What Nintendo Switch games support Tate Mode?

Docked Mode, Table Top Mode, Hand Held mode…Tate Mode? The Nintendo Switch is a versatile device. Here’s a list of every Switch game that supports vertical display.

The flexibility of the Nintendo Switch is one of the keys to its success. It’s a console equally happy hooked up to a TV at home, or in your hands for gaming on the go. This flexibility also allows for some games to be played using a vertical screen orientation, or Tate Mode.

Gaming on vertical screens was a common enough sight during the heyday of the arcade, and is the predominant orientation for modern-day mobile and tablet gaming.

The Nintendo Switch – with a few caveats – is well-suited to offer another home to games that use a portrait display, and its ever-growing software library features a generous selection of classic arcade games, and ports of recent mobile hits.

Here’s our round-up of games that support Tate mode, and how to play them.

How do you play Switch games in Tate mode?

Setting a game to display in Tate Mode happens on a software level. You don’t need to change anything within the Switch’s system settings. Just fiddle around in the menus of each compatible game to find the right setting.

Playing in TV Mode

Playing in Tate mode on a big screen is tricky, but not impossible. If your Nintendo Switch is hooked up to a computer monitor, rather than a TV set, you may well be able to rotate the screen 90 degrees to play compatible games in this format.

Naturally, it’s much easier to play games that support Tate mode with the Switch removed from its dock. However, this is not without a few of its own challenges

Playing in Tabletop Mode

In Tabletop Mode things are relatively simple. You’ll most likely need a stand – the Wii U GamePad stand is a good substitute – but all you need to do is remove the Joy Cons, turn the Switch on its side, and set the display on your compatible games to vertical or portrait mode.

Playing in Handheld Mode

In Handheld Mode, games that support touchscreen controls – such as Pinball FX 3 – can be played just fine. Games that require traditional control inputs might need a little assistance.

One solution is to pick up a Flip Grip from Jeremy Parish, Mike Choi, and Fangamer. This Kickstarter-funded peripheral clips to your Joy-Con controllers, and cradles the Nintendo Switch in a snug vertical orientation. By all accounts it’s a well-designed solution with excellent production values.

Nintendo Switch Flip Grip