20 Underrated Nintendo Switch Games Revealed

As the Nintendo Switch nears the end of its remarkable eight-year run, anticipation builds for the upcoming Switch 2. Before you retire your current Switch, it's the perfect time to dive into some of the overlooked gems that have graced this iconic console. While many have enjoyed the blockbuster titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, there are numerous other games that deserve your attention.

Time and budget constraints are common, but revisiting these Switch games before the Switch 2 arrives will be a decision you won't regret. Here's a curated list of 20 overlooked Nintendo Switch games you should explore before the next chapter begins.

20 Overlooked Nintendo Switch Games

21 Images20. Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon

Delve into the origins of the beloved demon-slaying witch in Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. This game combines a stunning puzzle platformer with a unique storybook art style. Fans of Bayonetta's action-packed combat will be delighted to find familiar button-mashing combos within this prequel, making it a worthy addition to the series that might have flown under your radar due to its distinct art style.

19. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

For fans of the musou genre, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity offers a thrilling crossover with The Legend of Zelda. While it may not be part of the main storyline, the satisfaction of defending Hyrule as Link or any of the other Breath of the Wild Champions against hordes of enemies is unmatched. If you've enjoyed Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, don't miss out on this exhilarating trip back in time.

18. New Pokemon Snap

After years of anticipation, New Pokemon Snap fulfilled fans' dreams with a sequel to the beloved Nintendo 64 classic. This game amplifies everything you loved about the original, offering more Pokemon to photograph and hidden secrets to uncover across diverse biomes. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this unique Pokemon spinoff is a must-play.

17. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land marks the first fully 3D entry in the Kirby series, capitalizing on the added dimension to enhance exploration. Kirby's ability to inhale enemies and objects remains, but the new 3D environments allow for more freedom and fun, especially with new abilities like transforming into a car. Don't miss out on what might be one of the best Kirby games to date.

16. Paper Mario: The Origami King

Paper Mario: The Origami King stands out in the beloved sub-series with its charming art style and puzzle RPG gameplay. While the combat may not be as engaging as in previous titles, the game's visually stunning, explorable open world more than compensates. It's a must for fans of unique aesthetics and puzzle-solving adventures.

15. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is hailed as one of the best 2D platformers ever created. Its challenging gameplay will test your skills, with fast-paced action and stunning visuals. Whether you're climbing crumbling icebergs or bouncing on jello cubes, this game offers a thrilling experience that's worth the effort for any platformer enthusiast.

14. Fire Emblem Engage

While Fire Emblem: Three Houses may have been the standout title, Fire Emblem Engage shouldn't be overlooked. Though its narrative may not be as tight, it brings back beloved characters from past games and offers a more traditional SRPG experience with smaller, intense combat maps. It's a must-play for fans of tactical RPGs.

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. The game's unique blend of RPG combat and vibrant art style is well worth exploring, despite some toned-down themes in the localization.

12. Astral Chain

Astral Chain is a masterpiece from PlatinumGames, offering fluid and flashy combat with a variety of summonable weapons known as "Legion." Beyond the action, the game features a rich cyberfuturistic world to explore and investigate. Its exclusivity to the Switch might have kept it under the radar, but it's a gem waiting to be discovered.

11. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope combines the whimsical worlds of Mario and Ubisoft's Rabbids into a fun-filled strategy RPG. The action-focused combat and unique character combinations make for an engaging experience that's perfect for fans of both franchises.

10. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door

Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is a beautifully remade version of the beloved GameCube classic. With enhanced visuals, music, and gameplay, it stands as one of the best entries in the Paper Mario series. It's the perfect starting point for anyone new to Mario's paper-based adventures.

9. F-Zero 99

F-Zero 99 brought the beloved racing series back with a surprising 99-player battle royale twist. Despite the initial skepticism, it has become a top-tier entry thanks to continuous updates and thrilling gameplay. It's a must-try for fans of high-speed racing and strategic play.

8. Pikmin 3 Deluxe

Pikmin 3 Deluxe brought back the delightful Pikmin series with new Pikmin types, improved controls, and additional content. The Deluxe version on Switch adds even more to enjoy, including co-op mode and the Piklopedia. It's a funny and engaging entry that no Pikmin fan should miss.

7. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a charming puzzle platformer where Captain Toad navigates levels without jumping due to his heavy backpack. Its ingenious level design and perfect fit for short bursts of play make it an ideal Switch game, deserving of its own spotlight.

6. Game Builder Garage

Game Builder Garage is a hidden gem that teaches players how to create their own games through engaging lessons. It's an accessible and fun way to learn game development, making it perfect for aspiring creators and gamers looking to expand their skills.

5. Xenoblade Chronicles Series

Monolith Soft's Xenoblade Chronicles series offers some of the most expansive and beautiful open worlds on the Switch. With four games blending old-school JRPG elements with modern technology, these titles provide hundreds of hours of epic storytelling and exploration.

4. Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe complements The Forgotten Land with a robust 2D adventure. Its multiplayer mode is one of the best in the series, and the Deluxe version adds new content, including an epilogue and subgames. It's an excellent introduction to platformers for new gamers.

3. Ring Fit Adventure

Ring Fit Adventure isn't just a fitness game; it's a full-fledged RPG that keeps you engaged with its innovative gameplay. Whether you're working towards fitness goals or battling an evil dragon, it's a unique and rewarding experience.

2. Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread revives the classic 2D Metroid experience with a modern twist. Its terrifying E.M.M.I. machines and claustrophobic atmosphere make it a standout title, even among the best-selling games in the series. It's a must-play for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.

1. Metroid Prime Remastered

Metroid Prime Remastered brings one of the greatest video games ever made to the Switch with stunning graphical upgrades and gameplay tweaks. This isn't just a re-release; it's a full remake that deserves your attention, especially with the anticipation surrounding Metroid Prime 4.