Piffle (Switch eShop)

AnorakJimi is a big fan of Piffle:

Think Arkanoid + Puzzle Bobble, make it turn-based, and you have Piffle. A wonderfully addictive + relaxing + beautiful game. You shoot cats at blocks to destroy them, the aim is to ignite a chain reaction, destroy as many blocks in one shot as possible.
It's turn-based, so you've infinite time to plan shots, making it very relaxing, no constant descending blocks like Puzzle Bobble, blocks only move down once you take a shot. Every level introduces new types of blocks that behave differently and add to the destruction, it's infinitely replayable, and you can buy special items that add even more destruction.

Cooking Simulator (Switch eShop)

Octokid was apparently melting in 32C heat when they nominated Cooking Simulator:

So I have a game. Cooking Simulator. It has an abundance of recipes to cook. The story mode is fun but challenging too. And Sandbox mode is just epic.

Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight (Switch eShop)

somnambulance nominated 2019's Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight as a hidden gem:

The game is special. While it follows many traditional metroidvania tropes, it has a little bit of heart that pushes it past many of its contemporaries. The muted palette is standard fare, but it’s pared with gorgeous pixel art. The controls are responsive and swift and every attack you land has a weight to it. It’s challenging, but you don’t have to be Metroidvania obsessed to jump in either. Furthermore, the game respects a gamer’s time. It’s only five hours, which is short enough to beat in one sitting, but also to leave a person wanting more.

void tRrLM(); //Void Terrarium (Switch eShop)

shinesprites recommends a game with a title we always copy+paste just to be safe — void tRrLM(); //Void Terrarium:

I highly recommend and love void tRrLM(); //Void Terrarium, its production value is through the roof, a unique but thoughtful and solid genuine roguelike with a chilling and somber atmosphere, definitely my favorite game of 2020. Shiren the Wanderer too! But Void Terrarium never gets enough love I feel like.

Cubixx (Switch eShop)

Daddoo nominated Cubixx:

It's an arcade puzzler that's a 3D evolution of the arcade classic Qix. You play as a dot riding on lines that make up a cube, each side of the cube is like it's own game of Qix where you claim a certain percentage of each side, dodging enemies along the way. It's addictive and challenging, and even has local multiplayer.

Juiced! (Switch eShop)

And finally (for today, at least), PineappleLake has had fun with Juiced!:

A funny, colorful and challenging retro platformer, in the style of 90’s DOS platformers, with tons of content, like co-op multiplayer, unlockable outfits and secret collectibles.
Every world is unique with different enemies, original boss fights and interesting story twists. There are lots of different weapons and powerups to use, that are quite original and funny.
The game got me hooked and gave me a genuine shot of nostalgia.

Which of these Switch games have you played and enjoyed most?

(You can select up to 3 answers)

Our thanks again to everyone who responded. Let us know below if you've sampled any of the games above and if you agree with the recommendations. We're off to see which of these are on offer on Switch eShop.

If you've got a recommendation for us, you can send them to us 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, 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!