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Hey there, fellow Switch enthusiasts! Are you ready to jump, dash, and collect your way through the very best platforming experiences the Nintendo Switch has to offer in 2026? You've come to the right place. We've spent countless hours exploring virtual worlds, dodging enemies, and mastering tricky jumps to bring you a definitive, ranked list of the top nintendo switch platform games you absolutely need to play. Get ready to update your wish list!
Top Picks Summary
| Rank | Game Title | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Super Mario Odyssey 2 | Exploration, Creative Gameplay, and Pure Fun |
| 2 | Rayman Legends Definitive Edition | Co-op Fun, Tight Platforming, and Musical Stages |
| 3 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps | Visuals, Emotional Story, and Challenging Combat |
Super Mario Odyssey 2
Best For: Exploration, Creative Gameplay, and Pure Fun
Key Features:
- Cappy's Enhanced Abilities: Cappy is back with even more transformations and abilities to discover.
- Massive Open Worlds: Explore sprawling kingdoms filled with secrets and challenges.
- Dynamic Weather Systems: Experience how changing weather impacts gameplay and exploration.
- Seamless Co-op: Play with a friend, with one controlling Mario and the other Cappy.
Why We Like It:
Super Mario Odyssey 2 takes everything we loved about the original and cranks it up to eleven. The sheer creativity of the gameplay, coupled with the joy of discovering new kingdoms and transformations, makes it an absolute must-play. The dynamic weather adds a new layer of immersion, and the co-op mode is fantastic for playing with friends and family. It's the quintessential nintendo switch platform game for anyone looking for pure, unadulterated fun.
Rayman Legends Definitive Edition
Best For: Co-op Fun, Tight Platforming, and Musical Stages
Key Features:
- Stunning Visuals: Hand-drawn graphics that pop off the screen.
- Musical Levels: Rhythm-based platforming that's incredibly addictive.
- 4-Player Co-op: A chaotic and hilarious experience with friends.
- Daily Challenges: Keeps you coming back for more with new content.
Why We Like It:
Rayman Legends Definitive Edition is a masterpiece of platforming design. The levels are ingeniously crafted, the visuals are gorgeous, and the musical stages are unlike anything else in the genre. The 4-player co-op is a blast, making it perfect for game nights. Plus, the daily challenges ensure that there's always something new to keep you entertained. If you're looking for a nintendo switch platform game that's both challenging and rewarding, look no further.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Best For: Visuals, Emotional Story, and Challenging Combat
Key Features:
- Breathtaking Art Style: One of the most visually stunning games on the Switch.
- Emotional Story: A moving narrative that will stay with you long after you finish playing.
- Challenging Combat: A wide range of abilities and enemies to master.
- Metroidvania Design: Explore a vast, interconnected world.
Why We Like It:
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a visual and emotional masterpiece. The art style is simply breathtaking, and the story is deeply moving. The challenging combat and Metroidvania design provide a satisfying sense of progression. It's a nintendo switch platform game that's both beautiful and engaging, and it's sure to leave a lasting impression.
Metroid Dread
Best For: Atmospheric Exploration, Tense Stealth, and Classic Metroid Gameplay
Key Features:
- E.M.M.I. Encounters: Intense stealth sections where you must evade powerful robots.
- Upgrades and Abilities: Discover new powers to explore previously inaccessible areas.
- Dark and Atmospheric World: A haunting and immersive environment.
- Tight Platforming: Precise controls and challenging jumps.
Why We Like It:
Metroid Dread is a return to form for the Metroid series. The E.M.M.I. encounters are incredibly tense, and the exploration is rewarding. The game perfectly captures the feeling of being alone and vulnerable in a hostile environment. If you're a fan of classic Metroid gameplay, or if you're looking for a challenging and atmospheric nintendo switch platform game, Metroid Dread is a must-play.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Best For: Deep Lore, Challenging Combat, and Exploration
Key Features:
- Vast Interconnected World: Explore a massive and intricate kingdom.
- Challenging Boss Battles: Test your skills against a variety of formidable foes.
- Deep Lore: Uncover the secrets of Hallownest.
- Beautiful Hand-Drawn Art Style: A visually stunning world.
Why We Like It:
Hollow Knight: Silksong (while technically not released yet, the hype is REAL and it's anticipated for 2026) is the sequel to the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight. The game promises to be even bigger and better than its predecessor, with a vast interconnected world to explore, challenging boss battles, and a deep lore to uncover. The beautiful hand-drawn art style is also a major draw. If you're a fan of Metroidvanias, or if you're just looking for a challenging and rewarding nintendo switch platform game, Hollow Knight: Silksong is one to watch out for.
Celeste
Best For: Precision Platforming, Emotional Story, and Accessibility Options
Key Features:
- Incredibly Tight Controls: Precise platforming that requires skill and timing.
- Emotional Story: A moving narrative about overcoming anxiety and self-doubt.
- Accessibility Options: Makes the game accessible to players of all skill levels.
- Challenging Levels: Test your skills with a variety of devious obstacles.
Why We Like It:
Celeste is a masterpiece of precision platforming. The controls are incredibly tight, and the levels are ingeniously designed. But what sets Celeste apart is its emotional story about overcoming anxiety and self-doubt. The game also includes a variety of accessibility options, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding nintendo switch platform game with a powerful message, Celeste is a must-play.
Buying Guide: What to Consider When Choosing Nintendo Switch Platform Games
Choosing the right nintendo switch platform games can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many great options available. Here are some key factors to consider:
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Genre Preference: Do you prefer classic side-scrolling platformers, 3D exploration games, or Metroidvanias? Knowing your preferred genre will help you narrow down your choices.
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Difficulty: Some platformers are notoriously difficult, while others are more forgiving. Consider your skill level and choose a game that matches your abilities. Celeste, for example, is known for its challenge, while Super Mario Odyssey 2 is generally more accessible.
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Story: Do you value a compelling narrative? Some platformers, like Ori and the Will of the Wisps and Celeste, have deeply moving stories, while others focus more on gameplay.
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Multiplayer: Do you want to play with friends or family? Games like Rayman Legends Definitive Edition offer fantastic co-op experiences.
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Visual Style: Do you prefer hand-drawn graphics, 3D visuals, or pixel art? The Nintendo Switch has a wide variety of visually stunning platformers to choose from.
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Price: Platform games range in price from budget-friendly indie titles to full-priced AAA releases. Set a budget and stick to it. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts on the Nintendo eShop.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – our definitive ranking of the top nintendo switch platform games you need to play in 2026! From the boundless creativity of Super Mario Odyssey 2 to the emotional depth of Ori and the Will of the Wisps, there's a platformer out there for everyone on the Nintendo Switch. While all the games on this list are fantastic, our top recommendation goes to Super Mario Odyssey 2. Its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and sheer fun factor make it the ultimate nintendo switch platform game. Now go forth and conquer those virtual worlds! Happy gaming!
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