Hidden Gems on Nintendo Switch You Must Play Now

In terms of handheld gaming devices, Nintendo has consistently been a leader, and this was further proven when they introduced their groundbreaking hybrid console, the Switch, in March 2017. Within its first year, the Switch surpassed the total sales of Nintendo’s previous console, the Wii U. It continued to set new benchmarks, selling over 100 million units by early 2022, which places it among the top-selling consoles ever made.

The vast collection of Nintendo games significantly contributed to the console’s triumph. Games such as “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” and “Super Mario Odyssey” were not just financially successful but also received widespread acclaim, amassing large followings. Yet, there are several Switch games that didn’t receive their due recognition. With the announcement of Switch 2, this is an opportune moment for gamers to discover these overlooked treasures.

Twin-Stick Shooter Meets Dungeon Crawling in Enter the Gungeon

Enter the Gungeon ” is a relentlessly intense roguelike game that has been widely acclaimed since its debut for its demanding gameplay and the vast array of weapons at your disposal. It’s one of the most refined indie games to appear on the Nintendo Switch, yet it hasn’t garnered the widespread recognition it merits. This game combines dungeon exploration with twin-stick shooting mechanics, creating a retro gaming experience, but it includes all the user-friendly features you’d expect from a modern title.

In every playthrough of Enter the Gungeon, levels are randomly created and players have access to over 200 distinct weapons, each boasting unique and often humorously imaginative features. These weapons mirror the developers’ aim to be innovative while maintaining a humorous tone. Enter the Gungeon puts your reflexes and intuition to the test, barely giving you a moment’s respite amidst its consistently tough and swift-paced action. The engaging gameplay, addictive loop, stunning visuals, and regular updates with new content make this arcade-style game an excellent pick for those seeking their next thrilling journey.

This Underrated Switch Game Does a Lot With Its Simple Premise

In a simpler and more engaging manner, Ape Out offers a raw, immersive gameplay experience by placing you in charge of an enraged gorilla who’s recently escaped captivity. With no dialogue to speak of, the narrative unfolds through action alone. What sets this game apart is its intensely dynamic and fitting jazz soundtrack that adapts to your moves. This results in a highly rewarding and hard-to-resist experience, where every throw, swipe, and kill feels as rhythmic as a well-timed beat.

One possible reason why the game “Ape Out” wasn’t more widely recognized is that it has a relatively short playtime, with the entire storyline taking just 2-3 hours to finish. Despite this brief duration potentially being disappointing for some gamers, it aligns well with the style of traditional beat-’em-up games like this one. The game stands out due to its unique mechanics and a daringly minimalist artistic approach, making “Ape Out” a title that’s definitely worth exploring.

Baba Is You Is One of the Most Underrated Games in the Switch Library

Baba Is You is a captivating puzzle game that challenges your mind. It’s an exceptionally creative and groundbreaking title where you can modify the rules of the in-game world on the fly by repositioning text boxes representing the rules. In this game, you can also alter words to transform the game world, removing objects or halting lava flows.

This game allows players to shape their own world using a distinctive, uncomplicated art style that features hand-drawn sprites. Although some puzzles may prove challenging to solve, Baba Is You consistently encourages creativity and often presents multiple solutions for its puzzles. Despite receiving numerous awards and critical acclaim, this game has not received as much attention as it deserves.

This Adorable Indie Game Stars a Bear Running a Bed and Breakfast

Hank the Bear’s Bed & Breakfast creates an enchanting, whimsical virtual environment with a delightful art style. Players find themselves in the gentle care of Hank as he strives to manage a thriving inn, starting from a run-down forest resort. It’s a fantastic choice for those who enjoy leisurely gaming, offering a chance to unwind and play at your own pace.

The gameplay in Bear and Breakfast centers around the everyday tasks of managing a bed & breakfast inn. Players can spend time tending to their new abode, enhancing rooms, tidying up after visitors, and personalizing each establishment to give it a distinctive character. The guests are eccentric and endearing, contributing to the game’s humor and charm that make it an unmissable gaming experience.

Fans of Hollow Knight Should Check Out This Switch Metroidvania

Nine Sols represents a 2D Metroidvania game that’s meticulously hand-drawn, taking inspiration from titles such as Hollow Knight and FromSoftware’s Sekiro. This game is set within a shrouded world, merging elements of Asian fantasy and cyberpunk aesthetics. The main character, Yi, emerges from a prolonged sleep, propelled by a fierce personal desire for vengeance against the ruling Sols. As the story unfolds, players find themselves on an adventure where mastering techniques like parrying and counterattacking becomes crucial.

In keeping with the spirit of Metroidvania games, Nine Sols offers secret paths, intriguing lore pieces, and enhancements strategically placed within its exquisitely animated landscapes. This innovative title seamlessly merges the finest aspects of Sekiro and Hollow Knight to create a visually captivating adventure. While some boss battles can be quite tough, overcoming them is a rewarding endeavor.

Cleaning in PowerWash Simulator Is Incredibly Satisfying

PowerWash Simulator might appear straightforward at first glance, but it offers an unexpectedly addictive and fulfilling gaming experience. Unlike the monotonous nature of chores, this game turns cleaning into something exceptionally gratifying and calming. Players are granted full autonomy to remove layers of dirt and grime according to their comfort, using a power washer that can be adjusted for optimal engagement. It serves as an excellent demonstration of why many people find enjoyment in such activities.

A study conducted by Oxford University and FuturLab demonstrated that playing PowerWash Simulator for as little as 15 minutes could have a substantial positive impact on mental health. This game has been graced with an array of unexpected and enjoyable DLC additions, offering players the chance to clean iconic locations from various games and pop culture. For instance, you can clean the Croft Manor from Tomb Raider or the Krusty Krab from SpongeBob SquarePants. Remarkably, even the harsh and violent world of Warhammer 40,000 takes on a lighter tone as players meticulously clean towering Dreadnoughts and battle-scarred tanks.

It Was Inspired By Games Like Heaven’s Gate

Chants of Sennaar immerses players in a melancholic world steeped in ancient folklore and past sorrows. A forlorn land, once graced by its deities, now decays into ruins, with crumbling structures and perpetual twilight establishing a solemn atmosphere. Instead of relying on extensive dialogue, the narrative of Chants of Sennaar unfolds through the setting. Broken statues and faded murals offer glimpses of a vanished civilization. Pale colors depict a world of loss and resilience, while hand-drawn landscapes and smooth animations subtly animate each desolate nook. Music is employed sparingly yet potently, with poignant strings and distant choruses punctuating the quiet at significant instances.

In Chants of Sennaar, players assume the role of a solitary traveler shrouded in enigma. This character traverses what were once bustling cities and temples, now overtaken by decay and standing under the ominous, immovable darkness of a haunted sky. The game seamlessly blends action and exploration; combat is precise, favoring those who exercise patience, time their dodges skillfully, and strike with caution. Each adversary in Chants of Sennaar bears a unique identity, molded by the whispers of corrupted sacred creatures and fragmented spirits.

It’s Like Overcooked With More Craziness

PlateUp! offers a dynamic, addictive blend of cooking and restaurant management, providing both excitement and fulfillment. Upon initial observation, the game appears straightforward with its bright, appealing graphics and straightforward concept: prepare meals, serve clients, and maintain an efficient kitchen. However, as each session progresses, an intricate level of hidden complexity arises, revealing strategic elements, quick decision-making opportunities, and creative problem-solving tasks that captivate players.

The arrangement of every element in PlateUp!, from counter positions to the selection of ovens and sinks, can significantly influence whether a business thrives or fails. Over time, restaurants broaden their offerings, diners’ preferences become more demanding, and initial strategies need frequent adjustments. For instance, should an additional preparation station be added to manage increasing side dish requests? Is it wiser to automate dishwashing or cooking initially? These types of questions introduce a complex element of long-term planning to the fast-paced, instant decisions.

White Socks Aren’t Needed in What the Golf

Initially, What the Golf appears to be a casual sports game, but it swiftly breaks away from any conventional notions. Instead, it delivers a precise shot into the realm of absurdity, inviting players to step onto the course of a disorderly world. Here, golf rules and the surrounding reality take unexpected twists and turns, ending up in the rough. What starts as a straightforward swing on the fairway soon transforms into a myriad of bizarre, unforeseen situations that challenge logic in the most charming and vibrant ways.

In What the Golf, the fundamental concepts may seem straightforward – players pull back on a power meter to propel what appears to be a ball towards a goal (a flag). But as you progress, it becomes apparent that this “ball” could be something else entirely. At times, it’s the golfer themselves, or odd objects such as a house, car, or even an office chair! The game features a vibrant, clear art style to highlight the absurdity and humor found in each round’s unexpected events.

It’s One of the Best Indie Games of All Time

Spiritfarer, while garnering a dedicated fanbase, hasn’t quite penetrated the mainstream of gaming yet. It provides a soothing yet deeply emotional voyage where players assume the role of Stella, tasked with guiding spirits towards their afterlife passage. The story unfolds on a captivating, hand-drawn vessel sailing across an expansive, shimmering sea filled with enigmatic islands, whimsical creatures, and poignant recollections.

In essence, Stella’s role isn’t just about transporting the departed, but tending to them. The ship she sails accommodates unique spirits from around the globe, each with distinct personalities, sorrows, and aspirations. Homes are crafted for these spirits on board, favorite dishes are prepared, and their wounds are mended through heartfelt conversations and acts of compassion. Each spirit has a tale to tell, some filled with joy, others tinged with melancholy, creating engaging and emotional gameplay journeys to embark upon. Notably, Spiritfarer includes a multiplayer feature, allowing a second player to guide Daffodil, Stella’s affectionate and perpetually cheerful cat, in exploring, constructing, and consoling the spirits together.

2025-05-17 02:22