The Nintendo Switch is celebrated for its lineup of iconic first-party titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate. However, beyond these blockbuster hits lies some of the most underrated Switch games of all time — stellar titles that, despite their quality, are often overshadowed and deserve a moment in the spotlight. From underrated 2018 switch games to 2019 titles and even brand-new releases, there are plenty of hidden gems to explore on the Switch. Some games, like Hollow Night and Dead Cells, have become pretty popular in recent years, but titles like Wandersong and Moonlighter also deserve some praise. Some of these games you may have heard of, while others may be brand-spanking new to you. Whatever the case, vote up your picks for the most overlooked and underrated Switch games, and add your own picks if they’re missing from the list. That way other gamers can take the road less traveled when perusing the eShop for their next big Switch fix.
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Shantae & the Pirate's Curse on the Switch is a vibrant, action-packed platformer that blends exploration, puzzles, and combat seamlessly. Players join Shantae, the half-genie hero, on her quest to lift a curse by battling foes and traversing diverse islands. With its charming pixel art, catchy soundtrack, and engaging mechanics, it's a must-play for fans of the genre looking for a robust adventure.
Moonlighter on the Switch flawlessly blends action RPG mechanics with deep shopkeeping simulation. Players step into the shoes of Will, a shopkeeper with dreams of becoming a hero, exploring procedurally generated dungeons by night and managing his store by day. It's a clever twist on traditional RPG tropes, offering both dungeon-crawling thrills and a nuanced economic strategy, wrapped up in charming pixel art.
Slay the Spire combines card game strategy with roguelike elements to create a uniquely addictive experience on the Switch. Players build a deck, confront bizarre creatures, and discover relics of immense power in an ever-changing spire filled with challenges. Its deep strategic gameplay, coupled with endless replayability, makes it an engrossing journey that’s hard to put down, appealing to both card game enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
West of Loathing stands out as a comedic gem on the Switch, delivering an absurdly hilarious take on the Wild West with its stick-figure aesthetic. This RPG is chock-full of clever writing, puzzles, and turn-based combat, ensuring that every moment is as entertaining as it is engaging. It’s a game that proves a minimalist design can still pack a punch, offering endless laughs and quirky adventures.
Golf Story on the Switch merges the precision and challenge of golf with the depth of an RPG story, set against beautifully crafted 8-bit landscapes. It's not just about hitting the links; players engage in a heartfelt narrative, solve puzzles, and interact with quirky characters across various golf courses. This unique blend ensures every swing and story beat is filled with charm and engaging gameplay.
NeuroVoider is a twin-stick shooter RPG that is set in a futuristic cuber world. The game is entirely about battling robots and leveling up your character. You'll need to thwart the master NeuroVoider to save the world. It's a blast to play, though some gamers may find it a bit repetitive at times. Release: 2016 Developer: Flying Oak Games Genre: Shooter game
The Mooseman is an incredibly unique game that will feel like a breath of fresh air for experienced gamers. While it's a traditional 2D platform game, it features surprisingly great graphics and smooth sounds to help immerse you in the game. The game is short, so there's no reason not to give it a try. Essentially, it's a great little game to get lost in for a day. Release: 2017 Developer: Morteshka Genre: Adventure game
Opus: The Day We Found Earth is an adventure game that has a focus on story and exploration. You'll need to use a telescope to search through space for Earth, which you do by locating nearby stars. As you progress, you'll be able to unlock areas on your spaceship. These new areas will give you new items and progress the story. Release: 2015 Developer: SIGONO INC. Genre: Adventure game
Ironcast is a turn-based strategy game developed by Dreadbit. One of the most interesting aspects of this game are the missions, which are completed through a match-three system. The game features procedurally generated missions and permadeath, features that are staples of the roguelike genre. The game is set in a steampunk world where the player controls mecha robots you deploy them as to work to repel a French invasion of Britain. Release: 2015 Developer: Dreadbit Genre: Tile-matching video game, Roguelike, Turn-based strategy
Tamashii is a unique puzzle-platformer that was inspired by obscure Japanese games from the '90s and '80s. It's set in a distorted world of horror and disturbing imagery. Players need to survive complicated trips and tricky puzzles to get through the dark corridors. If you get through the traps and puzzles, you'll still need to defeat challenging enemies along the way. However, if you make it through, you'll be able to uncover the source of evil that lurks within. Release: 2019 Developer: Vikintor Genre: Puzzle video game
