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Nintendo’s first-party titles are almost exclusively centered around beloved mascot characters who are easily marketable to children while still being popular with adults for their corresponding games’ consistent quality, whether it be Mario, Donkey Kong, Kirby, or any of the other iconic Nintendo franchises.
Although M-rated Switch games are few and far between, there are a handful of gems on the system that will surely satisfy those looking for a more adult gaming experience.
Updated on June 27th, 2022 by Hodey Johns: There is no shortage of fun for gamers of all ages to be had on the Nintendo Switch. Many times adults feel like they have to get into a childlike mindset before they can appreciate what the Switch has to offer. While there’s no reason to stop doing that for some games, sometimes the Switch offers a truly adult experience that parents may want to usher kids out of the room for. This list has been updated with some additional titles that aren’t adult just for the sake of being adult, but definitely should be played with the catch that younger audiences aren’t around to observe.
11 Diablo 3: Eternal Collection
Diablo 3 was developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released on Switch in November 2018, over six years after it was first released on PC. It has aged remarkably well.
The Nintendo Switch received the Eternal Collection version of the hack and slash role-playing game, which contains the Rise of the Necromancer and Reaper of Souls expansions. Diablo 3 was a hit with critics, exemplified by its 88 Metascore for both the PC and Nintendo Switch versions of the game.
10 Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition
Larian Studios’ Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a fantasy role-playing game that was released on the Nintendo Switch in September 2019, just under two years after it first hit stores. The game is best known for its intricate combat mechanics, story, and seamless cooperative features that make the game a blast to play with friends.
The Switch’s Definitive Edition version of the game adds a range of new features, including a tutorial, new story content, and an overhauled Arena mode.
9 Bayonetta + Bayonetta 2
As the name suggests, Bayonetta + Bayonetta 2 is a collection of the series’ two action-adventure games that were first released in 2009 and 2014, respectively.
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The pair of games are known for their over-the-top, action-heavy combat, which captivates audiences with their visual spectacle and the wide range of gameplay mechanics for players to utilize. Both games scored highly with critics, earning Metascores that reach as high as 90 for the first game and 92 for the second.
8 Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Disco Elysium was originally released exclusively on PC in October 2019, before coming to a range of other systems in the months and years that followed, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and of course, Nintendo Switch. It brought the best of modern text-based gaming to the console.
The Nintendo Switch received the expanded version of the game, known as Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, which features full voice acting and new content. ZA/UM’s game impressed fans and critics with its encapsulating story and unique art style that is reminiscent of oil paintings.
7 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition
The Nintendo Switch’s Complete Edition version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt contains every DLC, including the two critically acclaimed comprehensive story expansions, Blood and Wine & Hearts of Stone, which are today regarded as the benchmark for other story DLCs.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt turned heads in 2015 with its incredible visuals and kept players’ attention with the excellent range of quests that often feature engrossing stories that will suck players into the game’s fantasy world. Players aren’t just along for the ride with the story, however, as they must make numerous crucial decisions that can greatly affect the narrative’s outcome through the universally beloved Geralt.
6 BioShock: The Collection
BioShock: The Collection was released in September 2016 and is a great value-for-money package that contains the iconic BioShock trilogy and their DLCs - the package also features remastered versions of the first two games. For those that haven’t played the trilogy yet, the collection is worth buying for the atmosphere in the first game alone, as the descent into Rapture is still as breathtaking today as when the game was first released in August 2007.
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Although the second game struggled to reach the heights of its predecessor, it’s still a great time for fans of the series, particularly as it lets gamers play as a Big Daddy for the first time. The third game responded to criticisms that the second game was too similar to the first, with a complete change of pace by taking players out of the underwater city of Rapture to the beautiful city in the sky known as Columbia. Who knows what the setting for the next installment will be.
5 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Given how long Skyrim has been out now it’s easy to forget just how good the game is, as firing up the game and starting a new save has become almost second nature to some players.
Skyrim’s level of role-playing freedom is what keeps drawing players back, as the game can be played aggressively with players completing as many mercenary quests as possible or passively with players opting to focus on house building, trade, crafting, or other casual activities.
4 Dusk
If there was any wondering if Dusk, as a first-person shooter, would be enjoyed by adults, consider that the game is essentially a love letter to Quake. Shamelessly killing everything, be it a monster, a racist, or a military invader, this high-octane ride is an enjoyable one.
There is definitely a combination of carnage and adult themes in Dusk that isn’t suitable for kids. The gameplay itself is so fast-paced that it requires some prior experience with this kind of game to be beaten.
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2 Inside
Don’t let the artistic simplicity or young protagonist fool anybody, this game is definitely one that takes a mature mind to appreciate. The tense moments where defeat is a whisper away are tough to survive and take experienced reflexes to navigate.
The game is full of puzzles but the plot itself is a puzzle. Deducing what is going on in this world takes a clear head, calm nerves, and an inquisitive mind. The somber atmosphere is a delightful change of pace for Switch gamers.
1 The House In Fata Morgana - Dreams Of The Revenants Edition
Considering how family-friendly the Nintendo Switch is, players might mistakenly believe that the top ten list is all cartoons and bright animations. Nope! The House In Fata Morgana is ranked third-highest for any Switch game of all time and is the top-rated mature game on the console.
Gamers who usually don’t enjoy visual novels may still enjoy this game due to the fantastic artwork that spans almost a thousand years of storytelling. Even the most emotionless player will find their heartstrings being pulled.
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