Following my feature on the best Nintendo Switch games of 2024, I have some different ideas for my next Switch-focused article. The release of Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD reminded me of how much I loved the game on the 3DS, so I decided to write about my favorite horror games on the Switch. Please note that this list is in no particular order and also includes horror-related games. I also only included games that I personally tried on Switch. Hopefully this helps you find your next scare, or just gives you a lovely immersive horror experience on Nintendo’s hybrid system.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD ($59.99)
While Luigi’s Mansion 3 is the more popular title, replaying Luigi’s Mansion 2 on the Switch version last week reminded me of how much I love it. Consider this entry a cheat, as I’ve included not only Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD (the excellent version), but also Luigi’s Mansion 3DS and Luigi’s Mansion 3 on Switch. The trilogy is worth your time, as they’re all great games, and the Switch titles look great on the OLED screen. As for Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, it might not be worth it if you’ve already played it on 3DS, but for newcomers who got into the series on Switch with Luigi’s Mansion 3, it’s great. . Hopefully Nintendo will bring a 3DS version of Luigi’s Mansion 1 to the switch in some form as well so that the entire trilogy can be played on one system.
Signal Sent($19.99)
Signalis is one of the best horror games of recent years. I originally thought this would just be a nice throwback to the PS1 horror games, but it ended up being much more than that. I love the characters, the music, the aesthetic, and everything the developers put into this experience. If you like PS1 horror games, or just want a great survival horror experience that will stay with you for a long time, then Signalis is worth your time.
Soul Hunters: Marked for Death, NG, and Marked for Death II ($49.99 each)
This is another list entry where I cheat and show off multiple games. Well, just like Luigi’s Mansion, I’m including the entire Soul Hunters series here because all three games are excellent and worthy of being played by horror game fans for their art, story, and more. I also enjoy all three games on the Switch, although I’ve played them elsewhere. I love Experience Inc’s games and these three are definitely worth your time. I think this series is a hidden gem in the horror field.
Alien: Isolation ($19.99)
SEGA and Creative Assembly’s excellent Alien: Isolation has a Switch and mobile version via Feral Interactive, and as far as I’m concerned, the Switch version is actually better than the old PS4 version. It works and looks great on Nintendo’s hybrid system, and the aesthetics are perfect for an OLED screen in handheld mode. I know most people want a sequel (I know I do), but replaying Alien: Isolation on Switch is the experience you need as a fan or newbie to the game. This is a true masterpiece of survival horror.
Fatal Frame: Eclipse Mask ($49.99) and Maiden of Dark Waters ($39.99)
It’s great to see Koei Tecmo bringing two of its Fatal Frame (known as Project Zero outside of North America) games to Switch, as they not only offer an amazing horror experience, but they also provide the kind of horror we’re looking for right now. Things you don’t usually see in games like setting and gameplay loop. While both games have been remastered or brought to modern platforms, they both suffer from some clunky elements, but they deserve a spot in your horror game library for how scary they are. Now I’m hoping we’ll see the rest of the series on Nintendo Switch in the near future. If you could only pick one, I’d recommend Dark Waters since it’s a cheaper game, but in the end I preferred Mask of the Eclipse.
World of Horror ($19.99)
World of Horror eventually left Early Access and made a huge transition on the Nintendo Switch. This 1-bit horror roguelite with turn-based combat made a lasting impression on me when I played it, and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing it multiple times since. It’s not your average horror game, but it’s compelling enough that it blew me away when I first played it. In handheld mode, the art on the Switch OLED screen is stunning and the beauty shines.
Corpse Party ($19.99)
The original Corpse Party is one of my favorite horror games of all time, and I’ve played every localized version, with my favorites being the 3DS and Nintendo Switch versions. This 16-bit horror game features incredible audio and an unforgettable story. It’s not without its frustrations, and I’m still annoyed by one particular gameplay mechanic in the wee hours, but I would never put Corpse Party on a list of horror games. A low asking price also helps.
Resident Evil and Resident Evil 4 ($19.99 each)
When considering the best Resident Evil games currently on Switch, I wasn’t sure if I should feature Resident Evil (Remastered) or Resident Evil 4 here, so I took the easy way out and combined both. All included. With Resident Evil and Resident Evil 4, you can experience the best of the horror and action games in the series, and they also play well on the Nintendo Switch. Both games are horror gaming legends and you should play them.
Saturnalia ($19.99)
I didn’t play Saturnalia until Mediterranean Inferno came to consoles, but I’m glad I finally got to play it. Saturnalia is a stunningly beautiful survival horror adventure game in which you play as several characters exploring a village haunted by ancient rituals. Like the publisher’s other games, I liked it so much that I purchased it on another platform to support the release. Saturnalia is also one of the more interesting horror games in recent years.
Yomawari: Lost in the Dark and The Long Night Collection ($39.99)
I hadn’t even noticed the Yomawari game until a friend recommended I check out the PS Vita version years ago. I fell in love with this series because of its simple gameplay, but its design was scary and horrifying. Since debuting on PS Vita and PC in the West, the entire series has been ported to Switch, including a slew of original games and new releases. They’re all worth playing, but if you’re new to the series, I recommend The Long Night Collection. Just be aware of some outdated gameplay or lackluster quality-of-life mechanics. If you’re interested in aesthetics, the Yomawari games are definitely worth your time.
Little Nightmares I+II Combo Pack ($49.99)
In this case, there are dedicated bundles for both games on the eShop, so I don’t need to cheat to include multiple games. The “Little Nightmares” series of horror puzzle platform games creates the best atmosphere and immersion through the design and sound of the puzzles. Both games are worth playing, and I recommend picking up the discounted bundle rather than just buying the individual games that run well on the Switch.
That’s my list. If there’s a game you think I should include, please let me know in the comments below. I haven’t played every horror game on the Switch, so I can’t list some of the games I’ve played on other platforms like Madison, but the games I’ve listed here are all games I’ve played on the Switch myself, to ensure they are worth experiencing on a hybrid console. As always, thank you for reading!
