The Ultimate Guide to the Best Nintendo Switch Games for Long-Haul Flights

Long-haul flights can be a test of patience, but with the right entertainment, they can also be an opportunity to dive into immersive gaming experiences. The Nintendo Switch, with its versatile design and extensive library of games, is the perfect companion for such journeys. Whether you're looking for a game to pass the time, challenge your skills, or simply relax, the Switch has something for everyone. In this guide, we'll explore the best Nintendo Switch games for long-haul flights, considering factors like gameplay length, engagement, and portability.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Why It's Great for Long-Haul Flights:

• Open-World Exploration: Breath of the Wild offers a vast, open world that encourages exploration. The game's non-linear structure allows you to set your own pace, making it perfect for long flights where you can lose yourself in the world of Hyrule.
• Engaging Gameplay: With a mix of combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration, the game keeps you engaged for hours. The sense of discovery is unparalleled, and you'll find yourself constantly wanting to see what's over the next hill.
• Portability: The Switch's handheld mode makes it easy to play in the confined space of an airplane seat. The game's visuals are stunning, even on the smaller screen, and the controls are intuitive.

Gameplay Length: 50-100+ hours, depending on how much you explore.

Tips for Playing on a Flight:

• Save Often: Make use of the Switch's quick save feature to ensure you don't lose progress if you need to take a break.
• Use Headphones: The game's soundtrack is beautiful and immersive, so bring a good pair of headphones to fully enjoy the experience.

2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Why It's Great for Long-Haul Flights:

• Relaxing Gameplay: Animal Crossing is a slow-paced, relaxing game where you can build and customize your own island. It's perfect for unwinding during a long flight.
• Daily Activities: The game encourages daily play, but you can also binge-play for hours if you're on a long flight. There's always something to do, whether it's fishing, bug catching, or decorating your home.
• No Pressure: There's no real "end" to Animal Crossing, so you can play at your own pace without feeling rushed.

Gameplay Length: Infinite, as the game is designed to be played over a long period of time.

Tips for Playing on a Flight:

• Bring a Stylus: If you're into designing custom patterns or terraforming your island, a stylus can make the process easier on the Switch's touchscreen.
• Plan Ahead: If you're traveling across time zones, consider adjusting your in-game clock to match your destination's time to keep your daily routines in sync.

3. Stardew Valley

Why It's Great for Long-Haul Flights:

• Addictive Farming Simulation: Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game with a charming pixel-art style. It's easy to lose track of time as you plant crops, raise animals, and build relationships with the townsfolk.
• Deep Gameplay: Beyond farming, there's mining, fishing, crafting, and even dungeon exploration. The game offers a surprising amount of depth for its simple appearance.
• Portable and Relaxing: The game's relaxed pace makes it ideal for long flights, and the Switch's portability means you can play it anywhere.

Gameplay Length: 50-100+ hours, depending on how much you want to accomplish.

Tips for Playing on a Flight:

• Use the Touchscreen: Stardew Valley supports touchscreen controls, which can be more intuitive for certain actions like planting crops or navigating menus.
• Bring a Notebook: If you're the type who likes to plan out your farm or keep track of villagers' schedules, a small notebook can be handy.

4. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Why It's Great for Long-Haul Flights:

• Strategic Gameplay: Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a tactical RPG that requires careful planning and strategy. The game's turn-based combat is perfect for long flights, as you can take your time with each move.
• Engaging Story: The game features a rich narrative with multiple story paths, depending on which house you choose to lead. The characters are well-developed, and the story is compelling.
• Replayability: With multiple routes and endings, the game offers a lot of replay value, making it a great choice for long flights where you might want to dive into a new playthrough.

Gameplay Length: 60-80 hours per route, with multiple routes available.

Tips for Playing on a Flight:

• Use the Pro Controller: If you have the space, using a Pro Controller can make the game more comfortable to play for extended periods.
• Take Breaks: The game's strategic nature can be mentally taxing, so take breaks to stretch and rest your eyes.

5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Why It's Great for Long-Haul Flights:

• Quick Races: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is perfect for short bursts of gameplay, making it ideal for long flights where you might want to play in between naps or meals.
• Multiplayer Fun: If you're traveling with a companion, you can play together in local multiplayer mode. The game supports up to 8 players locally, so you can even have a mini-tournament.
• Easy to Pick Up and Play: The controls are simple and intuitive, so you can jump right in without needing to learn complex mechanics.

Gameplay Length: Infinite, as the game is designed for repeated play.

Tips for Playing on a Flight:

• Bring a Charger: Mario Kart can be a battery drain, so make sure you have a charger or portable battery pack.
• Use Headphones: The game's music and sound effects are a big part of the experience, so bring headphones to fully enjoy the game.

6. Hades

Why It's Great for Long-Haul Flights:

• Roguelike Action: Hades is a fast-paced roguelike where you play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, trying to escape the underworld. Each run is different, and the game's combat is both challenging and rewarding.
• Engaging Story: Despite being a roguelike, Hades has a deep and engaging story that unfolds as you progress. The characters are well-written, and the dialogue is witty and entertaining.
• Portable and Addictive: The game's quick runs make it perfect for short bursts of play, but it's also easy to get sucked into "just one more run."

Gameplay Length: 20-30 hours to complete the main story, but much longer if you want to fully explore all the game has to offer.

Tips for Playing on a Flight:

• Use the Touchscreen: Hades supports touchscreen controls, which can be useful for quick menu navigation.
• Bring a Charger: Like Mario Kart, Hades can be a battery hog, so make sure you have a way to keep your Switch charged.

7. Octopath Traveler

Why It's Great for Long-Haul Flights:

• Classic JRPG Gameplay: Octopath Traveler is a traditional JRPG with a unique art style that combines 2D sprites with 3D environments. The game's turn-based combat and deep storytelling are perfect for long flights.
• Eight Different Stories: The game features eight different characters, each with their own story. You can choose to follow one character's story or switch between them, giving you plenty of content to explore.
• Beautiful Visuals: The game's "HD-2D" art style is stunning, and the Switch's screen does it justice. The visuals are a treat to look at, even on a small screen.

Gameplay Length: 60-80 hours for the main story, with additional content available.

Tips for Playing on a Flight:

• Use Headphones: The game's soundtrack is beautiful, and headphones will help you fully appreciate it.
• Take Notes: If you're following multiple characters' stories, taking notes can help you keep track of the different plotlines.

8. Celeste

Why It's Great for Long-Haul Flights:

• Challenging Platforming: Celeste is a precision platformer that will test your skills. The game's levels are challenging but fair, and the sense of accomplishment when you complete a difficult section is incredibly satisfying.
• Touching Story: Despite its challenging gameplay, Celeste has a heartfelt story about overcoming personal struggles. The narrative is touching and adds depth to the game.
• Short Levels: The game's levels are relatively short, making it easy to play in short bursts during a long flight.

Gameplay Length: 8-10 hours for the main story, with additional content available.

Tips for Playing on a Flight:

• Use the Touchscreen: Celeste supports touchscreen controls, which can be useful for quick restarts.
• Take Breaks: The game can be intense, so take breaks to avoid frustration.

9. Luigi's Mansion 3

Why It's Great for Long-Haul Flights:

• Charming Ghost-Hunting Adventure: Luigi's Mansion 3 is a delightful action-adventure game where you play as Luigi, exploring a haunted hotel and capturing ghosts. The game's humor and charm make it a joy to play.
• Puzzle-Solving: The game features a variety of puzzles that require you to use Luigi's Poltergust G-00 in creative ways. The puzzles are satisfying to solve and add depth to the gameplay.
• Beautiful Graphics: The game's visuals are stunning, with detailed environments and expressive character animations. The Switch's screen does a great job of showcasing the game's art style.

Gameplay Length: 15-20 hours for the main story, with additional content available.

Tips for Playing on a Flight:

• Use Headphones: The game's sound design is excellent, and headphones will help you fully immerse yourself in the experience.
• Bring a Charger: The game's visuals can be a bit demanding on the Switch's battery, so make sure you have a way to keep it charged.

10. Super Mario Odyssey

Why It's Great for Long-Haul Flights:

• Open-World Exploration: Super Mario Odyssey is a 3D platformer that takes Mario to a variety of colorful and imaginative worlds. The game's open-world design encourages exploration, and there's always something new to discover.
• Creative Gameplay: The game introduces a new mechanic where Mario can possess enemies and objects using his hat, Cappy. This adds a new layer of creativity to the gameplay and keeps things fresh.
• Portable and Fun: The game is a joy to play in handheld mode, and the Switch's controls are perfectly suited for Mario's moves.

Gameplay Length: 15-20 hours for the main story, with much more content available for completionists.

Tips for Playing on a Flight:

• Use the Touchscreen: The game supports touchscreen controls, which can be useful for quick menu navigation.
• Bring a Charger: Like many of the other games on this list, Super Mario Odyssey can be a bit of a battery drain, so make sure you have a way to keep your Switch charged.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console for long-haul flights, offering a wide variety of games that cater to different tastes and playstyles. Whether you're looking for an epic adventure, a relaxing simulation, or a challenging platformer, there's something on the Switch for you. The games listed above are some of the best options for keeping yourself entertained during a long flight, but the Switch's library is vast, so don't be afraid to explore and find your own favorites.

Remember to bring a charger or portable battery pack, as some of these games can be quite demanding on the Switch's battery. Additionally, a good pair of headphones can enhance your gaming experience, especially for games with immersive soundtracks or sound design.

With the right game, a long-haul flight can feel like a breeze, and you might even find yourself wishing the flight was a bit longer so you could keep playing. So pack your Switch, choose your game, and get ready for an enjoyable journey!