Thanks to the Nintendo Switch having the unique ability to be played both docked or handheld, it naturally lends itself well to platformers, which are games that are easy to pick up and put down, even while on the go. But not all platformers are made the same. While the basic premise remains similar - run through levels, usually in a 2D space - the difference between games immediately becomes apparent.
Some platformers are all about speed, others are about battling bad guys, and some are about puzzle-solving. It should come as no surprise that the genre is so diverse, as the earlier era of gaming was all about platformers, meaning it's a genre that's now some 40-years-old.
Sonic Mania (2017)
Sonic has led a whirlwind life. From being the 90s "it boy," to falling into obscurity during the 2000s, and once again booming back to relevance with the 2020 film. The Sonic game franchise is equally as polarizing, with some being praised, while others are utterly despised.
Fortunately, the series had new life breathed into it with Sonic Mania, which is now considered one of the best Sonic games ever by critics and players. The game returned Sonic to his 2D, 16-bit roots and focused on speed and excitement, proving to be a much-needed win for the blue hedgehog - as well as a critical and commercial success.
Hollow Knight (2017)
A newer entry to the platformer genre is Hollow Knight. This Metroidvania (meaning a platformer that usually requires gamers to explore numerous spaces, searching for keys or objects that unlock doors or realms in previous levels) is quite the opposite of Sonic games.
Rather than focusing on speed and thrills, Hollow Knight and other Metroidvanias are about exploration and puzzle-solving. Hollow Knight was praised for its gorgeous and creepy Tim Burton-esque atmosphere and its excellent soundtrack, but it was also noted for being a rather difficult game. Despite this, it received critical praise, with the Switch version holding a 90% on Metacritic.
Unravel Two (2018)
Published by the indie division of gaming powerhouse EA, Unravel Two is a powerful, heartbreaking, and visually stunning platformer with a unique twist. The game centers around two yarn characters who must help each other through various platforming levels. It's designed as a co-op game for two players to work together...but for the truly brave, it is possible (though extremely difficult) to complete while playing solo.
As the game progresses, players discover a side story about two abused orphans who escape their foster home. The game's finale ties the seemingly unconnected stories together, creating a rather emotional conclusion.
Shovel Knight (2014)
Designed as a celebration of 8-bit classics, Shovel Knight is a platforming RPG where gamers take control of the Shovel Knight. Set in a Medieval world, players need to upgrade their weapons, barter for potions, and, of course, beat the bad guys.
Shovel Knight was hailed by critics and even won Best Independent Game at the 2014 Game Awards. It's a must-play for anyone who misses NES-era RPGs and titles filled with story and lore.
Cuphead (2017)
Lauded by critics and gamers for its unique "rubber hose" style of animation that was popular during the 1920s and '30s, Cuphead is a run-and-gun platformer that can be played solo or co-op. In the game, Cuphead and his brother lose a bet with the Devil, and to keep their souls, they must find all the runaway debtors who have refused to cooperate with the Devil.
The game's story is brilliant, playing off the old "deal with the devil" trope and taking it into a new realm. Players should be forewarned though, Cuphead is notorious for its difficulty. It's not the kind of game that can be completed all in one sitting, but will require numerous tries.
Little Nightmares I & II (2017 / 2021)
Another highly-praised newer franchise is Little Nightmares. The game is a puzzle-platformer that uses horror and stealth elements. While that might sound like a lot to take in, the game makes it all fit together perfectly.
Little Nightmares follow Six, a young girl who must navigate her way through nightmarish realms and avoid being caught by anyone (or anything) that lurks in the night. Unlike most platformers where players must jump on, shoot, or bash bad guys, Little Nightmares leaves the player largely defenseless, meaning that stealth is the main tool used for making it through levels. It's a unique and haunting take on the platformer genre and quickly became one of the scariest games to play on the Switch.
Broforce (2014)
For gamers who want a combination of shoot-em-ups and platformers, Broforce is a must-play. With unlimited amounts of ammo and unique special attacks for each character, this homage to 80s and 90s action movies is a brilliant retro throwback that also feels modern and exciting.
Throughout each level, gamers can play as various action icons like Ripley from Alien, John McClane from Die Hard, and even the Predator, among many others. The object is to shoot and blast through levels filled with everything from tanks to aliens, zombies, and even the Devil himself. The game can be played solo or with up to four players (both local or online), making it an excellent platformer for friends to team up.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (2014)
As one of Nintendo's most famous legacy franchises, it's no surprise that Donkey Kong games remain popular 40 years after the introduction of the character. Tropical Freeze is actually a port from the Wii U, but remains highly enjoyable and is even considered one of the best Donkey Kong games ever made.
As per usual with Donkey Kong titles, Tropical Freeze is lush with gorgeous, colorful levels that transport gamers into the wilderness of Kong Island. The Switch version also comes equipped with tons of special extras like more characters and new game settings, as well as an exciting co-op mode.
The Ori Games (2015 / 2020)
Ori and the Blind Forest, first released in 2015, was a glorious return to the Metroidvania genre, and the game's immense popularity helped rekindle the genre as a whole, leading to a new wave of titles, including Hollow Knight and Ori's 2020 sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps.
Both games see players control Ori, a guardian spirit who must save a dying forest. The games are commended for their crisp, colorful, and glowing visuals as well as a captivating story.
Super Mario Maker 2 (2019)
Mario is not only the most popular platformer character ever, but he's also arguably the most recognizable video game character of all time. In 2019, Super Mario Maker 2 was released, which not only let gamers play more addicting Mario levels, but it also let them build their own, play levels made by their friends, and even choose from a library of gamer-created levels.
Since its release, the game has also received a few updates which have added even more fun abilities, including many throwbacks to the original NES games. As Nintendo's premier franchise, a lot of work went into making Super Mario Maker 2, and it shows when playing. It's a great game, and thanks to the level builder, it has endless replayability value.