Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair (Switch)
Donkey Kong Country fans rejoice: this is the spiritual successor you’ve been waiting for. The worst thing you could say about it is that the overworld exploration may prove to be too involved for those who are in it purely for the runny-jumpy stuff, but those who are happy to mix platforming with top-down adventuring and don’t mind adapting to the constantly changing pace will find the best of both worlds here. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a fantastic sophomore effort that pays tribute to Rare's past and establishes Playtonic as one of the UK's most exciting studios.
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.
Wunderling (Switch eShop)
By removing the basic ability to turn direction whilst walking, Wunderling proves itself to be an incredibly addictive and fresh-feeling platformer that boasts excellent level design, brilliant writing, and adorable visuals. Its impressive accessibility means that almost anyone can pick it up, but it simultaneously remains challenging enough to keep you engaged for hours.
Levelhead (Switch eShop)
Levelhead will live or die on the commitment of its community, but even without the creation aspect it would still be an enjoyable platformer. Smart design in every department - challenge, creation and curation - means that Levelhead is a surefire winner, and we hope it catches on. After all, there's more to the 'maker' genre than just Super Mario.
The Eternal Castle [Remastered] (Switch eShop)
![The Eternal Castle [Remastered] (Switch eShop)](https://images.nintendolife.com/66ba13d4dc023/eternal-castle-remastered-artwork.900x250.jpg)
![The Eternal Castle [Remastered] (Switch eShop)](https://images.nintendolife.com/26db192e1dfa1/eternal-castle-remastered-cover.cover_small.jpg)
The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED] is a neo-retro masterpiece. Even if you play the game from start to finish just once in a single sitting and never come back to it, this minimalist post-apocalyptic epic will stay with you for years to come. Obviously, if you're not a fan of classic 'cinematic' platformers like Another World and Flashback and their prioritising of look-and-feel over control responsiveness, then you may want to approach with caution. If you're looking for the next true evolution of that genre, though, look no further. They just don’t make them like this any more… and we found ourselves wondering 'why not?'.
Spinch (Switch eShop)
Bright, technicolour visuals, punishing difficulty, excellent level design and tight controls are all hallmarks of this deliciously enjoyable sugar rush. Spinch is a short but sweet experience and one that certainly proves itself to be worthy of both your time and money. Although regrettably marred by some performance issues, Spinch is an otherwise wonderful platformer that we’d highly recommend to anybody who just can’t get enough of the genre.
Evergate (Switch eShop)
Evergate is a wonderfully designed puzzle/platformer that starts off strong and goes from strength to strength over the course of its campaign. Every new world you encounter here adds a new twist to proceedings, gradually becoming more complex as it layers mechanics on top of one each other, enabling you to experiment and come up with your own unique ways to bound across its intricate levels. Speed-running here, for us, feels like it was tacked on for no real reason but, besides this one little misstep, this really is an essential purchase for puzzle/platforming fans and a standout example of its genre on Switch.
Horace (Switch eShop)
Horace is something very special — the only vaguely negative thing we can say about it is the fact that there are so many spectacularly brilliant indie games on Switch already vying for your attention that we fear Horace may fall somewhat by the wayside. 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.
So yes, Horace is another indie masterpiece, and 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.
Cyber Shadow (Switch eShop)
If you consider yourself a fan of retro action platformers, you owe it to yourself to pick up Cyber Shadow. It’s clear in virtually every facet of Cyber Shadow’s design that this project was a labour of love and that its designer is intimately familiar with what makes the stalwarts of this beloved genre so great. Well-built levels, authentic presentation, tight controls and a high difficulty all combine to make this a supreme and focused experience, and one that we can easily say is well worth your time. Mechanical Head Studios has set a high bar with its inaugural release.
Kaze and the Wild Masks (Switch)
An absolute pleasure from start to finish, what Kaze and the Wild Masks lacks in originality it makes up for in the strength of its level design, responsive controls, kinetic move set and attractive visuals. Excellent, action-packed platforming through and through, with great gameplay variety and gimmicks that don’t compromise on what the game is best at – challenging, fast-paced obstacle courses and deviously-hidden secret areas. Easiest sell? Kaze and the Wild Masks is to Donkey Kong Country what Freedom Planet was to Sonic the Hedgehog. Don’t miss this one.
Aeon Drive (Switch eShop)
Aeon Drive isn’t quite up there with modern platforming classics like Celeste, but it’s pretty darn close nevertheless. While its narrative won’t win any awards, this is simply a supporting backdrop to the fantastic gameplay on offer. Bolstered by solid performance and minimal loading screens, racing through the levels feels exhilarating as you jump, slide, and teleport your way through the maze-like environments. With an online leaderboard to satisfy your competitive nature and added multiplayer to boot, Aeon Drive is a speedrunning triumph that absolutely deserves your attention.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Switch)
There's no doubt about it, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is one of the most refined and enjoyable platformers money can buy. The levels are all beautiful, the characters move with fluidity and brilliant responsiveness, and the inclusion of Funky Kong brings balance for those who have less experience with brutally tough platformers. It’s so well-made that it’s almost too well-made; there's an absence of a certain 'rough-and-ready' charm found in the original DKC trilogy. This is, however, a complaint so minor it's practically insignificant. Donkey Kong’s first appearance on Switch is streamlined, rewarding, and immensely good fun; any fan of 2D platformers simply has to get this game.
Some excellent platforming picks there, we're sure you agree, and there are plenty to choose from. Feel free to discuss your favourites below.
This article is one of our Switch Essentials guides which cover a wide variety of genres, including the Best Switch FPS Games, the Best Switch RPGs, the Best Switch Games For Kids, the Best Switch Couch Co-Op Games and the Best Switch Fitness and Exercise Games. We can also help out hunting down the Best Switch Horror Games, the Best Switch Racing Games, the Best Switch Action-RPGs, the Best Nintendo Switch Roguelikes, Roguelites and Run-Based Games, the Best Free Switch Games, the Best Remakes And Remasters, the Best Switch Music And Rhythm Games, Best Feel-Good Switch Games, Best Switch Open-World Games, Best Switch Soulslike Games, Best LGBTQ+ Switch Games, and even Games to Play After You've Finished Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Whatever your favourite genre, we've got you covered: Strategy Games, Metroidvanias, Puzzle Games, Party Games, Online Multiplayer Games, Local Wireless Multiplayer Games, Shmups, Twin-Stick Shooters, Visual Novels, Kart Racers, Fighting Games, Football Games, Funny Games, Golf Games, 'Walking Sims' And Narrative Games, Switch Games For Lovers And Lonely Hearts, Detective Games, Hidden Gems, 2D Platformers, 3D Platformers, Puzzle Platformers, Tabletop Mode Games, Run and Gun Games, LEGO Games, Sports Games, Survival Games, Beat 'Em Ups, Camera Games, Chill Games, Family Games, Retro-Inspired Games, Short Games, Card Games and Deck-Builders, and Life Sims And Farming Games.
Still hungry for more? Elsewhere we look at Wholesome Games, TATE Mode Games, Flight Sim and Space Combat, Point and Click Adventure Games, and the Best Switch Exclusives, as well as Every Arcade Archives Game, Every ACA Neo Geo Game, Every SEGA AGES Game On Switch, plus the Best Switch Ports, Best Wii U-To-Switch Ports, Best Switch Collections And Compilations, Best Cheap Switch Games, Best Switch Demos, Games That Are Better On Switch OLED, Switch Games Under $10, $20, $50, and Switch games with the Best Soundtracks and the Best Graphics. Phew!
If you're looking for the best Switch games regardless of genre, our reader-voted selection of the Best Nintendo Switch Games should help you out, and you can also find the Best Nintendo Switch Games of 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. And finally, if you're interested in other Nintendo consoles and retro games, check out the Best Game Boy Games, Best GBC Games, Best GBA Games, Best Nintendo DS Games, Best Nintendo 3DS Games, Best NES Games, Best SNES Games, Best N64 Games, Best GameCube Games, and Best Wii Games, and Best Wii U Games, as well as Every Available Nintendo Switch Online Retro Game, and ranked lists of Every Nintendo Switch Online NES, SNES, N64 and Sega Genesis / Mega Drive Game.
Comments (95)
I love some of these, and others I wish I had, but mostly I agree with it
Pretty much agree with everything except for New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe being on the list since it's pales in comparison to the other games like Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze, Celeste, and Sonic Mania.
I must love 2D platformers more than I realized, I own and have beaten 8 of the 10 listed on Switch!
This list is an insult. Both super mario bros and super mario bros 3 are on the switch, but not on this list? OMG.
Celeste is an utter masterpiece, quite possibly the greatest platformer I've ever played. Incredible and innovative level design, beautifully creative art direction, and an immensely emotional storyline. It's the perfect blend of gameplay and story. If this list were ranked I would definitely place it at number 1.
Excellent list...it’s missing The Messenger though.
Should've waited until June so you could replace NSMBUD with Mario Maker 2.
Generic I'm angry because half of the games on the list are Wii U ports comment
@Marios-love-child I think you're joking right? 2 are exclusively Wii U ports.
Best 2d platformers on the Switch?
The only platformers on the Switch are in 2d.
where is Shantae Half-Genie Hero?
Who the hell clocks Shovel Knight in 15 hours?? The whole Treasure Trove took me longer and more deaths than I'd like to admit. Still one of my all time top 5, though.
2019 and there are still so many 2D Platformers on modern hardware and some are even $60.
@Crono1973 yeah. And Shovel Knight is so good I am gonna buy it again with the physical release.
@imgrowinglegs I was thinking the same but I think NL class it as a Metroidvania (which it is in parts) despite a good chunk of the game being a straight up traditional platformer.
For me, the best 2 games on this list are Inside and Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze. I couldn't choose between them as they're both so different.
It's good to see DKTF even make the list this time. It unbelievably never made NL's 'Best Switch platformers' list a while back.
I know I'm gonna get hate for this, but I haven't played Celeste because I couldn't get past the graphics. I've heard it's amazing and I'm no graphics whore by any means, but Celeste's art direction just does not jive with me. It looks like an Atari game. Any thoughts on this?
@invictus4000 The graphical style definitely grows on you as you play. It's not as basic looking as it first seems, there's some really cool effects and set pieces.
There is a little gem called Whip! Whip! I think everyone should download
@invictus4000 yes it looks like an Atari 2600 game
There’s not that many 3D games on the switch.
@brunojenso For some people, two are just enough. I think he was just making fun of those people though.
@iLikeUrAttitude I think you are over rating sonic mania... Celeste and dk are much higher quality though
I normally hate it when people try and boast online about how they found a hard game really easy or whatever, but I'm surprised that Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is labelled as "brutally tough". The same thing was said in NL's review of it. I really did not think this was a particularly hard game when I played it on Wii U. I'd say it has a pretty normal/well-balanced difficulty. If you want to say "tough" then OK, but "brutally tough" is a bit of an exaggeration that makes it sound like it's Dark Souls or something. I hope it doesn't put anyone off from buying it. If you're on the fence; it's a great game and is not "brutally tough".
Also, if Mega Man 11 is here, then I think Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack should be (ie. if they're counted as platformers rather than shooters). I'd definately put it ahead of VVVVVV.
@brunojenso
Yes I was joking. For the record I have no issue whatsoever with Wii U ports, as @Quarth said it was just a light hearted poke of fun at those who get all butt hurt over any form of port
https://youtu.be/q6s7AFw7R_g
@imgrowinglegs Yep, also the free Pirate Panic DLC should be out in a few months! woot.
@Haywired The last 3 areas were hard as balls, though I was playing co-op which made it harder lol.
I was also put away by Celeste's graphics at first. But after hearing so many good things about it, i got it in the last PSN sale and had a lot of fun with it. Gameplay and level design are killer. The story is sweet, soundtrack is amazing. The game is very fun!
Why no Shantae and Super Meat Boy though?
Platformers are awesome! I love Sonic Mania Plus, & Mega Man 11. I have DKC:TF digitally on WU, I had NSMB+SLU physically, & I didn't know VVVVVV was on the e-Shop. Oh, wait, you can't find anything on the e-Shop, because it's crowded with junk! Eventually gonna check out Celeste, and Shovel Knight.
VVVVVV is fun
I had great time with Kirby's Adventure on the NES Online service. Also feel like SMB 2 is underrated, definitely on my list of best platformers you can play on Switch.
What are best 3D platformer games then, Odyssey and Yooka-Laylee are there even more 3D platformers?
@Haywired Tropical Freeze is brutally tough if going for full completion (200%), but I agree... Just a regular playthrough isn't anything crazy.
I feel like N++ really deserves to be on this list. The physics of that game feel so good. The amount of content is beyond overwhelming.
On a side note, I can't believe 1001 Spikes is still not on Switch. That's my favorite 2D platformer ever, and it was just about the first Switch game ever announced back before the system launched. I love it so much.
I think this is pretty pointless
Mega Man 11 is so damn good.
@Haywired I found tropical freeze harder than dark souls. I was going for 100% though
@jobvd You have to have Switch Online to play them, though.
Anyway, I would LOVE to play Celeste one of these days! I wanna try out Monster Boy, as well. Out of all the games being shown, Sonic Mania is my favorite, but NSMBU and Mega Man 11 are solid games too. DKC:TF is fantastic, as well.
@invictus4000 I'm not going to disagree with you because I thought the same thing, it just looks like the same old platformer and same graphics as any other indie game. So I didn't pick it up at all but it became free with Gold and I was totally wrong about the gameplay, it's very unique and original.
The graphics aren't amazing yeah, but when you are playing the game, you can't think about the graphics at all because you are just focused on trying to advance so it no longer bothers me at all.
NintendoLife, where is Super Mario Bros. 2 on this list?
I need to try Gris and VVVVVV. I loved Sonic Mania, still mad that my local Gamestop only had ONE COPY of the Collectors Edition for preorder (and of course it was gone instantly before I could preorder it!).
@rdrunner1178
VVVVVV is a excelent plataformer. If you like plataformers, you need try Cave Story+ and KeroBlaster too. Another that can be interesting is Blaster master Zero, which mix diferent gameplay types.
Thanks for the info. I do have Blaster Master and enjoyed it.
It's really sad to see that even in the 2D platformers genre Switch lacks so much. If we don't count ports which are available for years on another consoles, there's not so much to list. But everything will change in June when Super Mario Maker 2 will out.
Will add GRIS to my wishlist, forgot about that one because some reviews were not as positive.
Need to start hard mode on Tropical Freeze, that's where the "brutally difficult" must come from.
@retro_player_22 @DragotheKomodo I am glad to see the Shantae love! That series is great! Tight platforming with great humor. Half Genie seemed a little shorter than Pirate's Curse, but still very much worth the price and the time spent.
@invictus4000 I understand, there are some games that have graphics that I don't like and I simply will not play them. That said, Celeste is a masterpiece of platforming and I have played many platformers. Add to that a very good story, and it is in my top three platformers of all time.
Great list however I wouldn’t call GRIS a masterpiece. Too much time was just spent holding down left or right on the d-pad. Was good but forgettable imo.
@dugan but Half-Genie Hero is so beautiful! + has the transformations
@Marios-love-child @Quarth Thought so. I hope I didn't sound like I was on the attack either.
I'm also pro ports. I'm actually hoping they port literally every single good game from Wii U. Why wouldn't people want that? I still have my Wii U but it's just such a fussy system to set-up and I don't have room for it set-up full time. I swear if they give us SM3DW, Pikmin 3, Metroid Trilogy and a Galaxy collection my Wii U is retired.
LOVE/kuso I think warrant mentioning, too.
Between Wii U and 3DS I have 40% of this list. Missed Rayman.
On Switch I added sonic mania and double dipped fo shovel knight.
Didn’t know VVVVVV added multiplayer, that’s cool.
My favorite on this list is DK Tropical Freeze. I like NSMBUDX too (seriously that name though) but I can't wait for Mario Maker 2. That will jump straight to the top, no doubt.
I'm normally not one to comment and say there's an issue with a list, but where the hell is the messenger?!?! My man @Liam_Doolan would back me up this!
@zool ever heard of the second best seller game on switch? Lool
I saw people here reminding that the messenger should be on the list therefore I am Happy
This list would've been good if it hadn't included Sonic and Mega Man.
@DragotheKomodo Yes, which goes back to Risky's Revenge, another great one in the series! I do love Half Genie, i just wish it was longer so I could play more of it.
GameSpot's review of Tropical Freeze on the Wii U. Thoughts? 😏
https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/donkey-kong-country-tropical-freeze-review/1900-6415667/
Weirdly enough, check out this page that shows the the game appearing on both Wii U and NS but it only links you to the latter's updated version where it's now worth a nine. Ha! Jokers!
https://www.gamespot.com/donkey-kong-country-tropical-freeze/
@imgrowinglegs the messenger shantae and so many others! Geez now that I think about it throw in dead cells, super meat boy and monster boy
The Gunvolt games are also really solid.
No Trine on the list? I haven’t played it on Switch, but I liked it a lot on steam.
Hollow Knight?
I love Mario U, Mega Man 11, Donkey Kong TF and Sonic Mania Plus so much. They're some of my favorite games. Kirby Star Allies also rocks.
@Balta666 are you referring to the 2d Mario Odyssey game. Or as some like to call it 2.5 game?
@zool MUAHAHA that is the most absurd thing I ever read in here. I bet those people say the galaxy are the only true 3d mario when I would say that those are the 2.5 ones
@Balta666 Switch is not a 3d console and cannot display 3d games, only the 3ds can do that. Mario Odyssey creates a flat 3d look on a 2d screen. If it was 3d it would have 3d in the he title.
Mario 3d World on the 3ds is 3d.
@zool palmface! I give up because you're just trolling now
Amazon in the UK have a BIGTHANKS promotional code active today only. Under the price of quite a few Switch games (and other items) there's a little Promotional Message badge "Save £5.00 on orders £25.00 or more".
@Balta666 look it up on google. How do you play 3d games on a 2d console, you can't.
Obviously you are new gaming.
@zool ok I will try to explain this like it was to a five year child. You are confusing 3d visuals with 3d movement. A 2d platformer you walk on a fix grid that moves left to right while in 3d you can move in all directions. 2.5d on the other hand is the same as 2d but there are graphic effects that simulate depth perspective (to be fair 3ds is more to 2.5 than anything else as does not does real 3d anyway)
You are quite patronising as well as wrong. What ever you watch in 2d Is 2d, some games may create the illusion of 3d but that's all it is an illusion. Call it 2.5d if you like.
The 3ds and movies where you wear 3d glasses create a depth of field and you see 'true' 3d.
True 3d on screen. The only way to get real life 3d is to look around.
Using words like troll and patronising does not make you right.
Mario Odyssey is no different from Super Mario 64 in its use of creating depth, but Mario 64 is not and has never been referred to as 3d.
Sonic Mania and DKC:TF are mandatory for any platformer fan.
@jobvd They’re in the NES Online app, so I don’t think they technically count as Switch platformers.
@zool you're wrong. Thanks.
I'm not wrong, go ask your teacher.
@dugan i just replay the different stories
p.s. screw the tower climb in the friends & costumes modes
Donkey Kong 10
Mario U 9
Rayman 8
Hollow Knight 10+
Cuphead comming!
There are lots of wonderful games left out. Awesome list none the less.
So many great games. Hopefully developers will never abandon one of the purest of gaming genres, the 2D platformer. May we never go back to those dark times when developers acted like 2D was dead (the N64/PS1 era).
For me i really love Owlboy and the Messenger but there are sooooooo many platformers
@invictus4000 The graphics are super pixely, but they are smooth and well animated with a bouncy feeling. Looks better when playing than in screenshots. There's also a lot a graphical variety between different levels. I'd prefer "normal" graphics too, but it's not something that should hold to back from playing this.
Gunman Clive Collection (1&2). Awesome games. Must play.
Happy to see Celeste and VVVVVV on the list!
@sketchturner N++ should be in the discussion of best platformers every time. Absolutely fantastic game.
NSMBU DX is fine and all but I would prefer a brand new 2D Mario. I love those even more than the 3D ones.
And no, Super Mario Maker 2 doesn't count. That's a construction game, not a true 2D Mario.
Added N++ (overdue), plus Wunderling and Levelhead
This is a great list, although Katana Zero is an action game. The platforming isn't the main focus of the gameplay - killing enemies is.
Sonic Mania and New Super Mario Bros. are fantastic! I am a sucker for these game studios putting a modern twist on these older franchises. Really wish that the Switch Genesis' pack included the & Knuckles options for the games, but I shall prevail with ye olde cartridge for that option until a Sega Ages release.
Added The Eternal Castle [Remastered]
And Spinch and Evergate.
No Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom?
EXCUSE ME BUT WHAT THE HECK!?
EDIT: Saw that it was on the metroidvania list. Carry on!
Great list! Playing Kaze now and loving it! But Celeste is still one of the greatest video games I’ve ever played. It’s just phenomenal!
Much love for Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. One of the best games I’ve ever played.
Tap here to load 95 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...