Top 20 Underrated Nintendo Switch Games to Play Before Switch 2

As the Nintendo Switch nears the end of its eight-year run, with the Switch 2 on the horizon, it’s time to revisit your console one last time. Don’t miss out on these hidden treasures before you pack it away.

While blockbusters like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons are must-plays, the Switch boasts a wealth of lesser-known titles that deserve your attention.

With limited time and budgets, it’s easy to overlook great games. Dive into these Switch gems before the Switch 2 arrives—you’ll be glad you did.

20 Underrated Nintendo Switch Titles

20. Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon

Explore the origins of the iconic witch in Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, a stunning puzzle platformer with a storybook aesthetic. Fans of Bayonetta’s high-octane combat will still enjoy familiar combos, making this prequel a standout despite its unique art style.

19. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

Blending the musou-style action of Dynasty Warriors with The Legend of Zelda, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity lets you play as Link or other Breath of the Wild Champions to fend off hordes of enemies. Though not canon, it’s a thrilling companion to Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

18. New Pokemon Snap

The long-awaited sequel to the Nintendo 64’s Pokemon Snap, New Pokemon Snap (2021) expands on the original with more Pokemon to photograph and secrets to uncover across diverse biomes. A must-play for fans and newcomers alike, it’s one of the most unique Pokemon spinoffs.

17. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby’s first fully 3D adventure, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, introduces explorable environments and new abilities, like transforming into a car. As a standout in the series, it’s a shame to miss this vibrant title before the Switch era ends.

16. Paper Mario: The Origami King

Paper Mario: The Origami King captivates with its charming visuals and open-world exploration. While its combat may not match earlier entries, the stunning aesthetics make it a standout in the beloved Paper Mario series.

15. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a top-tier 2D platformer that challenges even seasoned players. Navigate crumbling icebergs and jiggly jello cubes with precise controls, vibrant visuals, and a stellar soundtrack. A must-play for platforming fans.

14. Fire Emblem Engage

Though overshadowed by Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Fire Emblem Engage shines with its multiverse nod to past characters and classic tactics RPG gameplay. Its compact maps and high difficulty appeal to strategy fans seeking a challenge.

13. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

A vibrant crossover of Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore blends idol culture with RPG combat. Its colorful style and engaging battles make it a unique gem, despite toned-down localization.

12. Astral Chain

Astral Chain delivers electrifying combat with summonable Legions, challenging bosses, and a cyberfuturistic world. Its mix of exploration, puzzles, and platforming feels like classic Nintendo dungeons, making this Switch exclusive a hidden masterpiece.

11. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope combines strategy RPG gameplay with the worlds of Mario and Ubisoft’s Rabbids. Its dynamic combat and character synergies create a surprisingly delightful mashup for fans of either franchise.

10. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door

A stunning remake of the GameCube classic, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door boasts updated visuals and gameplay. Join Mario’s treasure-hunting adventure in Rogueport for a charming, polished RPG experience.

9. F-Zero 99

F-Zero 99 reimagines the series as a 99-player battle royale, delivering thrilling races and strategic gameplay. Post-launch updates have made this unexpected revival a standout, perfect for fans craving high-speed action.

8. Pikmin 3 Deluxe

Pikmin 3 Deluxe enhances the beloved franchise with new Pikmin types, improved controls, and added content like co-op and the Piklopedia. Its quirky humor and fruit-collecting gameplay make it a must for Pikmin fans.

7. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, a Wii U gem, shines on Switch as a clever puzzle platformer. Navigate levels without jumping due to Toad’s heavy backpack, perfect for quick, engaging play sessions.

6. Game Builder Garage

Game Builder Garage is an overlooked gem that teaches game development through charming lessons. Build your own games with Nintendo’s intuitive interface, ideal for aspiring creators or curious players.

5. Xenoblade Chronicles Series

The Xenoblade Chronicles series, including 1, 2, 3, and X, offers sprawling open worlds and epic JRPG stories. With hundreds of hours of gameplay, these titles are a must for fans of grand adventures.

4. Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe is a stellar 2D platformer with robust multiplayer. Its wealth of levels, collectibles, and new epilogue make it a fantastic introduction to platforming for all ages.

3. Ring Fit Adventure

Ring Fit Adventure blends fitness with RPG gameplay, challenging you to defeat a dragon using a fitness ring. Its engaging mechanics make it more than a workout, perfect for sustained play.

2. Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread revives 2.5D Metroid with intense action and terrifying E.M.M.I. robots. Despite modest sales, this gripping search-action game is a standout for Samus fans.

1. Metroid Prime Remastered

Metroid Prime Remastered is a breathtaking remake of the GameCube classic, with upgraded visuals and controls. Its immersive exploration and tension make it a must-play before Metroid Prime 4.

These are our top picks for Switch games to explore before the Switch 2 arrives. With backward compatibility, now’s the perfect time to dive in and continue the adventure on the next console.