Why Hidden Gems Matter on the Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch has quickly become one of the most beloved consoles of all time, largely due to its extensive library of games. From The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Odyssey to Animal Crossing and Splatoon, the Switch has been home to some of the most iconic games in recent memory. Yet, alongside these big-budget titles lies a treasure trove of lesser-known, underrated games—hidden gems that may not have received the mainstream recognition they deserve.
Hidden gems are often overlooked by the gaming community due to various reasons: smaller budgets, niche appeal, or simply being lost in the shuffle of blockbuster releases. But these games are the ones that often provide the most surprising, unique, and enriching experiences. They offer something fresh, innovative, and sometimes even more memorable than the top-tier hits.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 such hidden gems for the Nintendo Switch. These titles have earned loyal followings and, while not always in the spotlight, provide players with fantastic gameplay, storytelling, and creativity. Whether you’re a platformer fan, an RPG enthusiast, or just looking for something different, this list is filled with games that deserve a place in your library.
#1: Celeste – A Challenging Platformer with Heart
Celeste is more than just a challenging platformer; it’s a deeply emotional journey wrapped in pixel-perfect graphics and tough-as-nails gameplay. At its core, the game follows Madeline, a young woman who’s climbing the titular mountain, Celeste. Along the way, she battles not only the treacherous cliffs and deadly traps but also her inner demons, dealing with themes of mental health and self-acceptance.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: While Celeste garnered critical acclaim upon its release, it often gets overshadowed by bigger platformers like Super Mario Odyssey or Hollow Knight. Despite its indie status, Celeste offers one of the most refined platforming experiences available on the Switch, with a compelling narrative that tackles difficult issues head-on. The precise controls, challenging difficulty, and heartwarming story make this a must-try for platformer fans who enjoy a bit of emotional depth.
#2: Hollow Knight – The Masterful Metroidvania You Might Have Missed
Hollow Knight is a beautifully haunting Metroidvania that combines dark, atmospheric environments with deep exploration and tight combat. You play as the titular knight, venturing through the ruined kingdom of Hallownest, where you’ll encounter various creatures and characters, each with their own backstory and purpose.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Despite being one of the most critically acclaimed Metroidvanias of all time, Hollow Knight often doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves in the mainstream gaming scene, especially among casual players. The game’s gorgeous hand-drawn art, atmospheric soundtrack, and intricate world-building make it stand out in the crowded Metroidvania genre. For players looking for a challenging and rewarding experience, Hollow Knight delivers an experience that rivals even the biggest games of the genre.
#3: Golf Story – A Perfect Blend of Sports and RPG
Golf Story is an unexpected fusion of two very different genres: sports and RPG. On the surface, it’s a quirky, low-key golf game, but underneath, it’s a narrative-driven adventure with RPG elements. You’ll explore various environments, meet unique characters, and take part in golf tournaments—all while leveling up your character and acquiring new skills.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Golf Story flew under the radar for many players who may have expected a traditional golf simulation game. However, it offers so much more than that. The humor, charm, and surprisingly deep RPG mechanics make it a standout title. It’s a light-hearted yet engaging game that offers a fresh take on both sports and role-playing genres.
#4: Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove – A Retro-Inspired Masterpiece
Shovel Knight is a retro-inspired action platformer that channels the best of classic 8-bit and 16-bit games while adding a modern twist. The game follows the Shovel Knight as he embarks on a quest to rescue his beloved, battling a cast of memorable characters along the way. The Treasure Trove edition includes all of the game’s expansions, making it a complete and even more rewarding experience.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Though Shovel Knight received praise upon release, it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves in a crowded marketplace filled with new indie games. Its gameplay is sharp and fun, with tight controls and beautifully crafted levels. What truly sets it apart is its ability to blend nostalgia with innovation, making it feel both old-school and fresh at the same time.
#5: The Touryst – A Gorgeous, Relaxing Puzzle Adventure
The Touryst is a relaxing and visually stunning puzzle adventure game. You play as a tourist visiting various exotic islands, solving environmental puzzles and exploring hidden secrets. The game’s stunning voxel art style is complemented by an atmospheric soundtrack, and its puzzles offer just the right balance of challenge without ever feeling frustrating.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: In a world dominated by fast-paced action games, The Touryst provides a calm, reflective experience that’s hard to come by. Its low-key pace, combined with the engaging puzzles and beautiful art, makes it an ideal game for players looking to unwind. Despite its charm, it’s often overlooked in favor of more high-profile titles.
#6: Astro Bears Party – A Fun, Quick-Fire Multiplayer Game for All Ages
Astro Bears Party is a simple, fast-paced multiplayer game that’s perfect for quick gaming sessions with friends. In the game, players control colorful bears as they race around the screen, leaving trails behind them. The goal is to avoid crashing into walls or other players’ trails while trying to trap your opponents. It’s a lot like Snake, but with a fun, competitive twist.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: While Astro Bears Party may seem like a casual, party game, it’s surprisingly addictive. Its easy-to-learn mechanics and quick rounds make it a perfect game for multiplayer fun. It’s ideal for all ages, making it a great choice for family gaming nights or social gatherings. Despite this, it’s rarely given the attention it deserves.
#7: Katana Zero – A Neo-Noir Action Thriller with an Intriguing Story
Katana Zero is a neo-noir action game that combines fast-paced combat with a gripping, narrative-driven experience. You play as a samurai assassin, taking on missions to eliminate high-profile targets. The game features stylish, pixel art visuals, a moody soundtrack, and a story filled with twists and turns.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Katana Zero is often overshadowed by bigger action games, but its tight combat mechanics, deep story, and unique time-rewind mechanic make it a standout in the genre. The game’s noir aesthetic and psychological themes set it apart, offering a thought-provoking and thrilling experience that many players have missed.
#8: Gris – An Artistic Journey Through Loss and Healing
Gris is an emotionally evocative platformer that takes you on a journey through grief, loss, and healing. The game is visually stunning, with its watercolor-inspired art and evolving color palette. As you progress through the levels, the world comes alive, gradually transitioning from bleak to vibrant as Gris learns to overcome her sorrow.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Though it received praise for its art and emotional depth, Gris is often overlooked in favor of more traditional platformers. Its lack of dialogue and minimalist gameplay make it a meditative experience, one that doesn’t appeal to every gamer, but for those who appreciate art-driven experiences, it’s unforgettable.
#9: Tinykin – A Delightful Puzzle Platformer with Stunning Visuals
Tinykin is a charming puzzle-platformer set in a whimsical world. You play as Milo, a tiny human who is trying to find his way back home. Along the way, he teams up with the Tinykin, small creatures that help him solve puzzles and navigate the environment. The game features beautiful hand-drawn art, a fun narrative, and creative level design.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Though Tinykin didn’t get the widespread attention it deserved, it offers a delightful platforming experience that rivals bigger titles. Its unique mechanics, engaging puzzles, and captivating visuals make it a standout in the indie scene. For anyone looking for a fresh take on the platformer genre, Tinykin is a must-play.
#10: Moonlighter – A Captivating Blend of Dungeon Crawling and Shopkeeping
Moonlighter is a unique title that blends two genres often seen as opposites: dungeon crawling and shopkeeping. It places players in the shoes of Will, a shopkeeper with a secret life as a courageous adventurer. By day, you manage your shop, selling items and upgrading your inventory, but by night, you dive into dungeons to collect loot, fight enemies, and uncover the mystery behind the gates of the various realms.
What sets Moonlighter apart from typical dungeon crawlers is its dual gameplay loop. The shopkeeping aspect is just as vital as dungeon exploration. You’ll need to carefully manage your stock, set prices, and haggle with customers—all while ensuring you get the right items from the dungeons. This creates a risk‑reward system where the value of the loot you collect is directly tied to your shop’s success.
The game’s art style is also a highlight—its pixelated visuals are charming and full of character, with each dungeon having its own distinct atmosphere and enemies to face. The combat is fast and satisfying, with a range of weapons and magical abilities at your disposal. But it’s the balance of exploration and strategy—deciding which items to keep and which to sell—that makes Moonlighter stand out as a hidden gem.
While Moonlighter has received praise for its innovative premise and engaging gameplay, it’s still one of those titles that often gets overlooked. If you’re a fan of games that offer a balance between action and strategy, this gem is definitely worth your time.
Conclusion: Why These Hidden Gems Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
While blockbuster titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey often steal the spotlight on the Nintendo Switch, it’s the hidden gems that truly showcase the depth and variety the platform has to offer. These underrated games might not have the massive marketing budgets or mainstream recognition of their more famous counterparts, but they deliver unforgettable experiences that can resonate just as deeply—if not more.
Exploring hidden gems gives players the opportunity to discover new worlds, fresh gameplay mechanics, and heartfelt narratives that they might otherwise miss. These titles often break the mold, offering innovative ideas and unique twists on familiar genres. Whether it’s the challenging platforming of Celeste, the emotional depth of Gris, or the charming adventure of Tinykin, each game on this list offers something special that elevates the Nintendo Switch experience.
Moreover, hidden gems often provide a level of satisfaction that comes from uncovering something off the beaten path. There’s a certain joy in finding an underappreciated game that becomes a personal favorite, and with so many incredible, lesser-known titles out there, the potential for discovery is endless. As the Nintendo Switch continues to thrive and expand, these underrated gems prove that great gaming experiences aren’t always defined by their popularity—they’re often defined by how they make you feel when you play them.
So, don’t overlook the smaller titles that may not be trending. These hidden gems deserve just as much attention and love as the big names. Dive into the list, explore these fantastic games, and discover a whole new world of adventure, creativity, and emotion on the Nintendo Switch.