Grounded is available on Nintendo Switch, but with trade-offs you should know about

Grounded released on Nintendo Switch in September 2024. The game runs on your Switch in both handheld and docked modes, but the console version has lower visual quality and longer load times than the PC or PlayStation versions. If you own a Switch and want to play Grounded, you can buy it through the Nintendo eShop for the same price as other platforms — around $30 USD, though regional pricing varies.

The real question is whether the Switch version works for how you want to play. Grounded is a survival game where you explore a backyard at tiny scale, craft tools, and fight insects. It works fine on Switch if you play solo or with one other person locally. If you want online multiplayer with up to four players, or if you care about sharp graphics and fast loading, a different platform will give you a better experience.

Key Takeaways

  • Grounded is playable on Nintendo Switch in both handheld and docked modes, and you buy it through the Nintendo eShop like any other game.
  • The Switch version has lower resolution graphics and longer load times than PC or PlayStation, but the game is still fully playable and the controls work well.
  • You can play solo or with one other person on the same Switch using local co-op, but online multiplayer for up to four players is only available on other platforms.
  • The Switch version takes up about 10 GB of storage, so you will need either the internal storage space or a microSD card.

What the Switch version looks like compared to other platforms

The Nintendo Switch version runs at 1080p resolution when docked and 720p in handheld mode. The PC and PlayStation 4 versions run at higher resolutions with more detailed textures and faster frame rates. In practice, this means the Switch version looks noticeably softer — edges are less sharp, distant objects blur sooner, and some visual effects are simplified.

Load times are longer on Switch. When you load a save file or travel between areas, expect 30 to 60 seconds on Switch versus 10 to 20 seconds on other platforms. This is not a deal-breaker if you are playing casually, but it adds up if you die often or move between areas frequently. The game still runs at a stable frame rate in most situations, so gameplay itself does not feel sluggish.

The controls translate well to the Switch. You use the joysticks to move and look around, the buttons to attack and interact, and the triggers to aim or use tools. If you have played other action games on Switch, the control scheme will feel familiar. You can also use a Pro Controller instead of the Joy-Cons if you prefer.

Local co-op on Switch versus online multiplayer on other platforms

The Switch version supports local co-op for two players on the same console. You and another person can play through the story together using two controllers, and the game splits the screen so you both see what is happening. This works well if you are playing with someone in the same room.

The Switch version does not support online multiplayer. If you want to play with friends remotely, or if you want to play with three or four people at once, you need to use PC, PlayStation 4, or Xbox. This is the biggest limitation of the Switch version, and it is worth considering if multiplayer is important to you.

Storage space and what you need before you buy

Grounded takes up approximately 10 GB of storage on your Switch. If your Switch has the standard 32 GB internal storage, you will not have room for Grounded and much else. Most Switch owners use a microSD card or microSD XC card to expand storage. A 128 GB card costs $15 to $25 and gives you plenty of room for Grounded plus other games.

You buy Grounded through the Nintendo eShop, which requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership if you want to play online features (though local co-op works without it). The game itself costs money — it is not a free-to-play title. You can check the current price in your region by opening the eShop on your Switch and searching for "Grounded".

Performance and bugs on Switch

The Switch version is stable enough for a full playthrough. Frame rate dips happen occasionally during intense moments with many insects on screen, but the game does not crash regularly or have game-breaking bugs. Obsidian Entertainment, the developer, released patches after launch to improve performance, so the version available now is more stable than it was at release.

Some players report that handheld mode has slightly more frame rate drops than docked mode, especially in areas with lots of grass or water. If you are sensitive to frame rate, docked mode is the better choice. For most players, the difference is not noticeable during normal gameplay.

When the Switch version makes sense for you

Buy Grounded on Switch if you want to play solo or with one other person locally, you do not mind lower graphics quality, and you like the idea of playing on a portable console. The game is genuinely fun on Switch, and you get the full story and most of the content.

Skip the Switch version if you want online multiplayer, you care about sharp graphics and fast loading, or you already own the game on PC or PlayStation. The other platforms offer a noticeably better experience, and the price is the same across all platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Grounded on Switch without Nintendo Switch Online?

Yes. Local co-op for two players works without a subscription. You only need Nintendo Switch Online if you want to use online features on other games or if you want to play online multiplayer in games that support it — but Grounded on Switch does not have online multiplayer, so the subscription does not unlock anything for this game.

Does Grounded on Switch have all the same content as the PC version?

Yes, the story and gameplay content are the same. The only difference is that you cannot play online with more than one other person. Everything else — quests, crafting, exploration, and updates — is identical across platforms.

Can I transfer my save file from PC to Switch?

No. Save files do not transfer between platforms. If you start on PC and want to play on Switch, you will start a new game. The same applies if you want to move from Switch to another platform.

What microSD card should I buy for Grounded?

Any microSD XC card rated for at least 90 MB/s read speed will work. A 128 GB card is the most practical choice for most players — it costs $15 to $25 and holds Grounded plus 10 to 15 other games. Avoid very cheap cards from unknown brands, as they may be slow or unreliable.

Does the game run better in handheld or docked mode?

Docked mode is slightly more stable. Handheld mode has occasional frame rate dips, especially in areas with dense vegetation. For casual play, the difference is small. If you are playing a difficult section with many enemies, docked mode is the safer choice.