Are you the one who doesn’t run at Usain Bolt’s speed after turning off the lights at night?
Or perhaps you don’t fear somebody hiding under your bed after watching a horror movie. If that describes you, you’ll love the horror games we’re going look at in this post that are available to play on the Nintendo Switch right now.
The fusion of handheld and console gaming on the Nintendo Switch offers excellent adaptability and portability, allowing developers to experiment with the games they want to produce in the market.
Unlike other gaming systems, the Nintendo Switch provides the luxury of seamlessly transitioning between handheld and TV modes, giving you the freedom to immerse yourself in your favorite games, including some of the best horror titles out there.
If the Horror genre is your thing, you’re in for a treat.
Advantages of Playing Horror Games on Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch’s ever-growing user base motivated game developers to leverage the console’s features and introduce the horror genre, transforming how players look at games.
The platform has unique portability and adaptability, immersing players in a place full of fear and suspense. It delivers the best horror experience, which is possible mainly due to some of these features:
➡️ Motion Controls
Have you ever felt as if the horror movie you’re watching is taking place right in front of your eyes, and you have to yell, “Don’t go in there!” at the screen? With the Nintendo Switch’s motion controls, you’re literally part of the action.
This feature lets you interact with games by physically moving the console and the controllers. The gyroscopic sensors can detect and respond to movements, which are then reflected as in-game actions.
It’s a great way to physically swing your Joy-Con like an axe to defend against a scary figure or open a door sneakily to enter a haunted room.
➡️ Touchscreen Interaction
On the Switch, touching isn’t just for Candy Crush-style games. The developers of the platform have smoothly integrated the touchscreen into horror experiences.
Let’s say you’re solving a thrilling puzzle where you have to slide haunted portraits into their correct spots or rapidly swipe away creeping strange creatures that emerge from the screen edges. The direct touch gives a whole new intimacy to the fear because it’s no longer distant; it’s right at your fingertips!
➡️ HD Rumble Feedback
The HD Rumble in the Joy-Cons is incredibly enjoyable. It doesn’t just vibrate; it can mimic sensations. For example, if you’re walking on a creaky wooden floor in a haunted mansion, you’d be able to feel every single creak through the Joy-Cons.
Alternatively, if you encounter a ghost who’s right in front of your face, you’d be able to feel every slight movement of it in a way that makes you feel there’s an actual ghost in your controller.
➡️ Portability
Not a “mechanic,” but it’s still worth talking about. The Nintendo Switch can be played docked on your TV or in handheld mode.
This portability means you can play horror games on a big screen late at night with all the lights off (classic horror setting) or, if you’re a scaredy-cat (like me), in broad daylight surrounded by friends at a park. The choice is yours!
➡️ Storytelling Adaptations
The Switch has a diverse audience that motivates the developers to tweak their storytelling techniques. Some horror games on other platforms might rely heavily on graphics and realism; however, on the Switch, you’ll find a blend of cartoonish, abstract, and realistic horrors.
This means stories might be told creatively, using comic-strip style cutscenes, voice-over narrations, or interactive flashbacks. It’s all about merging style with substance to give you the heebie-jeebies during your playing hours.
All in all, the Nintendo Switch isn’t just for colorful platformers, children, or fun party games. It’s a solid device capable of heart-racing, pillow-clutching horror action that’ll keep you glued to the portable device.
Developers have tapped into the unique features of the Switch, from its motion controls to HD Rumble. As a result, we can have truly unique and spine-chilling experiences while playing horror games on it.
If you’re curious about what horror games on the Switch are the best to play right now, let’s find out below.
Amnesia: Memories
Play Amnesia: Memories to immerse yourself in a gripping Switch otome game that merges romance with psychological horror.
One fine day, you wake up to discover all of your memories have been erased, and you’re left with no trace of who you are, what you do, and what you’re here for. However, since there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, there appears before you, Orion, a friendly spirit trapped within your consciousness.
Together, with his help, you must navigate an unsettling world to know who you indeed are and find your true love. As memories haunt you, select one of the 5 suitable men as your love interest, each coming in with their narrative, allowing 20 different endings to the game.
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Amnesia: Memories for Nintendo Switch | $51.89 | Buy on Amazon |
As you proceed further, be mindful of keeping an eye on your love parameter, as you might not want a bad ending for yourself. If it gets too emotional, head to the mini-games section to lighten your mood with Air Hockey, Rock, Paper, Scissors, and much more.
Developer: Design Factory & Idea Factory
Publisher: Idea Factory
Release Date: August 25, 2015
Dark Souls: Remastered
Welcome to a dark world where each end is a new beginning. Renowned for its challenging gameplay, Dark Souls: Remastered puts you in the world of Lordran, where danger lurks around every corner, and a sense of foreboding never fades.
This Remastered edition retains the original’s punishing difficulty, challenging players to master its intricate combat mechanics while battling monstrous creatures and uncovering ancient secrets. You can enjoy this game in multiplayer mode with up to 6 players, making it a must-play Switch multiplayer game!
The game’s dark and interconnected environments draw you into a sense of isolation and discovery at the same time. As you explore castles, treacherous swamps, and catacombs, the haunting ambiance leaves you both awed and unsettled.
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Dark Souls: Remastered - Nintendo Switch Standard Edition |
$40.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
This game proves that true horror extends beyond jump scares, as it immerses you in an atmosphere where fear is palpable, and the journey through the unknown is both horrifying and captivating.
Developer: FromSoftware Inc., Virtuos & QLOC
Publisher: FromSoftware Inc., BNE Entertainment & Namco Bandai Games America Inc.
Release Date: May 24, 2018
Dead by Daylight
You’ll have to stay one step ahead in this game, as the icons of horror are behind you, and you’ve got only one job – that is to survive. With Nicolas Cage as the protagonist, Dead by Daylight will keep you on your toes as you come face to face with notorious killers, powerful slashers, and terrifying paranormal entities.
One of the most exciting elements of this game is that it allows you to make choices that affect your overall outcome. Choose if you want to play alone or survive together with your team – it’s a moral dilemma with a performance of a lifetime.
This also means the game has multiple endings as you proceed ahead on the map. Remember to watch your step as you might be outnumbered by random spawns and surprise elements inviting danger with every move.
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Dead by Daylight: Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch |
$29.19 |
Buy on Amazon |
Enjoy your horror ride, as each character has their developmental progression and collectibles, which you can utilize in your strategy. If you want more, simply choose to unlock new chapters and keep playing!
Developer: Behaviour Interactive & 505 Games
Publisher: Behaviour Interactive Inc.
Release Date: June 14, 2016
Friday the 13th: The Game – Ultimate Slasher Edition
This famous and unforgettable online multiplayer game is where horror, suspense, and brutality reign.
As you step into the shoes of Jason Voorhees – the famous serial killer in the horror genre or Camp Counselor, your job is to survive the night. Wear your deadliest mask as you stalk your prey, ambush them, and spread fear in the hearts of the citizens to become the most feared.
The game comes with 10 single-player challenges and offline matches with AI bots. You can unlock new characters, outfits, skins, and maps as you progress.
You can also join the 1v7 multiplayer mode and explore some of the most stellar locations from the movie franchise. Keep playing the game, for with each win, you can unlock a new Jason with new strengths, an array of abilities, and kill moves you can flaunt.
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Friday the 13th: The Game - Ultimate Slasher Edition (Nintendo Switch) | $29.87 | Buy on Amazon |
In the end, you’ll question yourself how much power is too much power as Jason feeds off the fear of his victims and becomes stronger as the night progresses.
Friday the 13th: The Game – Ultimate Slasher Edition includes all of Jason’s from parts 2 to 9, and you can unlock them all.
Developer: IllFonic
Publisher: Gun Media
Release Date: May 26, 2017
Little Nightmares – Complete Edition
Were you ever frightened of a doll house or dolls when you were young? If not at a young age, Anabelle must’ve done a good job giving you the right amount of chills. Well, it’s time you face your childhood fears as Six, who enters a charmingly disturbing dollhouse that is a battleground and playfield simultaneously!
As you venture into a whimsically creepy world filled with horrific creatures and weird nightmares, you’ll find yourself strangled in your deepest fear.
To navigate, you must muster your courage and master all of Six’s skills, which will help you stay out of trouble. Beware, for The Maw is filled with creatures looking for their next meal. As you discover the house secrets, get ready to be enthralled by a gripping storyline and outstanding sound effects, which gives you the perfect horror game experience.
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Little Nightmares Complete Edition - Nintendo Switch |
$27.89 |
Buy on Amazon |
Moreover, in Little Nightmares – Complete Edition, you’ll also experience the game’s clever play mechanics in a supersized world that starts from the bottom and ends at the top of the house.
Developer: Tarsier Studios
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release Date: April 28, 2017
Outlast 2
It’s all over the news: a pregnant woman known as Jane Doe has been mysteriously murdered within the deep miles of the Arizona desert, but little is known about the happenings of the incident.
The protagonist, Blake Langermann – a famous cameraman and his wife Lynn – sets out to uncover the truth behind stories that no one dares to touch. As you guys stumble upon the news of Jane, the investigative journalists within you decide to step into an unknown terrain to bring justice to her voice.
Prepare for a heart-pounding survival horror game as you’re deep in the desert full of darkness and corruption, which will leave you mad at the end of the ride.
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Switch Limited Run #18: Outlast 2 | Buy on Amazon |
Outlast 2 offers relentless pursuit as you try to run and hide from your enemies while discovering clues and secrets surrounding the murder. The unsettling imagery will surely give you a nightmare, and you’ll have to fight to win the game and let Jane’s story become known to the world.
Developer: Red Barrels
Publisher: Red Barrels
Release Date: April 24, 2017
Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 is a critically acclaimed masterpiece from the house of Capcom, and this is a specially designed version for Nintendo Switch.
You step into the shoes of Leon Kennedy on a mission to rescue the President’s daughter from a sinister cult. Leon and his team head to the trim European village, which is messy and full of horror under the spell of the mysterious cult.
This operation has to end in success for him as the memories of the fall of the Raccoon City incident are still fresh in his mind. One of the major reasons for this game’s popularity is its over-the-shoulder perspective and responsive mechanics that elevate the horror game experience to the next level.
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![Resident Evil 4 - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510dWZutfXL.jpg)
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Resident Evil 4 - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
It later became a masterpiece as it brilliantly combined horror with action and allowed players to own their development. This ensured that Resident Evil 4 remains a standout entry in the series, offering tense encounters, chilling ambiance, and unforgettable set pieces.
Developer: Capcom, Armature Games & Capcom Production Studio 4
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: January 11, 2005
The Walking Dead: The Final Season
Inspired by the popular comic book series, this episodic adventure game captures the essence of survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
You’ll navigate tough choices as Lee Everett, forming relationships with fellow survivors and battling both the undead and human adversaries. This is your second chance at life, and you must protect Clementine, an orphaned girl who can offer you redemption in a bloody world.
Moreover, in The Walking Dead: The Final Season, you’ll encounter all the corpses returning to life, with the survivors looking for their safety. In this world of chaos, there’s no right or wrong but just one decision – to save your own life.
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The Walking Dead: The Final Season - Nintendo Switch | Buy on Amazon |
Be prepared to make some difficult choices, as their consequences are how the story will unfold, and chart your path ahead. Explore engaging open-world environments, unscripted combat, visual novel-style graphics, and an emotional character-driven narrative that’s ready to offer you some chills and thrills!
Developer: Telltale Games, Skybound Entertainment & Skybound Games
Publisher: Skybound Games
Release Date: August 14, 2018
Five Nights at Freddy’s
Five Nights at Freddy’s takes the horror experience to the next level with the help of VR technology. This Switch VR game is a collection of 5 classic original mini-games set in the Five Nights universe. This game brings the eerie animatronic-filled world of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza to life in a chilling virtual reality experience that promises to leave you trembling.
You get to meet a colorful and friendly cast of your robotic companions, including Chica, Foxy, Bonnie, and Freddy Fazbear. All you need to do is survive the night by monitoring any suspicious activities caused by the haunted animatronics.
It’s a classic hide-and-seek game, as you can only hide to save yourself. This version comes with a new set of achievements, enhanced graphics, a trophy system, and optional cheat codes you can use to escalate further into the game.
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Five Nights at Freddy's: The Core Collection Nintendo Switch | 5,950 Reviews |
$20.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
Besides, you can experience the horror with your friends and family as you can seamlessly connect the Nintendo Switch to the TV.
Developer: Scott Cawthon, Illumix, Steel Wool Games, Scottgames & Clickteam LLC USA
Publisher: Scott Cawthon, Illumix, Steel Wool Games, Scottgames, Clickteam LLC USA & Maximum Games
Release Date: August 8, 2014
Layers of Fear: Legacy
If you’re a fan of horror games like Amnesia: The Dark Descent, you’ll probably love Layers of Fear: Legacy. This is a walking simulator that urges you to discover the secrets in a painter’s house. The problem is that the painter isn’t exactly okay in terms of mental stability.
The game’s mechanics are actually quite decent, and just moving the camera from one end of the screen to the other could change the entire layout of the level. As you descend further into this house of horrors, you’ll have certain set pieces that subvert expectations in a brilliant manner.
In other words, Layers of Fear: Legacy ensures that you’re surprised at every turn. Whether it’s a jumpscare or pure psychological horror, this game is expertly made and is a must-play for fans of the horror genre.
Developer: Bloober Team
Publisher: Aspyr
Release Date: February 21, 2018
➡️ Check it out in the Nintendo Store.
Closing Thoughts
While the horror genre remains relatively unexplored, it promises an unforgettable and unique experience that’ll stay with you long after you finish the game. So, take out your Nintendo Switch and lay your hands on the games mentioned above for a spine-tingling gaming session.
Next, check out the best Nintendo Switch exclusives that’ll leave you wanting for more.
