20 Underrated Nintendo Switch Titles

As the Nintendo Switch nears the end of its remarkable eight-year run, anticipation builds for the upcoming Switch 2. Before you tuck your current console away, take a moment to explore some of the lesser-known treasures that the Switch has to offer. While titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons have undoubtedly captured the hearts of many, there's a wealth of other games that deserve your attention. With time and budgets often being limited, it's easy to miss out on these hidden gems. Here's your chance to dive into these 20 overlooked Nintendo Switch games before the Switch 2 arrives. Trust us, you won't regret it.

20 Overlooked Nintendo Switch Games

21 Images20. Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon

Delve into the origin story of the iconic demon-slaying witch in Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. This game stands out with its stunning puzzle-platformer mechanics, presented in a captivating storybook art style. Despite its departure from the series' typical action-packed combat, fans will still find satisfying button-mashing combos. This prequel, with its unique aesthetic, might have been overlooked but is a must-play for any Bayonetta enthusiast.

19. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

Experience the thrill of the Dynasty Warriors/musou-genre infused with The Legend of Zelda universe in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Though not canon to Breath of the Wild, the game offers an exhilarating experience as you take control of Link or other Champions to defend Hyrule from swarms of enemies. If you've enjoyed Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, don't miss this chance to relive the excitement in a different format.

18. New Pokemon Snap

After years of anticipation, fans finally got the sequel they'd been waiting for with New Pokemon Snap. This game amplifies everything loved about the original, offering more Pokemon to photograph and countless secrets hidden within its diverse biomes. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this unique Pokemon spinoff is a delightful experience.

17. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land marks the series' first fully 3D adventure, leveraging the new dimension to enhance exploration. Kirby retains his classic ability to inhale enemies and objects, but now can transform into vehicles like a car, making exploration even more exciting. Don't miss out on one of the best Kirby games to grace the Switch.

16. Paper Mario: The Origami King

With its unique art style and puzzle RPG gameplay, Paper Mario: The Origami King stands out in the beloved Paper Mario series. The game's open world is visually stunning, though the combat might not be as engaging as in previous entries. Nevertheless, the charm and beauty of this title make it a must-try for fans of the series.

15. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Considered one of the best 2D platformers, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze challenges even seasoned players with its fast-paced action. From climbing crumbling icebergs to bouncing on jello cubes, this game offers a unique and rewarding experience. Its stunning graphics, captivating soundtrack, and precise controls make it an essential play for platformer enthusiasts.

14. Fire Emblem Engage

While Fire Emblem: Three Houses garnered much acclaim, Fire Emblem Engage brings its own charm with the return of fan-favorite characters from across the series' history. This game leans into classic SRPG mechanics, offering smaller, intense battle maps and a challenging difficulty that will test your strategic skills.

13. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

Experience a unique blend of Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem in Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore, set against Japan's idol music culture. Its vibrant art style and engaging RPG combat, combined with a light-hearted take on fame and fan culture, make it a refreshing and enjoyable play.

12. Astral Chain

Astral Chain is a masterpiece from PlatinumGames, offering fluid and flashy combat with a variety of summonable living weapons. Explore a cyberfuturistic world, solve cases, and navigate the Astral Plane, which feels like classic Nintendo dungeons. Its exclusivity to the Switch might have kept it under the radar, but it's a game that deserves more recognition.

11. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope

Combining Mario's world with Ubisoft's Rabbids, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope delivers a fun and action-packed strategy RPG. The game's combat system allows for exciting combos, making it a delightful experience for fans of both franchises.

10. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door

A ground-up remake of the GameCube classic, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door brings enhanced visuals, music, and gameplay. This beloved entry in the Paper Mario series is a perfect starting point for newcomers and a must-play for fans of Mario's paper-based adventures.

9. F-Zero 99

After a 20-year hiatus, F-Zero 99 surprised fans with its 99-player battle royale format. Despite the change in gameplay, it retains the series' thrilling essence with strategic racing and intense competition. This unexpected entry has revitalized the franchise and is a must-try for racing enthusiasts.

8. Pikmin 3 Deluxe

Pikmin 3 Deluxe brought back the beloved franchise with new Pikmin types, improved controls, and additional content. The Switch version adds co-op play and the Piklopedia, making it a comprehensive and entertaining addition to any Pikmin fan's collection.

7. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Originally from the Wii U, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a charming puzzle platformer where Captain Toad navigates levels without jumping. Its delightful brain teasers and short, engaging levels make it a perfect fit for the Switch, ideal for playing on the go.

6. Game Builder Garage

Game Builder Garage is an underappreciated gem that teaches players how to create games through engaging lessons. It's not just a coding tutorial but a fun and accessible way to learn game design, making it a valuable tool for aspiring developers.

5. Xenoblade Chronicles Series

Monolith Soft's Xenoblade Chronicles series offers expansive, beautiful open worlds with epic stories and engaging gameplay. From the original to the latest entries, these JRPGs provide hundreds of hours of immersive gaming, making them essential for fans of the genre.

4. Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe

Complementing Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe is a standout 2D platformer with excellent multiplayer features. Its vast levels and collectibles ensure hours of fun, making it an ideal introduction to the genre for new players.

3. Ring Fit Adventure

A best-seller that combines fitness with RPG elements, Ring Fit Adventure is more than just a workout game. Its engaging story and innovative use of the fitness ring make it a unique and rewarding experience that you should revisit if you haven't finished it.

2. Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread revives the classic 2D Metroid gameplay with a modern twist, introducing terrifying E.M.M.I. machines that heighten the game's tension. Despite its commercial success, it remains a somewhat overlooked gem in the broader gaming landscape.

1. Metroid Prime Remastered

Metroid Prime Remastered is more than just a re-release; it's a stunning graphical overhaul that brings this classic to modern standards. With enhanced controls and gameplay, this remaster is a testament to the enduring quality of the original, and at a budget-friendly price, it's a must-have for any Switch owner.

These are our top picks for Switch games that deserve more attention before the Switch 2 arrives. With the promise of backward compatibility, now is the perfect time to explore these titles and continue your adventures on the new console.