Top 20 Underrated Nintendo Switch Games Revealed

As the Nintendo Switch nears the end of its remarkable eight-year run, anticipation builds for the upcoming Switch 2. Yet, before you shelve your trusty Switch, take a moment to dive into some of its hidden treasures. 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 plethora of other gems that deserve your attention before you transition to the new console.

We understand that time and budget constraints can make it challenging to explore every game, but trust us, revisiting these overlooked Switch titles before the Switch 2 arrives will be well worth your while.

20 Overlooked Nintendo Switch Games

21 Images20. Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon

Delve into the origin story of the beloved demon-slaying witch with Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. This game stands out with its stunning puzzle-platformer gameplay, presented in a captivating storybook art style. While it may differ from the high-octane action fans expect, it still includes classic, button-mashing combos. Its unique prequel nature and art style might have caused it to be overlooked, but it's a worthy addition to the series.

19. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

Fans of The Legend of Zelda will find a delightful crossover in the musou-style game, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Though not officially part of the Breath of the Wild canon, it offers a gratifying experience as you take control of Link and other champions to defend Hyrule from hordes of enemies. If you loved Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, don't miss this chance to explore Age of Calamity.

18. New Pokemon Snap

For those who cherished the original Pokemon Snap on the Nintendo 64, New Pokemon Snap is a dream come true. Released in 2021, it expands on everything fans loved about the original, offering more Pokemon to photograph and numerous secrets to uncover in diverse biomes. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this beloved and unique Pokemon spinoff is a must-play.

17. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Marking the first fully 3D Kirby game in the series, Kirby and the Forgotten Land utilizes the added dimension to enhance exploration. Kirby retains his classic ability to inhale enemies and objects, but now you can freely roam expansive 3D environments. New abilities, like transforming into a car, add a fresh layer of excitement. Don't miss out on this standout entry in the Kirby series.

16. Paper Mario: The Origami King

Paper Mario: The Origami King captivates with its charming art style and puzzle RPG gameplay, diverging from the mainline Mario platformers. With a fully explorable open world, it's one of the most visually stunning entries in the Paper Mario series. While the combat might not match the satisfaction of previous games, the game's visual splendor more than compensates.

15. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a 2D platformer masterpiece that challenges even the most seasoned players. Navigate through crumbling icebergs and jiggly jello cubes as you help DK reclaim his island. Its difficulty is rare in Nintendo games, but the stunning graphics, exceptional soundtrack, and tight controls make it a rewarding experience. Platformer enthusiasts, this one's for you.

14. Fire Emblem Engage

While Fire Emblem: Three Houses stole the spotlight, Fire Emblem Engage deserves attention. Though its narrative may not be as cohesive, it brings back beloved characters from past games via a multiverse concept. Tactics RPG fans will appreciate its throwback to old-school SRPGs, with smaller, intense combat maps and a challenging difficulty that tests your strategic skills.

13. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

This unique crossover between Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem set in Japan's idol music scene is a delightful surprise. The vibrant mix of Fire Emblem and SMT RPG combat, coupled with a bubblegum art style, makes it a must-play. Despite toned-down themes in the localization, its charm and engaging gameplay are well worth exploring.

12. Astral Chain

Astral Chain, exclusive to the Switch, is a PlatinumGames action title that deserves wider recognition. Its fluid, flashy combat and diverse summonable weapons keep the experience fresh. Beyond combat, you'll explore a cyberfuturistic world, solve cases, and tackle challenges in the Astral Plane. If you've enjoyed Platinum's other games, don't miss this one.

11. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope

Combining the worlds of Mario and Ubisoft's Rabbids, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a delightful strategy RPG. Its action-focused combat allows for massive combos through character and upgrade combinations. Whether you're a Mario or Rabbids fan, this unexpected mashup offers pure fun.

10. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door

A ground-up remake of the beloved GameCube title, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is a standout in the series. Enhanced visuals, music, and gameplay make it one of the best Paper Mario games ever. Join Mario on his treasure hunt in Rogueport and experience the charm and excellence that define the series.

9. F-Zero 99

After a 20-year hiatus, F-Zero returned with a 99-player battle royale, F-Zero 99. This unexpected revival has evolved into a top-tier entry thanks to regular updates. The thrill of racing against 98 opponents, strategic use of the Skyway, and the excitement of comeback finishes make it a must-play for F-Zero fans.

8. Pikmin 3 Deluxe

Pikmin 3 Deluxe brings the joy of the Pikmin series to the Switch with added content and co-op gameplay. With new Pikmin types, improved controls, and the addition of the Piklopedia, it's a must-play for fans. The humorous interactions among the three leaders add to the fun, making it a delightful addition to any Pikmin collection.

7. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Originally from the Wii U, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a perfect fit for the Switch. This ingenious puzzle platformer challenges you to navigate levels without jumping, due to Captain Toad's heavy backpack. Its delightful brain teasers and short, engaging levels make it ideal for on-the-go play.

6. Game Builder Garage

Game Builder Garage is an underappreciated gem that teaches you how to create games without coding. Through charming lessons, you learn to build different types of games using a user-friendly interface. It's an excellent starting point for aspiring game developers, offering a fun and educational experience.

5. Xenoblade Chronicles Series

Monolith Soft's Xenoblade Chronicles series offers some of the most expansive and beautiful open worlds on the Switch. With sweeping stories and breathtaking landscapes, the series combines old-school JRPG elements with modern technology. The four games in the series are a must-play for RPG enthusiasts, offering hundreds of hours of engaging gameplay.

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 robust multiplayer and a vast array of levels and collectibles, it's perfect for both seasoned gamers and newcomers. The Deluxe version adds an epilogue and subgames, making it an essential Kirby experience.

3. Ring Fit Adventure

Ring Fit Adventure isn't just a fitness tool; it's a full-fledged RPG. While many may have started it as part of a New Year's resolution, its engaging story and gameplay make it worth finishing. Power up your character and yourself as you battle the "bootilicious" evil dragon.

2. Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread revives the classic 2D Metroid experience with a 2.5D twist. Its terrifying E.M.M.I. machines create a tense atmosphere as you navigate claustrophobic corridors. Despite being one of the best-selling Metroid games, it's often overlooked compared to other Switch titles. Don't miss out on this thrilling adventure.

1. Metroid Prime Remastered

With Metroid Prime 4 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to revisit where it all began. Metroid Prime Remastered is not just a re-release but a full graphical overhaul. This classic GameCube title has been expertly remade for the Switch, offering a modern take on its sense of isolation, exploration, and tension. Despite its critical acclaim, it didn't meet sales expectations, making it a hidden gem you shouldn't miss.