Back when we were kids, we only got new video game releases every now and then, which meant each game had to last a long time—otherwise we'd run out of stuff to play.
In the days of the NES, we could pad gameplay by trying to find every secret without the help of wikis. We could also get creative and invent new ways to play. But even then, there wasn't too much to do because games were small.
These days? You can buy games that are guaranteed to last more than 50 hours—and there are plenty of them available for the Nintendo Switch! Here are the longest Nintendo Switch games.
Note: While a few third-party cross-platform games made it onto this list, we tried to focus on games that are exclusive to the Nintendo Switch so you aren't re-buying games you already own!
10. Stardew Valley
Developed by ConcernedApe
Released in 2017
About 50 hours (main story)
About 150 hours (completionist)
If you've heard of Stardew Valley, chances are good that you already own it. That said, do you own it on the Nintendo Switch? Because playing this game on the go, or just kicking back on the couch, may be the best way to enjoy it.
Technically, you can finish this game in under 50 hours, but who would ever want to rush through a game like Stardew Valley?
9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Developed by CD Projekt Red
Released in 2019
About 55 hours (main story)
About 190 hours (completionist)
Saying that you can play through The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in 50 hours is like saying you can survive on nothing but bread and water. Technically yes, you might be able to do it, but who would choose that?
This edition includes the game's Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansion packs, so expect to spend upwards of 100 hours.
8. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Developed by Bethesda Game Studios
Released in 2017
About 25 hours (main story)
About 200 hours (completionist)
If you're remotely interested in Skyrim, you've already played it, but like so many games, it just feels different playing it in handheld mode on the Switch. Try running through with a different build or just play through it again. It's Skyrim—you never really finish it.
7. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Developed by Square Enix
Released in 2019
About 55 hours (main story)
About 125 hours (completionist)
If all you do is play through the main story of Dragon Quest XI on the Switch, it will take you roughly 50 hours.
That said, there are plenty of other things to do, and as has been the case for many entries in the series, these can easily double your playtime. Considering the extras in this version, you could play this for more than 150 hours without seeing everything.
6. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
Developed by Capcom
Released in 2018
About 75 hours (main story)
About 650 hours (completionist)
Monster Hunter isn't just a series of open world games full of hack-and-slash grinding. Monster Hunter is a way of life.
While Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is a return to what the series was like prior to the smash hit Monster Hunter World, anyone who's been on board with the series from previous entries knows exactly what to expect here.
You'll be working through the endless treadmill of killing monsters to gather loot to craft gear to kill stronger monsters to gather better loot to craft cooler gear. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate offers hundreds of satisfying hours worth of playtime.
5. Octopath Traveler
Developed by Square Enix
Released in 2018
About 60 hours (main story)
About 100 hours (completionist)
Would you expect an RPG that follows eight individual storylines to be on the short side? If so, you'd be wrong.
Even moving through the storylines as fast as you can will take you up to the 50 hour mark, and if you want to do sidequests or simply enjoy the scenery, you're going to need much more time.
4. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Developed by Intelligent Systems
Released in 2019
About 45 hours (main story)
About 200 hours (completionist)
The Fire Emblem series has never been known for short games, and Three Houses may be the longest single entry yet.
One play through of the main story usually takes around 50 hours, and that's only playing as one of the titular three houses. If you want to see everything, expect to spend much more time.
3. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Developed by Monolith Soft
Released in 2017
About 60 hours (main story)
About 250 hours (completionist)
Developer Monolith Soft has been creating deep RPG experiences that stretch well past the 50-hour mark since the original Xenogears for the PlayStation in 1998.
Even if you ignore the DLC and tons of side content available in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, the main story should take you in the neighborhood of 60 hours if you're not rushing.
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Developed by Nintendo
Released in 2020
About 60 hours (main story)
About 350 hours (completionist)
Animal Crossing is always a system seller for Nintendo, and for good reason. This series has been addictive since the start, and each iteration adds even more reasons to keep playing.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is no exception with a new setting and new systems to keep the hours ticking by.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Developed by Nintendo
Released in 2017
About 50 hours (main story)
About 185 hours (completionist)
First off, yes, you probably own this game if you own a Nintendo Switch. If you don't have it, you should probably buy it—even if you've never enjoyed a Zelda game before.
Do yourself a favor: don't look anything up. Just jump in and explore. It may take longer, but you'll savor the experience more.
