Longest Nintendo Switch Games You Can Play

Hey gamers! Ever find yourself looking for a game that you can sink hundreds, maybe even thousands, of hours into? We all love those quick, satisfying gaming sessions, but sometimes, you just want an epic adventure that keeps on giving. If you're a Nintendo Switch owner and you're on the hunt for some seriously long-lasting experiences, you've come to the right place, guys! We're diving deep into the world of the longest games on Nintendo Switch, those sprawling epics that will keep you glued to your screen for weeks, months, or even longer. Forget about beating a game in a weekend; these are the titles that redefine commitment and offer a universe of content to explore. Whether you're a completionist who needs to see and do absolutely everything, or you just love getting lost in a massive, immersive world, this list is for you. We've scoured the eShop and physical shelves to bring you the absolute titans of playtime, games that don't just offer a story, but a whole lifestyle. So, grab your Switch, get comfy, and let's explore the gaming marathons waiting for you!

Diving Into the Deep End: RPGs and Open Worlds

When we talk about the longest games on Nintendo Switch, we're almost always talking about Role-Playing Games (RPGs) and massive open-world adventures. These genres are practically built for longevity. They offer intricate stories, vast landscapes to explore, tons of side quests, character progression systems that can take ages to max out, and often, endless replayability. Think about it, guys: a good RPG doesn't just hand you a plot; it invites you into a living, breathing world where your choices matter and your journey can take countless paths. The sheer amount of content packed into these games is astounding. You might spend hours just exploring one region, uncovering its secrets, completing its many optional tasks, and engaging in its unique combat system. Then there's the character development itself – leveling up, acquiring new gear, learning new skills, customizing your playstyle – it’s a rabbit hole of engagement that can easily add dozens, if not hundreds, of hours to your playthrough. Open-world games, on the other hand, give you unparalleled freedom. You can go anywhere, do anything, and often, the main story is just one thread in a massive tapestry of activities. Collecting items, hunting down hidden collectibles, participating in mini-games, and simply traversing the enormous maps are all activities that contribute to the playtime. It’s this blend of freedom and depth that makes these games legendary for their length. The replayability factor is also huge. Many RPGs have different story branches, character classes, or endings that encourage multiple playthroughs. You might finish one character's journey and immediately want to start another with a completely different approach. Open-world games often have emergent gameplay, meaning unexpected things can happen based on your actions and the game's systems, leading to unique experiences each time you play. So, if you're looking for a game that will truly test your dedication and offer an unparalleled amount of fun, the RPG and open-world genres on the Switch are definitely where you'll find your next epic adventure. These aren't just games; they're worlds to inhabit, stories to live, and challenges to overcome that will occupy your time in the best way possible. Prepare to lose track of time, guys, because these titles are built for the long haul!

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild

When discussing the longest games on Nintendo Switch, it's impossible not to start with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and its predecessor, Breath of the Wild. These games aren't just long; they are gargantuan. Breath of the Wild, released in 2017, set a new standard for open-world design, and players quickly discovered that its Hyrule was vast, brimming with secrets, shrines, Korok seeds, and countless hours of exploration. Most players will easily spend over 100 hours in Breath of the Wild just trying to see the main story and a good chunk of the side content. If you're a completionist aiming for 100%, you're looking at potentially 200-300 hours or even more, especially when hunting down all 900 Korok seeds! The freedom to explore, experiment with physics-based puzzles, and tackle challenges in any order is a massive part of its appeal and its longevity. The sheer amount of hidden content means you can play for hours and still stumble upon something new. Then came Tears of the Kingdom in 2023, which took the already massive world of Hyrule and literally expanded it into the sky and the depths. This sequel managed to build upon the foundation of Breath of the Wild by adding sky islands, a vast underground Depths system, and an even more intricate story. The new building and fusion mechanics allow for unprecedented creativity, leading players to spend countless hours experimenting and building contraptions. The main quest is substantial, but the sheer density of new areas, puzzles, shrines, and side adventures means that Tears of the Kingdom can easily eclipse its predecessor in terms of playtime. Players are reporting 150-200 hours for a thorough playthrough and well over 300-400 hours for true completionists. The combination of exploration, creative problem-solving, and a seemingly endless supply of things to discover makes these two Zelda titles absolute kings of playtime on the Switch. They offer not just a game, but an entire world to get lost in, making them must-haves for anyone seeking the longest games on Nintendo Switch. Seriously, guys, if you want a game that will occupy your entire year, these are your best bets!

Xenoblade Chronicles Series (Definitive Edition, 2, 3)

The Xenoblade Chronicles series is another absolute powerhouse when it comes to sheer volume of content and playtime, making it a prime candidate for the longest games on Nintendo Switch. This JRPG series is renowned for its massive, sprawling worlds, incredibly deep combat systems, epic storylines, and a sheer density of quests and activities that can keep you engaged for an astonishing amount of time. Let's break it down, guys: each main entry in the series is a colossal undertaking. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (a remaster of the Wii original) offers hundreds of hours of gameplay. Completing the main story alone will take you a significant chunk of time, but dive into the side quests, explore every nook and cranny of its breathtaking continents like Bionis and Mechonis, and experience the added story chapter, "Future Connected," and you're looking at well over 100-150 hours. If you're a completionist, you can easily push that number to 200+ hours. Then you have Xenoblade Chronicles 2. This entry is famous for its intricate Blade system, massive world of Alrest, and a story that unfolds over dozens of hours. A standard playthrough can easily hit 80-100 hours, but exploring optional areas, completing side quests, and maxing out your Blades and party members will push it to 150-200 hours or more. The expansion, "Torna ~ The Golden Country," adds even more to the experience. Finally, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 arrived and, if anything, upped the ante even further. It features an even larger world, a more complex combat system, and a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and incredibly long. Completing the main story can take 70-90 hours, but the sheer volume of exploration, side content, and the need to grind for optimal builds and gear will easily push a thorough playthrough to 120-180 hours. For those who want to tackle every single piece of content, including superbosses and detailed exploration, 250-300 hours is not out of the question. The Xenoblade Chronicles series is perfect for players who love deep JRPG mechanics, rich storytelling, and worlds that feel truly alive and expansive. If you're searching for the longest games on Nintendo Switch, these titles offer an unparalleled journey that will occupy your gaming time for months. Trust me, guys, these games are marathons, not sprints!

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition

When talking about longest games on Nintendo Switch, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is an absolute titan, a benchmark for open-world RPGs that has somehow been masterfully ported to the Nintendo Switch. This game is not just long; it's an epic saga. Geralt of Rivia's journey is filled with complex moral choices, a richly detailed world steeped in Slavic mythology, and a staggering amount of content. For players who primarily focus on the main story, you're still looking at a hefty 50-60 hours. However, The Witcher 3 truly shines in its side quests and optional content, which are often as compelling and well-written as the main narrative itself. If you decide to explore the world, engage with its inhabitants, complete numerous monster contracts, and uncover the numerous hidden treasures and points of interest, you can easily find yourself spending 100-150 hours. And that's before we even touch the two massive expansions: **