Best Nintendo Switch Games for Travel: Horror Edition 2024

Buckle up, fellow travelers and gaming enthusiasts! 👻✈️ Did you know that the average long-haul flight lasts about 8 hours? That’s plenty of time to dive into some of the best Nintendo Switch games for long flights, especially if you’re in the mood for a spine-tingling adventure! Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or just looking to add a little thrill to your journey, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best Nintendo Switch games to play on your next long flight. From ghostly mansions to cosmic terrors, these games will keep you entertained from takeoff to landing.

Ready to dive into these terrifying tales at 30,000 feet? Before you take off, make sure you’re equipped with a Nintendo Switch – your portable gateway to heart-pounding horror. With its versatile handheld mode, you can immerse yourself in spine-chilling adventures without disturbing your seatmates (though we can’t promise you won’t jump or yelp!). And why stop at virtual scares? Once you’ve landed, turn your flight of fright into a full-blown spooky vacation. Check out my articles on the “Best Haunted Hotels in America to Visit” for some seriously spine-tingling accommodations, or ease into the paranormal with our guide to the “Best Haunted Places for Beginners.” Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or a curious newbie, there’s a haunted destination waiting to give you goosebumps.

So grab your Switch, pop on those noise-canceling headphones, and get ready for a terrifyingly good time at 30,000 feet!

Classic Survival Horror Masterpieces

Outlast: Bundle of Terror – A journalist’s worst nightmare of hide and seek.

You’re a journalist investigating an asylum (because apparently, Google was down that day). Armed with only a camera and your wits (spoiler: the camera lasts longer), you’ll be running, hiding, and possibly wishing you’d chosen a career in accounting instead. With night vision that turns everything into a terrifying shade of “oh no,” you’ll explore dark corridors and probably regret every life decision that led you here. Pro tip: if your seatmate asks why you’re hyperventilating, just tell them you’re practicing your deep breathing exercises! Outlast is currently available in two options for the Nintendo switch, Outlast Bundle of Terror (Outlast & Outlast Whistleblower DLC and Outlast II

Resident Evil Series – Zombie-slaying action to keep you on edge

Ready to turn your cozy airplane seat into a rollercoaster of terror? Buckle up for the Resident Evil series on Switch! 🧟‍♂️✈️ Whether you’re diving into the shiny remakes or the newer entries, you’re in for a wild ride. Picture this: you’re tiptoeing through creepy mansions and monster-infested ships, desperately hoping that rusty key you found will open the next door. Oh, and did we mention the zombies? They’re always happy to see you (and your brains). With more plot twists than your tangled earbuds and enough scares to make airplane food seem pleasant, Resident Evil games will have you forgetting you’re even on a flight. Just try not to scream “It’s behind you!” at your screen – your seatmate might get the wrong idea!

Alien: Isolation – In space, no one can hear you scream (or panic-pause)

Ever wished your flight was more exciting? Be careful what you wish for! Alien: Isolation on Switch is here to turn your journey into a white-knuckle space adventure. 👽🚀 You’re Amanda Ripley, searching for your mom in a space station that’s seen better days. Oh, and a drooling alien is hunting you. No biggie, right? Forget power-ups – in this game, you’re about as tough as a wet paper towel. Your best friends? A motion tracker with an annoyingly loud beep and your ability to hide in lockers like it’s an intergalactic game of hide-and-seek. With retro-futuristic vibes that’ll make you nostalgic for a future that never happened, this 15-20-hour nightmare will make your long-haul flight feel like a short hop. Just remember: in space, no one can hear you scream… but your fellow passengers definitely can!

Amnesia: Collection – Lose your mind while finding your way

I literally cannot with this game. Ever had that moment where you forget why you walked into a room? Amnesia: The collection is here to make that feeling last for hours! 🕯️🧠 Dive into a trilogy of games where remembering your name is a luxury you can’t afford. You’ll explore creepy castles, dark cellars, and pig-infested factories (yes, you read that right) while trying to piece together your past. Spoiler alert: you probably won’t like what you find!

With a sanity meter that drops faster than your phone’s battery on a long flight, you’ll be hiding in corners, running from unspeakable horrors, and wondering why you didn’t just play Sudoku instead. The best part? The monsters are invisible most of the time, so have fun paranoidly peeking around every corner! Pro tip: If you start thinking the plane’s emergency exit might lead to safety from the game’s monsters, it’s probably time to switch to the in-flight rom-com.

Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water – Capture ghosts with your camera in this chilling Japanese horror

Get ready to turn your Nintendo Switch into a supernatural camera obscura with Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water! 📸👻 This spine-chilling entry in the iconic Japanese horror series will have you wishing you’d packed an extra pair of pants in your carry-on. Set on the eerie Mt. Hikami, known for its haunted waters and a troubling history of suicides, you’ll step into the shoes of three protagonists with the unenviable task of exorcising some seriously miffed spirits.

Armed with nothing but the Camera Obscura, your ghostly foes are just a snapshot away from being sent back to the afterlife – if you can keep your hands steady enough to take the shot! The game’s unique mechanic of using your Switch as the camera adds an extra layer of immersion that might have you accidentally snapping pics of your bewildered seatmate. With its atmospheric Japanese horror vibes, intricate storyline, and water-logged apparitions, Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water is the perfect way to make your long flight feel like a terrifying (but thrilling) eternity. Just remember to keep your seatbelt fastened – those jump scares are no joke at cruising altitude!

Action-Adventure Packed Horror (or: Mile-High Fight-or-Flight Club)

Perception – Echo-locate your way through a haunted house (what could go wrong?)

Buckle up, because Perception is about to take your flight anxiety to a whole new level! This spine-chilling adventure puts you in the shoes of Cassie, a blind heroine who navigates a creepy mansion using only her heightened hearing and a trusty cane. As you tap your way through the darkness, each sound paints a vivid, echolocation-style picture of your surroundings – and trust us, you might wish you couldn’t “see” some of what’s lurking in the shadows. With a time-bending narrative that spans centuries and a relentless entity known as “The Presence” hot on your heels, Perception will have you jumping at every bump and whisper on your next red-eye. Just remember: in this game, sound is your salvation, but it might also be your doom! Also, did you notice the title written in braille? Cool right?

Layers of Fear: Legacy – Paint a masterpiece of madness

Attention, aspiring artists! Want to feel better about your stick figure drawings? Dive into Layers of Fear, where even Picasso would say, “Whoa, that’s messed up.” 🎨😱 You’re a painter trying to finish your magnum opus, but your house has other ideas – like rearranging itself when you’re not looking. Doors lead to nowhere, paintings watch you, and your sanity is about as stable as airplane Wi-Fi. As you uncover your character’s troubled past, you’ll question everything – including why you thought playing this on a plane was a good idea. Remember: if the flight attendant gives you a weird look, it’s probably because you’ve been staring at your tray table for 20 minutes, muttering about haunted paintbrushes.

Little Nightmares Complete Edition – Childlike terror in a twisted world

Remember when you were a kid and thought monsters lived under your bed? Little Nightmares is here to prove you right! 👧🔦 You play as Six, a tiny raincoat-wearing hero in a world where everything wants to have you for dinner (and not in a friendly way). Navigate through the Maw, a twisted vessel filled with oversized horrors that’ll make you grateful for cramped airplane seats. With puzzles to solve and grotesque creatures to avoid, you’ll be tip-toeing, climbing, and probably questioning the architect who designed this place. Fair warning: you might develop a newfound appreciation for airplane food after seeing what’s on the menu in this game!

Dead by Daylight – Survive together or hunt alone

Ever wanted to star in your slasher film but with less dying and more teabagging? Dead by Daylight is here to make that dream a reality! 🔪🏃‍♂️ Play as a survivor trying to escape, or as the killer trying to, well, kill. It’s like a twisted game of hide and seek where the seeker has a chainsaw.

Team up with other survivors to fix generators and escape, or channel your inner serial killer and hunt them down. With a roster of killers that reads like a “Who’s Who” of nightmare fuel, you’ll never look at hook-handed fishermen or creepy nurses the same way again. Pro tip: If you start eyeing the beverage cart as a potential generator, it might be time to take a break and remind yourself that your flight attendant is not, in fact, The Nurse in disguise.

Friday the 13th: The Game – Camp Crystal Lake comes to your Switch

Have you ever wanted to experience summer camp but with a 100% higher chance of being chased by a hockey-masked maniac? Friday the 13th: The Game has got you covered! ⛺🏒 Play as a camp counselor trying to escape, or as Jason Voorhees himself, determined to make this the worst summer ever for a group of teenagers.

Repair cars, call for help, or just run around screaming – it’s your summer, live it how you want! Jason teleported around the map and unleashed creative kills that would make a special effects artist blush. Remember, whether you’re a counselor or Jason, the real winner is the one having the most fun… and maybe the one with the least machete wounds. Warning: This may cause a sudden aversion to hockey games and lakeside vacations. If you start seeing your plane’s exit row as a potential escape route from Jason, you may need to switch to a nice, calming game of Tetris.

Jump-Scare Bonanzas (or: How to Accidentally Hug a Stranger at 30,000 Feet)

Five Nights at Freddy’s Series – Animatronic nightmares to keep you awake

Ever wanted to be a night security guard? No? Well, too bad, because Five Nights at Freddy’s is here to make you regret every career choice you’ve ever made! 🐻🔦 Welcome to Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, where the animatronics are alive, angry, and missed the memo about customer service. Your job? Survive five nights (spoiler: you’ll wish it was only one) by managing power and keeping an eye on these murderous mascots. Watch the security cameras, close the doors, and try not to scream when a robot bear jumps at your face. Pro tip: If you start seeing the drink cart as a potential hiding spot, you’ve probably been playing too long. And remember, if you accidentally grab your seatmate’s hand in fear, just say you’re practicing for the in-flight safety demonstration!

Emily Wants to Play – Hide and seek gone wrong

Remember when hide and seek was fun? Emily Wants to Play is here to ruin that childhood memory forever! 🏠👻 You’re a pizza delivery guy (worst. job. ever.) stuck in a house with Emily and her “playmates” – a bunch of creepy dolls that make Chucky look like a cuddly teddy bear. Your goal? Survive until 6 AM by learning the rules of their twisted games. Spoiler alert: the rules make about as much sense as airline pricing. With jump scares that’ll have you tossing your Switch like a hot potato, you’ll be wishing you’d taken that nice, boring job at the post office instead. Warning: This may cause sudden outbursts of “I DON’T WANT TO PLAY ANYMORE!” – your seatmates will understand… probably.

Eyes: The Horror Game – Escape a haunted mansion while avoiding a terrifying monster

Fancy a nice, relaxing stroll through a haunted mansion? No? Too bad, because Eyes: The Horror Game is taking you on a tour of Hell-No Villa! 🏚️👀 Your mission, should you choose to accept it (let’s face it, you’ve already downloaded it), is to collect all the bags of money scattered around the house. Easy peasy, right? WRONG. There’s a terrifying monster lurking about, and it’s got a bone to pick with wannabe burglars like you. Use your special sight to see through the creature’s eyes (because apparently, being scared witless in first-person wasn’t enough). With a monster that adapts to your playstyle, you’ll be in a constant state of “Oh no, oh no, oh no!” Pro tip: If you start seeing the airplane bathroom as a potential hiding spot, it’s time to take a break and watch the in-flight movie instead!

Indie Horror Gems (or: How to Make Your Indie Cred Skyrocket While Your Sanity Plummets)

LIMBO – Monochromatic mystery with a side of dread

If you’ve ever wanted to star in a creepy silent film, LIMBO is your ticket to monochrome madness! 🖤🕷️ As a young boy searching for his sister, you’ll platform your way through a world where everything is trying to turn you into a pancake. Giant spiders, brain-controlling worms, and physics puzzles that’d make Newton weep – it’s all here in glorious black and white. The minimalist art style means your imagination fills in the blanks, which is way scarier than it sounds. Pro tip: if you start seeing everything in grayscale after playing, don’t panic – it’s either LIMBO’s atmospheric effect or you’ve been staring at the back of the airplane seat for too long!

Inside – Atmospheric puzzler with a disturbing twist

Thought your last family reunion was weird. Wait until you play Inside! 🧒🌫️ This game is like a silent film directed by your weirdest nightmare. You play as a little boy in a dark, dystopian world where everyone seems to be auditioning for a zombie flash mob. Navigate through a series of increasingly bizarre puzzles and situations that’ll have you saying, “What the… oh no… OH NO!” every five minutes.

The quiet, oppressive atmosphere will have you checking over your shoulder so often, you might give yourself whiplash. And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the ending comes along and slaps you in the face with a wet fish of “WHAT JUST HAPPENED?” It’s the perfect game to make you forget you’re in a metal tube hurtling through the sky at 500 mph. Warning: Side effects may include existential dread, confusion, and the sudden urge to hug a stranger for comfort. Maybe warn your seatmate!

Darkwood – Top-down terror that’ll make you fear the dark

Ever thought to yourself, “Gee, I wish I could experience crippling nyctophobia at 30,000 feet”? Well, pack your night light, because Darkwood is here to deliver! 🌲🕯️ This top-down survival horror will have you scavenging for supplies by day and barricading yourself in at night, all while wondering why you didn’t book that nice beach vacation instead.

With a map that’s about as reliable as airport Wi-Fi and a sanity meter that drops faster than your snack tray during turbulence, you’ll be jumping at every shadow and pixel. The best part? The game procedurally generates horror events, so you never know when or where the next scare is coming from. It’s like playing Russian roulette with your nerves! Pro tip: If you start eyeing the plane’s emergency flashlight, you may have gone too deep into the woods.

Detention – Taiwanese horror with historical depth

Is history class giving you the creeps? Detention is here to confirm your worst fears! 🏫👻 Set in 1960s Taiwan under martial law, this side-scrolling nightmare factory blends historical events with good old-fashioned supernatural terror. You’ll solve puzzles, avoid ghosts, and probably develop a newfound appreciation for your high school experience. What sets Detention apart is its unique incorporation of Taiwanese and East Asian culture, religious elements, and mythology, offering players a gaming experience unlike any other. With an atmosphere thicker than airplane food and symbolism deeper than the ocean you’re flying over, Detention will have you pondering existential questions between gasps of terror. It’s educational AND terrifying – finally, a game your parents and your nightmares can agree on! Warning: May cause sudden outbursts of “I promise I’ll never skip class again!” Your seatmate might give you odd looks, but hey, at least you’re learning about history and culture while being scared out of your wits at 30,000 feet!

Narrative-Driven Horror Adventures (or: Choose Your Nightmare at 35,000 Feet)

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope – Choose your adventure in this interactive horror story

Always wanted to be the director of your horror movie? Little Hope is here to grant that wish – and probably make you regret it! 🎭🌫️ This interactive spookfest drops you into a fog-shrouded town with a group of college students and a professor. What could go wrong? Spoiler alert: EVERYTHING.

With more branching paths than a lightning-struck tree, your choices will determine who lives, who dies, and who ends up wishing they’d just stayed home. It’s like a book club where all the stories end with “AAAAHHH!” The best part? You can play with a friend, so you’re not the only one making terrible life-or-death decisions! Pro tip: If you start seeing your fellow passengers as potential sacrifice fodder, it might be time to switch to the in-flight magazine.

The Coma: Double Cut – Survive a nightmarish school day

There is a bundle called The Coma: Double Cut which features The Coma: Recut and The Coma: Viscious Sisters

Remember how stressful high school was? The Coma: Recut is here to remind you it could have been so much worse! 🏫💀 You play as Youngho, a student who falls asleep during an exam (relatable) and wakes up in a twisted version of his school. Suddenly, pop quizzes don’t seem so bad compared to the murderous creatures roaming the halls.

Navigate the school, solve puzzles, and try not to become the school’s newest ghost story. With multiple endings based on your choices, you can experience the joy of high school all over again… and again… and again. It’s like Groundhog Day if Groundhog Day wanted to eat your soul! Warning: May cause involuntary flinching at the sound of school bells. If the plane’s chime makes you want to hide under your seat, you’ve officially entered a coma!

Cozy Horror Games: Snuggle and Horror

Yomawari: The Long Night Collection – Cute but creepy adventures in the dark

Remember when you were a kid and thought the dark was scary? Yomawari is here to prove that you were right! 🎎🌙 This collection of twee terror takes you on a journey through Japanese folklore that’s equal parts adorable and horrifying. Play as a young girl searching for her lost dog and sister, armed with nothing but a flashlight and the world’s squeakiest shoes.

Explore your town at night, solving puzzles and avoiding spirits that range from “Aw, cute!” to “OH DEAR GOD WHY?” It’s as if Studio Ghibli decided to make a horror game after binging on energy drinks and nightmare fuel. The pixel art style lulls you into a false sense of security, right before unleashing horrors that’ll have you questioning how something so cute can be so terrifying. Pro tip: If you start seeing the plane’s reading light as your last line of defense against encroaching darkness, it might be time to switch to the in-flight movie. Maybe something nice and light… like “Toy Story”? Oh wait, those toys come to life too. Never mind!

Cozy Grove- A Haunted Animal Crossing

Imagine Animal Crossing took a spooky (but still adorable) turn, and you’ve got Cozy Grove! In this charming life sim, you’re a Spirit Scout tasked with bringing color and joy back to a haunted island. Each day, you’ll help quirky ghost bears with their unfinished business, uncover the island’s secrets, and slowly transform the black-and-white landscape into a vibrant paradise. With its gorgeous hand-drawn art style, clever writing, and bite-sized daily tasks, Cozy Grove is the perfect game to curl up with during your flight. Just be careful not to get too engrossed – you might find yourself wanting to chat with your spectral neighbors long after the “fasten seatbelt” sign has turned off!

Puzzle Horror Games (or: Piecing Together Terror at 30,000 Feet)

Luigi’s Mansion 3 – Not quite horror, but spooky fun for all ages

Ever wondered what would happen if the Ghostbusters hired a nervous Italian plumber? Wonder no more! 👻🧹 Luigi’s Mansion 3 is here to prove that ghost-busting is a valid alternative career for platforming heroes. Join Luigi as he explores a haunted hotel, armed with nothing but a vacuum cleaner and a crippling fear of everything.

Suck up ghosts, solve puzzles, and try not to think about how much therapy Luigi will need after this. It’s like a haunted house ride at Disneyland, but with more mustaches and “Mama mia!”s. Perfect for when you want to feel spooked, but not so spooked that you mistake the drink cart for a ghost train. Warning: May cause sudden urges to vacuum your hotel room upon landing.

Conclusion

There you have it, my brave travelers! 🎮🧟‍♂️ From atmospheric chillers to heart-pounding survival games, the Nintendo Switch has no shortage of horror titles to keep you entertained (and maybe a little jumpy) during those long flights. Remember to keep an eye on your battery life and maybe pack an extra power bank – you wouldn’t want to be left in the dark at a crucial moment, would you? Whether you’re into classic zombies, psychological thrills, or quirky indie horrors, there’s something here for every fright fan. So next time you’re packing for a long trip, make sure to load up your Switch with some of these terrifying titles. Just don’t blame us if you end up scaring your seatmate with an ill-timed shriek! Safe travels and happy gaming, folks!