I think one of the greatest things about writing reviews for games is finding the games that really stand out. However, not everyone gets a chance to play, or even hear about, a lot of great games that release. They usually get buried with the shovel-ware that unfortunately makes its way onto the Switch. However, there’s still hope. Here at Nindie Nexus we have taken the time to hand pick our top five favorite hidden gems that we think that everyone should not only know exists, but play as well. So what are the Nintendo Switch hidden gems? Let’s find out!

#5 Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

The story in these games is honestly superb. Think like an actual story, not just the usual stuff Mario and Zelda have. The gameplay that drove many people away from these underrated gems has been cleaned up and some quality of life adjustments made. The art style is absolutely gorgeous, inspired by the original promotional material and art work for the original games. These games have tonnes of content for the main story and post game too.

The IQ system for your partners AI has been simplified, so it’s max by default. This is wonderful gameplay wise because they’re actually going to make smart decisions! Personally, I just liked having to work for that.

There is a free demo on the e-Shop you can play that ends just before the first boss, so there’s no excuse to not at least try it. Game Freak may have done bad with Sword and Shield, but they truly redeemed themselves with this title!

Never forget the Ekans animation…

#4 Animal Crossing New Horizons

From the moment I booted this game I knew I was in for a real treat. Don’t let the $60 price tag be concerning – this game is packed with content. You build up a deserted island that you can call your own. With no real narrative, you make your own story.

Don’t like a specific villager because in Animal Crossing New Leaf Welcome Amiibo they moved in and picked their spot right in your peach trees? Well not to worry! You can bully them out! There are endless possibilities and we cannot believe how expansive the game has become over the past few entries.

This game is perfect on Switch. Just need to get your fruits and sell them while driving to work? You can do that! Not to mention that when you pass a police officer you can quickly put away the game before you get pulled over for distracted driving. Or you can put it on the TV and get lost in the hours and hours customizing your house because you really can’t find the perfect spot to put your soda machine.

Up to 8 player support on an indie hidden gem? Who would’ve thought!

#3 Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online

With a starting release of 20 games, and more being added as Nintendo feels like it, it’s no surprise this is a game you need to pick up. With absolute classics that everyone loves like Soccer, Star Soldier, Clu Clu Land, and more, getting this hidden gem for free with a Nintendo Switch Online membership should be a no-brainer to many. However, we at Nindie Nexus think that everyone should try out this fantastic collection of indie hidden gems. With hours of content to be had with all the great games and mediocre online to outright terrible online play, why wouldn’t you pick this up?

Just look at all these great indie classics!

#2 The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild

With only 10 million copies sold, it’s no surprise to anyone here that many have not heard of this fantastic open-world game by our favorite indie company, Nintendo. Even three years later, I still play the game in awe at how beautiful it is. From the art style to the combat system, and even the rain mechanic that makes you slip when climbing, this game screams, “peaceful.” The story is quite fantastic as well, with amazing voice acting, cutscenes, and more! It truly is a shame that hardly anyone has heard of such a wonderful game.

This picture gets me every time I see it.

#1 Celeste

Now, Celeste is truly the greatest hidden gem to exist on the Nintendo Switch. So, r/tomorrow, you can put the wife’s boyfriend away because I 100% agree that Celeste is the greatest game to ever exist. This game is so hidden, in fact, that Limited Run Games forgot to ship out the copies that I, and very few others, had ordered! It wasn’t until about eleven months later that we had finally gotten our copies in hand.

Celeste is perfect, from the controls, to the story, to the pixel art-style of the game, nothing can compare to the masterpiece that this game is. If this game is on sale, do not buy it, because the developers should be getting full price and then some for this piece of art. Even the story is beautiful! Nothing bad can be said about this game, and I still don’t understand why everyone doesn’t already own at least 5 copies.

Be sure to get a 6th copy for your girlfriend that doesn’t have a switch!

This was certainly a very difficult list to make. We spent countless hours and played through many games over the past 2 years of us reviewing games to try and find the best of the best for our fans to enjoy. Do you agree with our list? Let us know what your favorite hidden gems are!

Enjoyed the article? Consider donating to our Patreon! Or for a smaller, one-time donation you can buy us coffee on Ko-fi! Also be sure to give Nindie Nexus and me a follow on Twitter, or subscribe to us on YouTube, and hey! We even occasionally stream on Twitch too!. Want to talk to me and everyone else at Nindie Nexus? Then be sure to join our Discord server! Do you wear clothes? Need something to drink out of? Want to protect your phone with a case? Why not pick up some Nindie Nexus Merch? It’ll help support us and you get something pretty cool out of it. And finally, one review I enjoyed reading recently was for The End is Nigh – I know you will too!