Even though the Nintendo Switch has games from all genres, including more mature titles that Nintendo was not okay with in the past, platformers are still a big part of the Nintendo experience.
Since the dawn of gaming, the platformer genre became a staple of easy to get into fun. And while the basic elements are still present nowadays, the genre has evolved over the years. The biggest change was the emergence of 3D platformers, giving developers more freedom to create platforming challenges. And the Nintendo Switch is currently one of the best consoles to play platformers on since most of them focus on gameplay instead of graphical fidelity. If platforming is not your thing, check out our best Nintendo Switch racing games list if you’re more of a racer enthusiast.
Super Meat Boy
Even though it came out in 2010, Super Meat Boy is still one of the best 2D platformers on Switch. The controls offer pinpoint accuracy, meaning you can never blame the game for your own mistakes. And there will be plenty of mistakes since this is still considered one of the most challenging platformers out there. With the usually twisted visuals we’ve come to expect from Edmund McMillen, Super Meat Boy still looks great and plays even better.
VVVVVV
While the retro 2D graphics might throw some people off, VVVVVV is a masterful platformer once you get into the action. Unlike your usual platformers fare, there is no jump button in VVVVVV. Instead, you have complete control over gravity, allowing you to switch up and down with the press of a button. Physics is also involved, meaning you can switch gravity repeatedly to gain momentum for a bigger “jump”. The game has plenty of content with six open-world levels that you can explore at will in a somewhat Metroidvania fashion.
Yoshi’s Crafted World
With carefully designed visuals that make everything look like they were lovingly hand-stitched by your grandma, Yoshi’s Crafted World also offers captivating gameplay. Levels are short and sweet, and if you find yourself struggling, you can even activate Mellow Mode for an easier time. And on top of all that, you can even enjoy this game in local co-op with your loved ones. Especially children who are fans of the eponymous green dinosaur.
Super Mario Maker 2
Following in the successful footsteps of the first game, Super Mario Maker 2 brings even more features to this unique formula. The game comes bundled with 100 prebuilt levels that you can play, but the real meat is the level creator. With it, you can create your own levels with the help of hundreds of visual elements, enemies, and anything in between. Since these can also be shared online, you can try your hand at custom levels other players make. And while some of them are just Dark Souls Mario, you can try out thousands of excellent levels.
N++
Despite the simplistic visuals, N++ offers some excellent platforming gameplay. You are a stick-figure ninja trying to survive countless increasingly harder levels. But while there’s no story to speak of, the intricate level design more than makes up for it. The controls are accurate, but you will need time to get used to your character’s inertia. If you’re worried about content, N++ features 4000 levels and a level editor to boot if you want to create your own.
Hollow Knight
One of the best Metroidvania platformers to come out in the past few years, Hollow Knight has it all. Unique abilities you have to unlock as you progress and countless enemies to deal with are wrapped in a beautifully rendered package. The story is also pretty engaging as you try to unravel the mystery of this fallen insect-inspired world. Combat is fast and fluid, with plenty of depth. But don’t let the somewhat cute exterior fool you, Hollow Knight is a pretty tricky platformer, especially regarding combat.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Everyone’s favourite tie-wearing monkey is at it again. Tropical Freeze first came out in 2013 for the Wii U, but the lacklustre success of the console also made the game go pretty unnoticed. But now we have a shiny Nintendo Switch remaster which enhances the graphics. But don’t think this is an easy platformer simply due to the shiny exterior.
Like older games in the series, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a difficult platformer. And you won’t be playing the game as Donkey Kong alone. Diddy, Dixie, Funky, and Cranky Kong will join you on these adventures. Each of these extra characters has its own special ability, with certain parts of the game forcing you to make use of them. All in all, this is an excellent platformer that you have to try out for yourself.
Super Mario Odyssey
One of the best Mario games ever, Super Mario Odyssey has already cemented its place as one of the best 3D platformers on Switch. While the story is the same tried and true “Bowser stole Peach, and you have to rescue her”, the gameplay is amazing. The newest element is your classic Mario hat, which is turned into a sentient being. With his help, you will be able to become a mimic of any enemy you encounter.
Simply throw your hat at them, and you’ll instantly become a clone with all their abilities. Obviously, this leads to puzzles and platforming sections where you must use specific abilities. Controls are also excellent, making full use of the motion controls that Joy-Cons possess. And to top it all off, you also have a local co-op mode, meaning you can enjoy this masterpiece with friends and family.
If you’re still on the fence about buying a Switch, our handy Nintendo Switch models guide might help you make the right choice. And with plenty of rumours about a new Nintendo Switch coming soon enough, pricing on the current generation is steadily going down.
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