The Nintendo Switch's expansive library, featuring thousands of physical and digital releases, means some truly outstanding games inevitably fly under the radar. With so many titles available, it's easy to overlook hidden gems, especially those exclusive to the platform. Here are 10 near-perfect Nintendo Switch games that deserve more attention.
Puzzle and Oddity
Part Time UFO, developed by HAL Laboratory, offers a charming and engaging puzzle experience. Players pilot a UFO equipped with a claw to complete various "jobs," such as moving livestock or assembling dinosaur skeletons. The game's physics-based gameplay is complemented by cooperative multiplayer on the Switch, allowing friends to tackle more challenging jobs together. Originally released on mobile, the Switch version is now the sole option as it's no longer available on iOS or Android.
Good Job!, published by Nintendo and developed by the now-defunct Paladin Studios, transforms mundane office tasks into a series of creative puzzles. Players must find innovative, often destructive, solutions to clear objectives, encouraging replayability. The game also features a multiplayer mode for added chaos, and despite its cute visuals and satirical take on nepotism, it offers a significant challenge.
Action and Exploration
PlatinumGames' Astral Chain presents a futuristic world where a special police task force battles monsters. While the studio is known for action titles like Bayonetta, Astral Chain, despite finding a healthy audience, remains unplayed by a significant portion of the Switch's massive user base. Its blend of intense action and a compelling premise makes it a standout title that many should experience.
Shinsekai: Into the Depths, initially an Apple Arcade exclusive from Capcom, made its way to the Switch, delighting players with its thrilling underwater exploration. Players must manage oxygen supplies while navigating ancient ruins, supported by a somewhat unhelpful robot companion. Its satisfying Metroidvania design and beautiful environments offer a compelling experience, despite occasional reminders of its mobile origins.
Rhythm and Strategy
Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer, a collaboration between Brace Yourself Games and Nintendo, merges the rhythm-based gameplay of Crypt of the NecroDancer with the iconic characters and world of The Legend of Zelda. Players must move in time with the music, offering a unique and surprisingly faithful take on the Hyrule presented in A Link to the Past. It's an unconventional but rewarding crossover that stands out as a potential best Zelda spinoff.
Vehicular Combat
Fast RMX by Shin'en Multimedia is an adrenaline-fueled futuristic racer, reminiscent of F-Zero and Wipeout. As one of the launch titles for the Switch, it bundles all content from its Wii U predecessor, Fast Racing Neo, and adds new courses. While the AI opponents can be aggressive, the game offers a high-speed experience that remains a strong contender for those seeking fast-paced racing action.
Unique Genres
Demon Throttle, developed by Doinksoft, is a scrolling shooter with old-school visuals and audio. Its unique release strategy, available only as a physical cartridge and absent from the Nintendo eShop, positions it as a collector's item for many. This exclusivity has contributed to its relative obscurity despite its engaging gameplay.
Golf Story, from Sidebar Games, creatively blends golf mechanics with RPG and action-adventure elements. The game follows a golfer striving to achieve his dreams by completing various courses and interacting with a cast of characters. It draws inspiration from titles like Mario Golf on Game Boy Color, offering a narrative-driven experience beyond a traditional golf simulation.
Cooperative Fun
Vitamin Connection, by WayForward, puts players in control of Vita-Boy and Mina-Girl as they journey through colorful worlds to eliminate pathogens. The game features an asymmetric multiplayer mode where one player controls movement and shooting while the other manipulates the environment. Its endearing visuals and music highlight the Switch's capabilities.
The Stretchers, developed by Tarsier Studios, offers a physics-based puzzle game designed for cooperative play. Players take on the roles of paramedics rescuing patients, presented in a lighthearted and unconventional premise. Its charming visuals and unique challenges make it a fun experience, though its brief campaign leaves players wanting more.
These titles represent a fraction of the Switch's hidden treasures, offering diverse gameplay experiences that have yet to reach their full audience.