Nintendo Switch Critic Reviews

An optimized and more complete version of the acclaimed dinosaur survival game, ARK: Ultimate Survivor Edition takes us to a series of fantastic but deadly worlds, from prehistoric jungles to interstellar gardens. Released primarily for the Nintendo Switch, this is an edition the console was missing after the original version's troubled release on the console back in 2018.

ARK: Ultimate Survivor Edition still isn’t a game for everyone, but at least now it can be said it’s a game that some people might enjoy.

ARK: Ultimate Survivor Edition had a suspect launch, but with the commitment and care of the developers, they have rallied back and the game makes for a fun time with friends or by yourself. The Island and Scorched Earth will test your survival instincts for sure. With the addition of the lovely ARK Dinosaur Discovery game you can download from the eShop for the kiddos and the new maps having a timeline in the future, you and your family will have plenty of things to do for the near future.

ARK: Ultimate Survivor Edition is a good survival game, and in this edition the developers have made a great effort to improve the experience such as loading screens and better textures but the frame drops continue. The expansions will arrive in the future so we only have all the content of the original game.

Surprisingly, the online play works well, and it is cool to have a portable version of ARK for playing on the go. But would I recommend it on Nintendo Switch? $49.99 is…pricey for the quality. It’s worth it if you have no other way to play ARK, but only if it goes on sale. ARK: Ultimate Survivor Edition itself is a very good, if not great, game, but this port is more mediocre than the best it can be. While I like playing it on Switch as an existing fan, I’m not sure I would if I was new to the game.