When theNintendo Switchwas first announced, the hybrid console showed off a whole host of unique features that gamers couldn’t wait to try out. Although never the Switch’s greatest highlight, “HD Rumble” can be a joy to experience when utilized in the right manner. Several ofNintendo’s own Switch gamesmake use of the unique feature, while a few third-party titles also implement HD Rumble into their games well.
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Essentially, HD Rumble is a haptic feedback engine hidden inside the Joy-Con and Pro Controller, similar to that of PS5’s DualSense.1-2-Switch, which was a launch game for the system, provides several excellent uses of HD Rumble throughout the game. Since then, a ton of developers have added Nintendo’s vibration function into their games to enhance the gaming experience. Here are someexamples of how good HD Rumble can be on certain titles.
7Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Originally released on the Wii U,Mario Kart 8remains the best-selling game on the Switch.Mario Karthas always been apick-up-and-play racerthat the whole family can enjoy, and this version can be played on the big screen as well as on a handheld device.
Nintendo really shows off the Switch’s HD Rumble feature in this game. There is a real weight to skidding when using a Joy-Con or Pro Controller, and players certainly experience the bumps when colliding with other characters.Mario Kartfans can feel the subtle clinch of a coin and the fierce drive forward of a Mushroom boost better than ever thanks to HD Rumble.
6Hollow Knight
Hollow Knightis a beautiful game, especially when played on the newer Switch’s OLED screen.This thrilling action adventureis intense, and Nintendo’s vibration feature turns up the intensity to 100. TheHollow Knightworld is immersive at the best of times, but HD Rumble adds that little bit more to the experience.
Players will feel everything while playing this instant classic on the Switch if using a Joy-Con or Pro Controller. From wall-sliding to combat, HD Rumble makes the Switch the perfect way to play Team Cherry’s Metroidvania game.
5Tetris Effect: Connected
Tetris Effect: Connectedis one of the most unique experiences you can have on the Switch.Tetrisdivides opinion among fans, but this version offers way more thanthe standard Tetris game. First and foremost, the graphics and colors are stunning, especially when viewed on an OLED screen.
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One of the standout features on the Switch version is the superb haptics in the Joy-Cons. Whether clearing a row or getting aTetris, players are immersed into action with HD Rumble. You can even intensify the Rumble in the settings, which really cranks up the voltage.Tetris Effect: Connectedshould not be missed on the Switch.
4Golf Story
Golf Storyis a unique title on the Switch that makes excellent use of HD Rumble. As the player would expect, it’s essentially a golf game, but it offers far much more than just striking balls around with a controller.Golf Storyhasexcellent role-playing elements, but it really shines with its use of HD Rumble.
Apart from first-party Nintendo titles,Golf Storyuse of Rumble is just about as good as it gets. Different layers of grass impact how the vibration feels in your hand, and the game even uses the vibration to make sound effects in the controllers. Fans of Nintendo’s HD Rumble should definitely check outGolf Story.
3Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi’s Mansion 3was released exclusively for the Switch around Halloween 2019, and fans of the series were treated toexcellent gameplay, stunning graphicsand a great story. The use of HD Rumble in this game is also great.
The real magic happens when Professor Elvin Gadd hands Luigi the Poltergust, which is used to vacuum up ghosts and other items. Every vacuumed item is incredibly satisfying thanks to the use of HD Rumble. There is also a pulse in the controller that helps you track down hidden enemies, which players miss out on when using the Nintendo Switch Lite version of the console. Using the Joy-Con is particularly enjoyable inLuigi’s Mansion 3thanks to the game’s superb haptics.
2Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odysseyis highly-regarded as the best game on the Switch, and one of the best first-partyNintendo games of all time. Of course, Nintendo were going to make the most of their HD Rumble in this 2018 hit, and the feature works a treat onOdyssey.
The Rumble feature has been labeled by some as gimmicky since it was first unveiled, but the haptic motors in the Joy-Con and Pro Controller in this game truly does enhance the experience. From collecting coins, opening zips and riding the scooter in New Donk City, playing throughMario Odysseyand making the most of the HD Rumble experience is not to be missed out on.
11-2-Switch
1-2-Switchwas announced alongside the Switch console, and Nintendo were determined to show off what the new Joy-Con controllers were capable of. This is amultiplayer party gamethat utilizes the HD Rumble feature in just about every way possible.
In this game, you can milk cows, shake sodas, count ice cubes and answer telephones. It really is a unique title on the Switch for its HD Rumble use. Despite the game receiving bad reviews from the critics, players should give1-2-Switcha go for its Rumble features alone.
