The best factory games for Nintendo Switch

Automation games are all about optimization. In most automation games, you'll be tasked with setting up your own factory and collecting materials to keep everything running. Machines can be placed freely in order to optimize the best system.

The Switch, Nintendo's eighth-generation console, has a number of automation-style games. With the switch's manual mode, you can take your automation on the go and optimize your factory on the fly. Automation games can range widely in style and complexity, from simple puzzles designed for beginners to more complex simulations. Here are some of the best.

7

Automachef

Released in 2019

Automachef, developed by Rhombico Games, is a puzzle automation game focused on designing and running your own kitchen. With the ultimate goal of automating every aspect of your own restaurant, you place machines to prepare, cook and serve food to your customers.

You will have to contend with a limited amount of space across different levels of the game and try to build your business. There are several modes to explore, with more free play available in the game's sandbox mode.

6

Big pharmacy

Released in 2015

Developed by Twice Circled, Big Pharma is another game that combines automation with business management. Big Pharma is about the business of medicine, where the main decision is to find a balance between profit and altruism.

How will you price your products? How well can you optimize your production line? These and other questions are critical to Big Pharma. Like Automachef, the game is divided into levels and also includes a sandbox mode where you can build without limits.

5

Colonists

Released in 2021

In The Colonists, developed by Codebyfire, you will be tasked with colonizing a new planet with the help of a team of robots. You direct your robot workers to build settlements in several levels, assign them specific tasks and develop your new civilization.

Inspired by classic city builder games, you'll guide your robots to self-sufficiency with the option to play in scenarios created by other players or on randomly generated maps. There is also a sandbox mode that you can freely explore.

4

Little big workshop

Released in 2019

In Little Big Workshop, developed by Mirage Game Studios, you'll design and run your own factory to produce a variety of goods. You will have to build almost anything you can imagine, from toys to musical instruments.

In addition to the machines in your factory, you will need to manage the workers you employ and make sure they are happy at work. The quality of the materials used in the product must be controlled, and different products require different equipment for production.

3

New countries

Released in 2022

Nova Lands was developed by BEHEMUTT and is set on an unexplored planet ripe for exploration and industry. In Nova Lands, you design your own base, create automated systems, and explore more of the planet in your quest for self-sufficiency.

When you start the game, you're limited to a single island, with the option to explore more when you progress far enough to leave the confines of your starting location. When you progress far enough, you'll be able to create autonomous robots that further automate tasks and keep your factory running efficiently.

2

Autonauts

Released in 2019

Autonauts is a game developed by Denki that focuses on programming your own robot workers to do various tasks on a newly colonized planet. As you build your base, you'll need to design different routines for your workers to tackle new challenges and automate your systems.

What sets Autonauts apart from other automation and factory building games is the visual programming language used in the game, an easy-to-learn system that can be as complex as you want it to be.

1

Factorio

Released in 2022

Developed and published by Wube Software LTD., Factorio is one of the most popular titles in the automation game genre. In development since 2012, Factorio is a game with a seemingly simple loop that starts with harvesting resources and building machines to turn those resources into more advanced technology.

In order to escape the planet you are trapped on after the crash, you will eventually have to deal with the original life forms on the planet in your quest.