We love horror games at Pocket-lint - there’s nothing quite like the fear that a truly terrifying game can inspire, making your palms sweaty and your heart rate unhealthy.
There are loads of great horror titles on the Nintendo Switch, in particular, because of a series of excellent ports of some classics from years gone by. We’ve brought together a selection of the very best options available right here.
For a bunch of other genres, check out our other Switch lists in the table below.
- View on the eShop
For
- Incredible tension Great stealth So authentic
Against
- Almost too scary
One of the best horror games ever was ported to the Switch a couple of years ago with great success - this is a great way to play an iconic title.
You’ll skulk around trying to hide and flee from a lone Alien that’s more threatening than anything in the myriad of other Alien games that have come out. There’s so much tension and a really convincing level design ethos. Prepare to be scared.
Fun story Great retro graphics Proper survival horror
Isn’t that long
This throwback horror game puts you in the shoes of an android called Elster, waking up in a crashed ship on an unfamiliar planet and trying to figure out what on earth is going on.
The visuals are a retro delight, and the gameplay is super engaging, but be prepared to be properly freaked out - things get pretty unhinged in this scary little game.
Great bundle Extremely unsettling Fun gothic story
A bit samey
Another horror classic is Amnesia: The Dark Descent - we still have fond memories of the fear it inspired the first time we played it on PC. It’s been ported to the Switch along with a couple of sequels, perfect for those who want bang for their buck.
You’ll be amazed by its canny sanity system, which makes you feel weirder and weirder the more you see scary things or stay in the dark, and by the twists that its eerie story takes.
Action thrills Pulpy story Amazing set-piece moments
Not actually very scary
Another excellent porting of a horror classic, this time we’ve got probably the most influential Resident Evil game ever, a title that changed how people looked at both the series and the horror genre. With more action than players were used to, it isn’t the scariest game ever, but still packs in some classic moments.
You’ll have to manage your inventory carefully, and learn how to fight off enemies efficiently unless you want to run out of ammo and fend for yourself without a gun. Plus, the storyline is pure pulpy fun.
Good value Nice remasters Fun stories
Tanky controls Frustrating moments
Returning to Resident Evil, this is a great way to play a couple of older titles that have been lovingly updated to be a bit more modern, letting you see the stories that started off the franchise without needing an emulator and a lot of patience.
The controls are still a little clunky by current standards, but the core ideas at play work beautifully, and it’s amazing to see where things got started in a new light.
