The Best Platformers for Nintendo Switch
Nintendo is the driving force behind the platform gaming genre, from its early days with Donkey Kong to its latest 3D masterpiece. This list of the best and most powerful platform makers on the market is impressive, though some classics had to be left out due to intense competition.
We’ve rounded up the best Switch games to suit all tastes, from roguelikes and metroidvanias to RPGs and snipers. With a wide variety of genres available, there’s something for everyone on the Switch platform.
Check the list of Best Platformers for Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Odyssey
Mario Odyssey is a modern take on the classic 3D Mario sandbox games, combining elements from previous titles with new features. It pays homage to its predecessors in characters, music and mechanics, while introducing a unique possession mechanic that adds variety to Mario’s abilities.
Mario and his new companion Cappy join forces to save Mario’s sister Tiara, who was kidnapped by Bowser alongside Princess Peach. This power of possession is the major innovation of Nintendo’s Super Mario Odyssey.
heavenly
Celeste, the latest entry in the masocore genre, is a game that tests players’ patience and perseverance. With its seemingly impossible jumps and obstacles, gamers must die a thousand times before reaching the summit of the title mountain. Popular titles such as Super Meat Boy, Spelunky and Trials have made this genre of games a fan favorite.
Celeste may appear to be a simple 2D platformer, but its depth is not immediately obvious. Players can run, jump, climb walls and jump in the air - but there are no items to collect or stats to upgrade. No special powers like flight or fireballs either.
hollow knight
Hollow Knight is a hand-drawn metroidvania that combines fun, challenge, cuteness and creepiness. Its 100+ characters are animated to be both adorable and grotesque, while its expansive map features various art styles with stunning parallax effects. From ghosts floating in the foreground to moving layers of jungles and caves, this game offers an unforgettable visual experience.
Players take on the role of a tiny insect armed with a nail-sized sword and venture into an underground kingdom to uncover the truth behind a mysterious tradition.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Playing Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze on the Nintendo Switch is an immersive experience. The game’s animation moves fluidly whether docked or handheld, and intense boss battles will have you leaning in to keep up with the action. However, be warned - some of the toughest levels may elicit audible gasps of frustration, so it’s best to play them in private!
Donkey Kong’s Funky Mode: Tropical Freeze for the Switch offers a helping hand to make the game more accessible without sacrificing its challenging platforming. Players can still expect a tough test, but now they have an extra layer of support to help them overcome the difficulty and enjoy the fun.
dead cells
You play as an undead hero, tasked with escaping a prison overrun by a mysterious force known as ‘The Malaise’. Dead Cells offers minimal story, instead focusing on providing an immersive and challenging gameplay experience. As you explore the prison, occasional notes and clues hint at the danger lurking within.
Players take on the role of a daring adventurer, armed with their choice of starting and secondary weapons, as they battle through procedurally generated dungeons filled with monsters and ghouls. With intense gameplay at its core, this game offers an exciting challenge for all.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Super Mario 3D World is a nostalgic trip for longtime fans, with familiar stages and the new Cat Suit power-up. The Cat Suit allows Mario and his friends to climb walls and launch a diagonal diving attack.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a polished, high-definition game with 3D character designs that look like collectible figurines.
Steamworld Dig 2
Dorothy takes up the pickaxe in SteamWorld Dig 2, continuing the journey Rusty began in the first game. After Rusty’s defeat of a powerful enemy, he was lost in a cave-in, leaving Dorothy to search for him. Despite the change of protagonist, players will find familiar elements as they explore and mine with Dorothy.
In search of a missing friend, you must dig deep into 2D mines full of soft earth. Enemies and gems are scattered throughout the depths, requiring you to either avoid or dispatch them with an axe. Collecting the gems will allow you to return to a larger and busier city than before, where they can be sold for upgrades.
Sonic Mania plus
Sonic Mania’s visuals and music capture the charm of classic Sonic games, with pixelated sprites of Sonic and friends given new life through detailed animation and effects. The result is a delightful experience that will delight fans of the series.
Sonic Mania Plus features a selection of new and remixed music tracks, drawing on the New Jack Swing dance music style that defined Sonic’s soundtracks in the ’90s. The catchy, well-orchestrated tunes are sure to get players grooving.
Wonder Boy: The Dragon Trap
The Dragon’s Trap is a pioneering example of the now popular “Metroidvania” genre. Players explore a free map, unlocking new items and abilities as they progress. Defeating dragon bosses grants players the ability to transform into various animals, granting them special powers.
Players begin their journey as a lizard man with limited defense and movement abilities, but equipped with a long-range fire projectile. As they progress, they can take on other forms, each granting them new capabilities: a wererat able to climb certain walls; a piranha man who can swim freely in water; a lion man with an offensive sword slash; and a hawk-man capable of flight, though quickly losing health when submerged.
Ori and the blind forest
Ori and the Blind Forest is a visually stunning game, combining 2D and 3D animation with vibrant colors and pulp fantasy illustrations. Its shifting perspectives, from the surface of a lake to clear ice caves and lava flows, create an immersive experience that has earned it praise as one of the nicest games ever played.
The tranquil soundtrack of Ori and the Will of the Wisps creates a calming atmosphere, making it both fun and challenging to play. Despite its fantastical nature, the piano, woodwinds and strings provide a soothing backdrop that helps players stay focused even when they die from a pit of thorns. The game’s immersive qualities make it hard to put down.
Final note
Love platformers? Check out our list of the best ones available for Nintendo Switch. Share it with your friends and let us know if you have any questions.
