The Nintendo Switch might not be everyone’s go-to platform for playing MMORPGs, but it’s still a handheld device that you can carry along for some quick questing. There are quite a few MMOs out there for the Switch that you can consider checking out if you are looking for games to invest some time into. Do note that a lot of the MMOs that are available on the Switch are available only in Japan so you might need to look up community guides to understand what’s going on. Here are our picks for the best MMOs that you should check out on the Nintendo Switch.
Ark: Survival Evolved
ARK: Survival Evolved was one of the first MMOs to launch on the Nintendo Switch but was one of the worst ports on the platform at the time. Since its 2018 release, the game failed to offer a stable experience on the handheld console. Grove Street finally released an update in November 2022 which has turned ARK into an enjoyable experience on the platform. The performance issues that plagued the game at its launch on the Switch are now gone and it’s remarkably smooth with occasional hiccups.
Ark has a lot of grinding involved, and if you enjoy survival gameplay, it might be a great game for you to try out. The game has an element of challenge to it, and if you are up to the task and don’t mind a few deaths in your experience, you will have a good time with the game.
Dragon Quest X
Dragon Quest X is currently available only in Japan but if you make a Nintendo account for the region, you will be able to obtain the game. Despite fan demand, it is one of the few games that has not received a Western release. The best part is you can play it offline which sounds absurd for an MMORPG but you can experience all of the content solo.
When the game originally launched, Japanese publication Famitsu gave it a mighty 36 points out of 40 and it is easily one of the best games in the Dragon Quest franchise. It’s unfortunate that they made it to the West but at least you can give it a try right now provided you are willing to navigate around the Japanese menus. There are also fan projects for the non-Switch version of the game if you want to play in English on PC.
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis (Cloud Edition)
In Phantasy Star Online 2, you get to play as Artificial Relic to Keep Species (ARKS), which is an elite task force created to explore planets and take on the series’ antagonists known as the Falspawn. If you have played PSO2 on other platforms, you know how keeping up with Urgent Quests can be a little tedious, and having the ability to complete them on the Switch is just great.
Just like Dragon Quest X, PSO2 is available only for the Japanese audience but you can use community-made guides to familiarize yourself with the game. There are simulators out there with English translations if you ever need help with anything. If you are already familiar with the game, you should have no trouble navigating around the menus but I would not recommend PSO2 on the Switch for new players as it can be a hassle to look up translations constantly.
DC Universe Online
DC Universe Online is a free-to-play MMORPG that you can check out without any upfront costs. The game does have microtransactions and in-app purchases but my limited experience with the game has been positive.
The game runs well on the Nintendo Switch, and if you are someone who enjoys the DC characters in any form of media, the MMO is worth checking out. Even though the game arrived on the Switch not too long ago, the game has been around for over a decade and it is showing signs of aging. Things might not feel as polished as most recent MMOs but it still holds up if you are looking for something to play on the go.
Skyforge
Skyforge isn’t high on my list of must-play MMOs but the class system is well done and there is plenty of content available if you want to check it out. With eighteen different classes to try out, you can get your fair share of fun trying out different builds and trying out all of the activities the game has to offer.
Just like Ark, Skyforge’s launch on the Switch was a performance nightmare but things have gotten a lot better thanks to updates. The graphics are nothing to write home about but the experience is passable for an MMO that you can play during your daily commute.
Warframe
We know, Warframe isn’t exactly a traditional MMORPG but options are stretched thin on the platform so we’re giving this game a pass. If you have never tried out the Warframe is a looter shooter with four-player activities and open-world trading hubs and public areas similar to MMORPGs. The movement and combat are by far the biggest draws of the game with Digital Extremes allowing you to pull off some crazy maneuvers seamlessly.
If you have never tried out the game, we strongly recommend giving the game a try, whether on the Switch or a different platform. The game runs adequately well on the Switch, and while open worlds can stress the device out, the normal set-piece missions run fairly well and you can have a solid experience on the go.
Other Games to Consider
While they are not MMOs, you can consider checking out games like Temtem, Monster Hunter, and Diablo which should give you tons of content to sink your teeth into. Other live-service titles with loot-based progression are also available should you be willing to check out other genres. But when it comes to core MMOs, your options are stretched thin on the Switch.
We don’t expect to see something like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV anytime soon on the platform but the fact that some of the popular MMOs have been ported over for the Switch and run well on a handheld device is quite impressive. With rumors of a new Nintendo Switch doing the rounds, it is possible that we get a few mainstream titles on the platform in the coming years.
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