Following my feature on the best Nintendo Switch games of 2024, I had a few other ideas for future Switch-focused articles. With the release of Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, I was reminded of how much I loved the game on the 3DS, so I decided to write about my favorite Switch horror games. This list is in no particular order, and includes games that are horror-adjacent. I also only included games that I’ve personally tried on Switch. I hope this article helps you find your next scary game, or just a cool immersive horror experience to play on your Nintendo hybrid system.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD ($59.99)
While Luigi’s Mansion 3 is the more popular one, playing Luigi’s Mansion 2 again on Switch last week reminded me of how much I love it. Consider this cheating, as in not only does it include Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD (which is excellent), but also Luigi’s Mansion for 3DS and Luigi’s Mansion 3 for Switch. The trilogy is well worth your time as they are great games, and the Switch version looks great on the OLED screen. As for Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, it might not be worth it if you already played it on 3DS, but it’s great for new players who started the series on Switch with Luigi’s Mansion 3. I wish Nintendo would bring the 3DS version of Luigi’s Mansion(1) to Switch in some form, so that you can play the entire trilogy on one system.
Signaled ($19.99)
Signalis is one of the best horror games of recent years. I originally thought it was just a nice throwback to PS1 horror games, but it offers so much more. I love the characters, the music, the aesthetics, and pretty much everything the developers have put into this experience. If you enjoyed PS1 horror games or just want a fantastic survival horror experience that will stay with you for a long time, Signalis is worth your time.
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark, NG, Death Mark II ($49.99 each)
Another list entry where I cheat and introduce several games. Well, like Luigi’s Mansion, I included the entire Spirit Hunter series here because all three games are great and if you’re a horror fan, they’re worth playing for the art, story, etc. I’ve played them elsewhere, but I’ve enjoyed all three games on Switch. I love Experience Inc’s games and these three are absolutely worth your time. I consider this series a hidden gem in the horror space.
Alien: Isolation ($19.99)
SEGA and Creative Assembly’s excellent Alien: Isolation has been released on Switch and mobile by Feral Interactive, and the Switch version is actually better than the previous PS4 version in my opinion. It runs and looks great on Nintendo’s hybrid system, and the aesthetic is perfectly suited to the OLED screen in handheld mode. I know most people want a sequel (I do), but replaying Alien: Isolation on Switch is a must-have experience for fans and newcomers to the game. This is a true survival horror masterpiece.
FATAL FRAME: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse ($49.99) and Maiden of Black Water ($39.99)
It’s really cool to see Koei Tecmo bring both Fatal Frame (known as Project Zero outside of NA) games to Switch, because not only do they offer incredible horror experiences, they also offer settings and gameplay loops that you don’t often see in horror games these days. Both games have some elements that feel a bit out of place, even when remastered or released on a newer platform, but they deserve a spot in your horror library just because of how scary they are. Here’s hoping we get to see the rest of the series on Nintendo Switch in the near future. If I had to pick one, I’d go with Maiden of Black Water, which is a cheaper option, but I ended up preferring Mask of the Lunar Eclipse.
World of Horror ($19.99)
World of Horror has finally left Early Access and made a great transition to the Nintendo Switch. A one-bit horror rogue-lite with turn-based combat, it left a strong impression when I first played it and I’ve enjoyed it many times since. It’s not your typical horror game, but it stands out enough and surprised me when I first played it. The art is stunning and the aesthetic shines on the Switch OLED screen in handheld mode.
Corpse Party ($19.99)
The original Corpse Party is one of my favorite horror games, and I’ve played all the localized versions, my favorites being the 3DS and Nintendo Switch versions. The 16-bit horror game has amazing audio and an unforgettable story. It’s not without its frustrations, and I still find certain gameplay mechanics annoying early on, but I can’t help but include Corpse Party on my list of horror games. The low price tag helps, too.
Resident Evil and Resident Evil 4 ($19.99 each)
When thinking about the best Resident Evil games on Switch right now, I wasn’t sure if I should feature Resident Evil (remake) or Resident Evil 4 here, so I took the easy way out and included them both. Resident Evil and Resident Evil 4 give you the best of both worlds, both horror and action-focused games in the series, and they play great on Nintendo Switch. Both games are legendary across the board in terms of horror, and you owe it to yourself to play them.
Saturnalia ($19.99)
I didn’t get to play Saturnalia until Mediterranea Inferno came out on console, but I’m glad I finally got to play it. Saturnalia is a survival horror adventure with impressive aesthetics where you play as several characters exploring a town plagued by an ancient ritual. Like other games from this publisher, I liked it enough to buy it on other platforms to support its release. Saturnalia is also one of the most interesting horror games of recent years.
Yomawari: Lost in the Dark and The Long Night Collection ($39.99)
Yomawari games weren’t on my radar until a friend recommended them for the PS Vita a few years ago. I fell in love with the series for their simple gameplay and their horribly scary designs. Since their western debut on PS Vita and PC, the entire series has been ported to Switch, with both a collection of the original games and a new release. They’re all worth playing, but if you’re new to the series, I recommend The Long Night Collection. Just be aware that it lacks some of the older gameplay and quality-of-life mechanics. If you like the aesthetic, the Yomawari games are definitely worth your time.
Little Nightmares I+II Bundle ($49.99)
In this case, there is a dedicated bundle that includes both games on the eShop, so you don’t have to cheat to get multiple games. Little Nightmares, a horror puzzle platformer series, offers the best atmosphere and immersion through the design and sound that comes with the puzzles. Both games are worth playing, and it’s better to buy the discounted bundle than to play the individual games on Switch. They run quite well on Switch.
So here’s my list. If there are any games you think I should include, please let me know in the comments below. I haven’t played every single horror game on Switch, so I couldn’t include some that I’ve played on other platforms like Madison, but the games I’ve included here are all ones that I’ve played on Switch myself to see if they’re worth experiencing on a hybrid console. As always, thanks for reading!
