7 Great Hidden Gems for the Nintendo Switch

There’s no shortage of amazing Nintendo Switch games to keep players of all kinds entertained. At this point, all of Nintendo’s main franchises have received fantastic Switch titles. Favorites include Mario Kart, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Super Smash Brothers.

It’s easy to track these games down, but what happens when players finish them and desire something new? We’ve compiled a list of seven games that, while by no means big names, are just as compelling and fun to play as Nintendo’s mainstays.

Many critics have compared Kaze and the Wild Masks to the Donkey Kong Country series. This fantastic-looking 16-bit style side-scrolling platformer has enough jumping, character swapping, and item collecting to satiate fans of the DKC series. Developer PixelHive did a great job putting a unique spin on a well-worn genre, making Kaze and the Wild Masks stand out in an overcrowded pack of retro-styled platformers.

Golf Story made a modest impact during its release in 2017. However, it remains as excellent an option for Switch players as ever. Combining the charm of a Super Nintendo-era role-playing game with simulation golf, developer Sidebar Games has struck a perfect balance.

The writing is witty, with nonplayer characters continually berating and belittling the protagonist. What’s more, side missions are plentiful. The golf gameplay is excellent as well, making Golf Story a can’t-miss game for anyone who desires an RPG that goes beyond slaying monsters and saving the world.

The roguelite genre has flooded the indie games market over the last several years, making it increasingly difficult to find titles that are actually decent. However, UnderMine makes the cut, as it doesn’t try too hard to punish the player for every death. The gameplay loop of mining for resources — while fighting enemies and exploring deeper into the mines — is extremely satisfying. With fast, fluid combat inspired by The Legend of Zelda, UnderMine will keep players coming back to make continued runs through the mines.

Retro gaming fans will adore Steel Assault, which would have been right at home on the Game Boy Advance in 2003. A frenetic mashup of run and gun — and melee combat — should keep players engaged throughout the entirety of the game. The only complaint is that the experience is over too soon. Still, the old-school nature of the gameplay makes it easy to rinse and repeat without getting bored.

Games are a great escape from the mundanity of the real world. They can also be a fantastic medium for visual storytelling. Unpacking combines these two concepts by telling the story of a young woman’s life through the possessions she unpacks after each relocation.

It’s a relaxing and rewarding experience — one that will no doubt please those who get great joy out of tidying up and organizing their living spaces. A welcome respite from games featuring non-stop action or over-to-top violence, Unpacking is a much-needed breath of fresh air in the gaming world.

The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo’s most popular franchises, which makes it even more astounding that the Big N signed off on this project to begin with. The original Crypt of the NecroDancer brought funky rhythm game sounds to the dungeon crawler genre.

Brace Yourself Games took this new formula and added The Legend of Zelda to the mix while including a host of new gameplay features and that distinct Zelda art style. The overall package is fantastic. Players need not be obsessed with the rhythm game genre to find a great time in this version of Hyrule.

A heavy emphasis on heavy metal powers the world of Valfaris, creating a unique game aesthetic that’s only enhanced further by the visceral action. This side-scrolling shooter features several fun weapons to unlock. Examples include the jelly whip, Skysplitter railgun, and the aptly-named Bringer of Mayhem.

The difficulty ramp is perfect, allowing players to feel more powerful as they proceed. This throws increasingly challenging bosses and encounters into the mix. Fans of the Contra and Metal Slug series will find a lot to enjoy. What’s more, heavy metal lovers will have a headbanger’s ball while playing through Valfaris.

The portable nature of the Switch makes it prone to wear and tear. As such, it’s important to protect the device with an extended warranty from Upsie. Unfortunately, big-box retailers tend to offer confusing, overpriced warranties that keep players out of the game for too long. In comparison, Upsie’s warranties are intuitive, simple, and cost up to 70 percent less than warranties sold elsewhere.

Upsie’s warranties protect gaming consoles from drops and spills, manufacturing defects, and power issues. Best of all, customers can make unlimited claims up to the purchase price of the device. An Upsie extended warranty features easy-to-understand terms and conditions, along with prices that easily beat out the competition.