Top 5 games like GTA 5 to play on Nintendo Switch

There are a few games similar to GTA 5 that Nintendo Switch owners might wish to check out. While Rockstar's most popular video game might not be on this console, there are still plenty of fun alternatives to dive into. All of the following entries have a focus on crime, although a few of them will involve the player fighting against criminals rather than being a problem toward the law.

Generally speaking, the more similarities these Nintendo Switch games have to GTA 5, the better they will rank on this list. Not to mention, how enjoyable they are will also influence their placements. Rockstar Games has not indicated any future Nintendo Switch ports for its classic titles, so let's look at the best alternatives at the moment.

Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective.

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Five of the best games similar to GTA 5 on the Nintendo Switch

5) GTA Trilogy

Some gamers love this title (Image via Rockstar Games)

The only Grand Theft Auto game on the Nintendo Switch is the GTA Trilogy. While its reception was controversial at launch, a few patches later have improved the framerate to a reliable 30 FPS. Note that this game is technically a collection of three remasters, which include the following:

• Grand Theft Auto III - The Definitive Edition
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - The Definitive Edition
• Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - The Definitive Edition

Although the GTA Trilogy is an official game connected to Rockstar Games, its polarizing structure won't make it appeal to everybody. Still, it's a remaster of some old classics that led to the creation of GTA 5.

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4) L.A. Noire

Definitely, a fun game, although the core mechanics can be different than what Grand Theft Auto fans are used to (Image via Rockstar Games)

Rockstar Games was involved in another game that got a Nintendo Switch port known as L.A. Noire. It's set in 1947 and involves gamers playing as a detective named Cole Phelps. In many ways, it's the opposite of what one expects from Grand Theft Auto since you're a good person locking down criminals.

However, many core features from GTA 5 are still present here, such as:

• Numerous cars to drive
• Various guns to shoot
• Cover system
• Open-world game
• An LA-themed location

L.A. Noire is an incredibly charming game worth playing at least once.

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3) LEGO City Undercover

Fun for the whole family (Image via WB Games)

Some other entries on this list heavily derive key features from GTA 5 and other Grand Theft Auto games. LEGO City Undercover is one of them, except the player is a police officer instead of a criminal. Still, looking at screenshots of this game should already give readers an idea of how the general gameplay loop works.

You have an open world to explore with plenty of vehicles at your disposal and a handy minimap on the bottom left. The best part of LEGO City Undercover is that it's a great game you can easily give to children if they want GTA 5 but don't think it is appropriate for them.

Not to mention, the other options on this list can be a bit too violent by comparison.

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2) Saints Row IV: Re-Elected

If you want a goofy crime-based game, this one is a solid option (Image via Volition)

The Saints Row series is known for being very similar to the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Many people even go as far as to call those games "GTA clones." That said, Saints Row IV: Re-Elected is one of the few shining gems on the Nintendo Switch for gamers seeking something similar to GTA 5.

Saints Row IV: Re-Elected is basically like a Grand Theft Auto game with superhero powers. It's over the top sometimes, but GTA Online was also unrealistic in several aspects (like the Oppressor Mk II, Deluxo, Doomsday Heist, etc.). If you still want a fun open-world crime simulator, then Saints Row IV: Re-Elected is a good option.

Also, the in-game customization is much better in the Saints Row games than in GTA 5.

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1) Saints Row: The Third

Definitely a top pick for a crime-based game on the Nintendo Switch (Image via Volition)

Both the third and fourth installments of the Saints Row series are available on the Nintendo Switch. However, the fourth game is far more outrageous in terms of superpowers and aliens, making Saints Row: The Third more recommendable for GTA 5 fans who seek realism. All the positives said about Saints Row IV: Re-Elected also apply to Saints Row: The Third.

While this game can be a bit silly at times, the classic crime-based open world is still a ton of fun to play and should feel right at home with most Grand Theft Auto fans. For some Saints Row fans, this is the best game in the series. This is your best bet if you want anything like GTA 5 on the Nintendo Switch.