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The 10 Best Nintendo Switch Platformers You Need to Play in 2026

So, you're looking for the absolute best Nintendo Switch platformers to dive into? You've come to the right place! The Switch is an absolute treasure trove of fantastic platforming experiences, from charming indie darlings to AAA classics. Narrowing down the best can be tough, but don't worry, I've done the hard work for you.

This list isn't just a random collection of games. I’ve considered everything from level design and gameplay mechanics to overall replayability and pure, unadulterated fun. Prepare to discover (or rediscover!) ten of the very best Nintendo Switch platformers that you absolutely need to play in 2026. Let's jump in!

| Game | Best For | |------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Super Mario Odyssey | Exploration and sheer, joyful creativity | | Celeste | A challenging and emotionally resonant experience | | Hollow Knight | Atmospheric exploration and challenging combat |

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1. Super Mario Odyssey

Best For: Exploration and sheer, joyful creativity

Key Features:

• Cappy: Mario's new companion, Cappy, allows him to "capture" enemies and objects, granting him new abilities.
• Vast Kingdoms: Each kingdom is a unique and sprawling environment filled with secrets to uncover.
• Collectibles Galore: Hundreds of Power Moons are hidden throughout the game, encouraging exploration and replayability.

Why We Like It: Super Mario Odyssey is a masterpiece of platforming design. Cappy's capture mechanic adds a whole new layer of depth to Mario's moveset, allowing for incredible creativity in how you traverse the environments and solve puzzles. The game is bursting with charm and surprises around every corner, making it a joy to play from beginning to end. It's not just one of the best Nintendo Switch platformers; it's one of the best Mario games ever.

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2. Celeste

Best For: A challenging and emotionally resonant experience

Key Features:

• Precise Platforming: Celeste demands precision and timing, but the controls are tight and responsive.
• Assist Mode: A robust assist mode allows players of all skill levels to enjoy the game's story.
• Emotional Narrative: The game tells a powerful story about overcoming anxiety and self-doubt.

Why We Like It: Celeste is more than just a challenging platformer; it's a deeply moving and relatable experience. The gameplay is incredibly tight and satisfying, and the assist mode ensures that anyone can experience the game's powerful story. The difficulty is perfectly tuned, pushing you to improve without ever feeling unfair. This is a must-play Nintendo Switch platformer for anyone who appreciates a game with both heart and challenge.

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3. Hollow Knight

Best For: Atmospheric exploration and challenging combat

Key Features:

• Metroidvania Design: Explore a vast and interconnected world filled with secrets and upgrades.
• Challenging Combat: The combat is precise and demanding, requiring skillful dodging and timing.
• Atmospheric World: Hallownest is a beautifully realized world with a haunting atmosphere and memorable characters.

Why We Like It: Hollow Knight is a masterpiece of the Metroidvania genre. The game's world is incredibly atmospheric and rewarding to explore, and the combat is both challenging and satisfying. The sheer amount of content is staggering, offering dozens of hours of gameplay. It's a dark and challenging Nintendo Switch platformer, but one that's well worth the effort. Be prepared to lose yourself in the depths of Hallownest!

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4. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition

Best For: Gorgeous visuals and fluid movement

Key Features:

• Stunning Art Style: The game features a breathtaking hand-painted art style.
• Fluid Movement: Ori's movement is incredibly fluid and responsive.
• Emotional Story: The game tells a heartwarming and emotional story about loss and redemption.

Why We Like It: Ori and the Blind Forest is a visual masterpiece. The game's hand-painted art style is simply stunning, and Ori's movement is incredibly fluid and satisfying. The story is also surprisingly emotional and moving. While the game can be challenging at times, it's always fair and rewarding. This is a beautiful and unforgettable Nintendo Switch platformer.

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5. Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition

Best For: Fast-paced, cooperative platforming fun

Key Features:

• Incredible Level Design: The levels are incredibly creative and varied.
• Cooperative Gameplay: The game supports up to four players in local cooperative play.
• Musical Levels: Some levels are set to music, creating a unique and exhilarating experience.

Why We Like It: Rayman Legends is one of the most fun and accessible platformers on the Nintendo Switch. The levels are incredibly creative and varied, and the cooperative gameplay is a blast. The musical levels are a particular highlight, offering a unique and exhilarating experience. This is a perfect Nintendo Switch platformer for playing with friends and family.

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6. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Best For: Classic platforming with a modern twist

Key Features:

• Challenging Level Design: The levels are incredibly challenging and require precise platforming skills.
• Varied Environments: The game features a variety of lush and detailed environments.
• Cooperative Play: Play with a friend as Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, or Cranky Kong.

Why We Like It: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a masterclass in platforming design. The levels are incredibly challenging, but also incredibly rewarding to master. The game is also visually stunning, with lush and detailed environments. This is a must-play Nintendo Switch platformer for fans of classic platforming games. The addition of Funky Kong mode makes it more accessible for new players.

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7. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

Best For: Retro-inspired platforming with tons of content

Key Features:

• Multiple Campaigns: Treasure Trove includes multiple campaigns, each with its own playable character and unique story.
• Retro Graphics: The game features a charming 8-bit art style.
• Tight Controls: The controls are tight and responsive, making the gameplay incredibly satisfying.

Why We Like It: Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a love letter to classic platforming games. The game features a charming 8-bit art style, tight controls, and multiple campaigns to play through. Each campaign offers a unique gameplay experience, making this a fantastic value for the price. This is a must-have Nintendo Switch platformer for fans of retro games.

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8. Super Mario Maker 2

Best For: Unleashing your creativity and playing endless Mario levels

Key Features:

• Level Creation Tools: Create your own Mario levels using a variety of tools and assets.
• Online Sharing: Share your levels with the world and play levels created by other players.
• Story Mode: A robust story mode provides inspiration and challenges.

Why We Like It: Super Mario Maker 2 is the ultimate Mario playground. The level creation tools are incredibly powerful and easy to use, allowing you to create your own unique Mario levels. The online sharing features allow you to play an endless stream of levels created by other players. This is a Nintendo Switch platformer that will keep you entertained for years to come.

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9. Yoku's Island Express

Best For: A unique pinball platforming experience

Key Features:

• Pinball Mechanics: The game combines platforming with pinball mechanics.
• Open World Exploration: Explore a vibrant and interconnected island.
• Charming Characters: Meet a cast of memorable and quirky characters.

Why We Like It: Yoku's Island Express is a truly unique and innovative platformer. The game combines platforming with pinball mechanics, creating a fresh and engaging gameplay experience. The open world is beautifully designed and filled with secrets to discover. This is a Nintendo Switch platformer that's sure to surprise and delight.

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10. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Best For: Classic 2D Mario action with friends

Key Features:

• Classic Mario Gameplay: Experience classic 2D Mario gameplay with updated graphics and features.
• Cooperative Play: Play with up to four players in local cooperative play.
• Nabbit and Toadette: Play as Nabbit or Toadette for an easier gameplay experience.

Why We Like It: New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a fantastic 2D Mario game that's perfect for playing with friends and family. The game features classic Mario gameplay with updated graphics and features. The cooperative play is a blast, and the addition of Nabbit and Toadette makes the game more accessible for younger players. This is a solid Nintendo Switch platformer that's sure to please fans of the series.

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Buying Guide: What to Consider When Choosing Nintendo Switch Platformers

Choosing the right Nintendo Switch platformers for you depends on a few key factors:

• Difficulty: Are you looking for a challenging experience or something more relaxed? Some platformers, like Celeste and Hollow Knight, are known for their difficulty,

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