Life can be great, but sometimes you wish you were doing something else. That's where simulation games come in. The Sims may be the most famous, but the genre covers a wide range of subjects, all simulating everyday life. The Nintendo Switch has plenty of great simulation games to offer. Simulation games can feature unique tasks like flying a plane or cooking, and complex activities like city planning or community building. The diversity of the simulation category means there's something for everyone. With the Switch, these games are more accessible than ever - play at home or on the go. Check out our list of the best simulation titles for the console, including farming favorites like Farming Simulator and Nintendo exclusives like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and vote up your favorites.
About this list
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Stardew Valley.This game blends community and farming simulation, giving players the best of both worlds. You feel like part of a small town; you meet and might even marry the residents while tending crops and making money from the harvest.
The gameplay is relaxing and addictive. The adorable art style and catchy soundtrack are other big draws. Whether you focus on relationships, farming, or both, this title is a definite pick.
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After the game exploded in March 2020, finding someone who hasn't heard of it is tough.Animal Crossing: New Horizons.This wholesome community simulator brings back what fans love. It adds new mechanics like crafting, customizing, and diving.
Players seeking relaxation will enjoy this game.New Horizons.Players talk to neighbors, decorate their homes, or fish. This latest installment in the series features these activities.Animal Crossing.This series is a must-play for anyone who loves social simulation games.social simulation games.
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Ever wonder what it's like to be a bee? Now you can with Bee Simulator.Bee Simulator.Players collect pollen, dodge wasps, and help their hive survive and grow.
The game offers educational aspects. Players learn how bees work and help our ecosystems.Bee Simulator.Bee Simulator also includes co-op and multiplayer modes for playing with friends.
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This is a spiritual successor to a top Nintendo DS franchise.Nintendogs., Little Friends: Dogs & Cats.This pet simulation game launched on the Switch in 2019. Players can play, feed, pet, and dress up their dog or cat.
The game includes activities like a flying disc tournament, referencing an event in Nintendogs.Nintendogs.Fans want to relive the good times with their virtual furry friend. This game is a must.
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One of the most creative titles on this list is Do Not Feed the Monkeys.Do Not Feed the Monkeys.This game mixes life and file simulation. The player spies on people using video feeds on an in-game laptop. Players gather info on strangers while managing their lives, with chances to interact, but at a cost.
Critics liked the game. They said it drew from voyeurism and Alfred Hitchcock's famous film.Rear Window.. The game has strange concepts, but it speaks to mass surveillance and social media.
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This game first appeared in 2003 as part of theHarvest Moonseries, which now calls itselfStory of Seasonsrecent years, it isFriends of Mineral TownThis community and farming simulator now runs on the Nintendo Switch.
The Game Boy Advance version ofFriends of Mineral Townwas a 1999 remake.Harvest MoontitleBack to NatureThis title released only for the PlayStation. It inspired more modern games.Friends of Mineral TownFriends of Mineral Town is a great choice for fans of newer games likeStardew ValleyorMy Time at Portiaplayers who did not grow up with this genre.
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Two Point Hospital ported to the Switch in 2020.Two Point HospitalPlayers build their own hospital in this business simulation. They work with patients to cure ailments. Developers made the game comical with fake, funny ailments and cute, cartoony characters.
As the general manager, you expand your hospital for more patients. The game offers deep mechanics and a lighthearted mood that makes it fun.
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House Flipper is a fixer-upper game. Released in 2018, it lets you fix up properties for virtual profit. Gamers must clean, rip out, add tiles, and paint to make money.
Players have many interior design options to add their personal touch to homes. The game offers flexible gameplay, adding to replay value.
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Farming SimulatorFarming Simulator is a farm simulator. The game has charm that led to over 25 million copies sold. Players grow crops, raise livestock, and make profit, but they also have fun playing with heavy equipment.
This game offers a taste of a simple life for city folk.
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Move overSim CitySim City has a new competitor. Originally released for PC and Mac in 2015.Cities: SkylinesCities: Skylines ported to the Switch in 2017. It looks great. As an urban planning simulation, players manage the city's zoning, taxes, and public transport.
You start with a small plot of land. You turn it into a goldmine. As your city grows, your responsibilities grow too. Though the game is older, plenty of DLC keeps things fresh.
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This chaotic cooking sim skips realism. It focuses on stylized, frantic gameplay that works for everyone. You can playOvercooked appears in the list 'Escape The Mundane With The 20 Best Simulation Games For The Switch'.Play solo, or the original or sequel works. The game shines with local or online co-op for up to four players.
Prepare dishes under a timer. Kitchens also have gimmicks, like being split between two hot air balloons or an earthquake in the middle. This game keeps you engaged and laughing for hours. It’s fun for a party.
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Think you can be a master sleuth? As one of the more original simulation games lately, Thief Simulator is in the list 'Escape The Mundane With The 20 Best Simulation Games For The Switch'.This open-world stealth game lets players rob and burglarize secured homes. Learn new tricks while gathering intel; you can buy better high-tech gear.
The game uses real-world mechanics. You must move fast—or your fingers will fail. Watch out; get caught, and it's over.
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Rune Factory 4 was released for the Nintendo 3DS from 2012 to 2014, depending on the region. The game now runs on the Switch. It keeps the farming, dungeon delving, and community simulation mechanics. Some minor graphical upgrades exist., the newest part of the long-running Rune Factory is in the list 'Escape The Mundane With The 20 Best Simulation Games For The Switch'.The Rune Factory series started on the Nintendo 3DS in 2012 through 2014, region dependent. The Switch now hosts the game. It keeps farming, dungeon delving, and community simulation mechanics. Some minor graphical upgrades exist.
This uses a proven formula. Rune Factory 4 is in the list 'Escape The Mundane With The 20 Best Simulation Games For The Switch'.Rune Factory 4 does this better than any other sim, which is why they ported it.
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Want to try construction without actually building things? In Construction Simulator 2 is in the list 'Escape The Mundane With The 20 Best Simulation Games For The Switch'.Players handle over 60 construction jobs. Daily tasks include fixing fluids, building bridges, moving goods, and making apartments.
The game shows great detail. Controlling over 40 real-life vehicles gets you to foreman fast.
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If you like community, building, resource management, and role-playing, there is no better game than My Time at Portia is in the list 'Escape The Mundane With The 20 Best Simulation Games For The Switch'.. The game happens after humans leave underground. They plan to rebuild society after an apocalyptic event.
This game is lighthearted. It uses bright colors and cute art. Players rebuild cities, find relics, and learn about past people.
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Love history? Love flying?Red WingThis game combines two elements for an epic flying simulation. You can team up with the Red Baron or play against him. More than 10 historical warplanes let you choose. The game mixes history lessons with over-the-top action to keep you hooked.
Even better,Aces of the SkyAces of the Sky includes a co-op mode. You and your best friend can fly together.
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Urban FlowUrban Flow offers a new city simulation. Players control traffic signals, not streets and buildings, aiming to stop crashes and jams.
The game feels like a puzzle game. Over a hundred levels let you conquer it. The title uses a quirky, low poly art style and original "urban" music, which gives the game a distinct feel.Urban FlowUrban Flow has its own unique flavor.
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Little Dragons CafeLittle Dragons mixes cafe simulation with fantasy dragon raising. Gameplay splits into three parts: managing the cafe, exploring for menu ingredients, and raising a baby dragon.
Players can choose a male or female protagonist. They are brother and sister in the story. The game is whimsical and charming, offering something different from this genre.
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This game shares the chaotic, funny energy ofOvercooked, Moving OutMoving Out is a co-op multiplayer moving simulator. Players must work together to move furniture out of different homes to finish objectives.
The physics in Moving Out are wild. This makes controlling some cargo hard. Hilarity happens, so this game is great for laughing with friends.
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As expected,Golf With Your FriendsGolf With Your Friends is a multiplayer golf simulation with up to 12 players. It has seven levels, each with 18 holes, totaling 126 courses.
After finishing that, you get a level editor. You can make your own courses to mess with your friends. The idea is simple, but it keeps you coming back, hopefully with more friends.
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