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Throughout the history of video games, platformers have maintained their popularity, and this trend persists even in today’s gaming landscape. A significant factor contributing to their enduring appeal is the inherent focus found in platform games, which often surpasses even the most outstanding open-world titles. Platformers are structured in a manner that grants developers an ideal canvas for showcasing exceptional level design, making them an excellent choice for players seeking finely crafted gaming experiences. If you’re on the lookout for the “Best Platformer Games for Nintendo Switch,” you’re in for a treat.
Part of this is due to the fact that platformers frequently provide a much tighter feel than some of the best open-world games. Platformers’ structure makes it much easier for creators to demonstrate good level design. Along with distinct combat systems, one of the most crucial aspects of outstanding platforming games is level design. There are a plethora of wonderful platformers available for the Nintendo Switch that flawlessly combine both of these characteristics, and the console’s portability allows players to enjoy them both at home and on the go.
While basic running and jumping may be found in most games, this list will only include those that use it as their primary gameplay. It will also vary in complexity, so whether you’re a casual or an enthusiastic speedrunner, you’ll find a game for you. Here are the finest platformer games on Switch right now, ranging from tiny titles to popular franchises.
Best Platformer Games for Nintendo Switch
Celeste
Celeste’s stunning pixel graphics may draw you in, but its emotive narrative and intriguing characters will keep you hooked until the credits roll. With hard platforming gameplay and dozens of unlocked challenges, it’s simple to see why Celeste has become such an iconic indie game. Even after you’ve climbed the mountain, there’s still plenty to do. Celeste offers amazing difficulty sliders to tailor the experience to your ability level for those who wish to experience the story without too much stress.
Inside
Inside is a scary and inventive Nintendo Switch platformer game in all the best ways. This game will only take you a few hours to complete, which we think is a good thing because there is no filler or fluff to be found anywhere. It’s fast-paced and well balanced, with a story that unfolds in a really inventive way.
We understand that some players do not believe that short games are worthwhile, but if you are one of them, we invite you to try this one and see if it changes your view. It’s the type of game that you’ll remember for a long time. Currently, this is one of the best Platformer Games for Nintendo Switch that you can download from official website right now.
Dead Cells
It’s not easy to find Dead Cells. As you navigate its 2D animation tunnels and explore a strange island, you’ll encounter a slew of terrible monsters who can soon send you to your death. Death erases the most of your progress, but you can keep a few essential skills that make each future run a little less terrifying. Though Dead Cells is more of an action game than a traditional platformer, its fast-paced combat game and mobility rely on platforming abilities.
Super Mario Odyssey
Some consider this to be the best 3D Switch platformer ever created. Super Mario Odyssey is jam-packed with magic, with more ideas and diversion in a single expansive level than most games accomplish over the course of their whole length. Super Mario Odyssey’s design is as varied as its predecessors’. Every world feels distinct and full of things to uncover. Even for an early Switch game, it’s still stunning.
Hollow Knight
The Switch is brimming with fantastic Metroidvanias, but Hollow Knight is possibly the best of them all. Team Cherry nailed the genre on the first try, with a delightfully evocative bug-themed universe, weighty physical action, and a large linked world to explore. But be warned: this isn’t your average Switch platformer; it’s one of the most difficult online games available.
Sonic Mania Plus
If you like vintage Sonic games, you owe it to yourself to play Sonic Mania Plus. Sonic Mania is a celebration of the series’ initial titles, and it effectively stays true to what made those earlier games so adored, all while giving plenty of new content to keep things interesting. This is the best Sonic game in recent memory, and it’s a fantastic title for everybody, but especially for those who like to move quickly.
Spelunky 2
Mossmouth and BlitWorks waited 12 years to release a successor to their 2008 action platformer Spelunky. In the sequel, players take on the role of Ana, the explorer’s daughter from the previous game. Ana must travel to the moon and navigate the game’s numerous stages, which are filled with traps and monsters, in order to find her lost parents. Spelunky 2 received positive reviews for its comprehensive level design and entertaining gameplay. Newcomers to the platformer genre should proceed with caution, as Spelunky 2 is infamous for its brutally challenging and merciless stages.
Astalon: Tears of the Earth
Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a Metroidvania game about three heroes on a hazardous quest to save their community. Astalon: Tears of the Earth, developed by Canadian game studio LABS Works, has a lot of fun in store for fantasy platformer aficionados. Its simple platforming mechanics, mixed with an intriguing narrative, have managed to entice genre enthusiasts. Furthermore, the game invites players to investigate the powers of the three different heroes, bringing variety to the standard platformer gameplay.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Toad has been a part of the Mario universe since he first appeared in 1985. There are very few Mario games without a Toad, thanks to the original Toad who looks after Princess Peach and the other members of his race. Captain Toad first appeared in Super Mario Galaxy, and he later appeared as the star of a number of bonus levels in Super Mario 3D World. These levels served as the basis for Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, one-of-a-kind platforming puzzle game designed for quick play sessions.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Since the first game was launched in 1996, Crash Bandicoot has been one of the most popular platforming franchises. The original trilogy was launched over the next two years, and since then, over a dozen new games starring the eponymous bandicoot have been released. Because of their attractive aesthetics and painfully challenging levels, the original three games remain popular among enthusiasts. They rapidly became one of the best platformers game available on Nintendo Switch after being combined together and re-released as the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.
Final Words
Here are our selections for the best Platformer Games for Nintendo Switch, which include a fair mix of recent hits and re-released oldies. We’d be here for a long time if we tried to list every platformer on Switch. Between original software, subscription services, remakes, and port collections, Nintendo’s hybrid system is home to a plethora of titles in this genre. It’s almost too much. However, for aficionados of the genre, the Switch is a must-have.