Pro Jank Footy Switch 2
Ozgur gets a kick out of this one (pun, as always, intended):
You need to try Pro Jank Footy, which is an Aussie rules Roguelite sports game. It’s really whacky and fun and it has a lot of references to Aussie lingo and culture. Also the sport itself is real minus the cards. But if you like Balatro or Deadzone, you will get a kick out of this! No pun intended.
Scritchy Scratchy Switch 2
Cracking out the second Balatro comparison in as many recommendations, LinktotheFuture likes Scritchy Scratchy:
A lot like Balatro, but with Scratch Off tickets. Very fun and addictive, and only $6.99. I bought the Switch 2 version and also was able to download the Switch 1 version for free.
Shape of Dreams Switch 2
Kilroy recommends the recently released Shape of Dreams:
It's a MOBA like Heroes of the Storm or League of Legends, but turned into a purely PvE single (or multi) player run-based roguelite (Diablo is in a somewhat similar combat style). You start with two character unique skills and can get a total of four skills in a run from RNG drops that can be later modified at will. You move through small randomized map nodes fighting, eventually reaching the boss of each biome. It's a very polished and well-researched love letter to the genre that I'm still playing after unlocking all items and characters. Was my GotY last year.
Silver Pines Switch 2
rodaco cracks out a potent meets-meets for Silver Pines:
It's Silent Hill (2 in particular) meets Twin Peaks/Twilight Zone. 2D metroidvania, combat is purposely limited but elegant. Art style is also constrained but appropriate. It really rewards observation of the environment and exploration. Great atmosphere, intriguing, an easy recommendation.
Slots & Daggers Switch eShop
LinktotheFuture returns with Slots & Daggers:
Similar to Luck Be A Landlord, but add some RPG elements. Choose between different weapons, shields, spells, etc. as you level up. Also has some tough endgame content that I still haven't beat yet. Short game, you can probably finish the main game in a few days, but a lot of fun.
Spectacular Sparky Switch eShop
recastanho calls out run-and-gunner Spectacular Sparky:
Another Run 'n' Gun. This one mas made by FreakZone Games (AVGN I & II Deluxe) and reminds me of Alien Soldier.
SPRAWL zero Switch 2
Collin enjoys early-2000s-esque FPS SPRAWL zero:
Sprawl zero is a really good ps2 style fps that released on switch 2. Retro inspired graphics and a dystopian city that feel somewhere in the middle of judge dread and killzone. Gameplay is fast, violent and hard. Unfortunately no gyro controls but it's a gem all around.
Suika Game Planet Switch 2
LinktotheFuture's final offering is the sequel to a viral hit:
If you like the original Suika Game, then I think you will also like Suika Game Planet. Not just a reskin, this is a whole new spin on the original mechanic. You are dropping fruit/planets into a large planet field, and each piece you drop is pulled into the core, like gravity! Who doesn't love gravity?
TCG Card Shop Simulator Switch 2
It can be hard to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to 'Simulators', but Solomon_Rambling vouches for this one (and this specific one - beware of similar-sounding imposters):
TCG Card Shop Simulator is a relaxed experience with a satisfying gameplay loop. Days consist of stocking shelves, opening packs, running the cash register, and spraying deodorant on stinky guests. Cash is plentiful enough to allow you to meaningfully upgrade your shop each day by expanding it, buying new products/furniture, or hiring workers. It’s a simple formula that’s great for binging or short gaming sessions. Just make sure you get the right game because there are a number of knock-offs on the eShop!
Touhou Koumakyou: New Classic - the Embodiment of Scarlet Devil Switch 2
Chrono120 brings us back to the shmups:
I recommended Touhou Koumakyou, is a indie/doujin Bullet Hell that started all the way back to PC98 and the 6th and first Window game (Koumakyou) got a remake for both SW1 and SW2, you may recognize some songs as those popular memes like Ronald McDonald from the old internet are from this series of games.
Urban Myth Dissolution Center Switch eShop
"Here’s a recommendation that’s perfect for Spooky Season," writes ChessboardMan.
A paranormal investigation game that oddly reminds me of Ace Attorney games. Split into episodes, with a bigger picture slowly unfolding, and a fun cast and expressive character portraits. It’s linear but very fun to predict where the story is heading. It oozes with a retro style with some impressive animation sequences and an awesome soundtrack. And the sprite work is perfectly creepy when it wants to be.
Well Dweller Switch 2
By far our most recommended game this round, it's Well Dweller:
For me a "perfect" Metroidvania. After massive MVs such as Silksong, Aeterna Noctis et al (which I love very much), this one is almost like a beautiful breather in between. Not too hard for an experienced player, but it makes every little bit up in charm. The art style & graphics in general throughout varied biomes, the near perfect gameplay, the score, the exploration, i. e. backtracking... It all is here to make for a 10-15 hour play through depending on your skill level and whether or not you go for 100%.
Beautiful game, can't recommend it enough. Plus, it's done only by one guy and his brother. Amazing. - DanielRochelle
It has hollow knight vibes but resembles more of a dark fairytale. most importantly, movement feels slick and bosses are badass. - Daniel Schonfeld
Horror-themed Metroidvania made by Kyle Thompson (Islets and Crypt Custodian) - recastanho
Good game! - Phil
Whitestone Switch eShop
Noelemahc says that Whitestone is "best summarised as Dieselpunk Dead Space on the Titanic, with some Persona-style time management and dating mechanics on top." Sounds good.
Murder mystery that transitions into cosmic horror, what's not to like? Combat is a bit buggy but the sheer creativity of the non-linear story compensates for it easily.
Wylde Flowers Switch eShop
And finally, Erigen picks Wylde Flowers, "a very charming farming and life sim about a city girl who moves to a small island to aid her sick aunt."
What makes the game unique is the story centers around her family's link to a secret society of witches and otherworldy forces that have been causing trouble in the town. With this genre, romance and friendships with the other characters as they live their lives and requests things from you are all there and is full of charm and cozy gaming goodness. Farming, fishing, mining, crafting and potion making are all key to keep the island happy.
Thanks again to everyone who responded. Let us know in the poll if you've sampled any of the games above.
Got more recommendations for us? Send them over for next time by following the guidelines and instructions below:
Submission guidelines
- 100-word limit - Keep it brief! A history of the genre and deep-dive into every mechanic is unnecessary. Concentrate on what the game is about, what sets it apart from other games, and why you enjoyed it.
- One entry per game - Feel free to send your thoughts on multiple games, but there's no need to duplicate.
- Choose only games that we haven't reviewed on the site - To check if a Nintendo Life review exists, simply type the name of the game into the search box at the very top of the page (look for the magnifying glass icon in the top-left corner) and click on the game page that appears. If there's no review, and it doesn't appear in a previous Reader Recommendations feature (which will also appear on the game page if it exists), you're good to go!
How to send a recommendation
- Head to Nintendo Life's Contact page and select the subject "Switch eShop Hidden Gems" from the drop-down menu (it's already done for you in the link above). Type your name, email, and beautifully crafted message into the appropriate box, hit send, and Bob's your uncle!





Comments 27
Overall great list, thanks to all those who recommended any of these games - already knew about several of them (haven't played them myself, though), but there are some I haven't even just heard of and that definitely appeal to me!
Still waiting for the Harry Potter review. It's a great AAA RPG that really pushes the Switch 2 in a number of impressive ways, imo. Neat list, though - I haven't even heard of most of these games, tbh.
Other than the game I recommended, I’ve only played Birth. It’s quirky, and its puzzles are inventive enough to keep you engaged. It just didn’t resonate with me long after I completed it.
I have Monster Train 2 on my wishlist, and I’ll be adding Berry Bury Berry as well.
Every time one of these articles comes out, it gets harder for me to contribute to one as my wishlist gets bigger and bigger with all these recommendations. I hardly have the time to find hidden gems of my own. Anyway, I added Dadish 4 and Moonleap to my wishlist, and Well Dweller was already added.
Cool to see my Silver Pines recommendation featured, thanks guys. Just finished the game the other day, after 15 hours or so, actually found the ending(s) quite emotional. It's largely inspired by Silent Hill 2, story too, but still so impressive from a small team.
Well Dweller all day, i throughly enjoyed it.
I got Flamecraft as I enjoy the board game, the game plays a little awkwardly on the TV unfortunately. The good thing is it definitely makes the game quicker
Well Dweller? Easily one of the best games I played 2026 to date. A must play for everyone who is into metroidvanias.
I would like to recommend Tenebris Somnia
It’s a survival horror 8 bit retro game with live action cut scenes (which are really well produced and not one ounce of AI on them)
I love how from one moment youre playing s retro game and suddenly youre watching a horror movie. The contrast is what makes it feel like something fresh.
https://youtu.be/UuvcepjC_dg?si=Pmld3oJIED7VLWCf
It just released last week
This is such an awesome recurring feature - thank you for doing them! And thank you to everyone that submits the nominations! I wish I could check out everything.
Out of curiosity, does the list of these games get whittled down in some way? I assume you couldn't post every game that is sent to you. So, does the staff give them a once-over to determine the "winners?"
I tried the demo for the Well Dweller game based on someone's (sorry) recommendation in a comments section. It is really good.
I was also surprised by how much I enjoyed the Marsupilami game, again based off of the demo.
How could you guys have missed Well Dweller? The creator's other games, like Crypt Custodian and Islets got reviewed. This might be his best one yet. I personally recommend it to people who bounced off Silksong. Not saying its a copy of it. I just mean the vibe of it and it being a metroidvania. But its heavy on an addictive loop of exploration without the insanely hard combat.
Also, shout out to Bio Menace Remastered. If anyone has enjoyed playing DOS games back in the day like Commander Keen or the original Duke Nukems, they would love this.
Thanks for the recommendations, everybody!
I'd like to second Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, Shape of Dreams, and Urban Myth Dissolution Center.
I may check out Sprawl Zero and the Parking Garage one!
Parking Garage Rally Circuit is a masterpiece.
Depressing to think stuff like that execrable Bubsy collection is able to get a professional review but not any of these genuine treasures.
Your introduction to my shoutout had me cackling 😂.
Looks like a nice assortment of games.
Played a bit of the Well Dweller demo recently. Seems good but I found the sound design to be a bit underwhelming in the little I played. Didn't grab me.
Parking Garage Rally Circuit looks awesome! How does it run on Switch 2?
Looking forward to the physical release of Well Dweller, looks amazing, and Crypt Custodian was so good 😍
@Andy_Witmyer if they haven’t made one I’d have to imagine it’s due to the discourse surrounding Harry Potter’s creator
Hey, Shape of Dreams gets some love!
Post Void is a bit trippy, but the loop was good. Hotline Miami or something.
Riptide Renegade GP is a fun wave race esque game I bought the other day. Pretty, pretty, pretty good
I can also recommend Double Dragon Advance. It is like a greatest hits of all early DD games and plays great! I would like to try Parking Lot Garage Rally and Spy Intercept looks really well done also.
This is one of my favorite features on Nintendo Life. As usual, I found a few new games to try! Thank you to all who contributed.
@FishyS
"Dadish 4 is, as expected, the sixth game in the Dadish Series."
Brilliant opener!
Cool feature. I maybe had watched 2 vidoes for these games before this. I watched 7 or 8 more. So at least they got more exposure. Chrono Ark Deluxe might be the game I try... but backlog. I'm finally about to tackle Final Fantasy VI only, what 30 years after release? Great so far, as expected.
I'm adding moon leap, prison city, and Pampas & Selene to my wishlist. Well Dweller was already on there.
A lot of good looking shmups on the list but my shmup backlog is already infinite.
Marsupilami 2 is a game I feel like I should love but I tried the demo and it didn't quite click for me; not sure why.
Anyways, lots of good looking games and fun to read the short reviews.
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