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Updated with new additions, honourable mentions, and a handful of Switch 2 entries. Enjoy!
Ah, the 3D platformer. Ever since Super Mario 64 landed and showed everyone just how good three-dimensional platforming could be, there have been developers hoping to capture just a smidgen of that game’s magic. It was a tough act to follow, even for the plumber himself, but his bespoke Switch outing found him at the very top of his game.
But what are the best 3D platformers on Switch and Switch 2? We've compiled the following list showcasing the best platform games on Nintendo's console, from retro-flavoured throwbacks to modern entries in classic platform series from Mario, Sonic, and co.
Compared to Switch's voluminous catalogue of 2D platformers, the list of 3D run-and-jumpers is slimmer, although it's certainly grown in the years since the console launched. So, let’s take a look — in alphabetical order — at the best 3D platformers on Switch (2).
The Best 3D Platform Games On Switch 1 & 2
A Hat In Time (Switch)
A Hat In Time is a hugely enjoyable take on the classic 3D platformer. The tight, familiar controls and varied, innovative levels result in one of the most fascinating and entertaining games out there.
The issues with performance and the camera do little to wipe the smile from our faces while playing through this; if you adore the likes of Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, then you'll fall utterly in love with A Hat In Time.
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BAKERU (Switch)
BAKERU is a sweet, snappy, and satisfying linear 3D platformer that feels like a wonderful callback to a genre that doesn’t get a ton of representation these days.
It’s really easy (although the Western version ups the difficulty slightly) and has some performance problems, but the gameplay variety, snappy combat, oodles of collectibles, and gorgeous art style all come together to make for an adventure that you won’t want to miss out on.
And if you play it on Switch 2, it's a lot smoother, too.
Banjo-Kazooie (N64)
This is only available if you're a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber at the Expansion Pack tier which includes access to N64 games, meaning it's available to play on Nintendo Switch — so having it on this list is technically correct. Yep.
We include it here because it's one of the most colourful, joyful, bountiful 3D platformers ever made. Rareware put out several on Nintendo 64, each with their own pros and cons, but the Twycross team arguably never topped the debut of the bear and bird.
Mario 64 (which is also available on Switch in a couple of forms, and is also pretty good) might have the edge when it comes to prestige, invention and influence — that's the 3D platformer you vote for with your head — but Banjo steals hearts. An absolutely brilliant game, and its underrated sequel is also on NSO.
Blue Fire (Switch eShop)
A very pleasant and enjoyable surprise, Blue Fire was an auspicious debut from ROBI Studios. Only the performance issues, mildly sloppy combat, and high difficulty are points of contention, and the latter will certainly depend on your point of view.
Developed with passion and skill, this is a world you can lose yourself in that'll reward you the more you play and the better you get. It's uncompromising in its difficulty but doesn't resort to cheap tricks and "gotchas." The graphics are appealing and, crucially, clear as day.
This is a fantastic experience overall, even if it isn't made up of the most original pieces. It's gameplay first and once you're traversing the infinite space of the Void stages, everything else basically just falls away.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Switch)
Oh, the controversy — a 3D platform game where you can't jump!
Well, despite the puzzle angle, this is still a 3D platformer and the lack of a jump button doesn't make it any less of a winner. With beautiful visuals and an upbeat soundtrack, Treasure Tracker is a real gem; a wonderful and gorgeous platform puzzler fit for all ages, and one which you should definitely experience if you're yet to.
Two-player co-op makes this offering even tastier, and there's even a nice little nugget of DLC for once you've polished off the main game.
Cavern of Dreams (Switch eShop)
We can't say that players raised on the likes of Super Mario Odyssey and other modern platformers will respond the same way, but if you dream in 64-bit and your formative 3D games featured visible polygons, you won't regret exploring Cavern of Dreams.
Bynine Studios gets in, delivers its payload of fairytale platforming feels with a hint of darkness, and gets out smartish. If you're a Banjo fan looking to recapture that sense of wonder you first experienced exploring Grunty's Lair, this is probably the closest you'll get without time travel or memory wipes.
If you like this sort of thing, Corn Kidz 64 is another throwback platformer worth checking out.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time (Switch)
The Switch version of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is a perfectly passable port of a fantastic platformer that's absolutely rammed with things to do.
It may have the lowest frame rate and resolution of all versions of the game, but if the Switch is your main console or you're looking to enjoy some bandicoot-bouncing on the go in handheld mode, it's still an excellent offering when judged on its own merits.
de Blob 2 (Switch)
de Blob 2 keeps many of the same characteristics found in the original Wii game, with both the brilliant and the not-so-brilliant features mostly staying intact in this updated Switch version.
The cameras can still be occasionally fiddly, and things can feel a little too easy in places, but brand new 2D sections and a slightly more refined-feeling overall experience put the sequel just above the original in our pecking order. Either game should go down well — especially with a younger audience — but this one just about splashes its way into first place.
Demon Turf: Neon Splash (Switch eShop)
Demon Turf: Neon Splash is a much better game than its predecessor thanks to the complete removal of the underwhelming combat. Not only that, but the experience feels more focused and streamlined without the requirement of a hub world or mandatory collectibles. This is Demon Turf at its best, and we sincerely hope to see more of the same in a true sequel later down the line.
And if you like this, you may want to check out the first Demon Turf — it's a fantastic platformer that’s held back from true greatness by sections of dull and repetitive combat.
Donkey Kong Bananza (Switch 2)
Donkey Kong Bananza is an almighty reintroduction to the world of 3D platforming for DK, and arguably the Switch 2's first absolute must-play. The punching and crashing is a passing novelty that, once you get your fill, quickly becomes just another way of exploring the wonderfully varied and beautifully presented layers.
Whether it's smashing through the scenery with a Bananza Transformation or carefully planning a route to a hidden Banandium Gem, you'll have trouble finding more originality and, crucially, more enjoyment from a platformer in recent years. As the DK Rap so wisely said, "Donkey Kong is here." Now let's just hope he stays.
Fe (Switch eShop)
Poignant and moving in both theme and execution, Fe is one of the most unique platformers on Nintendo Switch. Its platforming can be a little hit and miss, and its stealth feels a little too forgiving at times, but that doesn’t stop its world and the unique vocal premise from bewitching you with a dark and Gothic Nordic fairytale.
While it’s not as groundbreaking as other dialogue-less games such as Journey, it’s still one of the most intriguing worlds to explore on Switch.
Frogun Encore (Switch eShop)
Frogun Encore offers a strong and satisfying sophomore sortie for Renata and her frogun. Much like classic 3D platformer sequels such as Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back or Sly 2: Band of Thieves, it expands upon the foundation laid out by its predecessor in meaningful ways and polishes the ideas that the original release introduced. The level design is tighter, you can play with a friend, the stages are more ambitious, and this overall feels like a more confident and sure-footed adventure.
It may still have some lingering issues with controls, but as far as retro 3D platformers go, Frogun Encore is close to as good as it gets.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World (Switch 2)
Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World (say that five times, etc.) gives you the base game at a delicious 60fps with a whole big bunch of new content thrown in for good measure.
If you've had your fill of Forgotten Land on Switch 1, there's nothing here to warrant replaying the entire game again, but the 12 remixed areas that make up the 'DLC' are uniformly delightful, the new transformations are excellent, and there's even new challenges for hardcore Kirby fans to get stuck into.
One of the best games on Switch and one of our favourite 3D platformers in years, polished to a sparkly sheen and packing some meaningful new content? That's a very easy recommendation and a truly excellent addition to the Switch 2's early lineup.