As the Nintendo Switch nears the end of its remarkable eight-year run, anticipation builds for its successor, the Switch 2. Before you retire your current console, make sure you've explored some of the hidden gems that may have slipped under your radar. While iconic titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons have undoubtedly captured the hearts of many, the Switch library is brimming with other exceptional games that deserve your attention.
We understand that time and budget constraints can make it challenging to dive into every game, but before the Switch 2 arrives, consider revisiting these overlooked treasures. You won't be disappointed.
20 Overlooked Nintendo Switch Games
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20. Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
Delve into the origins of the beloved demon-slaying witch with Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. This captivating puzzle platformer boasts a stunning storybook art style that sets it apart from its predecessors. Yet, it retains the series' signature action-packed combat, offering fans a fresh yet familiar experience. Its prequel nature and unique visual approach may have caused it to be overlooked, but it's a must-play for any Bayonetta enthusiast.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Step into the thrilling world of Dynasty Warriors with a Legend of Zelda twist in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Though not canon to the Breath of the Wild storyline, the game offers immense satisfaction as you control Link and other champions, fending off hordes of enemies to protect Hyrule. If you're a fan of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, don't miss this exhilarating journey back in time.
New Pokemon Snap
After years of anticipation, the sequel to the beloved Nintendo 64 classic, Pokemon Snap, arrived with New Pokemon Snap in 2021. It delivers everything fans loved about the original and more, with a vast array of Pokemon to photograph and secrets to uncover across diverse biomes. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this unique Pokemon spinoff is a delightful experience not to be missed.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Marking the first fully 3D Kirby game, Kirby and the Forgotten Land revolutionizes the series by embracing the third dimension. Kirby retains his iconic ability to inhale enemies and objects, but now explores expansive 3D environments. New abilities, like transforming into a car, enhance the exploration aspect. As one of the standout entries in the Kirby franchise, it's essential to experience this game before the Switch era ends.
Paper Mario: The Origami King
Celebrated for its charming art style and puzzle RPG gameplay, the Paper Mario series offers a refreshing departure from traditional Mario platformers. The Origami King expands on this with a beautifully crafted open world. While the combat may not satisfy as much as its predecessors, the game's visual allure and engaging puzzles make it a worthy addition to your Switch library.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze stands out as one of the finest 2D platformers ever created. Its challenging levels, from scaling crumbling icebergs to navigating jello-like obstacles, demand precision and skill. The game's stunning visuals, captivating soundtrack, and tight controls make it a must-play for any platformer enthusiast. Don't miss out on this modern masterpiece.
Fire Emblem Engage
While Fire Emblem: Three Houses captured the hearts of many, Fire Emblem Engage offers a different yet equally compelling experience. Though its narrative may not be as cohesive, it reintroduces beloved characters from previous titles through a multiverse concept. Tactical RPG fans will appreciate its return to classic SRPG gameplay, with smaller, more intense maps and challenging difficulty levels.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore
A unique crossover between Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem, set against Japan's idol music culture, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is a vibrant and engaging RPG. Its colorful art style and blend of Fire Emblem and SMT combat mechanics make it a delightful experience, despite some toned-down themes in its localization.
Astral Chain
Astral Chain is a PlatinumGames gem that deserves more recognition. Its fluid, flashy combat, combined with the ability to swap between summonable Legions, keeps the gameplay dynamic. 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 limited its audience, but it's a must-play for action game fans.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope
Combining the worlds of Mario and Ubisoft's Rabbids, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a delightful strategy RPG. The action-focused combat allows for creative character combinations and powerful combos, making it a fun experience for both Mario and Rabbids fans. Don't let the humorous premise fool you; this game is a serious contender in the RPG genre.
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
A faithful remake of the beloved GameCube title, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door brings one of the series' best entries to the Switch with enhanced visuals, music, and gameplay. Join Mario on his quest to save Princess Peach and the town of Rogueport in this charming and engaging adventure. It's the perfect entry point for anyone new to the Paper Mario series.
F-Zero 99
After a 20-year hiatus, F-Zero returned with a surprising twist: a 99-player battle royale. F-Zero 99 has evolved into a top-tier entry in the series, thanks to ongoing content updates. The thrill of racing against 98 others, strategic use of the Skyway, and intense combat make it an exhilarating experience. It may not be what fans expected, but it's a thrilling revival of the franchise.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe
Pikmin 3 Deluxe brought joy to fans after a nine-year wait since Pikmin 2. While not the massive leap seen in Pikmin 4, it introduced new Pikmin types, improved controls, and additional content. The Switch version added co-op mode, the Piklopedia, and even more content. Its humorous narrative and engaging gameplay make it a valuable addition to any Pikmin collection.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Originally from the Wii U, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a charming puzzle platformer where Captain Toad navigates levels without jumping, due to his heavy backpack. Each level is a delightful brain teaser, perfect for short bursts of play. This gem from the Wii U era found new life on the Switch, where it truly shines.
Game Builder Garage
Game Builder Garage is an underappreciated tool for aspiring game developers. This simplified game engine teaches you how to create games through engaging lessons, without the complexity of coding. It's an excellent starting point for anyone interested in game design, offering a charming and accessible interface to build and share your own games.
Xenoblade Chronicles Series
Monolith Soft's Xenoblade Chronicles series offers some of the most expansive and beautiful open worlds on the Switch. From Xenoblade Chronicles 1, 2, and 3 to the spinoff Xenoblade Chronicles X, these games blend classic JRPG elements with modern technology. Their epic narratives and vast worlds are a testament to the series' enduring appeal, offering hundreds of hours of immersive gameplay.
Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe
Complementing Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe is a stellar 2D platformer with robust multiplayer capabilities. With up to four players controlling Kirbys, the game offers a cooperative experience that's both fun and accessible. The Deluxe version adds an epilogue and a variety of subgames, making it a perfect entry point for newcomers to the platformer genre.
Ring Fit Adventure
Though a best-seller, Ring Fit Adventure is often abandoned after initial enthusiasm wanes. This innovative fitness game doubles as an engaging RPG, where you battle an evil dragon using the fitness ring. Its compelling gameplay and fitness integration make it a unique and rewarding experience. If you've let it gather dust, it's time to pick it back up.
Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread revitalizes the series with its 2.5D gameplay, reminiscent of the classic 2D Metroid titles. The game's tense atmosphere and relentless E.M.M.I. machines create a thrilling experience. Despite its commercial success, it remains underappreciated compared to other Switch titles. Don't miss this modern classic that showcases the Switch's capabilities.
Metroid Prime Remastered
With Metroid Prime 4 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to revisit the series' origins with Metroid Prime Remastered. This isn't just a re-release; it's a stunning graphical overhaul that brings the GameCube classic to modern standards. Priced at an affordable $39.99, it's a steal for one of the best games ever made. If you haven't experienced the isolation, exploration, and tension of Metroid Prime, you're missing out on a true masterpiece.
