As the Nintendo Switch gracefully approaches its final days, paving the way for the highly anticipated Switch 2, it's the perfect time to revisit some of the overlooked gems that made the Switch a beloved console. While blockbusters like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons have captured the hearts of many, there's a treasure trove of other titles that deserve your attention before the next generation arrives.
Time and budgets can be tight, and with so many games to choose from, it's easy to miss out. But trust us, diving back into these Switch games before the Switch 2 launches is a decision you won't regret.
20 Overlooked Nintendo Switch Games
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20. Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
Delve into the enchanting origins of the iconic demon-slaying witch with Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. This captivating puzzle platformer is presented in a stunning storybook art style, yet it retains the thrilling, button-mashing combat that fans adore. Despite its prequel nature and unique visual approach, Bayonetta Origins is a must-play for fans of the series.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Experience the exhilarating Dynasty Warriors-style gameplay infused with the world of The Legend of Zelda in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. While not directly tied to the canon of Breath of the Wild, the joy of commanding Link and the Champions to defend Hyrule against hordes of enemies is immensely satisfying. If you loved Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, don't miss out on this thrilling journey back in time.
New Pokemon Snap
After years of anticipation, New Pokemon Snap brought back the magic of the beloved Nintendo 64 classic. This sequel offers an expansive world filled with more Pokemon to photograph and hidden secrets to uncover across various biomes. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, New Pokemon Snap is an essential experience for any Pokemon enthusiast.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby and the Forgotten Land marks the franchise's first fully 3D adventure, embracing the new dimension with open, explorable environments. Kirby's iconic ability to inhale enemies and objects remains, but new transformations, like turning into a car, enhance exploration. Don't miss out on one of the standout Kirby games of the series during the Switch era.
Paper Mario: The Origami King
Paper Mario: The Origami King continues the beloved sub-series with its charming art style and unique puzzle RPG gameplay. The open world is beautifully crafted, making it one of the most visually stunning entries in the series. Though combat may not be as engaging as in previous games, the game's aesthetic allure more than compensates.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a masterpiece of 2D platforming that demands your attention. Its challenging levels will test your skills as you navigate through crumbling icebergs and bounce across jello cubes. With stunning graphics, an incredible soundtrack, and tight controls, Tropical Freeze is a must-play for platformer enthusiasts.
Fire Emblem Engage
While Fire Emblem: Three Houses captured many hearts, Fire Emblem Engage brings back beloved characters from across the series' history through a multiverse narrative. Offering tighter, more challenging combat on smaller maps, Engage is a delightful return to the roots of tactical RPGs for fans of the genre.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is a unique blend of Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem, set against the vibrant backdrop of Japan's idol music culture. Its colorful, poppy aesthetic and engaging RPG combat make it a refreshing and enjoyable experience, despite some toned-down themes in its localization.
Astral Chain
Astral Chain delivers a thrilling action experience that only Platinum Games could master. With fluid combat and a variety of summonable "Legion" weapons, the game keeps you engaged throughout. Beyond combat, explore a cyberfuturistic world, solve cases, and navigate the Astral Plane filled with platforming and puzzles. Its exclusivity to the Switch may have kept it under the radar, but it's a gem worth discovering.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope combines the whimsical world of Mario with Ubisoft's Rabbids in a strategy RPG that's anything but a joke. Its action-focused combat and the ability to create massive combos with different characters and upgrades make it a delightful and unexpected fusion.
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is a lovingly remade classic from the GameCube era. With enhanced visuals, music, and gameplay, it stands as one of the best entries in the Paper Mario series. Embark on Mario's treasure hunt in Rogueport and immerse yourself in the charm and excellence of this iconic franchise.
F-Zero 99
F-Zero 99 brought the series back with a 99-player battle royale twist, surprising fans and delivering a top-tier entry. The thrill of racing against 98 others, combined with strategic use of the Skyway, offers exhilarating comebacks and heart-pounding finishes. It's a fresh take that has reinvigorated the franchise.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe
Pikmin 3 Deluxe is a delightful addition to the franchise, introducing new Pikmin types and better control of non-Pikmin protagonists. With added content, co-op mode, and the Piklopedia, it's a comprehensive package that's both fun and funny, with distinct leader personalities adding charm to the experience.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a charming puzzle platformer that challenges you to navigate levels without jumping, due to Captain Toad's heavy backpack. Perfect for short bursts of play, it's an ingenious and delightful game that deserves recognition on the Switch.
Game Builder Garage
Game Builder Garage is an overlooked gem that teaches you how to build games without coding. Through engaging lessons, you learn to create different game types with a charming Nintendo interface. It's an excellent starting point for aspiring game developers and a fun way to experiment with game design.
Xenoblade Chronicles Series
Monolith Soft's Xenoblade Chronicles series offers some of the most expansive and beautiful open worlds on the Switch. From sweeping stories to breathtaking landscapes, the series combines classic JRPG elements with modern technology for an unforgettable experience.
Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe
Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe complements The Forgotten Land with a robust 2D platforming experience and exceptional multiplayer. With four Kirbys on screen, the game is a blast, offering a wealth of levels and collectibles. It's an ideal introduction to platformers, with seamless drop-in and drop-out multiplayer.
Ring Fit Adventure
Ring Fit Adventure is not just a fitness game; it's a full-fledged RPG that keeps you engaged with its innovative use of the fitness ring. Defeat the "bootilicious" evil dragon while powering up both your character and your body. It's a unique and engaging experience that deserves a complete playthrough.
Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread revitalizes the series with its 2.5D gameplay and the terrifying E.M.M.I. machines that hunt Samus through the game's claustrophobic corridors. A throwback to classic 2D Metroid games, it's a thrilling experience that showcases the Switch as the home for Metroid titles.
Metroid Prime Remastered
Metroid Prime Remastered is more than just a re-release; it's a stunning remake that brings one of the best video games ever to modern standards. With graphical upgrades, control tweaks, and a budget-friendly price, it's a must-play that captures the essence of isolation, exploration, and tension beautifully.
