FIFA 18 on Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Review of EA's Portable Football Experience
For years, FIFA titles have been a staple on Nintendo platforms, from the SNES and Nintendo 64 to the GameCube, and even the Wii U and handhelds.
Despite strong historical support, fans have often found recent Nintendo versions lagging behind those on other consoles.
With the release of FIFA 18 on the Nintendo Switch, developed by EA Sports, there was renewed hope among Nintendo fans for a return to quality—blending authentic gameplay with the console’s portable appeal. Unlike the iterations on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, FIFA 18 on Switch utilizes a custom-built engine to optimize performance for both docked and handheld modes.
The core gameplay experience remains instantly recognizable: FIFA veterans will find responsive controls and familiar mechanics, avoiding the pitfalls of heavily tailored, less authentic versions seen on previous Nintendo systems.
The title boasts a smooth 1080p/60fps experience when docked and 720p/60fps in handheld mode, demonstrating EA's focus on high-quality performance for portable play. A spokesperson from EA Sports noted that the Switch edition preserves all core gameplay elements found in other FIFA 18 versions, including skill moves, finesse shots, and signature celebrations.
Additionally, the Nintendo Switch’s innovative control schemes allow for spontaneous local multiplayer using split Joy-Con controllers, a feature unique to the platform.
While this mode promotes accessibility and quick matches on the go, players seeking deeper control and more gameplay options should opt for a Pro Controller or use both Joy-Cons for a full-feature experience. The Switch version features mainstay modes such as Kick Off, Tournament, and the robust Career mode, alongside the franchise-favorite Ultimate Team.
For the first time on a Nintendo device, players can enjoy the full breadth of FIFA’s Ultimate Team, which lets users build squads, participate in Seasons, and progress through offline and online matches—a key draw for competitive FIFA enthusiasts.
Chemistry between players, based on leagues, nationalities, and clubs, remains a strategic focal point, requiring thoughtful squad assembly for maximum performance. Women’s football, introduced to FIFA in recent years, is included for the first time on a Nintendo console, allowing players to participate in international tournaments with women's national teams.
Skill Games also return, offering mini-games to sharpen abilities in passing, dribbling, defending, and shooting across various challenge levels. However, the Switch edition isn’t without limitations.
Some features, such as the cinematic Story mode (introduced in earlier FIFA titles via the Frostbite Engine), are absent, given the different engine used for portability.
Presentation differences are evident; compared to other versions, licensing details such as official Premier League badges and branding have been replaced with generic EA Sports elements.
Multiplayer also suffers a significant omission: there is currently no way to play online directly with friends, a feature available in popular Nintendo Switch titles like Splatoon. Despite these shortcomings, FIFA 18 stands out as the strongest football game available on a handheld device, according to the majority of expert reviews.
The portability and performance of the Nintendo Switch make it an ideal platform for those who value gaming on the go or shared local experiences.
For gamers primarily seeking TV play with advanced features, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions remain optimal.
Yet, for Nintendo fans, FIFA 18 on Switch marks a significant return to form—delivering an accessible, engaging, and fully-realized football experience. Version Tested: Nintendo Switch Review copy provided by Electronic Arts. Score: 8/10
Despite strong historical support, fans have often found recent Nintendo versions lagging behind those on other consoles.
With the release of FIFA 18 on the Nintendo Switch, developed by EA Sports, there was renewed hope among Nintendo fans for a return to quality—blending authentic gameplay with the console’s portable appeal. Unlike the iterations on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, FIFA 18 on Switch utilizes a custom-built engine to optimize performance for both docked and handheld modes.
The core gameplay experience remains instantly recognizable: FIFA veterans will find responsive controls and familiar mechanics, avoiding the pitfalls of heavily tailored, less authentic versions seen on previous Nintendo systems.
The title boasts a smooth 1080p/60fps experience when docked and 720p/60fps in handheld mode, demonstrating EA's focus on high-quality performance for portable play. A spokesperson from EA Sports noted that the Switch edition preserves all core gameplay elements found in other FIFA 18 versions, including skill moves, finesse shots, and signature celebrations.
Additionally, the Nintendo Switch’s innovative control schemes allow for spontaneous local multiplayer using split Joy-Con controllers, a feature unique to the platform.
While this mode promotes accessibility and quick matches on the go, players seeking deeper control and more gameplay options should opt for a Pro Controller or use both Joy-Cons for a full-feature experience. The Switch version features mainstay modes such as Kick Off, Tournament, and the robust Career mode, alongside the franchise-favorite Ultimate Team.
For the first time on a Nintendo device, players can enjoy the full breadth of FIFA’s Ultimate Team, which lets users build squads, participate in Seasons, and progress through offline and online matches—a key draw for competitive FIFA enthusiasts.
Chemistry between players, based on leagues, nationalities, and clubs, remains a strategic focal point, requiring thoughtful squad assembly for maximum performance. Women’s football, introduced to FIFA in recent years, is included for the first time on a Nintendo console, allowing players to participate in international tournaments with women's national teams.
Skill Games also return, offering mini-games to sharpen abilities in passing, dribbling, defending, and shooting across various challenge levels. However, the Switch edition isn’t without limitations.
Some features, such as the cinematic Story mode (introduced in earlier FIFA titles via the Frostbite Engine), are absent, given the different engine used for portability.
Presentation differences are evident; compared to other versions, licensing details such as official Premier League badges and branding have been replaced with generic EA Sports elements.
Multiplayer also suffers a significant omission: there is currently no way to play online directly with friends, a feature available in popular Nintendo Switch titles like Splatoon. Despite these shortcomings, FIFA 18 stands out as the strongest football game available on a handheld device, according to the majority of expert reviews.
The portability and performance of the Nintendo Switch make it an ideal platform for those who value gaming on the go or shared local experiences.
For gamers primarily seeking TV play with advanced features, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions remain optimal.
Yet, for Nintendo fans, FIFA 18 on Switch marks a significant return to form—delivering an accessible, engaging, and fully-realized football experience. Version Tested: Nintendo Switch Review copy provided by Electronic Arts. Score: 8/10
