And when I say licensed games, I’m referring to games on the Switch that pertain to non-video game IPs. These include but are not limited to comics, books, movies, TV shows, and more. The best ones (in my opinion) are the ones that make you forget you’re playing a licensed game completely. Two examples that Nintendo themselves have published include [Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3](https://youtu.be/m4sPiQByYcw), and [DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power](https://youtu.be/GJd6_hxzYLk). Why Nintendo chose to publish those two exclusively is anyone’s guess, but they are notable exclusive licensed games on the system. I’m gonna rattle off a few that I own and a few that are worthwhile pickups:
**The Two TMNT Games:** There are only two TMNT video games available on Switch, and they are both bangers in my eyes. The first is [Shredder’s Revenge](https://youtu.be/l6EnGarcAL4), a retro-inspired sidescrolling beatemup with gorgeous pixel art, a soundtrack partially composed by Tee Lopes of Sonic Mania fame, and even the original voice actors for each of the Turtles reprise their respective roles. It’s one giant love letter to the 80s cartoon, and anyone looking for a great local/online co-op game to check out owes it to themselves to do so. And speaking of retro, that other TMNT game I was talking about is the [Cowabunga Collection](https://youtu.be/uJVkKlnKXME). This brings together all of the Konami games from the 80s and 90s into one package, now with local and online multiplayer and a comprehensive gallery for the eyes and ears. Wouldn’t expect anything less from developer Digital Eclipse.
**The Mummy Demastered:** WayForward may be known as the Shantae developers, but that’s a drop in the bucket compared to the bulk of their output, which is largely licensed games. But arguably their most impressive licensed title is [The Mummy Demastered](https://youtu.be/u0rh4RcGXo8), made to coincide with that poorly received Alex Kurtzman movie. I haven’t played it, but those that did are quite vocal and speak to its quality; it shouldn’t be overlooked just because of the film it was attached to.
**Dragon Ball FighterZ:** Yes, I’m gonna count manga/anime games since those technically are licensed games. And I’m highlighting [this one](https://youtu.be/VsK6DgwqMnU) in particular because of its stunning quality. It released on other consoles earlier in the same year, but Arc System Works put in work to make sure this Switch port was a good one. Shouldn’t come as a surprise since the devs have tons of experience making 2D Dragon Ball games for Nintendo handhelds. If there’s any other manga/anime games worth checking out, Shonen Jump or otherwise, please sound off in the replies!
by Asad_Farooqui
18 Comments
I really enjoyed Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle. It has a ton of content and story but might get a bit repetitive if you’re not into Tecmo Koei games
Alien: Isolation. Because it captures the feeling of terror.
The theme park builder game for Jurassic Park is pretty cool. (Jurassic World Evolution)
beat me to it, Shredder’s Revenge is so good, and I’m not even into TMNT or anything. I just bought it blind to play a game with my friends through online co-op and we all had a great time.
Does Lego Star Wars count?
I’m partial to the South Park RPGs. I just think they’re hilarious and fun.
I think people kinda slept on Spongebob Squarepants and the Cosmic Shake. Its a really good game that I think skipped when it released in January
One Piece Pirate Warriors 3 is my favorite licensed game on the Switch. Yes, 3, not 4. The post game in this one is just awesome.
Speaking of DB FighterZ, Kill la Kill (also from ArcSys) does such a good job recreating the look and feel of the anime that it’s almost scary. The gameplay is a pretty decent brawler, but it’s a real showcase for how well ArcSys does anime style games outside of DBZ.
i’m not saying this is the coolest, but Ultra Street Fighter II is really nice to have on the Switch. it just further solidified the fact that IMO, there should be more Street Fighter content on Nintendo in general. when the 30th Anniversary Collection came out, and the PS4 on Xbox One got a free download of Ultra Street Fighter IV and the Switch didn’t, i almost cried lol.
Nickelodeon Kart Racer 2, only number 2 though. It’s really good and different enough from Mario Kart to be a nice alternative. 1 and 3 suck though.
I’m looking forward to Disney Illusion Island at the end of July. It will probably be pretty good!
Has anyone played DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos? It looks pretty solid for a kids game. Wondering if it’s something my son and I would enjoy.
Not Switch exclusive but SP: Stick of Truth and The Fractured But Whole are great games. And that’s coming from someone who isn’t really South Park fan at all.
My hero one justice 1 and 2 as well as Demon Slayer are fun and look great if you like the source material
Dc universe online runs great on switch too
Dbz kakarot is pretty fun, as is SpongeBob battle for bikini bottom rehydrated
Hard to say for sure, since it is not actually released yet, but the upcoming **Disney Illusion Island** looks like a very solid platformer with a great art style. Also super family friendly because you can essentially customize the difficultly for each player (given infinite lives to your young children, but keeping the default difficulty for yourself as you play co-op with them). All the early previews have praised it.
Agree that **TMNT Shredder’s Revenge** is just awesome. Very much a love letter to the old TMNT beat ’em ups and the 80s cartoon (right down to including a fairly true-to-the-source cover version of the theme song at the start of the game).
**Lego Star Wars** is supposed to be amazing, as well, but I haven’t played it and can’t quite bring myself to hit the purchase button.