Best Platformer Switch Games

Jump into precision challenges, imaginative worlds, and side-scrolling adventures with the best platformer games for Switch, ranked by user review ratings. Whether you enjoy tricky obstacle courses, hidden collectibles, or multiplayer fun, explore player favourites to find your next adventure at home or on the go.

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What to look for in the best platformer Switch games

1. Gameplay Style

Side-scrolling platformers focus on navigating 2D levels, while 3D platformers offer more room to explore. Choose between precise jumping challenges, puzzle-solving adventures and action-heavy games based on how you like to play.

2. Difficulty and Accessibility

Look for assist modes, adjustable difficulty or frequent checkpoints if you prefer a more forgiving experience. For a tougher challenge, consider games with demanding jumps, optional objectives and advanced movement techniques.

3. Multiplayer Options

Some Switch platformers offer local co-op or competitive modes, while others are single-player adventures. Check the supported player count, controller requirements and whether online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

4. Replay Value

Hidden collectibles, bonus stages and unlockable characters can give you more reasons to revisit levels. Time trials and alternate routes may also appeal if you enjoy improving your skills after finishing the main adventure.
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  1. 1

    U&I ENTERTAINMENT The Messenger (Ninendo Switch)

    About this product

    An action-packed platformer game featuring time-travel mechanics and retro-inspired graphics for Nintendo Switch.

    What customers like

    • Tight and precise controls
    • Unique time-travel and world-switching mechanics
    • Nostalgic retro graphics and music
    • Engaging and challenging gameplay
    • Great value and replayability
    (29)
    $42.95 Your price for this item is $42.95
  2. 2

    U&I ENTERTAINMENT Human Fall Flat Dream Collection (Ninendo Switch)

    About this product

    A quirky physics-based puzzle platformer featuring imaginative levels and multiplayer fun on Nintendo Switch.

    (9)
    $53.95 Your price for this item is $53.95
  3. 3

    Celeste (Switch) - Digital Download

    About this product

    A challenging platformer featuring over 700 levels and secrets as you guide Madeline up a mysterious mountain.

    What customers like

    • Great level design and platforming experience
    • Engaging and meaningful story
    • Excellent soundtrack and presentation
    • Challenging and rewarding gameplay
    • Tight and responsive controls
    (57)
    $24.51 Your price for this item is $24.51
  4. 4

    New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Switch)

    About this product

    An action-packed platformer featuring 164 courses, new playable characters, and two games in one adventure.

    What customers like

    • Challenging yet accessible for all skill levels
    • Enhanced graphics and portability on Switch
    • Wide variety of characters and power-ups
    • Great multiplayer and family-friendly options
    • Nostalgic and classic Mario gameplay
    (10,662)
    $84.99 Your price for this item is $84.99
  5. 5

    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Switch) - Digital Download

    About this product

    An action-packed side-scrolling adventure where you team up with friends to save your island from invaders.

    What customers like

    • Nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic Donkey Kong games
    • Challenging and well-designed levels
    • Great graphics and visuals
    • Enjoyable multiplayer and family-friendly experience
    • Fun and addictive gameplay
    (100)
    $84.99 Your price for this item is $84.99
  6. 6

    New Super Lucky's Tale (Switch) - Digital Download

    About this product

    An adventurous platformer where you help Lucky the fox save a magical book from mischievous cats.

    What customers like

    • Fun and engaging gameplay
    • Charming graphics and art style
    • Suitable for all ages, including kids
    • Variety in levels and challenges
    • Smooth and easy-to-use controls
    (193)
    $38.99 Your price for this item is $38.99
  7. 7

    Kirby Star Allies (Switch) - Digital Download

    About this product

    An action-packed adventure where you team up with enemies and combine abilities to save Planet Popstar.

    What customers like

    • Gorgeous visuals and art style
    • Variety of abilities and combos
    • Nostalgic and family-friendly content
    • Fun and accessible multiplayer experience
    • Engaging and easy gameplay for all ages
    (2,589)
    $84.99 Your price for this item is $84.99
  8. 8

    Pac-Man World 2 Re-PAC (Switch 2)

    About this product

    A modernized adventure featuring vibrant worlds, new features, and enhanced gameplay as you chase golden fruit.

    What customers like

    • Enhanced visuals and modern updates
    • Fun and engaging gameplay
    • Faithful remake with new features
    • Suitable for all ages and families
    • Nostalgic experience for fans
    (52)
    $39.99 Your price for this item is $39.99
  9. 9

    CAPCOM Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 + 2 [Nintendo Switch]

    About this product

    A nostalgic compilation featuring ten classic action-platformer games for fans of the iconic blue hero.

    What customers like

    • Excellent emulation and smooth performance
    • Useful save and rewind features
    • Great collection of classic Mega Man games
    • Bonus content and physical extras included
    • Nostalgic value for fans and newcomers
    (474)
    $49.99 Your price for this item is $49.99
  10. 10

    RED ART GAMES Ufouria The Saga 2 (Ninendo Switch)

    About this product

    A vibrant red adventure game for Nintendo Switch featuring action-packed gameplay and quirky characters.

    (3)
    $70.45 Your price for this item is $70.45

Small jumps lead to big moments of triumph

A well-timed jump, a hidden passage behind a waterfall, a tricky level finally cleared: platformers turn simple actions into moments worth celebrating. The Best Platformer Switch Games offer plenty of ways to enjoy that feeling, from side-scrolling adventures with clear paths and precise jumps to expansive 3D worlds full of secrets. When choosing a game, think about the kind of play that feels most satisfying. Some players love chasing collectibles and exploring every corner of a colourful map; others prefer quick stages that reward sharp reflexes and repeated practice. Movement is a big part of the appeal, whether that means bouncing between narrow ledges, swinging across gaps, or linking abilities together to reach a distant platform. Look for descriptions of the level design, challenge, and progression rather than choosing on appearance alone. A cheerful art style can hide a demanding adventure, while a game with simple visuals may offer surprisingly generous help for newcomers.

Difficulty and flexibility matter just as much as the setting, especially when shopping for younger players or choosing something the whole household can enjoy. Frequent checkpoints, adjustable difficulty, and optional assist features can make a missed jump feel like a chance to try again rather than a reason to stop playing. More experienced players may prefer tight controls, time trials, and optional challenges that leave plenty to master after the main adventure is finished. For shared play, check whether multiplayer is local or online, how many players can join, and whether everyone plays together or takes turns. Cooperative play can make an evening on the couch wonderfully lively, with one person spotting a secret route while another attempts the jump to reach it. Still, the experience varies: some games let players explore with relative independence, while others require close coordination. Confirm controller requirements and any online membership requirements before buying, particularly if the game is intended for siblings, friends, or family game nights.

Platformers can also be thoughtful gifts because their appeal reaches beyond a single age group. A younger player might enjoy learning new abilities one stage at a time, a busy adult might appreciate short levels that fit into a quiet half-hour, and a longtime fan might spend an entire evening perfecting a route through a challenging course. For a gift, check the age rating and content descriptors, then consider the recipient’s patience for repetition, interest in exploration, and preference for solo or shared adventures. Practical details deserve a look too: confirm compatibility with the recipient’s console model, supported play modes, and available storage for downloads or updates. Physical editions may suit someone who likes having a shelf of games to choose from, while digital editions keep the selection accessible on the system. Whichever format you choose, look beyond the main story’s length. Hidden areas, bonus stages, and meaningful replay challenges can give a platformer lasting appeal, inviting players back for one more attempt at that elusive perfect run.

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