Top 20 Underrated Nintendo Switch Games

As the Nintendo Switch nears the end of its life cycle, with the Switch 2 on the horizon, it's the perfect time to revisit some of the overlooked gems that might 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 Switch games that deserve your attention before you transition to the next generation.

We understand that time and budgets can be limiting factors, and the sheer volume of games can be overwhelming. However, taking the time to explore these lesser-known titles will enhance your gaming experience and ensure you don't miss out on some truly remarkable games.

20 Overlooked Nintendo Switch Games

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20. Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon

Delve into the origin story of the iconic demon-slaying witch with Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. This game offers a stunning puzzle platformer experience wrapped in a captivating storybook art style. While it diverges from the action-packed combat of its predecessors, fans will still enjoy classic button-mashing combos. Don't let its prequel status and unique visual approach deter you; it's a worthy addition to the Bayonetta series.

19. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity blends the Dynasty Warriors/musou genre with the beloved world of The Legend of Zelda. Although not canon to Breath of the Wild, the game offers an immensely satisfying experience as you step into the shoes of Link or other Champions to defend Hyrule against hordes of enemies. If you enjoyed Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, this game is a must-play.

18. New Pokemon Snap

After years of anticipation, New Pokemon Snap fulfills the dreams of fans who cherished the original Nintendo 64 game. It amplifies everything you loved about the first game, offering more Pokemon to photograph and hidden secrets to uncover across various biomes. Whether you're a veteran of the original or new to the series, this unique Pokemon spinoff is a delightful experience.

17. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land marks the series' first fully 3D adventure, expanding the gameplay with explorable environments. Kirby retains his signature ability to inhale enemies and objects, but now you can roam freely in 3D, making new abilities like transforming into a car particularly useful. Don't miss out on one of the best entries in the Kirby series during the Switch era.

16. Paper Mario: The Origami King

The Paper Mario series is renowned for its charming art style and unique puzzle RPG gameplay. Paper Mario: The Origami King introduces a fully explorable open world, making it one of the most visually stunning entries in the series. While the combat may not match the satisfaction of earlier games, the game's aesthetic beauty more than compensates.

15. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze stands out as one of the finest 2D platformers ever created. Its challenging platforming will test even seasoned players, featuring exhilarating levels where you'll navigate crumbling icebergs and jiggling jello cubes. With stunning graphics, a fantastic soundtrack, and precise controls, this game is a must-play for platformer enthusiasts.

14. Fire Emblem Engage

While Fire Emblem: Three Houses garnered widespread acclaim, Fire Emblem Engage shouldn't be overlooked. Though its narrative may not be as cohesive, it introduces fan-favorite characters from previous games through a multiverse concept. Engage offers a throwback to classic SRPGs with smaller maps and challenging combat, appealing to strategy RPG fans.

13. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

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

12. Astral Chain

Astral Chain is a standout action game from PlatinumGames, offering fluid and flashy combat with a variety of summonable weapons known as "Legion." Beyond the thrilling battles, you'll explore a cyberfuturistic world, solve cases, and navigate the Astral Plane. Its exclusivity to the Switch may have limited its audience, but it's a gem worth discovering.

11. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope combines the worlds of Mario and Ubisoft's Rabbids into an engaging strategy RPG. The action-focused combat allows for creative combinations of characters and upgrades, resulting in powerful combos. Whether you're a fan of Mario, Rabbids, or both, this game offers a fun and unique experience.

10. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door

Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is a beloved remake of the GameCube classic, enhancing the visuals, music, and gameplay. It's considered one of the best Paper Mario games ever, featuring Mario's adventurous quest to save Peach and explore the charming town of Rogueport. It's the perfect entry point into the Paper Mario series.

9. F-Zero 99

F-Zero 99 surprised fans with its 99-player battle royale format after a 20-year hiatus for the series. The game's post-launch updates have elevated it to a top-tier entry, offering thrilling races and strategic gameplay. While it may not have been what fans expected, F-Zero 99 has reinvigorated the series.

8. Pikmin 3 Deluxe

Pikmin 3 Deluxe is a delightful addition to the Pikmin franchise, introducing new Pikmin types and enhancing gameplay with better controls and additional content. The Switch version adds co-op mode and the Piklopedia, making it a must-play for fans. The game's humor and charm make it a standout entry in the series.

7. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a clever puzzle platformer where Captain Toad navigates levels without jumping due to his heavy backpack. Each level offers a brain-teasing challenge perfect for short bursts of play. Originally a Wii U gem, it shines brightly on the Switch.

6. Game Builder Garage

Game Builder Garage is an underappreciated gem that teaches players how to create their own games. It's not just a coding tutorial but a fun, engaging way to learn game development through charming lessons and a user-friendly interface. It's an excellent starting point for aspiring game creators.

5. Xenoblade Chronicles Series

The Xenoblade Chronicles series offers some of the most expansive and beautiful open worlds on the Switch. With four games spanning epic narratives and stunning landscapes, the series combines old-school JRPG elements with modern technology, delivering hundreds of hours of immersive gameplay.

4. Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe is a fantastic 2D platformer with robust multiplayer features. Ideal for cooperative play, it offers a wealth of levels and collectibles. The Deluxe version enhances the experience with a new epilogue and a variety of subgames, making it a perfect introduction to platformers.

3. Ring Fit Adventure

Ring Fit Adventure not only helps you stay active but also offers a compelling RPG experience. Using the fitness ring, you embark on a journey to defeat a villainous dragon, blending fitness with engaging gameplay. It's a best-seller that deserves to be played to completion.

2. Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread revives the classic 2D Metroid gameplay with a 2.5D twist, emphasizing the series' signature tension and exploration. The terrifying E.M.M.I. robots add to the game's suspense, making it a standout title on the Switch despite its relatively modest sales.

1. Metroid Prime Remastered

Metroid Prime Remastered brings one of the greatest video games of all time to the Switch with a stunning graphical overhaul. This isn't just a re-release but a full remake that enhances the original's sense of isolation and exploration, all at a remarkably affordable price. It's a must-play for both new and returning fans.

These are our top picks for Switch games that deserve more attention before the arrival of the Switch 2. With the promise of backward compatibility, now is the ideal time to explore these titles and continue your journey on the new console.