Whether you’re looking to muster the might to take control of a mech or explore the endless depths of the galaxy, our list of the best sci-fi games on Switch and mobile has you covered. In this guide, we’ve got everything from remasters of iconic science fiction games to indie hits that deliver incredible replay value. So, let’s get into it, shall we?
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It’s now time to blast off into our list of the best sci-fi games on Switch and mobile.
Into the Breach – Switch and mobile
If you’re a fan of mech anime such as Neon Genesis Evangelion or Gundam, this pick on our list of the best science fiction games might be the one for you. Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game that puts you in the middle of an apocalyptic conflict as humanity’s last hope. It’s up to you to jump in the robot and take on a destructive alien species known as the Vek, but you might not succeed on your first attempt.
Fortunately, part of the enjoyment of Into the Breach is trying and trying again. The more runs you complete, the more alternative mechs and pilots you can unlock, so you can try to better your last victory or take on one of the harder difficulty modes. Better still, after a free update in 2022, if you’ve not played this one in a while, the new content makes it worth revisiting via the Netflix games platform.
No Man’s Sky – Switch
If you’re looking for space exploration on our list of the best sci-fi games, few do it better than No Man’s Sky. Since arriving over seven years ago, Hello Games’s development team has continued adding mechanics to this intergalactic experience following a slightly disappointing initial release. These days, it’s potentially one of the best ways to experience the wonders of space out there, with many ranking it higher than Bethesda’s much-hyped Starfield. Considering it’s much cheaper, I know which one I’m opting for.
Still, it’s not fair to compare No Man’s Sky to Starfield too much, as it’s iconic in its own right. From building bases on dangerous planets to exploring uncharted territory with your friends in online multiplayer, survival and exploration are the key tenets of this game, and it’s a joy to experience for yourself. Sure, that joy might be curtailed when you find yourself lost in a toxic landscape with seemingly no escape, but finding your way through jeopardy like a true sci-fi icon is all part of the fun. If things do get a bit tricky, our guides to No Man’s Sky multiplayer, No Many’s Sky expeditions, and No Man’s Sky freighters have your back.
Honkai Star Rail – mobile
Honkai Star Rail rides the line between science fantasy and science fiction, but we’re going to include it in this list because it has all the necessary factors. Robots? Tick. Space travel? Tick. An epic narrative that makes you want to know more about the mysterious universe you find yourself in? You can bet that’s a big old tick for this one. In terms of free-to-play games, they don’t come much more engaging than this one, courtesy of the creators of Genshin Impact.
The RPG battle mechanics here are something of a throwback to the golden era of PS2 turn-based titles while still feeling fresh, thanks to some glorious animations and detailed character designs. Simply put, it’s a must-play for fans of science fiction games, with regular updates keeping the game fresh and engaging. If you need some assistance getting off the ground in this game, check out our Honkai Star Rail tier list and grab some freebies with our Honkai Star Rail codes guide. Or, if you need more convincing, check out our Honkai Star Rail review.
Alien Isolation – Switch and mobile
In space, no one can hear you scream, and that’s a shame because you can bet that the terrifying nature of Alien Isolation is going to make you holler. Unlike some of the games on this list, this horror game isn’t about vast exploration but survival and making it out of the Sevastopol space station alive.
You play as Amanda Ripley, the daughter of iconic Alien protagonist Ellen Ripley, as she searches for the truth surrounding her mother’s mysterious disappearance all those years ago. It’s not the longest game on this list, but it might be one of the most intense, especially if you happen to bump into a Xenomorph on your escape. If you want to know more, see our Alien Isolation mobile review. Just don’t blame us for the nightmares.
Metroid Prime Remastered – Switch
Choosing between Metroid Dread and Metroid Prime Remastered for this list was hard, as both are excellent science fiction games starring the iconic spacefarer Samus. However, considering we gave Metroid Prime Remastered a 10/10 in our review, it had to be the winner.
Whether you played the GameCube original or not, this is a pivotal experience from the last 25 years of sci-fi games with enough action to keep you engaged through the roughly fifteen hours of gameplay without missing a beat. The level design is incredible, the weapons are the stuff of science fiction dreams, and the bosses are worthy of their legendary status. This game is so good it inspired two sequels, and according to Nintendo, a fourth is still coming in the future. If you want more Samus when you’re done, read our Metroid Dread review to see if can tempt you into another daring adventure.
Lego Star Wars: Castaways – mobile (Apple Arcade)
No good list of the best sci-fi games is complete with something Star Wars flavored in the mix, and Lego Star Wars: Castaways is our pick for this one. Unlike many of the Lego Star Wars games we know and love, this one takes us outside the cinematic universe, giving you the chance to tell your own story with a lightsaber or blaster gun in hand. Better still, it’s one of the many Apple Arcade games, so you can try it out for free if you’re a subscriber.
This game really has it all, from intense battles against stormtroopers and iconic enemies from the Star Wars series to island dance parties – yes, you heard that right – with a significant social element that joins it all together. Unfortunately, the servers aren’t quite as busy as when this one first launched, but it’s still worth checking out for any science fiction or Star Wars fans. If you’re tempted by this one but want to know more, see our Lego Star Wars: Castaways review.
Star Trek: Fleet Command – mobile
If we’re including a Star Wars game, we’ve got to include a Star Trek alternative for all of our Trekkies out there. Star Trek: Fleet Command features a host of iconic captains, crewmates, and spaceships from the long-running sci-fi franchise as you cruise through massive galaxies and navigate the ongoing conflict between the Federation, Klingon, and Romulan forces.
The best thing about this game is the freedom to play it your way, whether you’re deciding which alliances to make with factions or building your ship from individual parts. It’s as epic an experience as you might expect from the Star Trek universe, with enough content to engage hardcore fans or those with a passing interest in the series. If you’re something of a Trekkie yourself, find some more titles that might have you embracing the Final Frontier with our guide to the best Star Trek games.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion – Switch
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion toes the line between fantasy and sci-fi games, while extending the narrative of one of the most beloved storylines in gaming history. This game tells the story of Zack Fair, a young SOLDIER fighter, who sets off on a journey to find his missing comrades, only to uncover much more than he anticipated and set up the beginning of the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy VII.
With a reimagined combat system that breathes new life into this remake, a visually stunning world to explore, and yes, plenty of Sephiroth, this game is one for Final Fantasy fans old and new. If you want to know more, our full Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion review from Pocket Tactics’ editor and resident FF expert Ruby has more details on this beloved prequel to one of the best games ever made. We’ve also got guides to help you in the game, including more details on Crisis Core materia fusions and Crisis Core missables.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope – Switch
Not content with saving the Mushroom Kingdom alone, this game sees Mario, Luigi, Peach, and a bunch of raving Rabbids take off across the galaxy to face an intergalactic threat. As you might expect from a title starring the Rabbids, this is one of the more tongue-in-cheek entries in our list of the best sci-fi games, with plenty of slapstick humor thrown into the engaging tactical battles to make things that bit more fun.
With more exploration than the original Mario + Rabbids game, and plenty of DLC to expand your adventure if you’re not yet ready to return to Earth, there’s plenty of fun to be had zooming around the galaxy and going after a new big bad with a team of familiar faces. For more on this one, check out our Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope review.
There you have it, our list of the best sci-fi games on Switch and mobile. If you’re looking for something new to play your games on, check out our picks for the best portable gaming consoles, or if it’s a futuristic watch you’re after to give you that science-fiction look, see our list of the best smartwatches.