Original by Emily Sowden, updated by Ivan Spasojevic on October 11, 2024 – added a new game
As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must say that these platformers for the Nintendo Switch are nothing short of extraordinary! Each one offers a unique twist on the classic 2D formula, making them stand out from the crowd.
Let’s make one thing clear first; this is a list of the best 2D platformers for Nintendo Switch, so it’s 2D games only! We do have the list of best platformers on Nintendo Switch if you are interested in 3D too!
Platform games, along with shoot ’em ups (shmups) and arcade fighting games, are among the oldest and most iconic categories in video gaming. It’s worth noting that numerous platformers have graced the Nintendo Switch.
After a year and a half since the release of the Nintendo Switch, it’s consistently amazing to observe its progress and how skillfully developers have adapted to it.
Since we know there are some knock-out 3D platformers on the market at the moment, we wanted to focus solely on which 2D (or 2.5D if you’re being really picky) platformer games on Switch you should think about picking up.
We’re not suggesting you spend unnecessarily, quite the opposite, our aim is to ensure you have an outstanding gaming experience. After all, isn’t that what we all seek in our gaming journey?
1 Adventure Pals
In The Adventure Pals, you embark on a 2D side-scroller platform adventure on Nintendo Switch, with the goal of rescuing your father who has been turned into a hotdog! Alongside your loyal giraffe companion, navigate through challenging levels and battle against endearing enemies. This delightful game can be enjoyed solo, providing amusement from its humor and hotdog combat, but it’s even more enjoyable in a cooperative two-player mode where you can both explore together.
The graphics in The Adventure Pals are incredibly adorable, with a distinctly Japanese influence. They’re certain to bring a warm smile to your face, so if you’re looking for an enjoyable (and slightly goofy) game, don’t hesitate to give it a try!
2 Celeste
In this meticulously designed side-scroller game, you should aid Madeline as she climbs Celeste Mountain. The creators of Towerfall have crafted it, ensuring that while the controls are straightforward, the journey is tough. Each setback will serve as a valuable lesson, making your success all the sweeter. If you’re ready for a challenging 2D platformer on Nintendo Switch and believe you can conquer it, Celeste is definitely worth playing!
In the game Celeste, its 8-bit graphics evoke memories of classic retro titles, and the challenging levels make it an essential pick for anyone passionate about the genre. This 2D platformer on Switch is among the best in its category, with no signs of being surpassed anytime soon. Here are a few tips to guide you through Celeste!
3 Cave Story+
In the game Cave Story+, you find yourself in darkness within a cave, unsure of your identity or how you arrived there. Regardless of this personal mystery, it falls on you to rescue the inhabitants of Mimiga Village from a mad scientist. The game offers plenty of excitement, including evading bullets, battling groups of enemies, and employing your gun to propel yourself to greater heights. It’s well-crafted, engaging, challenging, and possesses a nostalgic charm.
Additionally, you’ll find an engaging storyline to explore in Cave Story+. This game is a prime example of why platformers are such a delightful genre to lose yourself in on your Nintendo Switch.
4 Ori and the Will of the Wisps
In the sequel of Ori, a cherished platformer character for me as the writer, our radiant hero embarks on another thrilling journey. This time around, his abilities are broadened, making the experience even more captivating. The narrative will hook you in, and you might find yourself unable to stop playing, eager to discover what lies ahead! Accompanying this is a skillfully composed soundtrack that seamlessly adapts to the action or emotion at hand.
In some instances, puzzles and stages may prove tricky, yet engaging enough to keep you hooked. It’s inevitable that you’ll encounter defeats, especially when tackling the bosses. However, don’t fret! Ori bounces back every time. If you’re up for a greater challenge, there’s an option to compete against the ghosts of other players in a test of speed and skill.
5 Runbow
Should you find yourself in the company of some friends, Runbow is an outstanding 2D platformer for Switch that brings unique, fashionable twists to competitive gameplay. Instead of a traditional race to the finish line, you’ll navigate through the level’s myriad obstacles, but beware – colorful platforms will vanish and reappear based on their matching background hue, so watch your step!
Runbow offers a straightforward yet engaging experience with all essential features of a top-tier platformer. It maintains its freshness, ensuring multiple playthroughs won’t grow tedious; feel free to come back to it whenever you wish!
6 Dead Cells
One way to rephrase that paragraph in a more natural and easy-to-read style is: Dead Cells doesn’t babysit players, which is one of its best features. As a failed alchemical experiment, you must uncover the mysteries surrounding the seemingly cursed island where you find yourself. Each time you die, you can use the experience to improve your chances of survival in future attempts.
Experience tough foes, intricate stages, permanent character death, and much more! This isn’t your typical 2D platformer on Nintendo Switch. It offers an abundance of goals to achieve and entertainment to savor. Delve into the details about obtaining the Gardener’s Keys and a Cavern Key if you choose to delve into this game. Trust us, both keys will prove invaluable for your journey.
7 Steamworld Dig 2
Embark on a thrilling mining expedition in the game Steamworld Dig 2! After a historic trading town experiences earthquakes, your mission is to aid in its recovery while uncovering hidden malevolent forces. The beautiful graphics and captivating gameplay will have you navigating traps, upgrading equipment, and encountering peculiar machines as you delve deeper into the mystery.
As a gamer, I can tell you this game is jam-packed with thrilling action, brain-tickling puzzles, and a whole lot more features that transform it from just another 2D platformer on the Nintendo Switch into an extraordinary experience. In short, it’s downright brilliant!
8 Hollow Knight
Beyond just being visually captivating, Hollow Knight offers an adventure that plunges you into a decayed realm, where you’ll encounter numerous characters and settlements within the haunted kingdom. Explore to uncover secret passages, claim prizes, and confront bosses amidst a complex network of caves and mysteries.
This delightful game features charming characters with a hidden lethal side, menacing creatures, and an unforgiving setting. The intrigue lies in exploring the depths of Hollow Knight, making it one of our top choices and among the finest 2D platformers available on the Nintendo Switch.
9 Ori and the Blind Forest
For one and a half years out of the four it took to develop Ori and the Blind Forest, developer Moon primarily focused on refining the game mechanics. This time was not squandered; while Ori certainly boasts stunning visuals, its primary strength lies in being an exceptional platformer – meticulously balanced, carefully considered, and intricate.
In the core of Ori and the Blind Forest lies my immersion in a sprawling universe and the challenge of navigating through engaging platform puzzles. These aren’t the intricate puzzles like in Braid, rather they put my reflexes to the test primarily.
In a small-scale scenario, it’s Ori who’s been entrusted with the mission of shielding his beloved forest from an impending catastrophe. To accomplish this, he needs to locate three magical orbs: one for water, another for air, and yet another for fire. Ori journeys with Sein, a luminous firefly, and some other notable companions along the way.
10 Cuphead
Cuphead is an exceptionally challenging side-scrolling action game featuring protagonists who are brothers with teacup-shaped heads. They find themselves in a casino run by none other than Satan himself, who challenges them to a game. Lured by the prospect of controlling the casino, they wager their very souls and unfortunately lose. To free themselves, the brothers must conquer over twenty formidable bosses, culminating in a final showdown against Satan himself.
What’s truly captivating about Cuphead lies in its exceptional graphics. In an impressive feat, the developers meticulously aimed to emulate the visual aesthetic of classic 1930s American animation, and they succeeded marvelously! If you have a soft spot for that era’s style, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Cuphead a spin!
11 Splasher
Defy the wicked manager of the ink factory called Le Docteur, and rescue the Splashers in this challenging platformer filled with paint. By firing different colors from your paint gun, you’ll gain unique abilities similar to Portal, aiding you in navigating complex levels and outsmarting adversaries. As you swiftly dodge obstacles, walk on ceilings, and generally avoid hazards, the game becomes an exhilarating and entertaining experience!
In the vibrant, animated environment of Splasher, the game’s genre fits seamlessly well. This integration not only adds charm but also amplifies the smooth, enjoyable gameplay experience found in this exceptional Nintendo Switch platformer.
12 Sonic Mania
Sonic makes a comeback, larger and more impressive than ever before. Traverse revamped iconic stages as you take on the villainous Dr. Robotnik, uncovering hidden routes and time-saving tricks along the way. Reexperience Sonic 1-3, switching between Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles in your journey. Be warned, it’s more challenging than you might recall. It’s one of those timeless 2D platformer games on Nintendo Switch that you won’t want to miss!
Without a doubt, Sonic Mania stands among the top-tier 2D platform games available for the Nintendo Switch, and this remains true in the year 2023. If you manage to grab it during a sale, it’s an absolute must-purchase. Take a look at our Sonic Mania review for more insights.
13 The Messenger
In this action-packed game, a young ninja embarks on a journey across a world tainted by a curse to hand over a vital scroll. This seemingly straightforward platformer might leave you spellbound as it transports you into a thrilling time-travel escapade packed with unexpected twists, captivating turns, upgrades, humor, and multiple storylines. You’ll encounter some fascinating characters along the way.
If you’re looking for a modern take on retro gaming, “The Messenger” offers a unique pixelated aesthetic, stunning backdrops, captivating characters, and an immersive world to explore. This could be the perfect game for you.
14 Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition
In Rayman Legends, you accompany Rayman and his companions as they uncover a secretive tent filled with peculiar paintings tucked away within a magical forest. Traverse various realms by running, jumping, and battling enemies, all while attempting to unearth the mysteries concealed in each artwork and ultimately save the world. Additionally, Rayman Legends offers local cooperative play, allowing each participant to revive fallen comrades by “popping” them back to life, giving another opportunity to keep playing the game.
This game successfully captures the authentic feel of exceptional 2D platformers on Nintendo Switch, making it a must-play, especially if you can enjoy it with someone else. It promises to be an unforgettable gaming experience.
15 Cuphead
In our final analysis, Cuphead stands alone, but this doesn’t mean it’s inferior. It has a classic 2D platformer feel with no deviations when it comes to challenge level. The core gameplay is centered on challenging boss battles that are meticulously designed, requiring you to master their patterns to emerge victorious. Its art style harks back to the earliest cartoons created in the 1930s and 1940s.
There’s a spare controller in the box, allowing your buddy to join in, making our playtime more enjoyable. Again, let me warn you that this game is tough, so if you don’t feel ready for it, give it a miss. But if you’re up for the challenge, trust me, it will provide an incredibly satisfying experience.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-11 12:56