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Here’s my definitive list of the Best Nintendo Switch Action Games for 2025 and beyond, showcasing fast-paced combat with intense battles that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re blasting through enemies, punching, slicing, or piloting mechs, these games represent the best action has to offer on the Nintendo Switch.
1. Bayonetta Series: Nintendo’s Action Flagship
There’s no better way to start this list than with what I consider to be the Flagship action series from Nintendo, Bayonetta.
I’ve been a fan of Bayonetta ever since her reveal in Smash 4, and the Nintendo Switch made it possible for anyone to play all 3 games on a single console.
Each Bayonetta game is packed with over-the-top nonsensical action, extravagant characters, and a weird but compelling storyline that you’ll definitely enjoy.
Before trying anything else on this list, please start with Bayonetta.
2. Nier: Automata – The End of YoRHa Edition
Nier: Automata needs no introduction. It’s an action game released in 2017 and has been released on several home consoles, amassing over 9 million sales.
It’s one of PlatinumGames’ best works, and we can finally experience it all on a Nintendo console. From its deep themes and storytelling, to its stunning visuals and amazing soundtrack, to its action-packed combat, Nier: Automata is a must-play.
3. Astral Chain: A Futuristic Action Masterpiece
And for the third time in a row, we got another work by PlatinumGames, Astral Chain, surprisingly a Nintendo Switch exclusive. This game is set in a futuristic world that combines stylish cyberpunk visuals with a unique dual-character combat system.
Players simultaneously control both their character and a creature called a “Legion,” creating a dynamic gameplay experience that blends fast-paced action with strategic depth. This innovative mechanic keeps the battles engaging and sets the game apart from other action titles.
While not as popular as Bayonetta, it’s definitely a niche game worth checking out.
4. Monster Hunter Rise and Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
Looking for a Co-op experience? Then you need to play a Monster Hunter Game, and thankfully you have two to choose from on the Nintendo Switch.
Apart from both being outstanding games, they can usually be bought for a cheap price on sale quite often. And if you have to pick between them, I’d recommend Monster Hunter Rise.
It’s the latest entry, and it offers a lot of quality-of-life improvements over Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. These will ease you into the world of Monster Hunter, and it has a much larger player base online at the moment.
But that doesn’t mean you should exclude Ultimate—it’s still my favorite Monster Hunter game, and here’s an entire post on why you should play it.
5. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity allows us to finally relive the moments that took place 100 years before Breath of The Wild.
However, it offers an entirely different experience. It focuses on running around a closed map and battling hordes of enemies while completing certain objectives, like capturing outposts and defeating key enemies, instead of exploring the vast landscape of Hyrule.
Although different, this core gameplay can be quite fun, especially when you’re killing dozens of mobs at a time, which makes you feel like a true champion of Hyrule.
6. Persona 5 Strikers: A Stylish Spin on Action
While we’re on the topic of Warrior/Musou games, Persona 5 Strikers is definitely one of the best.
Instead of the turn-based combat from Persona 5, it goes for fast-paced, real-time action, but still keeps the same stylish visuals and engaging story that made the original title so popular.
The battle system is smooth and satisfying, allowing you to chain together combos and summon Personas to help clear waves of enemies. Plus, with its expanded exploration and new environments, Strikers offers a fresh yet familiar experience for fans of the series.
7. Warframe: Space Ninja Action
I started playing Warframe in 2014, and since then, it has expanded so much that it has solidified itself as one of the best free-to-play action-games of all time.
For the amount of content it offers, it’s absurd that it’s free-to-play. I think you can play for a couple of months daily without completing every mission and objective!
Like any MMO, progression slows down, but the fun doesn’t. So, if space ninjas interest you, play it!
8. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
Dragon Ball is all about frenetic and epic battles packed with action and excitement.
In Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, you’ll be able to create your own fighter and relive iconic battles from the anime with a twist. It features a vast customization system, online multiplayer, and it is still receiving new content as of December 2024, which is insane for a game released in 2015.
If you’re a fan of Dragon Ball, this is an action game you cannot miss in your Nintendo Switch Lineup.
9. Daemon X Machina: Mech Battles Galore
If you’re a fan of mech games, then this is a game you need to play. Although it was received with mixed reviews, I enjoyed it thoroughly, and it’s packed with so much action, it deserves a spot on this list.
In Daemon X Machina, you’ll pilot a customizable mech, engage in massive battles, and take on various missions in this visually stunning cell-shaded action game. And if single-player content isn’t enough for you, hop online with a group of friends and enjoy the mayhem.
10. Batman: Arkham Trilogy
I still remember the early days of the Switch where everyone was saying the Batman games would be great on the system. It took them 6 years, but we finally have the entire trilogy to play. Although I only recommend the first two titles since Arkham Knight suffers from performance issues.
The Batman Arkham combines stealth and detective work with great action combat. From the open streets of Gotham to the dark depths of Arkham Asylum, this collection offers one of the best superhero gaming experiences available on the system.
11. No More Heroes Series: Suda51’s Wild Ride
If there’s a game studio capable of matching PlatinumGames’ weirdness and over-the-top action, it has to be Suda51, specifically No More Heroes.
It’s difficult to put into words what these games are all about since they are so weird and unique. Just know that if you play them, you are on a wild ride full of humor, outrageous combat, and odd characters. In one game you’ll be fending off assassins, and in the other you’ll be saving the world from aliens.
And it’s this unpredictability that makes No More Heroes a must-play action game on the Nintendo Switch.
12. Darksiders Trilogy: Apocalypse Unleashed
The Darksiders trilogy is a must-play for its mix of puzzle-solving and exploration, much like the Zelda Series, and its hack-and-slash action combat.
Each game focuses on one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, each with their personality, story, and powers/equipment. However, all the games have in common a striking comic-inspired visual style that is a treat to look at, and rich apocalyptic storytelling.
Also, there’s an additional game called Darksiders Genesis that ditches the gameplay the trilogy is known for in favor of a top-down shooter. I’ve personally played it and had a lot of fun.
13. Devil May Cry Trilogy: A Timeless Classic
And to close this list, of course we are talking about yet another game by PlatinumGames, Devil May Cry.
The PS2 trilogy is still to this day acclaimed as some of the best action games in the system (maybe not DMC2), and now you can play them all in the comfort of your Nintendo Switch, and they still hold up.
The games mix fast-paced combat with a rewarding combo system, making every fight feel intense and satisfying. Whether you’re a longtime fan or diving in for the first time, Devil May Cry on the Switch proves these classics still have plenty to offer.
The best Action games on Nintendo Switch?
It’s certain there are many more good action games on the Nintendo Switch, but these 22 stand at the top, in my opinion. These are the best action games you can play in 2025 and beyond. Whether you enjoy intense combat, deep storytelling, mechs, fast-paced action, or mindless mashing, there’s something for every fan in this list.
And don’t forget, all of these will be work on the Nintendo Switch 2 thanks to its backwards compatibility, so don’t be afraid to get them now!