137 Switch 1 & 2 Games You Should Check Out In The 'Hits For The Holidays' Nintendo eShop Sale (US)

Horace (Switch eShop)

$5.99 (-60%)

Horace is something very special, even in an extremely tough and stacked indie crowd. If you have any interest in superb level design, excellent storytelling, terrific art, evocative music, great characters, hilarious situations and emotional gut punches, Horace is a no-brainer.

It's moving without being manipulative, clever without being smug, and nostalgic without being a lazy rehash. It's a platformer, but it's so much more than that. Every gamer who enjoys quality experiences should play it; a masterpiece that owes so much to its medium, but has the strength, creativity and identity to stand alone as something very, very special. Buy this.

Huntdown (Switch eShop)

$3.99 (-25%)

Huntdown is a delightfully detailed and expertly crafted throwback to old-school run 'n' gun arcade shooters.The 16-bit graphical style is immaculately recreated whilst adding lots of modern bells and whistles to proceedings, including a fantastic soundtrack and audio design, optional CRT filter, and an arsenal of heavy-duty weapons that chew scenery and enemies to pieces as your bounty hunter makes their way from boss fight to excellent boss fight.

The moment-to-moment gameplay, overall sense of fun that comes from the level of carnage you can dish out, surprising amount of hammy spoken dialogue, and constant pop-culture references all combine for a throwback you wish you'd played back in the '80s.

Katana ZERO (Switch eShop)

$8.99 (-40%)

Katana Zero is tough but stunning, stuffed with hair-raising action sequences, a gripping narrative, and impeccable sense of style which elevates the game high above many of its peer. To us, it's a modern classic that sets new standards for what a side-scrolling action game can be.

This is the kind of game that you’ll blindly play through once and soon find yourself wishing you could have that first-time experience again; there’s still nothing else quite like it and we can’t recommend it enough.

La-mulana 2 (Switch eShop)

$9.99 (-60%)

La-Mulana 2 definitely isn’t for everybody – it's brutally difficult, so if you consider yourself an impatient or clumsy player, steer clear – but those who put in the time and effort to crack this nut will be deeply satisfied that they did so.

There are tons of excellent and deep Metroidvanias on Switch nowadays, but we'd still push the hardcore to giving this one a go. It’s an acquired taste, but one you will come to savour.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Switch)

$11.99 (-80%)

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a stellar experience, a great big celebration of everything Star Wars — something we all need nowadays, especially after the excellent Season 2 of Andor.

The upgrades to the series' core gameplay here — the combo-focused combat, flashy space battles, boss encounters, over-the-shoulder shooting action, and cover system — all combine to make this the best Lego Star Wars has ever felt to play.

Throw in a humongous open-world setting that's bursting at the seams with secrets and collectibles and you've got an absolute smorgasbord of all things Star Wars to dig into. Yub nub.

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Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story (Switch eShop)

$11.99 (-60%)

Digital Eclipse's interactive documentaries are all fantastic, but Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story is among their best. It's a wonderful glimpse into the mind of one of gaming's most fascinating figures.

Even if you've got no prior knowledge of Minter or his games, the selection of videos, image galleries, quotes, and playable games included here will provide you with a newfound respect for this niche yet immensely important segment of gaming history.

Lumines Remastered (Switch eShop)

$4.49 (-70%)

If you're jonesing for some more Lumines after Arise (on PS5), then Lumines Remastered is for you. The game feels perfectly at home on the Switch — intense and immersive puzzle action, psychedelic visuals, a killer soundtrack, and a bevvy of content and modes make for a premier puzzle experience that should not be missed.

Lumines is an addictive experience that is positively a delight to play. There’s something here for everyone, and considering the relatively low price tag, Lumines Remastered is required playing for any Switch owner.

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics (Switch)

$24.99 (-50%)

With Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, there's a decade of gaming evolution here, including what is arguably the pinnacle of Capcom's fighting game craft. Perfectly preserved and presented, everything is beautifully formed and wonderful to play.

Assembled with real clarity, Capcom has thoroughly delivered the goods, from its ton of bonus features to its rollback netcode, with years' worth of combative nuance to explore, learn, and exact in the online arena. Oh, and don't just get it for Marvel vs. Capcom 2; everything is excellent here, but The Punisher, in particular, is awesome.

Or, for some more Capcom classics, grab Capcom Fighting Collection 2 for just $29.99 (-25%)

Metro 2033 Redux (Switch eShop)

$1.99 (-90%)

One of the best deals on the eShop this time around, Metro 2033 Redux is a top-class first-person shooter/survival horror game, a breathless experience that's been almost flawlessly ported to Switch.

Artyom's desperate, haunting voyage through the irradiated remains of Moscow is every bit as engaging now as it was back in 2010, and this Redux version benefits massively from overhauled AI, gameplay mechanics and visuals.

Minecraft (Switch)

$22.49 (-25%)

Here's a great pick if you're giving your kid (or younger family member) a Switch 1/2 for Christmas this year: this is an excellent port of Minecraft, with the versatile setup of the Switch allows this to be the most easily accessible and playable iteration to date.

That convenience factor is the only real notable difference, so it’s up to you whether that justifies paying for another version. If you want to play the best portable version of the game, however, look no further. yes, we still think that in 2025.

Mr. Driller: DrillLand (Switch eShop)

$4.79 (-84%)

Mr. Driller is one of those elite few puzzle games that, like Tetris, remain immensely playable no matter what year it is. The GameCube edition was one of the finest examples of this and, a full 18 years later, it hasn't aged a single day.

Given that you can easily enjoy it in 10-minute bursts or epic three-hour sessions, there are fewer games better suited to the Switch. Give us more Mr. Driller, Namco!

NEO: The World Ends With You (Switch)

$23.99 (-60%)

NEO: The World Ends With You impresses in all the categories we were terrified it could fail in bearing in mind how great its predecessor was. The game boasts an energetic soundtrack that feeds off the energy of the original, a deep and rewarding combat system that makes a successful leap to 3D, an inspiring cast of characters that stand tall on their own, and importantly, a world that begs you to come back even after you’ve finished the 40+ hour campaign.

After waiting so long for a follow-up, fans will be delighted to dive into a new Reapers Game, while newcomers can find out what all the fuss is about. We’re so pleased to see these talented developers never lost their calling.

Neva (Switch eShop)

$11.99 (-40%)

Neva is yet another spectacular example of art in motion from Nomada, delivering a thoroughly engrossing platforming experience that’ll stick in your mind long after you’ve rolled credits. The incredible visuals, moving soundtrack, satisfying gameplay, and surprisingly touching story all come together to make for a game that you shouldn’t miss.

If you’re looking for a new addition to your library that’ll give you something to savour rather than just consume, look no further than Neva. Well, you could maybe look to GRIS too if you haven't already, as that's just $2.99 (-82%) right now.

NieR:Automata The End of YoRHa Edition (Switch)

$15.99 (-60%)

One of the very best action RPGs on the Switch, NieR:Automata is a modern classic. Plus, his is a top-notch port (that now works on Switch 2) that has clearly been produced with respect and focus, often surpassing our expectations in both visuals and performance.

Finding a comfortable seat and a pair of headphones makes the Switch version a wonderful way to experience the game, and it is an unforgettable journey. Nothing is as it seems, either in the story or gameplay, and it's one of the finest gaming achievements of the last decade.

Night In The Woods (Switch eShop)

$9.99 (-50%)

Night In The Woods is one of the most rewarding experiences you can play on Switch that we can't really describe to you without spoiling anything. The game will no doubt leave an impression with its enchanting soundtrack, disarming story, and instantly identifiable character arcs. Strange and wonderful in equal measure.

It should be noted that the controversy surrounding its troubled co-designer, including historical allegations of abuse prior to his passing, may affect your opinion and influence a purchase decision. As always, it's up to individuals to determine if they still wish to support a game, developer, publisher, or platform holder given the available information and wider context.

No Man's Sky - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Switch 2)

$23.99 (-60%)

There's never been a better time to play No Man's Sky, especially with this stellar Switch 2 Edition. Feature-wise, this is an almost-perfect match for other versions of the game, and barring some very minor hiccups here and there, the 1080p/40fps option looks and feels fantastic - doubly so if you're coming via free upgrade from the Switch 1 version.

Don't play this for the combat (it's still a bit naff, especially in space), and hardcore pirates might not get all they need from the systems in place here, but this is an almost perfect handheld-hybrid port of an almighty behemoth of a game. The sky, it seems, really has no limits.

Nobody Saves The World (Switch eShop)

$8.39 (-70%) (+ Frozen Hearth Bundle)

Nobody Saves the World is a thrillingly well-paced and enjoyable action adventure that Switch owners won’t want to miss. An addictive quest system, surprisingly deep class system, attractive art style, and punchy combat all come together to make for a varied and engaging experience that oozes quality at every turn

If you’re a fan of RPGs with a lot of customization, old-school Zelda games, or classic arcade beat ‘em ups, Nobody Saves the World is a must-buy. It's currently only on sale with the DLC, but it's dirt-cheap and well worth a run through.

Octopath Traveler II (Switch)

$23.99 (-60%)

Both Octopath Traveler I and II are on sale right now, and you can buy the pair for just $44.99 right now. But if you want just one of these outstanding RPGs on-the-go, then we'd recommend Octopath Traveler II first.

This is a triumphant and confident follow-up to its predecessor, building on the established foundation with welcome new ideas and tweaks that make for an overall excellent experience. A strategic combat system, open-ended character progression, well-written stories, gorgeous visuals, and an incredible soundtrack all coalesce into one of the best RPGs on the system. Team Asano demonstrates mastery of its craft at every turn here.

Okami HD (Switch eShop)

$9.99 (-50%)

We feel like we recommend this one all the time, but for good reason: Okami HD is an utterly fantastic piece of software, and we feel you’d be doing yourself a disservice to pass on it.

It's a 40-hour adventure that emulates Zelda wonderfully, adds in plenty of memorable mechanics, features one of the most beautiful art styles in gaming, and is completely playable on the go, to boot. Combat is sometimes a little on the easy side, but Okami is an important, fun, and notable landmark in gaming history.

OlliOlli World (Switch eShop)

$4.99 (-75%)

OlliOlli World takes Roll7's refined 2D skateboarding concept to cosmic heights. Tight and challenging gameplay, a high skill ceiling, dozens of hours of content, and a remarkably stylish sense of presentation combine to make this a release you absolutely don’t want to miss.

If you're easily roped in by score-chasing releases or super hard platforming, OlliOlli World is a shining example of the distinct kind of innovation and quality that can come from inspired indie game studios.

Ori And The Blind Forest: Definitive Edition (Switch eShop)

$4.99 (-75%)

More Metroidvanias! But c'mon, Ori and the Blind Forest is a real joy to play. Challenging yet never feeling unfair or discouraging, and almost relaxing to control. The mesmerising art style and musical score are the icing on the cake that makes the player actually care about the protagonist and want to keep playing to the game’s conclusion.

It — and it's fantastic sequel in Will of the Wisps, which is also on sale for $7.49 (-75%) — is an unmissable experience.

Paper Trail (Switch eShop)

$1.99 (-90%)

Paper Trail is one of the finest puzzle games you can buy on Switch.The storybook narrative, compelling visuals, and cleverly designed conundrums, all come together to make for a chill and enjoyable experience that you shouldn't miss, and you'd do well to keep an eye on what Newfangled Games does next.

If you're looking for a low-stakes yet sufficiently challenging new addition to your puzzle library, you've found it. is the Switch the best system for puzzle games? We think so.

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo (Switch eShop)

$9.99 (-50%)

Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo is one of the most surprising games we've experienced. Its overarching narrative, while initially quite heavy on exposition, is wonderfully told, interweaving the lives of multiple protagonists and tasking the player with progressing their stories in meaningful ways. The puzzles are fantastic, the characters well realised, and the visuals top-notch, making those brief moments of horror and terror exceedingly effective.

It's an experience we fully recommend going into with as little information as possible, as this will prove to be an incredibly memorable experience; one that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Switch's best visual novels.

Pentiment (Switch eShop)

$9.99 (-50%)

Pentiment is a fantastic adventure RPG that revels in a studious approach to history and immaculate recreations of the styles and traditions of 16th-century Bavaria. There's a super smart, funny, and engaging murder mystery to investigate here, but it's how that mystery is so fully rooted in the world that's been lovingly crafted around it that really elevates this experience.

It's one of the best games of the past decade, hands down, and to have it running and performing perfectly on Switch is a joyous thing — it feels like it was made for Nintendo's console. Thank goodness it's here, then.

Pepper Grinder (Switch eShop)

$5.99 (-60%)

A hidden gem in 2024, Pepper Grinder is a wonderfully inventive and fun platformer. Channelling the spirits of several retro dig-based games, it may have a runtime that feels a little too short, but this is ultimately a deeply enjoyable, challenging, and highly replayable game with lots of personality.

If any of that sounds interesting, we’d suggest you pick up Pepper Grinder right now - and there's even a downloadable demo if you're on the fence.