Best Chess Games on Switch in 2025: Top 11
Searching for the best chess game on Switch? Look no further; we've got you covered with our top picks!
Finding the best chess game on switch-themed board games can be a real checkmate challenge. We focus on games that offer both strategy and fun, keeping your brain sharp while ensuring loads of entertainment. Our top picks feature a range of strategies, from tile placement to territory control, ensuring everyone can find something they enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer looking to dip your toes into the board game world, these selections promise to delight. Stay with us to discover the perfect game to bring to your next game night. Ready to get your game face on?
On this list:
11 Fjord
Fjord is like playing chess in the wild! Imagine a game where Vikings duke it out in a head-scratching strategy dance. The land tiles are your pieces, and your settlements are your pawns. It’s a fantastic choice on boardgamegeek.com for those who are looking for the best chess game on Switch-like experience but want to try something different. We played it last weekend and by Odin’s beard, it got fierce! There was a moment where our friend Kevin almost flipped the table because he was outflanked by a sneaky fjord move. This game will have you rethinking your moves much like the classic chess game, but with a Norse twist.
10 Hive
Hive is a bit like chess but with bugs. It’s a tactical game where you’re controlling a swarm of creepy crawlies. Our buddy Steve hates insects, but even he loves this one. The objective is simple: surround your opponent’s queen bee while keeping yours safe. What makes Hive a choice for those seeking a best chess game on Switch feel is its elegant simplicity. No board, just tiles. It’s portable and intense. We’ve played it enough to know that just when you think you’ve got the upper hand, your opponent might just mosquito their way to victory.
9 Onitama
Think of Onitama as chess with a karate kick. It’s a game of perfect information, where both players have access to the same cards, indicating moves. Our pal Julie insists Onitama is like a zen version of chess, but with martial arts flair. We played it for hours, and let me tell you, the game is deceptively simple but mind-bendingly strategic. Perfect for those who want a chess-like experience on boardgamegeek.com. You’ll be planning moves ahead and just when you think you’ve got them, BAM, your opponent strikes with a move you didn’t see coming.
8 Checkers
Checkers is a classic that’s like chess’s kid brother. We pulled out this old favorite during our last game night, and it was a reminder of how strategic simplicity can be. Checkers is often overlooked, like the quiet cousin at a family gathering, but it provides a best chess game on Switch type of feel with less complexity. The best part? You can play it with almost anyone, from your grandpa to your kid sister. For those on boardgamegeek.com who want a game that’s easy to learn but hard to master, Checkers is a solid choice.
7 Santorini
Picture this: you’re a god in ancient Greece, and your minions are building a city for you. Santorini is a mix of chess strategy with a touch of mythology. Our friend Doug swears he’s a demigod after winning a few rounds. Santorini is as much a beauty to look at as it is to play. This game on boardgamegeek.com is perfect for those who want a best chess game on Switch-like experience, with an aesthetically pleasing twist. You’ll be outsmarting your opponents while enjoying some gorgeous game design.
6 Blokus
Blokus is like chess meeting Tetris over tea. You’re placing pieces on the board, trying to block your opponents’ paths while securing your own. It’s a vibrant and colorful game that had our group in stitches over who could build the most epic barricade. Blokus is listed on boardgamegeek.com, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants a game that echoes the strategic depth of the best chess game on Switch. Molly, our resident artist, even made a painting inspired by the playful chaos of our last game. It’s a visual delight and a tactical challenge.
5 Catan
Catan is like a long chess story where every move counts. You’re not just moving pieces, you’re building a civilization. We had countless friendly (and some not-so-friendly) battles trying to build the longest road. Catan ranks high on boardgamegeek.com for its epic feel. It’s great for anyone craving a game that offers strategic depth like the best chess game on Switch. It’ll keep you and your friends glued to the table, negotiating, trading, and occasionally holding a grudge or two.
4 Go
Go is the granddaddy of strategy games, even older than chess. We spent an entire weekend once just trying to understand its depth. It’s a game you can keep coming back to and still learn something new. Go is a game you’ll find on boardgamegeek.com for those who are seeking the best chess game on Switch type experience with historical flair. It’s about capturing territory, and before you know it, you’ll be entrapped in its complexity.
3 Azul
Azul is like chess but with a fun, artsy twist. You’re competing to create the most stunning mosaic. My friend Lisa is terrible at chess, but she crushes us at Azul every time! It’s the artistic answer to those on boardgamegeek.com seeking the best chess game on Switch experience, but with more color and less headache. The game is simple enough for beginners and challenging for masters, ensuring everyone has a creative showdown.
2 Patchwork
Patchwork is chess meets sewing! You’re not just strategizing; you’re designing a quilt. The game demands as much attention to detail as chess but with a quirkier, cozier angle. Our family couldn’t get enough of it and kept replaying to see who could create the best quilt. This game is a go-to for anyone on boardgamegeek.com after the best chess game on Switch vibe, but who also desires a bit of crafty goodness in their strategy.
1 Chess
The classic, the legendary, the one and only Chess. It is the best for a reason on boardgamegeek.com for those looking for a best chess game on Switch experience. With history and strategy on every move, it is the ultimate mental workout. Chess can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking; it brings out the fiercest competition in our game nights. My cousin Mike once played for five hours straight! It’s timeless, challenging, and offers endless possibilities with each game. No other game quite matches its depth and nuance, making it unparalleled as the best one.
