Remember the heart-pounding thrill of blasting demons, even on a tiny screen? The Nintendo Switch has brought the legendary Doom franchise to a whole new audience, but which version is right for you? It’s easy to feel lost in the digital aisles. Do you want the classic, pixelated mayhem or the modern, super-fast action? Many gamers face the tough choice between Doom (1993), Doom 3, or the newer Doom (2016), each offering a very different experience on the portable console.
Choosing the wrong port can mean choppy frame rates or missing out on essential features. We understand that frustration! This post cuts through the noise. We will compare the key features, performance, and overall feel of the major Doom titles available on the Switch.
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which demon-slaying adventure deserves a spot on your Switch’s home screen. Get ready to lock and load—let’s dive into the best ways to experience Doom on the go!
Top Switch Doom Game Recommendations
- Doom The Classics Collection physical game for Nintendo Swith.
- This includes three classic DOOM games preserved on one cartridge - DOOM, DOOM II, and DOOM 3! No game downloads required.
- Includes a full-color manual and reversible cover art.
- DOOM + DOOM II on a region-free physical cartridge.
- Includes: DOOM, DOOM II, TNT: Evilution, The Plutonia Experiment, Master Levels for DOOM II, No Rest for the Living, Sigil & Sigil II, Legacy of Rust (a new episode created in collaboration by id Software, Nightdive Studios and MachineGames).
- A new Deathmatch map pack featuring 25 maps
- A total of 187 mission maps and 43 deathmatch maps in DOOM + DOOM II.
- English, Spanish, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese Brazilian (Subtitles)
- A Relentless Campaign - There is no taking cover or stopping to regenerate health as you beat back Hell's raging demon hordes. Combine your arsenal of futuristic and iconic guns, upgrades, movement and an advanced melee system to knock-down, slash, stomp, crush, and blow apart demons in creative and violent ways.
- Return of id Multiplayer - Dominate your opponents in DOOM's signature, fast-paced arena-style combat. In both classic and all-new game modes, annihilate your enemies utilizing your personal blend of skill, powerful weapons, vertical movement, and unique power-ups that allow you to play as a demon
- No battery used
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood and gore, intense violence, strong language
![DOOM Eternal: Standard Edition - Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51V+XumyuBL._SL160_.jpg)
- Developed by id Software and Panic Button, DOOM Eternal is the direct sequel to DOOM, winner of The Game Awards’ Best Action Game of 2016. Hell’s armies have invaded Earth.
- Become the Slayer in an epic single-player campaign to conquer demons across dimensions and stop the final destruction of humanity. The only thing they fear…is you.
![Doom - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZNgmmssKL._SL160_.jpg)
- Developed by id software, the studio that pioneered the first-person shooter genre and created multiplayer deathmatch, DOOM returns as a brutally fun and challenging modern-day shooter experience
- A relentless campaign - there is no taking cover or stopping to regenerate health as you beat back Hells raging demon hordes
- Return of id multiplayer - dominate your opponents in DOOMs signature, fast-paced arena-style combat
- Compatible with Nintendo switch only
![Doom Eternal : Deluxe - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51eHnmYGowS._SL160_.jpg)
- The Deluxe Edition includes
- DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods - Expansion Pass
- Access to two campaign expansions
- The DOOM Anthology includes an exclusive SteelBook game case and a 5-inch replica of the BFG with LED lights and a stand. The DOOM Anthology takes players through more than three decades of demon slaying. Wield an arsenal of powerful weapons as you battle demon hordes in six critically acclaimed games: DOOM, DOOM II, DOOM 64, DOOM 3, DOOM (2016), and DOOM Eternal Deluxe Edition.
- DOOM: You are one of Earth's toughest marines stationed on Mars when a military experiment opens the gates to hell. The game that pioneered the first-person shooter genre and changed video games forever.
- DOOM II: Sends you to Earth, gives players the brutal Super Shotgun to bear against deadlier demons, and makes you face an iconic boss, the Icon of Sin.
- DOOM 64: Sends you on a lone crusade to hunt down the Mother of all Demons and stop a renewed demonic invasion. DOOM 64 was enhanced in 2020 with upgraded visuals, native 60 FPS, and additional "Lost Levels" which continue the story.
- DOOM 3: In this critically acclaimed action-horror re-telling of the original DOOM, players battle their way through a dimly-lit and terrifying, demon-infested UAC facility on Mars before entering the abyss to battle Hell's mightiest warrior.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Switch Doom Games
Welcome to the world of fast-paced demon-slaying! If you own a Nintendo Switch and love action games, you’re probably looking at the DOOM titles available. Buying the right version ensures you have the best demon-hunting experience. This guide helps you choose wisely.
1. Key Features to Look For
When picking a DOOM game for your Switch, focus on these main features:
- Frame Rate and Resolution: This is how smooth the game looks. Look for reviews stating a stable 30 frames per second (fps) or higher. Higher resolution means sharper graphics, but on the small Switch screen, a good frame rate is often more important for fast action.
- Port Quality: Not all ports (versions moved to a new system) are equal. Check if the game runs well or if it stutters during intense fights. Good ports run smoothly.
- Controls Customization: Can you change how the buttons work? Good control options let you play exactly how you like, especially when aiming quickly.
- Included Content: Does the game include all the DLC (extra levels or skins)? Some bundles offer more value than the base game.
2. Important Materials (Digital vs. Physical)
For Switch games, “materials” usually means how you get the game:
- Physical Cartridge: You get a small plastic card you insert into the Switch.
- Pros: You own a physical item. You can easily trade or sell it later.
- Cons: Cartridges sometimes require a large download update when you first play them.
- Digital Download (eShop): You buy and download the game directly to your Switch’s internal storage or a microSD card.
- Pros: You can start playing right away after purchase.
- Cons: These games take up a lot of space. Make sure you have enough storage space on your SD card!
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one DOOM experience better than another on the Switch?
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Gyro Aiming: This feature lets you aim by physically tilting the Switch console. Many players find this much more accurate than using just the thumbsticks for shooting demons.
- Performance Patches: Check recent reviews. Developers often release updates (patches) after launch to fix bugs and improve frame rates. A game that started rough might run great now.
- Docked vs. Handheld Mode: Some games look better when plugged into the TV (docked mode) because the Switch can push more power to the graphics.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Long Loading Times: If you wait a long time between levels or when dying, the fun stops quickly.
- Visual Clutter: On a smaller screen, if too many effects happen at once, the action can become hard to follow.
- Motion Sickness: Because DOOM is so fast, some players feel dizzy. If you are sensitive, play in short bursts first.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to play DOOM affects which version you should buy.
Best Use Cases:
- On-the-Go Slaying: If you travel a lot, the Switch is perfect. You want a version known for good handheld performance, even if the graphics are slightly fuzzy.
- Couch Co-op (If applicable): Some DOOM versions allow local or online multiplayer. Check if the game supports split-screen if you plan to play with a friend sitting next to you.
- Quick Sessions: DOOM is great for short bursts of action. Look for games where the checkpoint system is forgiving so you don’t lose much progress when you quit suddenly.
Remember, the core of any DOOM game is fast, aggressive combat. Make sure the specific title you choose honors that feeling on the Switch hardware.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Switch DOOM Games
Q: Which DOOM game is generally considered the best port on the Switch?
A: Usually, DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal are highly praised for their technical achievement on the hardware, though Eternal is more demanding.
Q: Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play DOOM online?
A: Yes. Most modern online multiplayer features, including those in DOOM Eternal, require an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Q: How much storage space do these games usually need?
A: They take up significant space. Digital versions often require 15GB to over 30GB. Always check the eShop page before buying digitally.
Q: Can I use the Pro Controller instead of Joy-Cons?
A: Absolutely. Many players prefer the larger grips and better analog sticks of the Switch Pro Controller for intense shooters like DOOM.
Q: Is the motion control (gyro aiming) good in the Switch DOOM games?
A: Yes, it is often reported as one of the best features, offering precision that compensates for the smaller analog sticks.
Q: Are the older DOOM games (like DOOM 1 and 2) worth buying on Switch?
A: Yes, if you enjoy retro gaming. They are fun, simple shooters that run perfectly and are great for quick portable sessions.
Q: Do I need to play DOOM (2016) before playing DOOM Eternal?
A: While Eternal has a story, the gameplay loop is similar. Playing 2016 first helps you understand the lore and mechanics, but it is not strictly required.
Q: What happens if I buy the physical cartridge but need more space?
A: You will still need to download updates, patches, and sometimes extra campaign data onto your console or an SD card.
Q: Does the game look blurry when played on a big TV?
A: Because the Switch resolution is lower than modern consoles, the image can look softer or slightly blurry when displayed on a large 4K TV.
Q: Are there performance differences between the original DOOM games and the newer ones?
A: Yes. The classic DOOM games (1, 2, 3) run flawlessly at high frame rates. The modern titles (2016, Eternal) push the Switch hardware much harder, meaning you might see frame rate dips.