As evident with the newly-released Kirby and the Forgotten Land or the 2D indie classic Braid, platformers remain to be one of the most popular gaming genres. Games that fall under this niche allow gamers to jump and run across uneven terrains and suspended platforms to complete objectives and defeat enemies.
The handheld console Nintendo Switch offers a lot of fun and exciting platformers to its gamers, some of which even incorporate mechanics of other game genres like open world and RPG. On the review website Ranker, users decide which platformers on the Nintendo Switch are worth playing.
10 Spelunky 2
It took 12 years for Mossmouth and BlitWorks to release a sequel to their 2008 action platformer Spelunky. In the sequel, gamers play as Ana, the daughter of the explorer from the game’s predecessor. In order to find her missing parents, Ana must go to the moon and traverse the various levels of the game that are full of traps and monsters.
Spelunky 2 was released to critical acclaim due to its extensive level design and engaging gameplay. Newbies to the platformer genre should tread carefully, though, as Spelunky 2 is notorious for its savagely difficult and unforgiving levels.
9 Spelunky
The 2D pixel adventure game by independent developer Derek Yu is a platformer that has tons of randomly generated levels for gamers to explore. In Spelunky, gamers will have to go through tunnels in order to collect treasure. Along the way, they’ll have to avoid traps and defeat enemies to avoid dying and starting again from the beginning.
It might be considerably easier than its sequel, but Spelunky is still full of addicting levels that make it one of the best first games for young players who are new to gaming.
8 Astalon: Tears of the Earth
Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a Metroidvania platformer about three heroes who have embarked on a perilous journey to save their village. Developed by Canadian game studio LABS Works, Astalon: Tears of the Earth has plenty of fun in store for fantasy platformer fans.
Its straightforward platforming mechanics combined with an enthralling narrative has managed to attract fans of the genre. In addition, the game also encourages players to explore the abilities of the three different protagonists, adding variety to the usual platformer gameplay.
7 Cave Story
Cave Story still has a lot of impact on gamers today despite being released almost 18 years ago. Ported to the Nintendo Switch in 2017, Cave Story is an action 2D platformer focused on Quote, an amnesiac robot who needs to figure out a way out of a cave.
Critics and gamers thoroughly enjoyed Cave Story for its polished platforming design, its moving characters and story, and as well as its no-frills gameplay. It’s also one of the best video games developed by one person, seeing as it was solely created by Japanese game developer Daisuke Amaya.
6 Sonic Mania
Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails return in Sonic Mania, the 25th anniversary game of the franchise that pays tribute to the OG Sega Genesis Sonic titles. Featuring side-scrolling gameplay, a full cast, and tons of bonus challenges, Sonic Mania has truly captured the essence of the beloved franchise.
Critics note that the developer’s efforts to create exciting new areas and introduce challenging boss encounters have paid off as the overall platforming experience of Sonic Mania is nothing short of excellent. The game also has a DLC that adds playable throwback characters Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel, making it an essential game Sonic fans should play.
5 Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania modernizes the beloved Super Monkey Ball Deluxe title available on the PlayStation 2 and the Xbox. In the game, players get to control monkeys trapped in little balls. Then, players will have to jump from one platform to another to stop a mad scientist from wreaking havoc on the monkeys’ island.
With more than 300 stages and a number of fun mini-games like Monkey baseball, Monkey Bowling, and Monkey racing, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is one of the most fun content-filled 3D platformers on the Nintendo Switch.
4 Sonic Colors: Ultimate
The remastered version of the popular Wii and Nintendo DS game, Sonic Colors: Ultimate is a 3D platformer developed by Blind Squirrel Games as part of the 30th anniversary of the Sonic franchise. In the game, Sonic and Tails need to visit the nefarious Doctor Eggman’s amusement park in space and thwart his evil plans.
The visuals, narrative, and soundtrack are some of the high points of Sonic Colors: Ultimate. However, some gamers noticed that the game is prone to some frame rate issues that bog down the otherwise flawless Sonic title on the Nintendo Switch.
3 Rayman Legends
Rayman Legends is a 2D platformer from Ubisoft that takes place a hundred years after its predecessor, Rayman Origins. In the game, Rayman and his friends must go on a mission to defeat the Dark Teensies and recover the princesses of the land.
Originally released in 2013, Rayman Legends was ported to the Nintendo Switch in 2017. Aside from its fun platforming sequences, Rayman Legends is well-loved by Nintendo Switch users for its motivating visuals, engaging gameplay, and immersive orchestral soundtrack.
2 Celeste
From the mind of Canadian game developer Maddy Thorson, Celeste is a moving platformer about a young woman named Madeline and her journey towards the summit of Mount Celeste. The game received high praise from fans of adventure games for its well-rounded protagonist, as well as its demanding platforming sequences.
The vibrant visuals of the game are also partnered with a moving story that touches on relatable themes such as mental health. That’s why beyond its wacky platforming mechanics, Celeste is considered by many gamers as one of the most emotional indie games of all time.
1 Super Mario Odyssey
When people think of Nintendo platformers, they often think of titles from the Super Mario franchise. That’s why it’s no wonder that lots of Nintendo Switch gamers regard Super Mario Odyssey as a superior platformer on the handheld console.
Mario, alongside his new ally, Cappy, is set to explore new kingdoms and areas in order to rescue Princess Peach from the antagonistic Koopa Bowser. Apart from featuring the familiar platforming mechanics found in older Super Mario titles, Super Mario Odyssey received critical acclaim for its impressive visuals, exciting soundtrack, and charming challenges.
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