Home News "20 Hidden Gems for Nintendo Switch"

"20 Hidden Gems for Nintendo Switch"

by Riley Apr 19,2025

As the Nintendo Switch approaches the end of its lifecycle with the anticipated release of the Switch 2, now is the perfect time to dive into some of the overlooked gems that this hybrid console has to offer. While iconic titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey have captured the hearts of many, there are numerous other games that deserve your attention before you transition to the next generation of Nintendo's hardware.

20 Overlooked Nintendo Switch Games

21 Images

  1. Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon

Discover the enchanting origins of the demon-slaying witch with Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. This captivating puzzle platformer boasts a stunning storybook art style, yet retains the exhilarating, button-mashing combat fans adore. Don't miss out on this prequel, a hidden gem in the Bayonetta series.

  1. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

Embrace the thrill of the musou genre with Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, where you can step into the shoes of Link and other Champions from Breath of the Wild. This game offers a gratifying experience of defending Hyrule against hordes of enemies, making it a must-play for fans of the Zelda universe.

  1. New Pokemon Snap

For those who cherished the original Pokemon Snap on the Nintendo 64, New Pokemon Snap is a dream come true. This sequel expands on everything fans loved, offering more Pokemon to photograph and secrets to uncover across diverse biomes. It's a unique and beloved spinoff that deserves your attention.

  1. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Experience the first fully 3D Kirby adventure with Kirby and the Forgotten Land. The game leverages the third dimension to enhance exploration, allowing Kirby to roam freely and utilize new abilities like transforming into a car. It's one of the best entries in the Kirby series, not to be missed.

  1. Paper Mario: The Origami King

Delve into the charming world of Paper Mario: The Origami King, where the unique art style and puzzle RPG gameplay set it apart from traditional Mario platformers. With its visually stunning open world, this game is a testament to the beauty and creativity of the Paper Mario series.

  1. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Don't miss out on Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, a 2D platformer that challenges even seasoned players. With its breathtaking graphics, phenomenal soundtrack, and tight controls, this game is a modern masterpiece that deserves recognition among platforming fans.

  1. Fire Emblem Engage

While Fire Emblem: Three Houses stole the spotlight, Fire Emblem Engage brings back beloved characters from across the series through a multiverse concept. Its tactical gameplay and challenging difficulty make it a compelling entry for fans of the genre.

  1. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

Experience the unexpected blend of Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem in Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore. Set against Japan's idol music culture, this game offers a colorful and engaging mix of RPG combat and a unique art style that's worth exploring.

  1. Astral Chain

Astral Chain is a must-play for fans of action games, offering fluid combat, challenging bosses, and a cyberfuturistic world to explore. Its exclusivity to the Switch may have kept it under the radar, but it's a gem that deserves your attention.

  1. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope

Combining the worlds of Mario and the Rabbids, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope offers a fun and strategic RPG experience. Its action-focused combat and unique character combinations make it a delightful surprise for fans of both franchises.

  1. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door

Step into the world of Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, a beloved remake of the GameCube classic. With improved visuals, music, and gameplay, it's one of the best entries in the Paper Mario series and a perfect introduction to the franchise.

  1. F-Zero 99

F-Zero 99 brings the beloved series back with a 99-player battle royale twist. Despite initial skepticism, it has evolved into a thrilling entry with strategic racing and exhilarating gameplay that reinvigorates the franchise.

  1. Pikmin 3 Deluxe

Don't overlook Pikmin 3 Deluxe, a delightful addition to the Pikmin series. With new Pikmin types, enhanced controls, and additional content, this game is a must-play for fans of the franchise, offering both humor and engaging gameplay.

  1. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Experience the ingenious puzzle platforming of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, where Captain Toad navigates levels without jumping. Perfect for short bursts of play, this game is a delightful addition to any Switch library.

  1. Game Builder Garage

Unlock your creativity with Game Builder Garage, Nintendo's simplified game engine that teaches you how to build games. Its charming lessons and user-friendly interface make it an ideal starting point for aspiring game developers.

  1. Xenoblade Chronicles Series

Immerse yourself in the expansive worlds of the Xenoblade Chronicles series. With breathtaking open worlds and epic stories, these games offer hundreds of hours of captivating gameplay that blend old-school RPG elements with modern technology.

  1. Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe

Enjoy the multiplayer fun of Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe, a 2D Kirby adventure with robust multiplayer features. Its extensive levels and collectibles make it a great choice for both seasoned players and newcomers to the genre.

  1. Ring Fit Adventure

Revisit Ring Fit Adventure, a best-seller that combines fitness with RPG elements. Don't let your fitness journey end; power up both your character and your body as you battle through this engaging game.

  1. Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread brings back the classic 2D Metroid experience with a modern twist. Its tense atmosphere and relentless E.M.M.I. machines make it a standout title that showcases the Switch's capabilities.

  1. Metroid Prime Remastered

Experience the brilliance of Metroid Prime Remastered, a stunning update to one of the best video games ever made. With its graphical overhaul and enhanced controls, this game is a must-play for any Switch owner.

PlayThese are our top picks for overlooked Nintendo Switch games that you should play before the Switch 2 arrives. With the promise of backward compatibility, now is the perfect time to explore these hidden gems and continue your adventures on the new console.