10 Most Underrated Nintendo Switch Games You Shouldn't Miss Before Switch 2 Arrives

Since its launch in March 2017, the Nintendo Switch has skyrocketed in popularity, blending the convenience of handheld play with the power of a home console. Its success quickly outpaced the Wii U, and by early 2022, it surpassed 100 million units sold, earning its place among the best-selling gaming systems in history.

Nintendo’s success story is backed by its phenomenal library, boasting landmark titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. However, not every gem received the same attention. Tucked between the major releases are countless underrated Nintendo Switch games that, despite offering incredible experiences, slipped through the cracks.

Now, with the Switch 2 on the horizon, there's no better time to shine a light on these overlooked titles. Here’s a curated list of the 10 most underrated games on the Nintendo Switch, ranked for your rediscovery.

1. Enter the Gungeon – A Bullet Hell Roguelike Masterpiece

Enter the Gungeon is a fast-paced roguelike that fuses twin-stick shooting mechanics with dungeon-crawling mayhem. The game’s retro arcade style masks its incredibly deep mechanics, featuring over 200 outrageous and wildly imaginative weapons. With each procedurally generated run, players face unique challenges that demand sharp reflexes, strategy, and a good sense of humor. Though critically praised, it never reached the mainstream heights it deserves. If you enjoy non-stop action and unpredictable gameplay, this is a must-play gem.

2. Ape Out – A Stylish, Rhythm-Driven Beat ‘Em Up

Minimalist in design but explosive in execution, Ape Out lets players break free—literally—as a gorilla escaping captivity. Every punch and throw is timed with a dynamic jazz soundtrack that syncs beautifully with the chaos on-screen. While it can be completed in just a few hours, its intensity and artistic direction create a short but unforgettable journey. Its bold visuals and kinetic gameplay offer a unique arcade experience that’s criminally underappreciated.

3. Baba Is You – Puzzle Gaming, Redefined

In a sea of puzzle games, Baba Is You completely rewrites the rules—literally. Players move words around to alter game mechanics and bend reality, leading to some of the most mind-bending puzzles in gaming history. Its clean, charming art style hides deceptively difficult challenges that reward creativity and lateral thinking. Despite winning several awards, Baba Is You remains a hidden treasure in the Switch library.

4. Bear and Breakfast – A Cozy Simulation That’s Full of Charm

If Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley are your kind of games, then Bear and Breakfast is your next comfort obsession. You play as Hank, a bear renovating rundown lodges into successful bed and breakfast spots. With laid-back management gameplay, endearing dialogue, and a relaxing pace, this indie hit is pure joy. It’s a perfect choice for players looking for a low-stress, story-driven sim with personality.

5. Nine Sols – A Hand-Drawn Metroidvania With Soul and Skill

Combining the parry-focused combat of Sekiro with the exploration of Hollow Knight, Nine Sols delivers a 2D experience that’s as beautiful as it is brutal. Set in a mythological world of cyberpunk influences, the story unfolds through hidden lore and intense boss battles. Its stunning hand-drawn animation and fast-paced, precision-based gameplay offer a fresh take on the Metroidvania formula.

6. PowerWash Simulator – The Most Satisfying Chore You’ll Ever Do

It may sound boring, but PowerWash Simulator is anything but. This oddly relaxing game lets you blast away layers of grime with precision and zen-like calm. There’s a therapeutic rhythm to cleaning playgrounds, buildings, and even iconic pop culture landmarks like Lara Croft’s mansion or Warhammer tanks. With DLCs and surprising emotional impact, it’s easy to lose hours in the soapy satisfaction of simulated cleanliness.

7. Chants of Sennaar – A Visual and Narrative Masterwork

An award-winning indie, Chants of Sennaar plunges players into a world of lost languages, forgotten gods, and cryptic puzzles. You play as a silent traveler who must interpret glyphs and uncover ancient truths. The game’s breathtaking art style, haunting music, and environmental storytelling make it a poetic, immersive adventure unlike any other on the Switch. It’s a puzzle game for thinkers, linguists, and lovers of art.

8. PlateUp! – Chaos in the Kitchen Has Never Been So Strategic

Think Overcooked, but with added depth and long-term progression. PlateUp! is a frantic restaurant sim where players must manage orders, optimize layouts, and expand their businesses through smart automation and split-second coordination. It’s both a party game and a strategy sim, with chaotic charm and plenty of ways to fail hilariously. It’s not just fun—it’s a constant challenge of teamwork and adaptation.

9. What the Golf? – Hilarious, Absurd, and Totally Unpredictable

Forget everything you know about golf—What the Golf? throws the rulebook out the window. Sometimes the ball is a chair, sometimes the golfer flies, and sometimes it becomes a sentient house. Every level is a surprise, designed to entertain and confuse in equal measure. It’s a brilliant satire of sports games and a wild playground for creativity and absurdity. Great for short sessions or long laughs.

10. Spiritfarer – A Game About Death That Feels Full of Life

Spiritfarer tells a story of grief and letting go through warm, hand-drawn visuals and heartfelt storytelling. As Stella, you care for spirits and help them find peace aboard your customizable ship. It’s part platformer, part resource management, but fully an emotional journey. Few games handle death with such tenderness. If you haven’t played this yet, it might be one of the best indie games you’re missing out on.

Nintendo’s library is stacked with blockbusters, but these overlooked games prove that there’s even more magic to discover just below the surface. As the Switch generation nears its end, it’s worth giving these hidden gems a place in your collection.

Visit www.nestfact.com for more curated gaming content, reviews, and upcoming Switch 2 updates.

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