Nintendo Switch, with its hybrid console-handheld versatility, has become a go-to platform for indie developers. The console’s portable design and the unique Joy-Con controllers make it an ideal platform for unique and innovative indie titles. Let’s delve into the top 20 indie games that have found a home on the Nintendo Switch, offering players a mix of genres, styles, and gameplay experiences.
1. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight by Team Cherry is a masterclass in indie game development. This Metroidvania-style platformer offers a dark, immersive world filled with challenging combat, intricate puzzles, and compelling lore. Its beautifully hand-drawn art and atmospheric music only add to the overall appeal.
2. Celeste
Celeste, developed by Matt Makes Games, is a precision platformer that combines tight controls, intricate level design, and a heartfelt story. The game deals with mental health issues while offering some of the most challenging platforming sequences.
3. The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ is a top-down roguelike game with randomized dungeons and intense combat. Created by Edmund McMillen, the game stands out with its dark humor, expansive item pool, and replayability.
4. Hades
Hades, from Supergiant Games, is a fast-paced roguelike dungeon crawler where you fight your way out of the Greek underworld. Its dynamic combat, compelling story, and beautiful artwork have earned it numerous awards.
5. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is an indie farming simulator filled with charm and depth. Created by Eric Barone (ConcernedApe), players can farm, mine, fish, and build relationships with townsfolk. Its simple gameplay loop is incredibly addicting and offers hundreds of hours of content.
6. Shovel Knight
Shovel Knight by Yacht Club Games is a retro-style platformer that pays homage to the classics while introducing modern gameplay mechanics. With its tight controls, varied level design, and charming pixel art, Shovel Knight is a must-play for fans of classic games.
7. Cuphead
Studio MDHR’s Cuphead is a run and gun action game with a unique aesthetic inspired by 1930s cartoons. The game is renowned for its challenging boss battles, hand-drawn animations, and jazzy soundtrack.
8. Untitled Goose Game
Untitled Goose Game is a hilarious “slapstick-stealth-sandbox” game where you play as a mischievous goose. Developed by House House, this game’s unique concept, charming art style, and humorous gameplay make it a standout indie title.
9. Katana ZERO
Katana ZERO is a fast-paced neo-noir action platformer filled with one-hit death combat. Developed by Askiisoft, the game stands out with its tight controls, time manipulation mechanics, and engaging storyline.
10. Dead Cells
Dead Cells by Motion Twin is a roguevania-style game that combines Metroidvania exploration with roguelike progression. Its tight combat, sprawling level design, and perma-death system make each run feel fresh and challenging.
11. Axiom Verge
Axiom Verge, developed by Tom Happ, is a Metroidvania game that feels like a love letter to classic 8-bit and 16-bit games. Its intricate world design, numerous power-ups, and engaging storyline make it a standout title.
12. Overcooked 2
Overcooked 2 is a chaotic co-op cooking game developed by Ghost Town Games. Players must work together to prepare and serve meals in increasingly ridiculous kitchens. It’s a perfect party game and a test of your coordination and friendship.
13. Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire by Mega Crit Games is a deck-building roguelike game. It combines strategic card game mechanics with roguelike progression, offering a unique and challenging experience with every run.
14. Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forest is a beautifully crafted Metroidvania game from Moon Studios. Its gorgeous artwork, emotional story, and challenging gameplay make it one of the most memorable indie games on the Switch.
15. Into The Breach
Into The Breach is a tactical strategy game from the creators of FTL. Players control mechs to defend against an alien threat in a series of turn-based strategy scenarios. Each playthrough offers new challenges, making every run feel unique.
16. Goosebumps: The Game
A prequel to the successful book series, Goosebumps: The Game by WayForward sets you on an adventure to outsmart the monsters set free from R.L. Stine’s books. It’s a nostalgia trip for those who grew up reading the series and a great introduction for newcomers.
17. Gris
Gris is a visually stunning platformer with light puzzle elements from Nomada Studio. It’s a journey through sorrow and emotional growth, told through beautiful artwork and without a single line of dialogue.
18. Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeon by Red Hook Studios is a gothic roguelike turn-based strategy game about the psychological stresses of adventuring. Its complex mechanics, grim atmosphere, and relentless challenge make it a deeply engrossing game.
19. Night in the Woods
Night in the Woods is a narrative-driven adventure game with a heavy emphasis on story and character development. Developed by Infinite Fall, the game explores themes of mental health, friendship, and the changes brought by time.
20. Golf Story
Golf Story is a charming RPG with golfing mechanics developed by Sidebar Games. Its humorous story, engaging golf mechanics, and RPG elements combine to create a unique and enjoyable gaming experience.
In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch’s indie game library offers a wealth of experiences, from emotionally charged narratives and hard-as-nails platformers to chaotic co-op adventures and tranquil farming simulators. There’s something for everyone in this treasure trove of indie gems, reflecting the breadth and depth of the indie game scene.