There's an argument to be made that the Nintendo Switch is, in fact, the best console of the past decade - but is it the console of the generation? What "generation" will he even be considered a part of? Of course, none of this really matters. Nintendo has been doing its own thing for a long time. Nonetheless, the Nintendo Switch has been a big boon to independent game developers, giving smaller games the advantage of portability and a major platform. There are tons of “Nindies” that we love, but we've gone ahead and rounded up 10 of our favorites for you to check out. If you've finally sold out gargantuan games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Fire Emblem: Three Houses, maybe support some indie artists and then play these fantastic gems.
Celestial
Celeste is easily one of the best games of the last decade. The principle is simple: the protagonist of the game, Madeline, must climb a mountain. In this case, however, the mountain is both literal and figurative - and reaching the top is both a mechanical and an emotional glove. It's a really moving game with a perfect platform. We highly recommend that you do not miss it.
Hollow knight
Few games beat Hollow Knight when it comes to a refined yet exhilarating Metroidvania experience. In this indie of epic proportions, you play as a brave little bug in a sprawling, dark world called Hallownest. The beautifully drawn animations and wonderful soundtrack do a great job of setting the tone for this rich exploration-based adventure, and there's tons of replayability given its complexity and customization options. It was first released on other platforms, but Hollow Knight on the Switch is packed with additional content, offering four completely free expansions to download, including new bosses, enemies, and items.
Stardew Valley
You might have upgraded to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which is great for all of your life simulation needs, but if you like this relaxed playstyle and haven't played Stardew Valley, you're in for a treat. Stardew Valley offers a charming farming simulation with rich graphics oozing pixelated charm, and its soundtrack sets the perfect mood for a hard day's work in the field. Its sole developer, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, has done a truly magnificent job creating a story you really care about, with characters you'll learn to love. If you are looking for a deep experience that can last for tens of hours, look no further.
Return of the Obra Dinn
While the title makes this game feel like a sequel, it isn't - and the less said, the better. All we'll say is the premise puts you in the shoes of an early XNUMXth century insurance investigator for the East India Trading company as you explore a long lost ghost ship and try to determine what is wrong. There are lovely surprises and twists and turns in this masterpiece of a puzzle game, and the minimal visual style is stunning. Find out more for yourself as you explore the many mysteries the game has to offer.
Overcooked! 2
There just aren't enough couch co-op games left, but the Switch is watching out for it. Overcooked! 2 (and the original Overcooked! For that matter) reminds us of just how fun they can be, delivering a hilarious and fast-paced local co-op kitchen management experience that will have you screaming, "I NEED A CHICKEN ! " It's a relatively simple design, but it gives a wacky twist to traditional time management games by challenging you not only to create recipes properly, but also to deal with level-specific mechanics, including platforms. mobiles, rats, ghosts, etc. It is a great game to play with a partner or alone.
Donut County
Have you ever wanted to crawl through a hole in the ground? Have I always wanted to be a hole in the ground? Well in Donut County you can! It's kind of like a reverse version of the cult PlayStation 2 game, Katamari Damacy, and similarly has great mechanics and hilarious writing. It's not the longest game, but it never goes beyond its welcome and it's a blast.
Untitled Goose Game
Another brief game that's hilarious - and you've probably heard of before - is Untitled Goose Game. If you missed it somehow, you're playing like a goose. What does a goose do, you ask? It is wreaking havoc. It is more or less that. Each section gives you a list of tasks to accomplish. Sometimes this task involves tripping a little boy. Other times it's to open an umbrella in a store. Either way, the game gives you a lot of freedom and creativity to achieve your goals. It's lightweight, but perfect for what it is.
Carrion
Can you call Carrion a horror game? It's certainly reminiscent of many tropes in the genre - but with a twist. Here you play as the real monster as you terrorize an underground facility and develop your bestial powers. It may be a little obtuse for some (it can be really easy to get lost), but it feels good to play, with outstanding controls and a wonderfully bloody aesthetic.
Kentucky Route Zero
This surreal adventure is more or less a point-and-click game, but it has some fantastic writing and a visual style that brings it together. It was originally released on an episodic basis, but you can get it all now on the Nintendo Switch and see what all the hubbub of this realistic and magical masterpiece is.
Streets of Rage 4
It might have taken 26 years to get a new Streets of Rage game, but we did. Like its predecessors, this is a perfect side-scrolling beat'em up. If you've never played the show before, you may still have a great crime against time, but it's the feeling of nostalgia that really shines here.
There are tons of other great indie video game titles available for the Nintendo Switch that you should definitely check out, but these are our top 10 right now. Well, at least until Disco Elysium comes out on Nintendo Switch.
