As of this writing, the Nintendo eShop has over 5,000 different games to play. You probably know of the famous ones already, like Mario, Zelda, and Animal Crossing. But I love the Nintendo Switch because it has so many hidden gems worth playing. Not sure what I mean? Here are some of the most underrated and overlooked Nintendo Switch games that are actually quite good, and I recommend everyone give them a try!
15. Golf Story
Even if you don’t like golf games, you’ll like Golf Story. This narrative-driven game takes you across eight different courses, each one with its own people and challenges. While the game does involve golfing, it’s unlike any other golf game you’ve played before—so don’t let any golf-related preconceptions keep you away from trying this one out!
14. TowerFall
TowerFall is an archery arena platformer game that’s best played as a couch party game. You fire arrows at each other. You have to pick up arrows before you can fire more. Be the last one standing! There’s also a cooperative mode where you all try to fend off level after level of enemies and bosses. Combined with different power-ups and arrow types, it’s lots of fun and highly replayable. Fun fact: TowerFall was developed by Matt Makes Games, the same studio that made Celeste.
13. A Short Hike
A Short Hike is a peaceful and relaxing experience. The only goal is to reach the top of Hawk Peak Provincial Park’s mountain, but you’ll encounter interesting things as you make your way. It’s open-ended in the sense that you can explore the island however you want. Take your time and take in everything along your journey. Chat with other hikers. Fish at the pond. It’s such a calming game, you might even find it a bit healing.
12. Unepic
Unepic is yet another sidescrolling platformer game with RPG elements. You play as a boy transported into a dangerous castle, and your goal is to defeat the master of the castle to free all of its spirits—and yourself along with them. It has non-linear gameplay in the style if Metroidvanias, and you can grow your character by killing enemies, leveling up, spending skill points, and acquiring new equipment.
11. Astro Bears
Astro Bears is a must-have if you’re in need of party games to add to your collection. It’s basically like multiplayer Snake or Tron, except played on a 3D sphere and you can jump. You can also play as different bears, each with their own pros and cons. It’s more of a game that you play as a palate cleanser between other games, rather than a game you can marathon all night. But even if you only play for 15 or 30 minutes, it’s a lot of fun!
10. Book of Demons
Book of Demons is an action-RPG dungeon crawler that feels like a streamlined Diablo. Abilities and items are all in the form of cards, and you acquire cards as you explore down to deeper levels. Maybe the best thing about Book of Demons is that it’s simple enough that you can play in short bursts, yet engaging enough for longer sessions. It’s all up to you. Certainly worth a try!
9. Caveblazers
Caveblazers is an action-platformer game with roguelike and RPG elements. With tons of randomized items and levels, plus an interesting RPG-style inventory system, it’s super replayable. My favorite part of Caveblazers would have to be the daily challenge run, which is the same for all players and you’re only given one chance to get through it.
8. Pikuniku
Pikuniku is a fun sidescrolling puzzle-platformer game that involves a wacky and absurd world to explore. Its quirky appearance hides a deep-state conspiracy beneath. If you ask me, Pikuniku is best played with two players. That opens up the custom cooperative levels that’ll challenge you and force you two to work together for success.
7. Monster Sanctuary
Monster Sanctuary is what you’d get if you took Pokemon and made it into a sidescrolling platformer game. You capture monsters, train them up, and fight in turn-based combat. With 150 different monsters (each one with its own unique skill trees) and several different gameplay systems for increasing their stats, there’s a lot of fun to be had in Monster Sanctuary.
6. Death Road to Canada
As you might be able to tell from its title, Death Road to Canada doesn’t take itself seriously. This roguelike action survival game has you fight off hordes of zombie as you head toward Canada. Everything is randomized—even the story—and you’ll encounter story decisions that change the path you’re on. You can play cooperatively with up to 4 players, and each of you can customize your characters!
5. Earthlock
Earthlock is one of the best lesser-known games for the Nintendo Switch. It’s an action-adventure RPG inspired by the 3D RPGs of the PlayStation and Nintendo 64 era. Turn-based battles, item crafting, customizable talent trees, and multiple playable characters? It’s a must-play title for anyone who misses the strategic action-packed RPGs of the past.
4. Crown Trick
Crown Trick is a tactical roguelike dungeon crawler with a few unique gameplay twists. Between all the different weapons and familiars that you can acquire, the replayability is there. While there isn’t anything groundbreaking or innovative, Crown Trick is a fun and polished experience that’s perfect for roguelike fans. It’s definitely worth the price.
3. Wondershot
Wondershot is a top-down skillshot arena game. It can be played in competitive deathmatch mode, or in cooperative hero defense mode against wave after wave of enemies. There are four weapons to choose from—bow and arrow, slingshot, boomerang, or hammer—and each one has its pros and cons. Easy to learn and fun to play, this arcade-style brawler is perfect for couch co-op parties.
2. Goblin Sword
Goblin Sword is a simple but surprisingly addictive sidescrolling platformer game. There’s a world map. You play through increasingly more difficult levels. You upgrade your equipment, with each item having its own special property. The fluid gameplay and interesting level design is what keeps you hooked. If you like retro-style action-platformer games, you’ll have a lot of fun with this one! Note that Goblin Sword is NOT a roguelike, which actually adds to its charm.
1. Serial Cleaner
Serial Cleaner is a fun single-player game that puts a spin on the usual top-down stealth-action genre by having you play as the guy who cleans up after hitmen, rather than as the hitman himself. You need to sneak around from room to room, carrying bodies away from crime scenes and cleaning up blood and other bits of evidence to erase any proof that killings occurred. Read next: The best Nintendo Switch accessories worth getting
