What are the best airplane games on Switch?

The best airplane game on Switch in September 2026? ACE COMBAT 7 for serious aerial combat, Rogue Aces for something quick and fun.

This selection covers 9 tracks sorted by rating (Metacritic and IGN), from beginners who want to get started quickly to players looking for a real challenge.

1. ACE COMBAT 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition

Metacritic rating : 86/100
Release date on Switch July 11, 2024

Number of players : solo mode or up to 8 players online.
Compatibility Nintendo Switch 2 : Yes.

ACE COMBAT 7 is the best airplane game on Switch if you're looking for air combat edgy and spectacular. You drive military aircraft Through a variety of missions—dogfights, ground targets, and weather hazards—the action unfolds nonstop.

The title stands out for its realistic graphics, the thrill of speed, and a sound immersion high quality. The gameplay remains very technical, but you can adjust the flight controls for a more accessible experience.

This game is aimed at pilots who want a realistic aerial simulation, with a sense of challenge and an immersive experience close to the real thing flight simulator. If you're just starting out, begin in Easy mode. Online battles offer plenty of replay value once you've completed the campaign.

It's also an excellent PC simulation game For those who want to take realism even further.

2. Rogue Aces

Metacritic rating : 80/100
Release date on Switch : April 12, 2018

Number of players : Solo
Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Rogue Aces is an old-school arcade flight game. The controls are simple and responsive—a far cry from a realistic flight simulator. You’ll chain together short assignments and aerial battles on a map that you conquer sector by sector. The controls are intuitive, and each game lasts just a few minutes.

It's aimed at players who want an airplane game fun and fast, easy to use. It's an excellent choice for short sessions on the go.

3. Skies of Fury DX

Metacritic : 79/100
Release date on Switch : April 12, 2018

Number of players : up to 4 players locally.
Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility : yes

This historical flight simulator puts you in the pilot's seat of the World War I. You go from one to the next dynamic aerial combat, characterized by a very distinctive artistic vision.

The flight controls remain simple, which lets you focus on the aerial dogfights. Its rating of 79/100 On Metacritic, it's described as striking a good balance between arcade-style gameplay and immersion.

Skies of Fury DX is primarily intended for historic aviation enthusiasts who want a smooth and fast-paced experience, whether alone or with local multiplayer in a group.

4. Bomber Crew

Metacritic rating : 75/100
Release date on Switch July 10, 2018

Number of players : Solo
Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Bomber Crew A blend of flight simulation and management—a rare approach on the console. You play as the captain of a World War II bomber : Recruit, equip, and lead your crew as you complete missions.

Each crew member has a specific role (pilot, gunner, engineer). You must handle in-flight repairs and enemy targets in real time. The game offers a true strategic depth and a variety of tasks.

This game is perfect if you like the strategy and management, and you're looking for a different kind of experience in the world of aviation games on the Switch.

5. Warplanes: WW1 Sky Aces

Note on IGN : 8/10
Release date on Switch December 11, 2020

Number of players : Solo
Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Warplanes: WW1 Sky Aces is an aerial combat game that plunges you into the World War I. You take control of military aircraft and complete a series of missions throughout a real campaign.

The title combines arcade and simulation : The flight controls are still responsive, but you can feel the weight of each aircraft. A layer of management between assignments provides a good sense of progress and encourages you to come back regularly.

This game is perfect if you're looking for a flight simulation easy to handle, without sacrificing the fun of gameplay. Ideal for getting a feel for racing on the Nintendo Switch before moving on to more challenging titles like war games more realistic.

6. Pilotwings 64

Note on IGN : 7,5/10
Release date on Switch : available since October 26, 2021, through the offer Nintendo Switch Online + Additional Pack

Number of players : Solo
Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

It's a classic by Nintendo, and you don't have to buy it individually. It's part of the catalog N64 included in the subscription Nintendo Switch Online + Additional Pack, which you can download from the dedicated app on your console.

The game offers a relaxing flying experience, featuring a variety of challenges in a colorful aerial setting. You’ll tackle one challenge after another in hang glider, in jet pack or at the controls of a small plane, with each one scored based on your accuracy.

Pilotwings 64 relies on nostalgia and simple flight controls. The’friendly atmosphere remains enjoyable years after its release. It's aimed at players looking for a relaxed flying experience, without any pressure or dogfights.

7. Sky Gamblers: Afterburner

Note on IGN : 7/10
Release date on Switch February 07, 2019

Number of players : up to 14 players online.
Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility : yes

Sky Gamblers: Afterburner is a modern flight simulation game with a clear arcade focus. You chain together military missions and intense aerial battles at the controls of fighter jets.

What strikes you right from the very first flights is the sense of speed and the game's clarity. The controls are easy to get the hang of, and the game runs just as well in nomadic mode than in TV mode.

Its biggest strength remains the online multiplayer for up to 14 players. You can definitely run this family game on Switch or with friends for wild dogfights. This game is aimed at fans of aerial action who want excitement and intensity, without worrying about the physics of flight.

8. Red Wings: Aces of the Sky

Metacritic rating : 68/100
Release date on Switch May 21, 2020

Number of players : up to 2 players locally.
Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility : yes

Red Wings: Aces of the Sky is an arcade-style flight game that plunges you into the Air battles of World War I. His artistic direction is inspired by comics, with bold colors and aircraft featuring a very distinctive design style.

The stock is betting on simple controls and intense battles. You complete missions one after another in campaign mode, unlocking new aircraft as you progress.

This Switch game is perfect if you're just starting out and looking for an experience original, fun, and accessible. In two-person room, it's also a great choice for playing with others on the same console.

9. Air Conflicts: Pacific Carriers

Note on IGN : 6,4/10
Release date on Switch March 22, 2019

Number of players : 1 offline player, 8 players online.
Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

This game immerses you in the The Pacific Theater of World War II. You take control of aircraft launched from aircraft carrier and take on a series of historical missions with a variety of objectives.

Air Conflicts: Pacific Carriers a mix of aerial combat and a little bit of tactical management of your fleet. The game offers a realistic experience without the rigor of a demanding simulator. Its rating of 6,4/10 makes it a decent choice rather than a must-have, best suited for fans of’military aviation and games set in a historical context.

Bonus: 5 More Airplane Games to Check Out on Switch

In addition to the previous list, here is 5 More Flight Simulation Games available on the Nintendo Switch. They’re less well-known and have few ratings, but each one offers an interesting flying experience for aviation enthusiasts.

For even more fun, check out our list of best racing games on Switch.

You'll also find out how to get a Free Nintendo Switch gift card.