20 Hidden Gems for Nintendo Switch

As the Nintendo Switch nears the end of its remarkable eight-year journey, anticipation builds for the forthcoming Switch 2. However, before you store your current console away, take a moment to explore 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 captured the hearts of many, there's a treasure trove of other exceptional games waiting to be discovered.

We understand the challenges—limited time, tight budgets, and an overwhelming number of games. Yet, revisiting these overlooked titles on your Switch before transitioning to the Switch 2 promises a rewarding experience you won't regret.

20 Overlooked Nintendo Switch Games

21 Images

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 game blends a stunning puzzle-platformer with a unique storybook art style, while still delivering the exhilarating, action-packed combat fans adore. Its prequel nature and distinctive visuals might have caused it to be overlooked, but it's a must-play for any Bayonetta enthusiast.

19. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

If you're a fan of The Legend of Zelda, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity offers a thrilling musou experience. Although not considered canon to Breath of the Wild, it's immensely satisfying to step into the shoes of Link or the other Champions and defend Hyrule against hordes of enemies. It's a delightful trip back in time for fans of the series.

18. New Pokemon Snap

After years of anticipation, New Pokemon Snap arrived on the Switch in 2021, fulfilling the dreams of fans who cherished the original Nintendo 64 game. This sequel expands on everything you loved about the first, with more Pokemon to photograph and secrets to uncover across diverse biomes. It's a must-try for both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise.

17. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land marks the series' first fully 3D entry, allowing Kirby to explore expansive environments with newfound freedom. The game introduces innovative abilities, such as transforming into a car, enhancing the exploration aspect. It's one of the standout Kirby games that you shouldn't miss during the Switch era.

16. Paper Mario: The Origami King

Paper Mario: The Origami King captivates with its charming art style and unique puzzle RPG gameplay, distinguishing it from the mainline Mario platformers. Its open-world design adds to the series' visual appeal, making it a visually stunning addition despite its combat mechanics differing from past entries.

15. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze stands as one of the finest 2D platformers, challenging even seasoned players with its fast-paced and demanding levels. From climbing crumbling icebergs to navigating jello-like platforms, the game combines stunning visuals, a captivating soundtrack, and precise controls, making it an essential play for platformer enthusiasts.

14. Fire Emblem Engage

While Fire Emblem: Three Houses garnered widespread acclaim, Fire Emblem Engage should not be overlooked. Though its narrative might not be as tight, it compensates with the return of beloved characters via a multiverse concept and a tactical gameplay that harks back to classic SRPGs, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience.

13. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is an unexpected yet delightful crossover between Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem, set against the backdrop of Japan's idol music scene. Its vibrant art style and engaging mix of RPG combat from both franchises make it a unique and enjoyable experience, despite some toned-down themes in its localization.

12. Astral Chain

Astral Chain is a testament to PlatinumGames' prowess in action gaming. Its fluid combat, diverse summonable weapons, and challenging bosses keep players engaged, while the cyberfuturistic world and investigative elements add depth. The game's exclusivity to the Switch might have limited its reach, but it's a gem worth discovering.

11. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope blends the worlds of Mario and Ubisoft's Rabbids into a fun-filled strategy RPG. Its action-oriented combat and the ability to mix characters and upgrades for powerful combos make it an enjoyable experience, appealing to fans of both franchises.

10. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door

A ground-up remake of the beloved GameCube title, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door enhances the original with updated visuals, music, and gameplay. It remains one of the best Paper Mario games, offering a charming adventure that's perfect for both newcomers and longtime fans.

9. F-Zero 99

F-Zero 99 surprised fans with its 99-player battle royale format, delivering an exhilarating experience. Though it diverges from the series' traditional precision racing, it introduces thrilling combat elements and strategic use of the Skyway, making it a refreshing and worthy entry in the F-Zero series.

8. Pikmin 3 Deluxe

Pikmin 3 Deluxe brought the beloved franchise back with new Pikmin types, improved controls, and additional content. The Switch version enhanced the experience further with co-op mode and the Piklopedia, making it a delightful addition to any Pikmin collection and a must-play for fans.

7. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is an ingenious puzzle platformer where Captain Toad navigates levels without jumping due to his heavy backpack. Its bite-sized levels are perfect for on-the-go play, making it a standout title on the Switch and a treasure from the Wii U era.

6. Game Builder Garage

Game Builder Garage is an overlooked gem that empowers players to create their own games through engaging lessons. Unlike complex game engines, it offers a user-friendly interface that's perfect for beginners and a stepping stone for those looking to delve deeper into game development.

5. Xenoblade Chronicles Series

Monolith Soft's Xenoblade Chronicles series delivers expansive, beautiful open worlds on the Switch. With sweeping stories, engaging combat, and hundreds of hours of content, the series is a must-play for fans of Japanese RPGs.

4. Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe is an excellent 2D platformer with robust multiplayer features, making it perfect for cooperative play. Its extensive levels, collectibles, and new content in the Deluxe version make it a fantastic entry point for new players and a joy for longtime fans.

3. Ring Fit Adventure

Ring Fit Adventure combines fitness with RPG elements, offering a unique and engaging experience. Whether you're looking to get active or enjoy a fun game, it's a worthwhile journey that you should continue to the very end.

2. Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread revitalizes the series with its 2.5D gameplay and the terrifying E.M.M.I. machines that add tension and fear to the experience. Despite its commercial success, it remains an overlooked gem that deserves more attention.

1. Metroid Prime Remastered

Metroid Prime Remastered is a stunning overhaul of the original GameCube classic, bringing it to modern standards with enhanced graphics and gameplay tweaks. Priced affordably, it's a must-play that captures the essence of what made the original so special.