Best Open World Games On Nintendo Switch Like GTA
Hey gamers! Are you looking for some amazing open-world games on your Nintendo Switch that give you that GTA vibe? You've come to the right place! While the Switch might not have an official Grand Theft Auto title, there are plenty of games that offer similar levels of freedom, exploration, and exciting gameplay. Let's dive into some of the best alternatives that will keep you hooked for hours.
1. Saints Row: The Third β The Full Package
If you're craving that over-the-top, chaotic fun that GTA is known for, Saints Row: The Third β The Full Package is an excellent choice. This game takes the open-world formula and cranks it up to eleven with its ridiculous storyline, insane missions, and over-the-top customization options. You play as the leader of the Saints, a street gang turned media empire, and you're tasked with taking down a rival syndicate known as the Morningstar. The city of Steelport is your playground, and you can wreak havoc in style.
One of the best things about Saints Row: The Third is its sheer sense of fun. The game doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's packed with hilarious moments and absurd situations. Whether you're skydiving onto a penthouse, battling luchadores, or driving a tank through the city streets, there's never a dull moment. The Full Package includes all the DLC, so you'll have plenty of extra missions, vehicles, and weapons to keep you entertained. The open-world aspect is also fantastic. Steelport is a vibrant and diverse city with plenty to explore, from its downtown skyscrapers to its industrial districts. You can steal cars, cause mayhem, and discover hidden secrets around every corner. The customization options are another highlight. You can create your own unique character and outfit them with a wide range of clothing, hairstyles, and accessories. You can also customize your vehicles with different paint jobs, modifications, and weapons. This level of personalization adds a lot to the overall experience. Plus, the game runs surprisingly well on the Nintendo Switch. While it may not be as visually impressive as its counterparts on other platforms, it still looks great in both handheld and docked modes. The frame rate is generally stable, and the controls are responsive. For gamers who want a GTA-like experience on the Switch with a heavy emphasis on humor and over-the-top action, Saints Row: The Third is a must-play. It delivers hours of entertainment and is sure to leave you laughing.
2. LEGO City Undercover
Looking for an open-world game that's family-friendly but still offers plenty of depth and excitement? LEGO City Undercover is the perfect choice. In this game, you play as Chase McCain, an undercover cop tasked with bringing down the notorious criminal Rex Fury. Set in the sprawling metropolis of LEGO City, the game is a hilarious and action-packed adventure that's suitable for players of all ages.
LEGO City Undercover is unique because it combines the charm and humor of the LEGO franchise with the open-world gameplay mechanics of GTA. The city is massive and filled with things to do, from completing missions and solving puzzles to collecting hidden items and unlocking new vehicles and characters. One of the standout features of LEGO City Undercover is its clever use of disguises. Chase can transform into a variety of different characters, each with their own unique abilities. For example, he can dress up as a firefighter to put out fires, a construction worker to build structures, or a robber to break into buildings. These disguises add a layer of strategy to the gameplay, as you'll need to use the right disguise to overcome certain obstacles. The story is also surprisingly engaging. It's full of witty dialogue, memorable characters, and unexpected twists and turns. While it's certainly geared towards a younger audience, adults will find plenty to enjoy as well. The gameplay is also very polished. The controls are tight and responsive, and the missions are well-designed. There's a good mix of driving, platforming, and puzzle-solving, which keeps things fresh and interesting. Plus, the game is packed with LEGO humor, which is always a welcome addition. On the Nintendo Switch, LEGO City Undercover looks and runs great. The graphics are crisp and colorful, and the frame rate is generally smooth. The game also supports both handheld and docked modes, so you can play it on the go or on your TV. For families looking for an open-world game that's fun, engaging, and appropriate for all ages, LEGO City Undercover is an excellent choice. It's a charming and entertaining adventure that will keep everyone entertained for hours.
3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt β Complete Edition
For those seeking a mature and immersive open-world experience with a deep narrative and complex characters, look no further than The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt β Complete Edition. While it may not have the same modern setting as GTA, it offers a vast and detailed world to explore, filled with challenging quests, intriguing lore, and memorable encounters. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter, as you journey across the Continent in search of your adopted daughter, Ciri, who is being pursued by the otherworldly Wild Hunt.
The Witcher 3 is renowned for its incredible world-building, engaging story, and compelling characters. The Continent is a massive and diverse land, with sprawling cities, dense forests, towering mountains, and treacherous swamps. Each region has its own unique culture, history, and inhabitants, and there's always something new to discover. The main story is epic in scope and filled with political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and emotional moments. Your choices have a significant impact on the outcome of the story, and there are multiple endings to unlock. The side quests are just as well-written and engaging as the main story. Many of them are complex and multi-layered, with their own unique stories and characters. They offer a deeper insight into the world and its inhabitants, and they often have unexpected twists and turns. The combat in The Witcher 3 is challenging and rewarding. You'll need to master Geralt's swordplay, signs (magical abilities), and alchemy skills to defeat the various monsters and enemies you'll encounter. The game also features a deep crafting system, allowing you to create new weapons, armor, and potions. The Complete Edition includes all the DLC, which adds even more content to the game. The Hearts of Stone expansion features a thrilling new story with memorable characters, while the Blood and Wine expansion takes you to the beautiful and vibrant region of Toussaint. On the Nintendo Switch, The Witcher 3 is a technical marvel. While it may not look as visually stunning as its counterparts on other platforms, it's still an impressive feat to have such a massive and detailed game running on a handheld console. The game runs surprisingly well, and the controls are responsive. For gamers looking for a deep, immersive, and challenging open-world experience on the Switch, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt β Complete Edition is an absolute must-have.
4. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy β The Definitive Edition
For the sake of completeness, let's address the elephant in the room: Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy β The Definitive Edition. While this collection brings Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to the Nintendo Switch, it's important to manage expectations. The Definitive Edition had a rocky launch and was plagued with technical issues and graphical glitches. While some of these issues have been addressed through patches, the game still falls short of the quality that fans were hoping for.
Despite its flaws, Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy still offers a lot of content. Each game in the collection is a classic in its own right, and they offer hundreds of hours of gameplay. Grand Theft Auto III is a groundbreaking game that revolutionized the open-world genre. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is a stylish and vibrant game set in a fictionalized version of Miami. And Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is an epic and sprawling game with a massive world to explore. The games offer a similar experience to GTA games on other platforms, with driving, shooting, and completing missions. The stories are engaging and filled with memorable characters, and the open-world aspects are fantastic. You can steal cars, cause mayhem, and explore the cities to your heart's content. However, the technical issues can be frustrating. The frame rate can be unstable, and there are still some graphical glitches and bugs. The controls can also feel a bit clunky, especially compared to modern games. On the Nintendo Switch, Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy is a mixed bag. It's great to have these classic games on a handheld console, but the technical issues can detract from the experience. If you're a die-hard GTA fan and you're willing to overlook the flaws, then you might enjoy this collection. But if you're looking for a polished and optimized open-world experience, you might be better off with one of the other games on this list.
5. Other Notable Mentions
While the games listed above are some of the best GTA-like experiences on the Nintendo Switch, there are also a few other notable mentions that are worth checking out:
- Payday 2: A cooperative heist shooter where you plan and execute daring robberies.
 - L.A. Noire: A crime-solving detective game set in 1940s Los Angeles.
 - Assassin's Creed: The Rebel Collection: Includes Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and Assassin's Creed Rogue, offering open-world exploration and pirate adventures.
 
Conclusion
So, there you have it! While the Nintendo Switch may not have a Grand Theft Auto game, there are plenty of excellent open-world alternatives that offer similar levels of freedom, exploration, and excitement. Whether you're looking for over-the-top action, family-friendly fun, or a deep and immersive narrative, there's something for everyone on the Switch. Happy gaming, folks! I hope this list helps you find your next favorite open-world adventure on the Nintendo Switch! Enjoy exploring these fantastic worlds and causing some virtual mayhem!