MMORPGs playing on the go is quite interesting. Sitting under a tree on a sunny day, Nintendo Switch in hand, raiding with friends. A nice thought.
In 2018, the online features of Nintendo’s current console are set to be significantly expanded to support online gaming on a large scale. Therefore, MMORPGs would definitely be conceivable.
It should be noted that the mobile Switch does not possess hardware as powerful as what is found in current consoles and PCs. This mainly impacts the graphics. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at which MMORPGs we would like to see on the Switch.
1. The Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim looks good on the Switch. Graphically, the version also looks appealing, and the controls with the controller work flawlessly. Therefore, there should be no problem playing ESO on Nintendo’s console. It is controlled with the sticks and buttons. Thanks to the motion controllers, this is even quite fun. The same could work just as well for ESO.
Graphically, The Elder Scrolls Online does not offer the absolute high-end experience. Due to its graphic style, the game still gives a very good impression even with slightly reduced options. Therefore, an ESO on the Switch is indeed conceivable.
2. TERA
The upcoming port of the action-packed MMORPG TERA to Playstation 4 and Xbox One raises the question of whether a Switch version would be possible. According to testers of the console version of TERA, the MMORPG plays very well with the controller and is also enjoyable. The action-packed fights are said to feel great.
As far as graphics are concerned, it could very well be that TERA would have to be somewhat toned down for the Switch. The system requirements of the title mention 4 to 8 GB of RAM. The Switch has 4 GB, but this could prove to be a small bottleneck. Therefore, TERA may be a bit harder to implement.
3. Albion Online
The sandbox MMORPG Albion Online is perfectly poised for mobile MMO entertainment, as the online game is already playable on tablets and the Nintendo Switch is based on Nvidia tablet technology. The controls would need some adjustments, but the touchscreen could be handy for managing the inventory.
Also, graphically, the developers don’t need to cut back much. Since Albion Online runs on a tablet, it will run on the Switch as well. However, the tablet version of the MMO is not yet fully optimized, but that should only be a matter of time. So it is quite possible to experience the sandbox adventures of Albion Online on the Nintendo Switch.
4. Tree of Savior
For fans of cuter characters and classic RPG fare, Tree of Savior would be a case for the Nintendo Switch. Especially in terms of graphics and atmosphere, this MMORPG would fit excellently into the console’s portfolio. The mix of 3D and 2D graphics is not too hardware-hungry, which means the Switch should handle this well.
The adjustment of the controls might be a bit more challenging due to the classic gameplay. The controls themselves are fairly simple, but managing all the many skills, menus, and inventory with the controller is certainly not easy. But again, the touchscreen can come in handy and serve well. Tree of Savior would definitely do well as a classic MMORPG on Nintendo’s console.
5. Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV runs on PC and PS4. The special thing here: All players can play together on the same server. With a relatively high global cooldown and a well-thought-out gamepad control scheme, this MMORPG works with a controller. For the successful yet complex gamepad controls, the Switch Pro Controller, which is quite similar to the PlayStation controller, would be particularly suitable.
That all players can play together across all platforms would also be a prerequisite for a port to the Nintendo Switch. Because Square Enix is already considering this and has even been in talks with the top management of Nintendo.
Final Fantasy XIV would be a fully-fledged classic MMORPG on the Nintendo Switch – suitable for both short breaks and extended gaming sessions.
Especially with the online services that will be prioritized next year, MMORPGs are a good fit for Nintendo’s Switch. Let’s see which ones we’ll get to see.
Nintendo Switch: Could MMORPGs find their way to the new console?
