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The Nintendo Switch has so many amazing indie titles that can be considered some of the best games on the system.

There are a lot of them, so instead of sifting through that eShop, we’ve made a list of 90 of the best indie titles that simply must be played by any indie gaming enthusiast (as of December, 2019). Nintendo has taken a positive direction with regards to making it easier for indie game developers to make games, and it shows!

Disclaimer: We are only listing titles that we have personally played as we do not believe in putting a game on a list that we have not personally experienced. Therefore, there may be a few notable exclusions (such as Limbo and Darkest Dungeon), but we will try our best to get to them and consider them for our future when we update the list in May. If there are any games that you believe should be a candidate for this list, please let us know by emailing us at team@switchaboo.com.

90. Mighty Gunvolt Burst

Developed By INTI CREATES CO., LTD.

Published By INTI CREATES CO., LTD.

Genre Action / Platformer

Rating E

Players 1

Remember Beck? You know, the main character from that Kickstarter game Mighty No. 9. Well guess what? He’s in a good game this time! Yes, Mighty Gunvolt Burst combines Beck with the Azure Striker Gunvolt series to make a classic style Megamanesque 2D platformer.

89. Tumbleseed

Developed By Team TumbleSeed

Published By aeiowu

Genre Action / Adventure

Rating E

Players 1 – 2

This game is an anxiety-inducing experience that simply must be played to appreciate. The goal is to balance a seed on a tightrope as you avoid obstacles and pitfalls. The sheer uniqueness of Tumbleseed, along with its colourful art style, certainly makes it stand out amongst the ever-growing list of indie titles on the Switch.

88. Kamiko

Published By Flyhigh Works

Genre Action / Arcade

Rating E

Players 1

This game is for when your grandparents don’t know what to give you for your birthday, and your parents tell them that you would like a game for your “Nintendo”, but they have no clue when it comes to games so they give you an eShop card. After you use it to buy an expensive game, what are you going to do with the remaining $5? You buy Kamiko, of course! This indie darling is similar to topdown Legend of Zelda games with an arcade twist. Battle demons, solve puzzles and break all the seals to face off against various stage bosses.

87. Graceful Explosion Machine

Developed By Vertex Pop

Published By Vertex Pop

Genre Action / Arcade / Shooter

Rating E

Players 1

This shoot ‘em up indie has you controlling the GEM fighter in order to blast your way through alien worlds. Collect jewels for high scores and feel every shot with HD Rumble to be truly engrossed in this wacky arcade shooter.

86. Thimbleweed Park

Developed By Terrible Toybox, Inc.

Published By Terrible Toybox

Genre Adventure / Puzzle

Rating T

Players 1

From the creators of the phenomenon Monkey Island, Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick have made another masterpiece with Thimbleweed Park. This game takes place in a town of the same name and is set in neo-noir 1987. Play as five characters, all trying to uncover mysteries of murder and terror. With serious themes coupled alongside witty humour, this indie title will bring out a range of emotions as it encapsulates the magical storytelling from Gilbert and Winnick.

85. Severed

Developed By DrinkBox Studios

Published By DrinkBox Studios

Genre Action / RPG

Rating

Players 1

Developed by the same company that brought us Guacamelee, Severed utilizes their iconic artstyle with a twist in gameplay. Use touch screen controls to slash at enemies with precision and timing. This first-person dungeon crawler is bursting with personality and is definitely one to consider if you like to play the Switch in handheld mode.

84. Mimpi Dreams

Developed By doinksoft

Published By Devolver Digital

Genre Action / Adventure / Platformer

Rating E

Players 1

Mimpi is a lazy dog. He likes to sleep a lot but in his dreams, he can be whatever he wants to be and go wherever he wants to go. In his dreams, Mimpi can be the star of the show, the hero of the narrative, collecting dog bones and solving puzzles. Where does this lead to you might ask? Well back to his own bed, of course!

If you’d like to learn more about Mimpi Dreams, click here to read our review.

83. Poi: Explorer Edition

Developed By PolyKid

Published By PolyKid

Genre Platformer / Adventure

Rating E

Players 1

For those who grew up in the golden age of 3D platformers, this game will surely seem familiar. Poi is an ambitious title that takes inspiration from classic Mario and Banjo-Kazooie games on the Nintendo 64. Embark on a grand adventure across many worlds, and don’t forget to pick up those many collectibles along the way!

If you’d like to know more about this game, then click here to read our review of Poi.

82. Jotun

Developed By Thunder Lotus Games

Published By Thunder Lotus Games

Genre Action / Adventure

Rating T

Players 1

Jotun: Valhalla Edition is a beautifully hand-drawn action game that immerses you in Norse mythology. Thora, a female viking warrior who has suffered an inglorious death, must prove herself to the Gods in order to enter Valhalla. Featuring nine levels filled to the brim with Viking mythology, take down ferocious Jotuns (giant Norse elementals) with Thora’s two-handed axe and powers bestowed upon her by the gods.

81. Pawarumi

Developed By Manufacture 43

Published By Manufacture 43

Genre Action / Arcade

Rating E10+

Players 1

Pawarumi is adrenaline-pumping, innovative and surprisingly captivating! It takes what is great about the arcade shoot ’em up genre and provides just enough to give it its own sense of unique flare. I just wish I knew more about what was actually happening in terms of context and despite its smooth gameplay, a performance update during the brief intermissions could do Pawarumi’s overall appeal wonders.

If you’d like to learn more about Pawarumi, click here to read our review.

80. Pool Panic

Developed By Rekim

Published By Adult Swim Games

Genre Adventure / Multiplayer / Party / Puzzle

Rating E10+

Players 1 – 4

Don’t panic, it’s only pool. But it’s pool in a wacky world full of crazy scenarios. Run around as a cue ball and pot all of the other balls, including: raccoon balls who will only come down when you’ve knocked the meat off of the barbecue grill and ballerina balls who glide away when you aim at them. Pool Panic contains that Adult Swim vibe that may seem familiar from many wacky cartoons, and this game bursts with so much personality that it’ll all oddly make sense in the end.

If you’d like to learn more about Pool Panic, click here to read our Quick Review.

79. Velocity 2X



Developed By FuturLab

Published By Curve Digital

Genre Shooter / Action / Platformer / Arcade

Rating E10+

Players 1

Velocity 2X combines fast-paced SHMUP action with 2D platforming, allowing you to fly into areas that has you to take down the enemy from the inside. Play as Lt. Kai Tana and take down the enemy aliens known as Vokh who had conducted cybernetics modifications on her body. Use these new power ups to take them down and protect your newly founded allies. Including all DLC and daily challenges, this indie darling is packed full of fast-paced content.

78. Black Future ‘88

Developed By SuperScarySnakes

Published By Gambitious

Genre Action / Adventure / Multiplayer

Rating T

Players 1 – 2

The year is 1988; well, it may as well be as the world stopped keeping track of time after the nuclear fallout. The sun is now blacked out and the only thing left to do is take down Duncan, the mastermind of it all. In Black Future ’88, you’ll make your way up a procedurally-generated tower to put an end to Duncan’s reign of terror.

If you’d like to learn more about Black Future ‘88, click here to read our review.

77. Splasher

Developed By Splashteam

Published By Plug In Digital

Genre Platformer / Arcade / Action

Rating T

Players 1

Splasher is an incredibly challenging 2D platformer that takes place in a construction factory that is conducting some shady business. Put and end to it and stop the mad scientist by shooting different color ink in order to stick on to or bounce off of walls. Just imagine Splatoon as a 2D platformer.

76. Thumper

Developed By Drool

Published By Drool LLC

Genre Action / Music / Arcade

Rating E10+

Players 1

As soon as you boot this one up, you’ll realise that Thumper sets out to purely overstimulate your senses. It’s a rhythm game that requires your unwavering attention with its original fast-tempo tracks and reflex-testing obstacles.

75. Mighty Switch Force! Collection

Developed By WayForward

Published By WayForward

Genre Action / Adventure / Platformer / Puzzle

Rating E10+

Players 1 – 4

The Mighty Switch Force! Collection is a well done compilation of the series to date, allowing fans of the series to traverse it all again with one last purchase and newcomers to delve right in with all that the series has to offer. The series offers some well designed puzzles that offer more skill-based challenges than mental ones, but this may be just the right amount of difficulty for those wanting some straightforward pick up and play action.

If you’d like to learn more about Mighty Switch Force! Collection, click here to read our review.

74. Fast RMX

Developed By Shin’en

Published By Shin’en

Genre Racing / Action / Arcade

Rating E

Players 1 – 4

Players (Local / Online) 2 – 8

Some of you may have played Fast Racing Neo on the Wii U. If so, then this game might seem a little familiar. Fast Racing RMX combines fast action-packed racing with futuristic graphics and smooth controls. Even though fans have been screaming for a new F-Zero game for over a decade now, at least we have this indie gem to tie us over.

73. Minit

Developed By JW, Kitty, Jukio, and Dom

Published By Devolver Digital

Genre Action / Adventure

Rating E

Players 1

Minit is a black and white action adventure game akin to classic Legend of Zelda games. But there’s a twist: You only get 60 seconds until you die and are sent back to the house. Get to the bottom of the cursed swords by gaining hints and uncovering your next move. Use the time that you have to make quick progress, and save the world one minute at a time.

If you’d like to know more about this game, then click here to read our Quick Review.

72. Electronic Super Joy

Developed By Michael Todd Games

Published By Hard Copy Games

Genre Action / Arcade / Music / Platformer

Rating M

Players 1

Electronic Super Joy is a challenging 2D platformer that has you preparing to die a lot. With its upbeat music and array of flashing colours, make your way through psychedelic levels that will test your skills like never before. Oh, and take down the evil Pope… that’s important.

If you’d like to learn more about Electronic Super Joy, click here to read our review.

71. Gorogoa

Developed By Buried Signal

Published By Annapurna Interactive

Genre Puzzle / Adventure

Rating E

Players 1

Gorogoa is an artistic puzzle game that is laid out on a square with four images. The player must delve deeper into each image to find connections with each other. Guide the young boy across various religious and spiritual themes in a 20th century European setting.

If you’d like to know more about this game, then click here to read our Quick Review.

70. Night in the Woods

Developed By Infinite Fall

Published By Finji

Genre Adventure / Platformer

Rating T

Players 1

Night in the Woods may seem cute and fluffy with its stylistic design, but it contains more mature themes than you’d initially expect. This game brings up everyday issues of local businesses and the pressures of adulthood. Explore a vibrant world and talk to the furry residents to reveal some truly deep and emotional moments.

69. West of Loathing

Developed By Asymmetric

Published By Asymmetric

Genre Adventure / RPG

Rating T

Players 1

Don’t let West of Loathing’s simplistic art style fool you, there is so much more to this game that what appears on the surface. Combat is surprisingly deep and the world contains much to explore and discover. But where this game truly shines is in its dialogue. With witty banter set in a classic western, West of Loathing will actually make you laugh out loud. Play one of three character classes and fight back as the cows have literally come home.

68. Screencheat: Unplugged

Developed By Samurai Punk

Published By Samurai Punk

Genre Action / Arcade / Party / First-Person Shooter

Rating E10+

Players 2-4

Think Goldeneye 007, but everyone is invisible. Screencheat: Unplugged has is a local multi-player game with classic first-person deathmatch gameplay. All of the arenas are colour-coated, requiring you to look at your opponents squares in order to determine their approximate locations. Once you think you’ve got them, unleash hell into nowhere and hope that you hit them before they hit you.

67. Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon

Developed By INTI CREATES CO., LTD.

Published By INTI CREATES CO., LTD.

Genre Action / Platformer

Rating T

Players 1

Inti Creates is responsible for some of the most memorable Nindies, and Curse of the Moon continues that trend by paying homage to classic side-scrolling Castlevania games. This title keeps the core gameplay elements of the series like platforming, boss fights, and falling backwards into pits, but eases newcomers in with some needed difficulty settings. Experienced players might still find the “veteran” setting too easy, but the post-game which restricts your party should alleviate any of those concerns, and helps keep the experience fresh. It’s short, but stands as a great appetizer to the upcoming Ritual of the Night.

66. Forager

Developed By HopFrog

Published By Humble Bundle

Genre Adventure / Simulation / Strategy / Puzzle

Rating E

Players 1

Forager is a beautifully crafted and wonderfully addictive game; one where you go to bed at 11pm, take out your Switch for ten minutes and realise it’s suddenly 3am. Most of its shortcomings can seemingly be fixed with patch updates, providing a better quality of life experience, but as it stands at the time of this review, they keep the game from reaching its potential.

If you’d like to learn more about Forager, click here to read our review.

65. The Swords of Ditto: Mormo’s Quest

Developed By onebitbeyond

Published By Devolver Digital

Genre Action / Adventure

Rating E10+

Players 1 – 2

The Sword of Ditto: Mormo’s Curse is an action-adventure game that is akin to classic topdown games of the 90s. The game tells the story of heroes of the sword on a mission to take down the evil Mormo, one that spans across many generations and many heroes.

If you’d like to learn more about The Swords of Ditto: Mormo’s Quest, click here to read our review.

64. Dust: An Elysian Tail

Developed By BOOTDISK REVOLUTION

Published By Digerati

Genre Action / Adventure / Fighting / Platformer

Rating T

Players 1 – 2

Dust: An Elysian Tail lets you go on a wondrous journey that is beautifully hand-painted and bursting with color. Play as Dust, a warrior with a warped memory, alongside the mythical Blade of Ahrah and the blade’s guardian, Fidget. This indie features a rich combat system with RPGlike upgrade systems along with the ability to craft your own weapons and armor. Dust: An Elysian Tail is also fully voice acted and makes the world feel so much more alive with personality.

63. Sparklite

Developed By RedBlue Games

Published By Merge Games

Genre Action / Adventure

Rating E10+

Players 1 – 2

Sparklite is a topdown roguelike action adventure game with a charming pixel art style. Play as Ada, alongside her plucky robot friend, and stop the Baron from using the ore known as Sparklite for evil purposes. With the ability to repurpose Sparklite on top of the airship known as The Refuge, drop down to the polluted world of Geodia and take down titan bosses to free the world of its curses.

If you’d like to learn more about Sparklite, click here to read our review.

62. Pikuniku

Developed By Sectordub

Published By Devolver Digital

Genre Puzzle / Platformer / Adventure

Rating E

Players 1 – 2

Pikuniku is a physics-based puzzle-platformer that takes place in a happy world riddled with sinister plots. As a red blob with legs, talk to interesting characters, undertake strange requests and explore a colourful world full of charm and personality.

If you’d like to learn more about Pikuniku, click here to read/watch our review.

61. Creature in the Well

Developed By Flight School Studio

Published By Flight School Studio

Genre Action / Adventure / Arcade / Puzzle

Rating E

Players 1

This roguelite hack & slash dungeon crawler takes a pinball inspiration, having the player delve through dungeons and using your sword to charge up and hit energy orbs to have them ricochet from bumper to bumper. Set out to restore power to the ancient facility that is now haunted by a Creature in the Well (sound familiar?). Get ready to combine one of the newest genres with one of the oldest!

60. Gato Roboto

Developed By doinksoft

Published By Devolver Digital

Genre Action / Adventure / Platformer

Rating E

Players 1

Gato Roboto is a classically-inspired 2D metroidvania that has you controlling a cat in a mech suit. As crazy as that may sound, the cat is actually being controlled remotely by the injured captain in his ship that has crash landed on a remote planet. Explore uncharted territories, upgrade your equipment and delve deeper into uncovering the dark mysteries that dwell within.

If you’d like to learn more about Gato Roboto, click here to read our review.

59. SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech

Developed By Image & Form

Published By Thunderful Publishing

Genre RPG / Adventure

Rating E

Players 1

In SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech, travel through a whimsical land filled with fantasy and steamboats, swords and magic, dragons and snoody guild members who have forgotten what it means to be a true hero. The combat is familiar turn-based RPG, much different to what Image & Form have ever done in the past.

If you’d like to learn more about SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech, click here to read our review.

58. OXENFREE

Developed By Night School Studio

Published By Night School Studio

Genre Adventure

Rating T

Players 1

Set on an old abandoned military island, a group of teenagers spend a night to get away from their troubles. However as the night progresses, ghosts of the island’s past begin to terrorise the group, possessing their bodies and forcing them to face their fears. Each decision that you make can alter the outcome of the story and the relationships with the characters. OXENFREE is an award-winning game that simply must be played by anyone who loves a good scary story.

57. Enter the Gungeon

Developed By Dodge Roll

Published By Devolver Digital

Genre Action / Adventure / Arcade

Rating T

Players 1 – 2

Enter the Gungeon is a unique dungeon crawler that pits you against hordes of enemies and big baddies in order to find the gun that can kill the past. With seven heroes to choose from and an array of guns to fight with, you’ll be gunning down enemies for hours on end!

56. Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap

Developed By Lizardcube

Published By DotEmu

Genre Adventure / Action / Platformer / Other

Rating E10+

Players 1

Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is a wonderful recreation of the classic Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap (basically the same name) on the Sega Master System. This indie darling features beautiful recreations of its artwork and music, with the ability to go back to the old retro style on a whim. Play as a boy (or as a girl in this remake) who gets inflicted with curses that transforms him/her into various animals, each with their own unique abilities. This remake is a love letter to retro gaming and a gift to fans of simpler times.

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55. Crypt of the Necrodancer

Developed By Brace Yourself Games

Published By Brace Yourself

Genre RPG / Music / Action / Other

Rating T

Players 1 – 2

Crypt of the Necrodancer is an indie game that combines rhythm gaming with RPG action dungeon crawling. As much as that may sound like an odd mismatch, it somehow works so well to create an incredibly unique gaming experience. You have fallen deep down into a dungeon and you need to recapture your still beating heart that beats to the rhythm of the music. Fight your way through procedurally-generated dungeons and get to the end in order to slay the NecroDancer.

54. Yooka-Laylee

Developed By Playtonic Games

Published By Team17 Digital Ltd

Genre Platformer / Adventure / Action

Rating E10+

Players 1 – 4

Want some more 3D platforming goodness? Then look no further than Yooka-Laylee! From a team largely built on many ex-Rare employees, Playtonic Games brings us a beautiful 3D platformer in the same vein as Banjo-Kazooie and Conker’s Bad Fur Day. With the soundtrack composed by Grant Kirkhope himself, you’ll feel just like a kid again collecting pagies and fast-forwarding through those dialogue grunts and squawks.

53. LUMINES REMASTERED

Developed By Resonair

Published By Enhance

Genre Puzzle / Arcade

Rating E

Players 1-2

LUMINES REMASTERED is a classic indie that has been remastered for the Nintendo Switch. The blocks contain two separate colours and you want to align your next block so that you can match them up in order to score big combos. Sounds easy? Well, don’t get ahead of yourself! LUMINES REMASTERED offers challenging but addictive gameplay, perfect for any puzzle fans or anyone just needing to kill ten minutes on the train.

52. Slay the Spire

Developed By Mega Crit

Published By Humble Bundle

Genre Action / RPG / Strategy

Rating E10+

Players 1

Slay the Spire is a turn-based roguelike with card game elements. Build the best deck that you can put together and fight your way up an ever-changing Spire that provides each playthrough with its own challenges, enemies and boss battles.

If you’d like to learn more about Slay the Spire, click here to read our review.

51. A Hat in Time

Developed By Gears for Breakfast

Published By Humble Bundle

Genre Action / Adventure / Platformer

Rating T

Players 1 – 2

The 3D platforming genre is one that can be difficult for an indie studio to create and when the attempt is made, it’s difficult to say how it will turn out. A Hat in Time is one of those attempts that features a small top hat-wearing girl who has lost her source of fuel (Time Pieces) and must now venture to retrieve them all whilst making many frenemies along the way.

If you’d like to learn more about A Hat in Time, click here to read our review.

50. Unruly Heroes

Developed By Magic Design Studios

Published By Magic Design Studios

Genre Action / Platformer / Fighting / Puzzle

Rating E10+

Players 1 – 4

Set in a world inspired by the classic tale “Journey to the West”, Unruly Heroes has you swapping between four heroes in order to save the land from an endless night. As an action-platformer, you’ll be taking down your enemies and overcoming some challenging platforming areas, but only if your reflexes are quick enough.

If you’d like to learn more about Unruly Heroes, click here to read our review.

49. River City Girls

Developed By WayForward

Published By WayForward

Genre Adventure / Arcade / Fighting / Multiplayer

Rating E10+

Players 1 – 2

River City Girls is an old school beat ’em up about two high school girls who want nothing more than to find their kidnapped boyfriends. Upon receiving a text message about this heinous crime, the bubbly Kyoko and the hot-headed Misako break out of detention and take down anyone who gets in their way, including the yakuza.

If you’d like to learn more about River City Girls, click here to read our review.

48. Wandersong

Developed By Greg Lobanov

Published By Humble Bumble

Genre Adventure / Platformer / Music

Rating E

Players 1

In so many video games, you play as the chosen hero who brandishes a sword and saves the world by slaying everything that crosses their path. But what if you could save the world without violence, but with your voice? In Wandersong, that’s exactly what you do! Travel from one wacky area to the next, using your voice to solve puzzles. Wandersong’s dialogue and charaterisation are the game’s best qualities, turning a video game trope on its head and ushering in a brand new experience to a medium that tends to rely on violence to solve one’s problems.

47. Shantae: Half-Genie Hero: Ultimate Edition

Developed By WayForward

Published By WayForward

Genre Action / Adventure / Platformer

Rating T

Players 1

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero was the result of a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign. Shantae has never looked better in High Definition, with an eye-popping art style and character designs that have been years in the making. This new iteration of Shantae allows the half-genie to transform into different animals, each with their own unique abilities. Play as Shantae as she saves the day again, this time by helping Uncle Mimic retrieve the missing components in order for him to finish off his newest creation of the Dynamo. With the Ultimate Edition, you also get more expansions as well as a few new transformations.

46. Ape Out

Developed By Gabe Cuzzillo

Published By Devolver Digital

Genre Action / Arcade / Fighting / Adventure

Rating T

Players 1

Ape Out is a twinstick beat em up where the player controls a deranged escaped Ape as he attempts to fight his way through dozens of procedurally generated levels, all the while listening to the longest drum solo of all time. With super satisfying combat; stylistic, unique graphics; and a killer soundtrack, Ape Out is a welcome addition to the Switch.

If you’d like to learn more about Ape Out, click here to read our review.

45. SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition

Developed By Image & Form

Published By Image & Form

Genre Action / Strategy / Shooter / RPG

Rating E10+

Players 1

SteamWorld Heist is a very unique strategy shooter from the creators of the SteamWorld Dig series. Play as robot space pirates as they travel from ship to ship in epic tactical shootouts. In similar Wormslike fashion, battle it out in 2D spaces and shoot your opponents whilst achieving the mission’s goal. And don’t forget, some of your bullets can ricochet off walls, so be sure to use that to your advantage!

44. Wizard of Legend

Developed By Contingent99

Published By Humble Bumble

Genre Action / Adventure / Arcade

Rating E10+

Players 1-2

Wizard of Legend is a top down procedurally-generated action game that has you taking on many enemies in order to reach the next boss. This game features a plethora of different spells, relics and wizard robes, providing you with many different combinations to fight with. Can you make it all the way to the end and become the Wizard of Legend?

43. The Jackbox Party Pack 3

Developed By Jackbox Games

Published By Jackbox Games

Genre Party

Rating T

Players 1 – 8

The Jackbox Party Pack series is the ULTIMATE party game franchise (except for perhaps Mario Party)! Whilst all four titles in the series are a lot of fun, we feel as though the third installment contains the most innovative and unique games. Join in on your smart device and laugh at the hilarity that ensues from those around you.

42. Bastion

Developed By Supergiant Games

Published By Supergiant Games

Genre RPG / Action / Adventure

Rating E10+

Players 1

The Calamity has just destroyed your world and as the hero, you need to do whatever it takes to make things right. This indie action-RPG features beautifully crafted levels and tight gameplay that fits perfectly on the Nintendo Switch. Bastion doesn’t like to tell the story through many cutscenes, rather it uniquely unveils the plot and backstory through a voiceover that narrates your every move.

41. 20XX

Developed By Batterystaple

Published By Batterystaple

Genre Action / Platformer / Multiplayer / Arcade

Rating E10+

Players 1-2

If Mega Man 11 reawakened that itch but you’re still in the mood for something new, then 20XX may need to be your next purchase. This game feels like those classic games from decades past, however it mixes up the formula with procedurally-generated levels. Collect soul chips to buy new upgrades and keep going until you defeat every boss in a single run through – trust us, it’s not as easy as it sounds.

40. Etherborn

Developed By Altered Matter

Published By Altered Matter

Genre Platformer / Puzzle

Rating E

Players 1

Etherborn is a 3D puzzle platformer with many twists and turns… literally. The laws of gravity shifts as you continue to traverse it, with mind-bending puzzles and platforming challenges. Do this whilst questioning one’s own existence, constantly making your way up The Endless Tree and following the faceless voice that beckons you.

If you’d like to learn more about Etherborn, click here to read our review.

39. Timespinner

Developed By Lunar Ray Games

Published By Chucklefish

Genre Action / Adventure / Platformer / RPG

Rating T

Players 1 – 2

Lunais is a gifted young girl who has been chosen to proceed through the Timespinner. However as she is just about to do so, the Lachien Empire murders her family in front of her very eyes. Now lost in an unknown world, feeling hopeless and lost in despair, Lunais must find her way back with nothing but the ability to control time itself.

If you’d like to learn more about Timespinner, click here to read our review.

38. Moonlighter

Developed By Digital Sun

Published By 11 Bit Studios

Genre Action / Adventure / RPG / Simulation

Rating E10+

Players 1

Moonlighter is a visually stunning game that has you playing as a shopkeep by day and a dungeoneer by night, delving deeper into the four dungeons, defeating bosses and unlocking the next one. Upgrade your weapons and armour with the loot that you sell at your shop and go back to the dungeons stronger and ready for more action. This game will always have you considering your next move and if you’re worn out from all the action, you can always head back to the shop and sell what you’ve collected.

If you’d like to learn more about Moonlighter, click here to read our review.

37. Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King

Developed By Castle Pixel

Published By FDG Entertainment

Genre Action / Adventure / RPG / Platformer

Rating E10+

Players 1

So I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that Nintendo Switch owners probably like a little series known as Legend of Zelda. Am I right? At launch, the Switch was graced with a beautiful 3D open world Zelda game called Breath of the Wild, but for those who wish to scratch that 2D Zelda itch, this is the game for you! Play as Lily as you traverse dungeons, solve puzzles and defeat bosses in order to awaken the king and stop his evil wizard brother from taking over the Kingdom of Blossom.

If you’d like to know more about this game, then click here to read our review of Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King.

36. Untitled Goose Game

Developed By House House

Published By Panic

Genre Action / Puzzle

Rating E

Players 1

Ever wanted to be a mischievous goose and just be annoying? No? Well, now you can! From Australian developers House House, Untitled Goose Game is a wacky adventure of a goose that is simply out to cause as much mayhem as possible. It’s a simple concept, but it’s one that has resonated with fans and now we get to see whether the game speaks (honks) for itself.

If you’d like to learn more about Untitled Goose Game, click here to read our review.

35. The Talos Principle

Developed By Croteam

Published By Devolver Digital

Genre Puzzle / Strategy / Adventure

Rating E

Players 1

The Talos Principle is a first-person puzzle game that has you play as a robot tasked with solving complex puzzles in worlds that have been brought to ruin. Learn more about the civilisations that came before you and progress by using your mind to look at puzzles in a way that you may never have before.

34. Into the Breach

Developed By Subset Games

Published By Subset Games

Genre Strategy / RPG

Rating E10+

Players 1

While Into the Breach may appear to be a turn-based strategy akin to the Fire Emblem series, it tends to have more in common with a puzzle game. And it’s brilliant. The player takes control of three piloted mechs in order to prevent alien insects from destroying the world and its inhabitants, and with a vast array of weaponry, strategies, and no two playthroughs being alike, this is absolutely worth the small pricepoint.

If you’d like to learn more about Into the Breach, click here to read our review.

33. Blasphemous

Developed By The Game Kitchen

Published By Team17

Genre Action / Adventure / Platformer / RPG

Rating M

Players 1

Blasphemous is a 2D Metroidvania set in the accursed world of Cvstodia. The desolation and downfall of this land is due to “The Miracle” and its inhabitants have fallen victim to its devastation. Play as the Penitent One, a survivor whose task it is to rid the world of the curse and slay all those who stand before him in the most satisfyingly gruesome way possible.

If you’d like to learn more about Blasphemous, click here to read our review.

32. The Gardens Between

Developed By The Voxel Agents

Published By The Voxel Agents

Genre Puzzle / Adventure

Rating E

Players 1

The Gardens Between is a puzzle game that allows you to manipulate time. The aim is to work with the two characters, bringing the lantern with the light inside up spiral mountains to the end goal. You don’t actually control the characters, rather you fast forward and rewind the scenario, interacting with objects in order to alter their path.

31. My Friend Pedro

Developed By Deadtoast

Published By Devolver Digital

Genre Action / Adventure / Platformer / Arcade

Rating T

Players 1

My Friend Pedro is a run n’ gun action platformer with precision-based physics and the ability to slow down time, allowing for some creative manoeuvring and high octane gun violence. Uncover the secrets of your mysterious kidnapping by using everything around you at your disposal, all with the help of Pedro, a sentient floating banana.

If you’d like to learn more about My Friend Pedro, click here to read our review.

30. Iconoclasts

Developed By Joakim Sandberg

Published By Bifrost Ent.

Genre Action / Adventure

Rating T

Players 1

Iconoclasts is a beautifully crafted metroidvania that has you play as Robin, a mechanic from Settlement 17. Whilst the game features a spectacular 16 Bit inspired art style, Iconoclasts’ plot is anything but bright and cheerful. Iconoclasts’ plot is focused on exactly as its name suggests, corruption and deceit that lies at the root of the One Concern, the religious faith that the world follows, and it’s up to you and your friends that you meet along the way to uncover the truth.

29. Baba Is You

Developed By Hempuli

Published By Hempuli

Genre Puzzle

Rating E

Players 1

Baba Is You is a grid-based 2D puzzle game developed by Arvi “Hempuli” Teikari as an expansion of his award-winning entry in the 2017 Nordic Game Jam. Manoeuvre text tiles around to form different sentences that inherently change the rules of the game (it’s hard to hard… watch the trailer). With an ingenious central premise free of unnecessary aesthetic fluff, this is a dense, challenging game that can rely on the quality of its own design to keep the player invested.

If you’d like to learn more about Baba Is You, click here to read our review.

28. Blaster Master Zero 2

Developed By Inti Creates

Published By Inti Creates

Genre Platformer / Action / Adventure

Rating E

Players 1

Recreating a classic NES platformer series, Blaster Master Zero 2’s predecessor launched very suddenly on Nintendo Switch within one week of the console’s launch back in March 2017. The sequel dropped onto the eShop in similar fashion and has aimed to improve on every aspect of its predecessor. Blaster Master Zero 2 is a fantastic example of a retro reboot done right.

If you’d like to learn more about Blaster Master Zero 2, click here to read our review.

27. GRIS

Developed By Nomada Studio

Published By Devolver Digital

Genre Adventure / Platformer / Action / Puzzle

Rating E

Players 1

GRIS is a game that aims to captivate the player with its beautiful presentation. Play as a young girl making her way through a world that unfolds around her. And yet despite its simplicity in gameplay, GRIS is truly a game to behold. The art style, the music, the atmosphere, it all blends together to create a beautifully relaxing experience. GRIS focuses more on its cinematic beauty rather than gameplay complexity, so you’ve been warned there, however the game transcends in its presentation and is a marvel to behold.

If you’d like to learn more about GRIS, click here to read our review.

26. Undertale

Developed By 8-4

Published By 8-4

Genre RPG

Rating E10+

Players 1

The cult indie classic has made its way onto the Nintendo Switch! Undertale is a charming adventure that has you travelling through a world of monsters, making friends and meeting some interesting characters. The music is absolutely something to behold, and will have you humming along for days. With its unique battle mechanics, as well as the option to talk to your enemies rather than fight them, Undertale is a breath of fresh air amongst the masses.

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25. Yoku’s Island Express

Developed By Villa Gorilla

Published By Team17

Genre Platformer / Adventure / Puzzle / Arcade

Rating E10+

Players 1

Yoku’s Island Express is a Metroidvania Pinball game that is as unique as it sounds. Play as a little beetle tethered to a ball twice his size who has just accepted a new job as a postman (postbug?) on the tropical island of Mokuma. However, Mokuma is in danger as the ancient island deity is trapped in a restless sleep. So it falls to you to gather the three chiefs and save the island… for some reason.

If you’d like to know more about this game, then click here to read our Review.

24. Guacamelee

Developed By DrinkBox Studios

Published By DrinkBox Studios

Genre Action / Adventure / Fighting / Platformer

Rating E10+

Players 1 – 4

Along with the announcement that the sequel will soon be coming to the Nintendo Switch, it was only a matter of time for this indie darling to grace itself on the hybrid console. Guacamelee is a beautifully crafted Metroidvania inspired by Mexico’s culture and folklore. Play as Juan, a luchador who is not afraid to fight, travel back and forth between the worlds of the living and the dead, and even turn into a chicken in order to save the woman he loves.

23. Battle Chef Brigade

Developed By Trinket Studios

Published By Adult Swim Games

Genre RPG / Puzzle / Platformer / Action

Rating E10+

Players 1

Have you ever wanted to live in a fantasy world, fighting strange monsters and using the ingredients that you harvest from them in Iron Chefesque battles? Well if yes, that’s a strange dream you have there… but you can live it in Battle Chef Brigade! This indie title combines 2 side-scrolling combat with challenging element matching puzzle gameplay to make the best dish in order to appease the judges, beat your opponent and rise the ranks to join the Battle Chef Brigade. With high quality voice acting, beautiful hand drawn visuals and an engaging story, this game has it all.

If you’d like to know more about this game, then click here to read our Quick Review.

22. SUPERHOT

Developed By SUPERHOT Team

Published By SUPERHOT Team

Genre Action / First-Person / Puzzle

Rating T

Players 1

SUPERHOT is a first-person shooter/puzzle game with a unique concept: time moves only when you move. Play through bite-sized levels to rid each room of its enemies and proceed onwards. However, there’s more to it than that as you may question whether you’re playing the game or the game is playing you.

If you’d like to learn more about SUPERHOT, click here to read our review.

21. Axiom Verge

Developed By Thomas Happ Games

Published By Thomas Happ Games

Genre Adventure / Action / Platformer

Rating E10+

Players 1

Hungry for a new 2D Metroid game this isn’t just a remake? Well, this is the answer! Axiom Verge is clearly inspired by the space bounty hunter we all know and love with graphics that are reminiscent of the SNES iteration. Some consider this indie title as the new Metroid game that we’ve been clambering for for years.

20. Katana ZERO

Developed By Askiisoft

Published By Devolver Digital

Genre Action / Platformer

Rating M

Players 1

Katana ZERO is a 2D hack n’ slash platformer that allows you to manipulate time in order to cause bloody mayhem. Each day you are injected with your ‘medicine’ and sent out on assassination missions as you do whatever you can to regain your memory and piece the madness together. Katana ZERO is shrouded in mystery and will have you questioning what is real throughout the entirety of the game.

If you’d like to learn more about Katana ZERO, click here to read our review.

19. Dead Cells

Developed By Motion Twin

Published By Motion Twin

Genre Action / Platformer

Rating T

Players 1

Dead Cells is a procedurally-generating roguelike metroidvania (say that five times fast). The game has a unique art style with 2D sprite-based background and 3D character models that have be down-resed in order to maintain that smooth gameplay whilst keeping true to its art style. Play as an undead science experiment who keeps coming back to life at the beginning each time you die. Make your way through each section and collect as many upgrades. Take down a variety of horrifying enemies, collect precious cells from them and spend them on permanent upgrades to progress through the game.

If you’d like to know more about this game, then click here to read our Review.

18. Inside

Developed By Playdead

Published By Playdead

Genre Adventure / Puzzle

Rating M

Players 1

With critical acclaim and the winner of many awards, you may have heard about this game before. But just in case you haven’t, here’s the rundown: Inside is a puzzle platformer with dark and melancholic aesthetics. Without giving away too much, play as a young boy seemingly on the run and escaping men with flashlights and ravenous dogs. Inside stands out among the rest with its sombre moods and superb storytelling, a truly spectacular visual experience.

17. Wargroove

Developed By Chucklefish

Published By Chucklefish

Genre Strategy / RPG

Rating E10+

Players 1 – 4

Wargroove is a tactical strategy/RPG that harkens back to the beloved classic Advance Wars series. With her father, the king, assassinated and her Kingdom of Cherrystone under constant threat, Queen Mercia must travel across the land in order to seek salvation. With fantastic visuals, engaging gameplay and even a level editor, Wargroove is definitely an indie game to consider for your library.

16. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition

Developed By Moon Studios

Published By Microsoft Studios

Genre Action / Platformer

Rating E

Players 1

With the Forest of Nibel slowly dying after a terrible storm, Ori is reborn to find the Three Elements and rekindle the light. Travel to many different areas of the forest in a beautiful Metroidvania adventure that will pull on your heart strings and leave you wanting more, which is exactly what the included DLC offers.

If you’d like to learn more about Ori and the Blind Forest, click here to read our review.

15. The Touryst

Developed By Shin’en Multimedia

Published By Shin’en Multimedia

Genre Action / Adventure / Arcade / Puzzle

Rating E

Players 1

Sometimes, all you need is to take a holiday and explore some exotic islands. Explore to your heart’s content, uncovering the mysteries of the islands’ monuments that contain clever 3D platforming puzzles. And when you’re done, why not canoe along the calming ocean, play a game or two at the local arcade or get the beach party started?

14. Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring the Legend of Zelda

Developed By Brace Yourself Games

Published By Nintendo

Genre Action / Adventure / Music

Rating E

Players 1 – 2

Cadence of Hyrule is a product of an alternate universe that, I for one, never in my wildest dreams thought I’d see. From the Crypt of the Necrodancer series, Cadence falls into a strange world full of monsters and a rich history. However, Octavio has put every hero to sleep and Cadence must awaken either Link or Zelda to put an end to it.

If you’d like to learn more about Cadence of Hyrule, click here to read our review.

13. The Messenger

Developed By Sabotage

Published By Devolver Digital

Genre Action / Adventure / Fighting / Platformer

Rating E10+

Players 1

Mankind is on the brink of extinction, demon armies are relentlessly attacking and it is up to you, a young ninja from a remote village, to take the scroll and deliver it to the top of the mountain to the east. Travel back and forth between time, which is done beautifully from 8 to 16 bit graphics, and relive classic ninja platformers from gaming eras that have long since passed.

If you’d like to learn more about The Messenger, then click here to read our review.

12. Owlboy

Developed By D-Pad Studio

Published By D-Pad Studio

Genre Platformer / Adventure / Action

Rating E10+

Players 1

Meet Otus, a mute Owl who lives in the skies. Otus must save his world from a band of menacing pirates and learn more about the events that lead the Owls to live in the skies. Otus can pick up and carry many things, including friends that he meets along the way that each have their own unique abilities. Owlboy had a ten year development cycle, and the dedication that D-Pad Studio is evidence of its quality and polish – a true love letter to the games of a past era.

11. Golf Story

Developed By Sidebar Games

Published By Sidebar Games

Genre Adventure / RPG / Sports

Rating E

Players 1 – 2

Love golf? Love stories? Well, why not combine the two? This charming little golf game combines the popular sport with RPG mechanics, alongside charming visuals and excellent storytelling. With it’s classic 16-bit art style and precise golfing mechanics, this Switch exclusive is simply a treat to play.

10. Overcooked 2

Published By Team17 Digital Ltd

Genre Strategy / Party / Communication / Simulation

Rating E

Players 1 – 4

With the new Overcooked 2, online multiplayer means that you can play co-op with any of your friends from wherever they are. In addition, the new online mode means that you can also choose to play co-op with random strangers, which makes for an entertaining mess of an experience (usually due to lack of coordination, since you can only communicate with other players using the games pre-defined sentences such as “OK!” and “!@#$#@”). Compared to the original Overcooked, the levels are more creative and in general have more surprises. They present a nice challenge for owners of the original game.

9. Stardew Valley

Developed By ConcernedApe

Published By Chucklefish LTD

Genre RPG / Simulation

Rating E10+

Players 1

Inspired by classic farming simulators such as the Harvest Moon series, Stardew Valley perfects the beloved simulation genre. Build a thriving farm, court townsfolk, mine gems, fish and craft your own story. This indie gem fits right at home on the Nintendo Switch, with the ability to craft your own farming life wherever you go.

8. SteamWorld Dig 2

Developed By Image & Form

Published By Image & Form

Genre Action / Platformer / Adventure / Puzzle

Rating E10+

Players 1

This sequel to Image & Form’s breakout hit SteamWorld Dig follows Dorothy and her mysterious wise-cracking companion in search of her friend Rusty (the protagonist of the original game). Dig down into the depths of the earth’s core, craft your own path and collect jewels in order to upgrade your gear and abilities.

7. Cuphead

Developed By Studio MDHR

Published By Studio MDHR

Genre Action / Arcade / Platformer

Rating E10+

Players 1 – 2

Microsoft and Nintendo have been very friendly towards each other since the Nintendo Switch launched and Cuphead on the hybrid console is just another fruit of that labour. The game reached critical acclaim on Xbox One and Windows. Now that we have Cuphead on Nintendo Switch, owners of the console can do battle with difficult bosses with an amazing 1930s animation inspired art style.

If you’d like to learn more about Cuphead, click here to read our review.

6. Rocket League

Developed By Psyonix

Published By Psyonix

Genre Sports / Racing / Action

Rating E

Players 1 – 4

Players (Online / Local) 1 – 8

The car-soccer phenomenon has come to the Switch and Nintendo made sure that we all knew about it at E3 2017. This addictive game is a perfect addition to Nintendo’s online gaming library, and you can also get a Mario and Luigi hat for your cars… how cute is that!

5. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

Developed By Yacht Club Games

Published By Yacht Club Games

Genre Action / Adventure / Platformer

Rating E

Players 1 – 2

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the best value for money, with three full campaigns each packed with their own unique story and campaign. This 8-bit retro inspired platformer feels like it was ripped straight out of the 80s, but with perfectly precise controls and truly fantastic chip-tune music. Any day now we should hear news of a concrete release date for the fourth and final campaign, King of Cards, which will be free to all those who purchase Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove.

4. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair

Developed By Playtonic Games

Published By Team17

Genre Action / Adventure / Platformer

Rating E

Players 1

Yooka and Laylee are on another adventure to put a stop to Capital B’s devious plans! This time, the evil villain has created a Bee Mind Control Device known as the Hive Mind in order to enslave all bees in the Royal Stingdom. Defeat Capital B by making your way through the Impossible Lair but unless you want to take on the ultimate challenge, you may need to rescue a few of the Beettalions before you do.

If you’d like to learn more about Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, click here to read our review.

3. Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom

Developed By Game Atelier

Published By FDG Entertainment

Genre Action / Adventure / Platformer / RPG

Rating E10+

Players 1

Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom is the long awaited spiritual successor to the Wonder Boy series that released on the Sega Master System and Mega Drive in the late 80s and early 90s. The last new game in the series was Monster World IV on April 1, 1994 and was only released in Japan. So despite Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, a remake of the original that released on all current-gen consoles in 2017, fans have been craving a new entry – and now that wait is finally over. The game’s art style is beautiful and the classic concept of switching through monsters, each with their own unique abilities, is ingeniously implemented.

If you’d like to learn more about Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, click here to read our review.

2. Celeste

Developed By Matt Makes Games

Published By Matt Makes Games

Genre Action / Adventure / Platformer

Rating E10+

Players 1

Celeste is a tough-as-nails platformer that follows Madeline, a young girl on a journey to climb a mountain that tests both her physical and mental strength. Each individual frame contains expertly crafted platforming sections that follows a trek to overcome Madeline’s more pragmatic side that continuously gets in her way.

If you’d like to learn more about Celeste, click here to read our review.

Honorable Mentions

Below is a list of games that we know should either be on this list or have the potential to be on the list (from what we’ve heard), but we have not played them (listed in alphabetical order):

The Banner Saga (1-3)

De Blob (1&2)

The Escapists 2

Furi

Guns, Gore & Cannoli

Hyper light Drifter

Ikaruga

Immortal Redneck

Limbo

The Mummy Demastered

Mr Shifty

The Next Penelope

Pocket Rumble

Prison Architect

Runbow

Runner 3

Salt & Sanctuary

Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse

Slay the Spire

Transistor

That’s A LOT of honorable mentions. We have a lot to play so that our next list isn’t missing any great and deserving titles.

But for now, our no.1 indie game for the Nintendo Switch is…

1. Hollow Knight

Developed By Team Cherry

Published By Team Cherry

Genre Action / Adventure / Platformer

Rating E10+

Players 1

Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania style platformer that can arguably be compared to such titles that coined the genre itself. Guide Hollow Knight through the ruins of Hallownest, an ancient civilization that is overrun with those who remain. Absorb their souls and use it to heal and cause devastating attacks as you continue to delve deeper into the danger that lurks. Team Cherry’s passion project shines in it visual presentation, with jaw-dropping aesthetics and attention to detail. The combat and movement is incredibly fluid, running at 1080P/60FPS on Nintendo Switch.

If you’d like to learn more about Hollow Knight, click here to read our review.

All of these indie darlings are amazing fits on the Nintendo Switch and are perfect games to play in between the Marios and the Zeldas. No doubt we have left out some of your favorites, so if you’re just bursting with rage and just want to scream “Why didn’t you include this game?!”, then feel free to yell at us in the comment section below… please don’t yell at us.

Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @switchaboonews. And if you like these quick reviews, then check out a Breath of the Wild mod featuring Mario and Bowser?

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