The Nintendo console hasn’t always been the first to jump on new tech trends, but I’ve always admired how they put their unique spin on modern innovations.
As VR continues to gain popularity worldwide, I’ve noticed that Nintendo has also started embracing it, releasing several VR games for the Switch that are surprisingly immersive.
It’s impressive how realistic and engaging these virtual reality games can feel. Still, with so many VR options available, I know it can be overwhelming trying to pick the right ones.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the top 10 Nintendo Switch VR games—to help you (and me) get a solid head start. Let’s dive right in!
List of Top VR Games to Play on Nintendo Switch
There are several gaming options for Nintendo Switch VR games. In this post, I will only discuss those that I have personally tested and believe will excite you.
Here’s a complete list of the top Switch VR games:
1. Neonwall
Neonwall is one of the first Nintendo VR games I tried, and it instantly stood out. It’s a creative mix of action and puzzles, where I had to guide a neon ball through vibrant, obstacle-filled levels, fast and with precision.
What makes it unique is how I didn’t just control the ball: I interacted with it using two colored lasers mapped to the Joy-Con stick. These lasers could swap colors with the ball, break blocks, and trigger mechanisms.
Color plays a key role in this puzzle game. The ball only passes through doors and moves faster when it matches their color, and lasers only affect objects of the same hue. It took focus and good timing, but when I got it right, the payoff felt great..
Note: The Nintendo Switch doesn’t come with games, so you have to purchase them separately. But if you get lucky, you can spot great Nintendo Switch + Games Bundles on Amazon at an affordable price!
2. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey got a free VR update through the Nintendo Labo VR Kit, and I couldn’t resist trying it. It lets me revisit three levels from the main game—only this time, in full 3D with Mario running around me while I stay in the center of the action.
The first moments felt magical. Seeing Mario pop up with that classic smile was surreal—almost enough to forget I was the one controlling him.
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Each level has a simple goal: find instruments for three musicians. It’s pretty straightforward: collect the musical notes scattered around before time runs out.
I could finish a level in just a few minutes. It works best when the objectives are nearby, allowing me to fully appreciate the 3D effect. If Mario gets too far, though, he starts to blur into the background.
3. Deemo Reborn
Demo Reborn was initially released in 2013 as a mobile game that transformed photos into pianos, featuring a simple format similar to other mobile rhythm games. In VR, Deemo Reborn feels like a completely new experience.
What drew me in was how it blends a touching, mysterious story with rhythm-based gameplay. Most rhythm games in VR go for speed and flashy tracks, but this one took a different path. I appreciated the slower pace and the flexibility of its musical selection. It gave me room to feel the music and connect with the story.
If you’re into rhythm games and want something more immersive and emotional, playing this VR game might surprise you. It certainly did for me.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild completely pulled me in from the start. With its shift to an open-world design, I suddenly had the freedom to explore Hyrule however I wanted.
Even years after its release, I still find myself getting lost in its vast fields and forests. There’s always something new to discover, and every path feels like your own adventure.
What sets this game apart is how it redefines what a Zelda game can be. It’s not just about completing quests. It’s about wandering and uncovering the world at your own pace.
If you’ve never played it, trust me—you’ll get hooked fast.
5. Among Us
This is one of the best games for the VR mod. It is a game of teamwork and betrayal. Crew members work together to complete tasks before the impostors kill everyone on board.
This virtual reality game is played with a team of 4-15 players. I played with a group of 10, and the tension was real. If you think it’s intense on a screen, wait until someone betrays you face-to-face in VR. You’ll feel it…
6. Spice and Wolf VR
Spice and Wolf VR is about Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant, and Holo, a beautiful woman who can transform into a wolf. These couples face many hardships as they travel together.
One moment that stood out was when they took shelter in an old, abandoned water mill. It felt peaceful yet full of emotion, as if I were right there with them.
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As the game progressed, the couple was blessed with an idyllic life and an adorable daughter. However, Holo and her daughter have a weakness for delicious foods, and their increasing food expenses are beginning to bother Lawrence.
This storyline lends itself to the title of this VR game, Spice and Wolf.
The game features a 30-minute story and game mode, allowing players to watch part of the animation alongside its characters in a Japanese paper street style. Furthermore, you can enjoy the game and the anime without a VR visor when set in non-VR Mode.
Looking for more simulation games? Here are some Nintendo Switch games that are similar to the Sims.
7. The Knight of Queens
The Devil King, once sealed in time by the legendary Hero, has broken free, and the world is on the brink of chaos again.
The player is the Knight of the Queen tasked with protecting Her Majesty. The player departs on a mission to fight the Devil King. Can you win the battle, restore peace, and save the world?
The battle system is turn-based and straightforward, so I jumped right in without needing to learn anything new. Exploring fields and dungeons, immersive in VR 360º, made the whole experience feel alive. If you like classic RPGs, this one’s for you.
8. Five Nights at Freddy’s
Five Nights at Freddy’s is next on my list of Nintendo Switch VR games. It’s a mix of classic and new mini-games where you face off against creepy killer animatronics.
You don’t need VR functionality to play, but using VR makes the scares hit harder. You are to repair claustrophobic ventilation systems, troubleshoot damaged animatronics that could trigger at any time, or spend the evening in the security guard’s office.
You’ll run into familiar faces like Bonnie, Freddy, Foxy, and Chica—and if you’re lucky, you can earn fun prizes like candy and toys.
9. Island Saver
Island Saver is a VR adventure game developed by Stormcloud Games. It was released on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox One on 13 May 2020. You are to help a group of unique islands by sorting out the horrid plastic waste that has washed up on the islands.
You must sort this trash out with your trusty Trash Bluster while keeping an eye out for the Litterbugs. Wash away gloop, collect litter, rescue the “bankimals”, and earn coins.
The “bankimals” are unique animals living in piggy banks, and you can save the Savvy Islands with them, making things suitable again.
I think the game has excellent features, such as tropical jungles and Bankimals that you can ride and use their power.
10. Super Smash Bros: Ultimate
I love jumping into the chaos of Super Smash Bros., where players battle to knock rivals off the stage.
New fighters like King K. Rool and Simon Belmont join favorites like Ridley and Inkling, battling on cool new Castlevania-themed stages. The Stage Morph feature even allows you to change the arena mid-fight, keeping things fresh.
Nintendo also added a VR mode, but it’s primarily for single-player mode or watching CPU battles. VR mode adds the feature of being able to look around the stages and catch details you might miss otherwise.
If you’re a fan, it’s a neat way to experience the game from a new angle.
Did you know that Switch games are accessible even when you’re offline? Read here to discover how to play downloaded Switch games without the internet.
Nintendo Switch VR Gaming FAQS
Here are the more common questions about VR gaming in the Nintendo Switch:
Can You Play Any VR Games on Nintendo Switch?
No, you can’t. Although VR mode is available on all Nintendo Switch consoles, it can only be used when playing a VR version game with compatible VR goggles for your Nintendo Switch.
What VR Headsets Work for the Nintendo Switch?
Several VR headsets are compatible with Nintendo Switch, like the Labo VR Starter Kit, OIVO VR, and HTC Vive Cosmos VR goggles, among others.
A VR headset like the Labo VR starter kit is very affordable and easy to use. It allows gamers to play certain VR games included with the Labo, and also dive into the basic methods of designing a VR game.
How to Put Your Switch in VR Mode?
Open a game that supports VR and select the “VR Playing” Mode. Then add the VR Googles to your Switch and put them on to start playing!
If you don’t find the “Playing in VR” Mode, go to the “Options” menu and look for an option called “Toy-Con VR Googles”. You will have to enable it.
If you have any doubts, check this Nintendo guide to put your Switch on VR Mode.
Is Minecraft on Switch VR?
No, Minecraft is not available on VR Switch games. To play Minecraft on VR, you will need a powerful PC and VR goggles, such as the Meta Quest 2, to run it. Additionally, the only Minecraft version with native VR support is the Bedrock Edition.
The Minecraft Java Edition doesn’t have native support for VR, but you can still play in VR if you install a user-modded version, specifically the Vivecraft mod. However, this option is only possible on a PC, not on the Nintendo Switch VR.
Nintendo Switch VR Games: Few, but Amazing!
VR has undoubtedly brought a revolution in the gaming industry. Although many VR games are currently limited to products such as the PSVR and Valve Index, the Nintendo Switch offers a wide range of titles. All the VR Switch games I mentioned above are ideal for a more immersive gaming experience.
I’ve tested these games myself and can vouch for their immersive quality. So put on your headset, dive in, and enjoy the fresh perspectives these games bring!
