Anyone familiar with the Nintendo Switch knows that the games for sports can be a little lackluster as far as simulations are concerned. For the most part, manufacturers focus on producing games that are made more for casual players wanting to get some action in on their own time. The more intense games are on Playstation, Xbox, and PC.
What are the four best soccer games on the Nintendo Switch? Just about any player can be satisfied by picking up one of these options and exploring a bit.
1. FIFA
As is the case with any video game platform, FIFA reigns supreme as far as a simulation is concerned on the Nintendo Switch. The game looks pretty good on the system, although some people feel like it is better served on PlayStation or Xbox. It seems to not only play a little bit better, but there are more opponents online to compete against.
Nonetheless, FIFA is one way to get a simulation-style soccer game on a console that lacks a lot of simulation sports games in general.
There are a few features that are missing, but the players will still have an opportunity to play the game the way they want to. Being able to take the game with you while on the road is also something that is enjoyable for a lot of players.
The latest version of FIFA has made some smaller changes, but nothing that is completely altering the game. Playing against the computer is a decent challenge, but skilled players will find it to be a bit tedious after a while. The only way to get solid competition is to play against a real person, either online or locally.
No one will say that FIFA is perfect, but it makes for a very fun option. Most Switch owners should at least invest in an older FIFA title to give the game a try.
Pros
- Best overall simulation game on the Nintendo Switch for soccer
- Graphics look great compared to the competition
- Older versions still play well
Cons
- Lacks some of the features found on other consoles
- Competition from the computer could be better
2. Rocket League
Rocket League has always had a very strong following on the Nintendo Switch. Not everyone believes that it is a true soccer game, but it really just replaces players with vehicles. They all have their power-ups that make this an arcade type of game, but there is plenty of strategies that still goes into making a team capable of scoring the most goals.
Online is where people can really get into Rocket League and discovering everything that is out there. A lot of people have fallen in love with online gameplay as a challenge, since it allows people to really get a glimpse of how things go.
Those considering themselves true soccer fans might initially hesitate to give Rocket League a try, but it usually turns into one of the more addictive sports-related games. The play is stellar on all platforms, and being mobile with the Nintendo Switch can help people get their fix anywhere.
Pros
- Easy to learn
- Fast-paced action
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not a true soccer game for some purists
- Upgrades can be costly
3. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games: Tokyo 2020
What list for any Nintendo console would be complete without some of the iconic characters of the brand? Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games: Tokyo 2020 is a fine sports game that is meant to be for more casual players. It can still be a challenge and bring out the competitive side of people, but it is hardly a simulation. With that said, the soccer portion of this game is one worth checking out.
People playing the game can pick from several different characters that all have their own characteristics they bring to the pitch. It is a bit over the top in some scenarios, but it is meant to be a fun game for people of all ages to play.
The game performs well once a person gets used to it, and it is very easy not to get bored since a person can participate in many other sports as well.
As a game built for all ages, the controls are very easy to pick up and start utilizing right away. Those who want to get really good at the game can put in the time to get to where they want to be. With the Olympics always being a fun mix of sports to participate in, this game will not get old.
Pros
- Simplistic soccer game
- Game comes with additional sports options
- Familiar faces from Nintendo games in the past
Cons
- Gets repetitive playing against the computer
- Graphics are subpar
4. Football Manager Touch
Football Manager is available on many different platforms, and while the game is a little bit different on Nintendo Switch, some like it for the better. It is a bit more simplified, which means that a person won’t be able to micromanage their team as much as they would on the computer.
However, it is good for those who might not want to be extra tedious with every little decision, instead opting for more casual play that flies by faster.
Those unfamiliar with Football Manager need to know that this is a game that focuses solely on management and simulation of a soccer club. There is not any actual play, but managers are in charge of making all the major decisions to form their team.
It can be very addicting, and easy to pick up and play with just limited time here and there. New players might be a little skeptical at first that they could have so much fun with a video game like this, but it becomes very addicting for those who enjoy soccer.
It’s also one of the easier games to play while on the go, since it doesn’t need as much constant focus on the screen. Some gamers are not particularly fond of paying attention to the screen all the time when they are traveling, but this is more of a casual game looking down like someone would use a tablet.
Pros
- Most detailed simulator on Nintendo Switch for soccer fans
- Simplified version is a welcome change for some
- Plenty of tools to mess around with
Cons
- Lacks the detail of the PC version
- Some people want more action with their video games
Our Top Pick
FIFA’s combination’s of providing an option for simulation lovers and those wanting a fast-paced, arcade-like game is very difficult to beat.
EA Sports pours in so much money every single year to make subtle improvements to keep people as engaged as possible. It might not be a perfect game, and it’s lacking some options on the Nintendo Switch, but it’s still the best of the best right now.
Many Nintendo fans are hoping that more soccer games are released to help people satisfy their itch. Casual games can shoot up in the rankings pretty quickly if they get basic gameplay down right.
Best soccer games on other platforms:
