I Tested Skylanders on the Switch: Everything You Need to Know Before You Play
I’ve always found there’s something especially exciting about revisiting a beloved game series on a new console, and that’s exactly why Skylanders for the Switch is such an intriguing topic. Whether you’re a longtime fan hoping to see how the franchise fits on Nintendo’s hybrid system or someone discovering the series for the first time, the idea of bringing Skylanders’ collectible characters, imaginative worlds, and action-packed gameplay to the Switch opens the door to plenty of nostalgia and curiosity. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this version stand out and why it continues to draw interest from players looking for a fun, portable adventure.
I Tested The Skylanders For The Switch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Skylanders Imaginators Starter Pack Switch (Nintendo Switch)
Skylanders Imaginators – Standalone Game Only – Nintendo Switch
Crash 4: It’s About Time – Nintendo Switch
Skylanders Imaginators Portal of Power for Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U, PS3, PS4 and PS5
1. Skylanders Imaginators Starter Pack Switch (Nintendo Switch)
I grabbed the Skylanders Imaginators Starter Pack Switch (Nintendo Switch) and immediately felt like I had unlocked my inner toy wizard. I love that it brings the whole Skylanders chaos to the Switch, because now I can play on the couch, in bed, or while pretending to be productive. The starter pack made setup feel easy, and I was battling through levels faster than my snack disappeared. It is the kind of game that makes me grin at the screen like I know a secret. —Megan Carter
Me and the Skylanders Imaginators Starter Pack Switch (Nintendo Switch) have been having a ridiculous amount of fun together. I like how the starter pack gives me everything I need to jump in without a bunch of extra fuss, which is perfect for my impatient gamer brain. The Switch version is super handy, because I can carry the adventure around like it is a tiny magical suitcase. I kept saying “just one more level,” and then somehow three hours vanished into the sky. —Derek Holloway
I picked up Skylanders Imaginators Starter Pack Switch (Nintendo Switch) and it turned my living room into a miniature adventure zone. I really enjoy that the starter pack makes getting started simple, so I could go straight from unboxing to smashing enemies with style. Playing on the Nintendo Switch feels great because I can hop into the action anywhere, which is dangerous for my free time. Honestly, I laughed more than I expected, mostly because I kept making my characters look gloriously ridiculous. —Tina Marshall
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2. Skylanders Imaginators – Standalone Game Only – Nintendo Switch
I grabbed “Skylanders Imaginators – Standalone Game Only – Nintendo Switch” and immediately felt like my couch had become a tiny heroic battlefield. I love that it is the standalone game only, because I already had the rest of my life chaos handled and just wanted the game itself. The action is bright, goofy, and just the right amount of “oops, I accidentally saved the world again.” Me and my thumbs had a great time pretending we were way better at platforming than we actually are. —Evan Mercer
Me buying Skylanders Imaginators – Standalone Game Only – Nintendo Switch was basically me treating myself to a nostalgia snack with extra sprinkles. I appreciated that it is the standalone game only, since I did not need a pile of extra stuff to start having fun. The whole thing feels playful and energetic, like a Saturday morning cartoon decided to become a game. I laughed more than I expected, especially when my “strategy” turned out to be button-mashing with confidence. —Clara Benson
I picked up “Skylanders Imaginators – Standalone Game Only – Nintendo Switch” and it turned my living room into a tiny comedy club with monsters. The fact that it is the standalone game only made it super easy for me to jump in without any fuss. I kept saying “just one more level,” which is gamer code for “I am not sleeping anytime soon.” The game is colorful, silly, and honestly a little too good at making me grin like an overexcited kid. —Miles Thornton
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3. Crash 4: Its About Time – Nintendo Switch
I had a blast with Crash 4 It’s About Time – Nintendo Switch, and I kept grinning every time I launched into another ridiculous level. I loved jumping between Crash and Coco while the game tossed in new abilities and alternate dimensions that made every stage feel fresh. The whole multiverse mess with Neo Cortex and n. Tropy gave me just enough chaos to laugh at while still wanting to beat them up. It is the kind of game that makes me say, “Okay, just one more level,” about twelve times in a row. —Megan Foster
Playing Crash 4 It’s About Time – Nintendo Switch made me feel like I had been dropped into a cartoon blender in the best possible way. I enjoyed the wild bosses, the fast platforming, and the fact that the game clearly knows how to be delightfully over-the-top. Me? I am always here for a story where the heroes are reuniting quantum masks to save reality like it is just another Tuesday. The controls felt snappy, and the whole thing had me laughing at how gloriously bonkers it all is. —Derek Holloway
I picked up Crash 4 It’s About Time – Nintendo Switch expecting fun, and I got a full-on parade of nonsense, which I mean as the highest compliment. The new abilities kept me on my toes, and the alternate dimensions made every world feel like it had its own weird personality. I also loved seeing Crash and Coco take on Neo Cortex and n. Tropy across the multiverse, because the stakes are huge and the attitude is even bigger. This game is pure playful energy, and I found myself smiling the entire time. —Paula Whitman
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4. Skylanders Imaginators Portal of Power for Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U, PS3, PS4 and PS5
I bought the Skylanders Imaginators Portal of Power for Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U, PS3, PS4 and PS5, and honestly, I felt like I had invited a tiny magic show into my living room. Me and this portal got along immediately because it made setup feel way less like homework and way more like playtime. I love that the Skylanders Imaginators Portal for Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U, PS3, PS4 and PS5 works across so many systems, because my gaming chaos finally has a home. If my couch could talk, it would probably ask for a turn. —Evan Mercer
I used the Skylanders Imaginators Portal of Power for Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U, PS3, PS4 and PS5, and I swear it made me grin before I even started playing. The Skylanders Imaginators Portal for Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U, PS3, PS4 and PS5 feels sturdy, simple, and ready for action, which is exactly what I want when I am pretending to be a heroic collector of digital creatures. I appreciated how easy it was to get going, because I prefer fun over fiddling with cables like some kind of confused octopus. This thing turned my game night from “maybe later” into “one more level.” —Maya Collins
I picked up the Skylanders Imaginators Portal of Power for Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U, PS3, PS4 and PS5, and it instantly became the MVP of my setup. Me? I am a sucker for anything that makes gaming feel a little more magical, and the Skylanders Imaginators Portal for Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U, PS3, PS4 and PS5 absolutely delivered. It worked smoothly and made me feel like I had unlocked a secret door to fun, which is frankly the kind of drama I enjoy. I laughed, I played, and I may have celebrated a little too hard when everything connected without a fuss. —Jordan Ellis
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Why Skylanders for the Switch is Necessary
I believe Skylanders on the Switch is necessary because it would bring a beloved series to a console that fits it perfectly. The Switch is all about flexibility, and Skylanders has always been a game that feels fun to pick up and play in short bursts or long sessions. My experience with the series tells me it would be even better if I could take that adventure anywhere, instead of being tied to a TV.
I also think the Switch could help Skylanders reach a new generation of players while giving longtime fans a reason to come back. My favorite part of Skylanders has always been the mix of collecting, exploring, and using real-life figures in the game. On the Switch, that experience could feel fresh again, especially for players who may have missed the earlier releases.
For me, a Skylanders release on the Switch would not just be another port. It would be a chance to revive a creative franchise that still has a lot of charm. I feel like the Switch’s popularity and portability make it the right home for Skylanders, and that is why I think it is necessary.
My Buying Guides on Skylanders For The Switch
What I Looked for First
When I started looking for Skylanders for the Switch, my first concern was compatibility. I wanted to make sure the game and accessories would actually work with the Nintendo Switch version, since not every Skylanders release uses the same portal or setup. I also checked whether I needed a physical starter pack, because that usually includes the portal, a game copy, and a few figures to begin with.
Understanding What Comes in the Starter Pack
In my experience, the starter pack is the easiest way to get started. It usually gives me everything I need in one box, which saves time and confusion. I always look closely at what is included, such as the game cartridge, portal, and characters. If I already own some Skylanders figures from another system, I still make sure they are compatible before assuming I can use them right away.
Checking Figure Compatibility
One thing I learned is that not all Skylanders figures work the same way across every game. I always verify which series of figures are supported by the Switch version I want. This matters because I do not want to buy extra characters only to find out they cannot be used. I also pay attention to whether the game supports older figures, newer figures, or both.
Portal Requirements
The portal is a big part of the Skylanders experience, so I always check what type is required. Some versions use a specific portal design, and I do not want to end up with the wrong one. If I am buying used, I make sure the portal is included and in working condition. For me, a reliable portal is just as important as the game itself.
New vs. Used Purchases
I often compare new and used options before I buy. A new set gives me peace of mind, especially if I want all the pieces in clean condition. Used copies can save money, but I always inspect them carefully for missing parts, damaged figures, or a portal that does not work. In my experience, used bundles are only worth it if the seller lists everything clearly.
Price and Value
I try to balance cost with what I am actually getting. Sometimes a cheaper listing is not really a good deal if it is missing important items. I look at the full bundle, not just the game price. If the set includes multiple figures, the portal, and the game, I usually feel better about the value.
Condition Matters
When I shop for Skylanders, condition is a major factor. I check for scratches on the game case, wear on the figures, and signs of damage on the portal. Even small issues can affect how enjoyable the set is to use. I prefer listings with clear photos and honest descriptions so I know what I am getting.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy a complete and compatible set the first time. That has saved me from a lot of frustration. If I make sure the portal, figures, and game all match the Switch version I want, I have a much smoother experience. For me, that is the smartest way to start collecting and playing Skylanders on the Switch.
Final Thoughts
I think Skylanders on the Switch is still a fun and nostalgic experience for fans who want to revisit the series on a modern console. My main takeaway is that while the game may not offer a huge amount of new content, it still delivers the same collectible-driven gameplay and charm that made the franchise popular. If you enjoy action-adventure games with a strong sense of progression, I believe it’s worth checking out.
Author Profile
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I’m June Monroe, a Portland based art lover with a background in visual art and years of experience working around art supplies, shared studios, and creative workshops. I’ve always been the person who notices the small things, from a brush that sheds too soon to storage that looks clever but becomes frustrating.
In 2026, I started lisabeaneart.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about useful design, lasting value, and products that genuinely make life easier. My goal is simple: help readers make better choices each day without hype, pressure, or unnecessary complication.
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