Best Switch games to play while waiting for Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact still isn’t out for Switch, but there’s plenty of games that might scratch that itch while you wait for that coveted Genshin Impact release date.

The Nintendo Switch is one of the best consoles to buy if you’re into anime-style games. Indie developers and AAA studios have put out dozens of similar titles to enjoy. Even if you’re not a fan of the Japanese aesthetic, there’s still plenty of open-world games for you to explore. These are three titles that can hold you over until miHoYo’s open-world gacha Genshin Impact makes its way to Nintendo Switch.

Octopath Traveler

The portable nature of the Switch makes it a perfect fit for RPGs. Octopath Traveler is already considered a classic on the console thanks to its old-school gameplay and incredible graphics. The diverse cast of eight characters fights against monsters in the traditional turn-based style. The point boost system gives every character a chance to steal the spotlight in a fight. 

That cast is the central point of the story. All eight playable characters have unique goals and personalities to match. Whether you want to be an estranged dancer seeking vengeance for her father’s murder, a cleric questioning the meaning of her faith, or a classic sword-and-board knight, Octopath Traveler has you covered. The stylized visuals are also fun to look at. The game is a strange mix between 3D environments and pixel art all designed to show contrast. Both are executed beautifully by the artists at Square Enix. 

Night of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon 

If you’re looking for a more involved RPG to play, Night of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon is worth a shot. The combat consists of open-world battles with the player character and a computer-controlled partner against hordes of enemies. Mixing and matching gear and abilities is the key to success, just as in Genshin Impact. The Night of Azure series revolves around its complex story involving a mostly female cast.

A big part of the Genshin Impact fandom is dedicated to theorizing potential relationships between playable characters. The game hints at some things, but leaves most of it up to the players. This is not the case in Night of Azure 2. Characters have explicit romantic relationships that the player can guide through gameplay. If you’re interested in character-based RPGs with innovative combat like Genshin Impact, give Night of Azure 2 a try on the Switch.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

This one is a pretty obvious choice. Breath of the Wild is the game that inspired Genshin Impact, with many Zelda fans even claiming the gacha game outright copied it. The two share almost the exact same core gameplay loop minus the team-based gacha elements of Genshin Impact. Breath of the Wild’s stylized visuals perfectly match the massive world. While the latest Zelda game has received some criticism for its simple nature, the sheer number of puzzles to solve, shrines to discover, and enemies to fight makes it a great way to pass the time.

Even when Genshin Impact finally releases for Nintendo Switch, you might still stick with Breath of the Wild. The map is absolutely massive, and Genshin Impact won’t be able to compare until all seven of its nations are released. The physics engine allows for some pretty crazy stuff, and Korok Seeds and shrines are fun to hunt down even after the final boss is defeated. Due to its similar gameplay loop and its massive amount of content, Breath of the Wild is the perfect game to play on Switch while waiting for the Genshin Impact release date to arrive.