10 Near-Perfect Nintendo Switch Games Nobody Played

Given the sheer scale of the Nintendo Switch’s software library, it is inevitable that several phenomenal titles slip through the cracks. The platform boasts thousands of physical games alongside a digital storefront overflowing with independent releases. Naturally, not every title appeals to everyone; many players entirely disregard the digital eShop due to sheer visual clutter, while others miss out on physical releases simply because the sheer volume of output is overwhelming. Consequently, countless hidden masterpieces await discovery—particularly among exclusives you will not find anywhere else. With that in mind, here are 10 exceptional Switch games that deserve far more attention than they received.

1
Part Time UFO

Image: HAL Laboratory

Released: October 2020

Crafted by HAL Laboratory—the legendary studio behind Kirby’s Dream Land and its numerous successors—Part Time UFO initially launched on mobile devices before migrating to the Switch with an array of fresh modes and enhancements. Players control an endearing little extraterrestrial equipped with a dangling crane claw, taking on odd jobs ranging from herding livestock onto a farmer’s truck to precisely balancing bones for a museum dinosaur skeleton. It is a delightfully deceptive puzzle game backed by surprisingly robust physics that keep every objective fresh. The Switch version also introduces cooperative multiplayer, allowing a friend to jump in and tackle demanding remixed versions of familiar gigs. Since the game is no longer available on iOS or Android app stores, the Nintendo Switch edition stands as the definitive way to experience it.

2
Astral Chain

PlatinumGames/Nintendo

Released: August 2019

PlatinumGames commands a fiercely loyal following thanks to stellar works like Bayonetta and NieR: Automata. Yet, the studio’s original intellectual properties often struggle to capture mainstream attention, even when they achieve critical acclaim. Astral Chain thrusts players into the boots of an elite police task force fending off otherworldly invaders in a sleek sci-fi metropolis, delivering the pulse-pounding combat the developer is famous for. Backed by Nintendo’s publishing muscle, the game performed quite respectably, clearing the million-copies milestone. However, when measured against blockbuster juggernauts like Mario and Zelda, it remains an underappreciated gem. Millions of Switch owners have yet to experience its stylish mechanics—an oversight that desperately needs correcting.

3
Demon Throttle

Image: Doinksoft/Special Reserve Games

Released: July 2022

Doinksoft made a memorable splash with its 2019 debut, the charming Gato Roboto. Following a retro collection of bootleg titles, the studio released Demon Throttle exclusively on the Nintendo Switch—opting for a physical-only distribution model. To this day, the title remains entirely absent from the Nintendo eShop, whether as a standalone purchase or bundled within The Doinksoft Collection. This unusual strategy transformed the game into an authentic collector’s item that many casual players don’t even realize exists. As an experience, it is a blistering, vertical-scrolling shooter heavily inspired by classics like Pocky & Rocky, dripping with nostalgic pixel art and chiptune audio that instantly transports you back to the golden era of local arcades.

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4
Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer

Image: Brace Yourself Games/Nintendo

Released: June 2019

Brace Yourself Games won widespread indie acclaim with Crypt of the NecroDancer, which launched across nearly every major platform. With Cadence of Hyrule, however, the developers focused exclusively on the Nintendo Switch. Marrying beloved Zelda lore with rhythmic, beat-driven mechanics, the game evokes the nostalgic atmosphere of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Jumping into this crossover can feel jarring at first; standard genre instincts tell you to move freely, but here, every action must align precisely with the musical tempo. Once that rhythm clicks, the experience becomes genuinely magical. It stands as a brilliant curiosity that fans should not overlook—arguably ranking among the finest Zelda spin-offs ever conceived.

5
Shinsekai: Into the Depths

Image: Capcom

Released: March 2020

Originally introduced as an Apple Arcade exclusive, Capcom eventually brought Shinsekai: Into the Depths to the Switch, treating adventurous players to a tense and atmospheric underwater journey. Survival requires careful management of dwindling oxygen supplies while exploring the labyrinthine ruins of a forgotten civilization, aided by a companion robot of questionable usefulness. Captivating Metroidvania exploration and stunning aquatic set-pieces make it deeply rewarding, even if occasional reminders of its mobile origins surface. Look past those minor quirks, and you’ll find an exceptional aquatic adventure.

6
Good Job!

Image: Paladin Studios/Nintendo

Released: March 2020

Throughout the Switch’s lifespan, Nintendo occasionally published wonderfully quirky indie collaborations, such as Good Job! from the now-defunct Dutch developer Paladin Studios. Set within a chaotic corporate office, the game transforms mundane workplace tasks into wildly destructive physics puzzles. Players are encouraged to find unconventional—and frequently catastrophic—methods to overcome corporate hurdles, driving high replayability. A drop-in multiplayer mode allows a friend to join in and amplify the bedlam. Beneath its vibrant aesthetic and sharp satire of corporate nepotism lies a surprisingly robust challenge that keeps players coming back for more.

7
Vitamin Connection

Image: WayForward

Released: January 2020

Developed by WayForward—renowned for hits and revival projects like Shantae: Half-Genie Hero—Vitamin Connection casts players as Vita-Boy and Mina-Girl on a microscopic mission to eradicate troublesome pathogens across six vibrant worlds. The standout feature is its clever asymmetric co-op: while one player holds a Joy-Con vertically to pilot and fire, the other holds theirs horizontally to rotate and aim. Boasting infectious music and endearing visuals, it is a creative gem that fully embraces the unique capabilities of Nintendo’s hardware.

8
The Stretchers

Image: Tarsier Studios/Nintendo

Released: November 2019

If you are looking for a fantastic cooperative experience to share with a friend, The Stretchers turns emergency medical transport into pure slapstick comedy. Though medical evacuation might seem like an unusual premise for a game, Tarsier Studios—better known for the grim atmosphere of Little Nightmares—crafted a hilarious physics-based puzzle adventure that truly shines in multiplayer. Its cheerful presentation and unconventional obstacles guarantee continuous laughter, even if the compact campaign leaves you craving more.

9
Fast RMX

Image: Shin’en Multimedia

Released: March 2017

The Fast franchise traces its roots back to the WiiWare era as Shin’en Multimedia’s spiritual successor to high-speed futuristic racers like F-Zero and Wipeout. Fast RMX was a standout launch title for the Nintendo Switch, compiling all tracks and downloadable content from the Wii U’s Fast Racing Neo alongside an assortment of brand-new courses. While aggressive rubber-banding from AI opponents can occasionally dampen a flawless run, the blistering sense of velocity is undeniable. If you are craving high-octane racing thrills, this electrifying racer is well worth your time.

10
Golf Story

Sidebar Games

Released: September 2017

SideBar Games’ Golf Story ranks among the earliest critical triumphs on the Switch platform. On the surface, it appears to be a straightforward sports title about hitting the links, but it quickly reveals a rich, narrative-driven experience. Wrapped in the cozy aesthetics of a 16-bit role-playing game, it chronicles a dedicated golfer chasing a final shot at redemption by conquering diverse courses and meeting a memorable cast of allies and rivals. Those seeking a realistic golf simulation should look elsewhere, but anyone who fondly remembers genre-blending classics like the Game Boy Color’s Mario Golf will find an absolute masterpiece.