaty gameplay to sink one's teeth into during this interstellar voyage. Set in an alternative future under the boot of mega-corporations, players take the role of the Stranger, an enhanced human who sets out to save the species. Traversing the vibrant planet star system Halcyon, the Stranger meets different factions and fights various foes while gaining power and abilities.

1 Astral Chain

Metascore: 87

Coming off the heels of the divisive (and less accessible) Wonderful 101 and Star Fox Zero, PlatinumGames comes out swinging with this thrilling, stylistic action game. The sleek, cyberpunk aesthetic and interdimensional premise are gripping and complement Astral Chain's adrenaline-fueled gameplay.

While the sleek visual style allures its viewers, the intense, fluid combat really shines here, as players spend much of the 20-hour journey slicing and dicing alien invaders. The arcade-style frenzy is balanced with depth and variety via unique weapons and a robust skill tree. In short, Astral Chain feels like an awesome fusion of Dynasty Warriors and The Matrix.

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