Top 10 Simulation Games on Nintendo Switch [2024]

Many people may be struggling to decide which "Switch simulation game" to play. The Nintendo Switch has a wide range of software, so it's not surprising that choosing one can be challenging. In this article, we'll introduce the 10 best simulation games for the Switch, specifically for simulation game enthusiasts like you. We'll provide details on each game's features, prices, and more, so be sure to use this as a reference when deciding on your next simulation game to play.

Part 1. What are simulation games?

Simulation games, as the name suggests, are games where you simulate situations, scenarios, events, or subjects within the virtual space of home gaming consoles or PCs. These games cover a wide range of genres, including management simulations, trains, warfare, city planning, sports, romance, and more.

Additionally, in the realm of board games, titles like Monopoly, The Game of Life, and chess can also be considered simulation games in a broader sense.

Part 2. Top 10 simulation games for the Nintendo Switch

In this chapter, we will introduce 10 popular simulation games for the Nintendo Switch in a ranking format.

Please note that the ranking criteria are based on Amazon ratings, and in case of the same star rating, games with more reviews are given higher priority in the rankings.

★The "number of reviews" and "review excerpts" mentioned here are based on Amazon's official data, and they are accurate as of October 2023.

Now, let's take a look at the best Nintendo Switch simulation games!

Top 1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | ☆4.8

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a thrilling and popular racing game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch console. It's an enhanced version of the original "Mario Kart 8", and it brings the exciting world of Mario and his friends to the world of kart racing. Players can enjoy a variety of racetracks, iconic characters from the Mario franchise, and a wide selection of vehicles and power-ups to gain an edge in the races. With both single-player and multiplayer modes, "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" offers endless entertainment for gamers of all ages.

Here are some quotes from reviews:

"Mario Kart has been a staple in the world of gaming for years, providing thrilling racing experiences and countless hours of entertainment. This beloved game franchise continues to deliver an enjoyable and action-packed racing adventure that keeps players coming back for more."

"This game is great for families! Never ending fun and never grows old! So many different features and maps."

Top 2. Crash™ Team Racing Nitro-Fueled | ☆4.7

Developed by Beenox and published by Activision, this game offers a modern take on the beloved title, featuring updated graphics, enhanced gameplay, and a wide range of characters and tracks. Players can choose their favorite Crash Bandicoot characters, jump into their karts, and compete in exciting races, power-ups, and challenges. With both single-player and multiplayer modes, it's a fantastic game for fans of the Crash Bandicoot series and kart racing enthusiasts alike. Get ready to rev your engines and embark on a wild racing adventure with Crash and his friends!

Here are some quotes from reviews:

I like racing games but ctr is crazy when ya go online everyone seems to know all the short cuts and can turbo non stop. I did see people at start of race but they soon left me to drive on my own lol."

Top 3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | ☆4.8

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an iconic action-adventure video game developed and published by Nintendo. Released in 2017, it's part of the highly acclaimed "The Legend of Zelda" series and is known for its open-world exploration, innovative gameplay mechanics, and breathtaking visuals. Set in the fictional kingdom of Hyrule, players take on the role of Link, the series' protagonist, as he awakens from a deep slumber to find a world in ruins and must embark on a quest to defeat the evil Calamity Ganon and rescue Princess Zelda. The game's vast open world, filled with puzzles, enemies, and secrets, offers players unprecedented freedom to explore and interact with their surroundings, making it a standout title in the gaming world.

Here are some quotes from reviews:

"Prepare to embark on an extraordinary adventure unlike anything you’ve experienced before. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a truly remarkable masterpiece that captivates and enchants players from the moment they step foot into the breathtaking world of Hyrule. With its unparalleled scope, innovative gameplay, and stunning attention to detail, this game stands as a shining beacon of excellence in the realm of video game storytelling."

Top 4. Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville Complete Edition | ☆4.6

In this game, players can choose to fight for either the plant or zombie side in a never-ending battle for Neighborville. With an array of unique characters and abilities, players can engage in thrilling battles, complete missions, and explore vibrant, open-world regions. The game offers a mix of solo and multiplayer modes, making it a great choice for both solo adventurers and those looking for cooperative or competitive gameplay experiences. Whether you're defending your garden as a courageous plant or wreaking havoc as a mischievous zombie, "Battle for Neighborville" promises hours of exciting and light-hearted entertainment.

Here are some quotes from reviews:

"My kid likes it well enough, it's a more kid friendly version of the single shooter games that I won’t let him play. Had I known more about this I likely would not have got it either but it’s better than call of duty and the like."

Top 5. Pokemon Legends Arceus | ☆4.7

"Pokémon LEGENDS: Arceus" is set in the distant past of the Pokémon series and features a blend of action and RPG gameplay. It's the latest installment in the Pokémon franchise.

Here are some quotes from reviews:

"Graphics are brill, game is brill, so much you can do too! It never gets boring bc there is so many options for if you get bored on the main story line there is 100s of side quests and not to mention the pokemon hunting itself!"

"Having grown up during the explosion of the Pokémon craze, I felt it was important for my kids to experience Pokémon. Having done a bit of research I decided this was the right one for him to start with."

Top 6. Minecraft (Nintendo Switch) | ☆4.7

Minecraft is a highly popular sandbox game that allows players to unleash their creativity and explore endless virtual worlds. Developed by Mojang Studios, it offers a unique gaming experience characterized by blocky, pixelated graphics and open-ended gameplay. Players can mine resources, build structures, craft items, and survive in a blocky, procedurally-generated world filled with diverse biomes and creatures. Minecraft offers various game modes, including survival, creative, and adventure, catering to a wide range of playstyles. With its limitless possibilities and a vibrant community of players, Minecraft has become a cultural phenomenon enjoyed by millions around the world.

Here are some quotes from reviews:

"Can never go wrong with Minecraft great game, does work better on Xbox but Nintendo is still very good to use. "

"My son got me a Nintendo Switch & some games I enjoyed back in the Stone Age. Decided to try Minecraft tho the only 'experience' I had with it was watching that South Park episode! I'm slowly learning how it works & enjoying almost every minute (even when I fell into the water & it took me awhile to learn to swim!) "

Top 7. Jumanji: The Video Game | ☆4.4

Inspired by the popular Jumanji movie franchise, players can step into the shoes of iconic characters like Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Ruby Roundhouse, Professor Shelly Oberon, and Mouse Finbar. Together with friends or AI companions, they embark on a thrilling journey to explore the treacherous jungles, solve puzzles, and confront formidable enemies. With its action-packed gameplay and cooperative multiplayer mode, "Jumanji: The Video Game" offers an immersive experience that captures the essence of the beloved films.

Here are some quotes from reviews:

"A game that seems to have role reversed with the real world. In a year that makes you dread to open the door, I did the one thing most having watched the films would say is fool hardy and bought Jumanji. With no glitches, simple to understand instructions, this game can suck up the very soul of a teenager and have them lost to the real world for hours on end. "

Top 8. LEGO Harry Potter Collection | ☆4.7

The "LEGO Harry Potter Collection" is a delightful video game that brings the enchanting world of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter to life in LEGO form. This collection includes both "LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4" and "LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7," covering all the magical adventures of the young wizard during his years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Players get to experience iconic moments, cast spells, solve puzzles, and explore the wizarding world brick by brick in a humorous and family-friendly way. Whether you're a fan of the books and films or simply enjoy LEGO games, this collection offers a whimsical and immersive journey through the world of Harry Potter.

Here are some quotes from reviews:

"I bought this as it was on special offer on Amazon and I’m a huge Harry Potter fan but don’t be sucked in by the price, the game is quite boring and I lost interest after half an hour and I haven’t played it since. "

Top 9. Super Mario Party | ☆4.7

Super Mario Party is a popular video game in the Mario Party series developed by Nintendo. This exciting and family-friendly game offers a fantastic multiplayer experience where players can compete in various mini-games and challenges set in the vibrant and colorful world of the Super Mario series. With a wide range of characters, game boards, and mini-games to choose from, Super Mario Party provides endless entertainment for players of all ages, making it a beloved addition to the Nintendo Switch library. Whether you're a Mario fan or just looking for a fun party game to enjoy with friends and family, Super Mario Party is sure to bring hours of laughter and competition to your gaming sessions.

Here are some quotes from reviews:

"It's no secret that the Mario Party journey lost its way over the previous two instalments. Such was the fallout from these titles that Nintendo clearly felt compelled to take action - something that's no longer surprising given the Switch era has seen a number of franchises return to earlier (more successful) formulas."

Top 10. Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! | ☆4.7

"Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!" is a popular video game in the Pokémon series developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. Released in 2018 for the Nintendo Switch, this game offers a nostalgic journey for fans of the original Pokémon Red and Blue games. Players embark on an adventure in the Kanto region with their faithful partner, Pikachu. The game incorporates elements from the mobile game "Pokémon GO," allowing players to capture Pokémon in the wild by using motion controls and a unique Poké Ball accessory. It offers a fresh, accessible experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the Pokémon world, making it a beloved addition to the franchise.

Here are some quotes from reviews:

"This is a fantastic game and a great nostalgic throwback to Pokemon Yellow and after finishing it - I want more!!"

"Pokemon Red was my first game (when I was 7) and unfortunately that was a far greater challenge than this one. I have completed the game and pokedex twice now after two weeks and 60 hours of gameplay."

Part 3. Take on the Challenge of Recording Simulation Games!

Some of you may be thinking, 'I want to record game videos, edit them, and then upload them'. DemoCreator offers recording capabilities with no lag, even supporting 120fps, as well as an intuitive video editing feature for high-quality content creation."

If you have any specific questions or need further information about using DemoCreator for game recording and editing, please feel free to ask.

Furthermore, DemoCreator includes direct upload functionality to platforms like YouTube, eliminating the need to open other software for recording, editing, and uploading your simulation game content.

Let's proceed to introduce how to record simulation games.

[Practical Guide] Recording Simulation Games

step1Preparing Before Recording

First, connect your Switch and PC using HDMI and USB through a capture card. Use the capture software included with the capture card to display the Switch's screen on your PC screen.

step2Recording the Game Screen

Launch DemoCreator and select [New Recording] or [Game Recorder]. Activate the screen recording feature.

step3Game Recording Settings

In the displayed menu for screen recording, configure the recording settings.

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The recommended settings for game recording are as described above. Click the red circle [REC] to start recording.

step4Editing Game Videos

Once you stop the recording, a preview will be displayed. You can then edit the video to refine it until it's ready for uploading to platforms like YouTube.

DemoCreator's video editing features combine simplicity with advanced capabilities, making it easy for beginners to create professional-quality videos just by combining different functions!

step5Exporting the Game Video (to YouTube)

You can access the [YouTube] tab from the [Export] option in the upper right corner of the screen.

There, you can set the title, description, tags, quality, category, and other details. Once everything is set, you can simply click [Upload].

For the first time, there might be some initial setup to connect your YouTube account with DemoCreator. However, after that, the process will be seamless and smooth, allowing you to upload your game video directly to YouTube without any hassle.

Summary: Let's Get Excited About Simulation Games on the Switch!

This article has introduced 10 recommended simulation games for the Nintendo Switch from a rich lineup. Have you found any games that you'd like to try?

In many cases, Nintendo Switch games are also available for download, and you can purchase them from the comfort of your home as long as you have an online connection. Please consider purchasing the games that piqued your interest and give them a try!

Furthermore, as mentioned in the latter part of the article, you can use DemoCreator to record and commentate on your gameplay, all in one software. If you're interested, why not install the free version of DemoCreator on your PC and take the first step toward becoming a game streamer?