10 Best Platformers on Nintendo Switch (2025)

It can sound simple to hop, skip, and jump to your destination. However, platforming games are becoming more complex as new technologies arise. They test your timing, demanding perfect jumps and dodges to evade obstacles and enemies. Precision is key, too, if you’re to make it to the end of the stage; your health intact. 

With the rising popularity of Metroidvanias, you’ll find plenty of challenging platformers to test your, uhm, patience. So, take your time exploring all the best platformers on Nintendo Switch has to offer.

What is a Platformer Game?

A platformer game simply has platforms you walk, run, and jump on. They can be horizontal or vertical platforms that add more complex challenges such as traps, obstacles, and enemies.

Best Platformers on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch is most known for some spectacular platformers. These best platformers on Nintendo Switch are the most eye-catching.

10. Kaze and the Wild Masks

Kaze and the Wild Masks is a retro platformer indie game inspired by ‘90s classics. It takes you across the Crystal Islands, controlling Kaze, who needs to save the world from a curse that has infected your friend Hogo and is quickly spreading around the islands. 

In your quest, you’ll face lots of enemies, including enraged living vegetables. But you’ll have the power to take them on, thanks to your wide-ranging abilities to pounce on enemies, fly, sprint, and swim through seas. 

9. Cuphead

A must-play among the best platformers on Nintendo Switch is Cuphead simply because it gets a ton of things right. Its aesthetic stands out the most, drawing inspiration from 1930s cartoons, all traditionally hand-drawn, cel-shaded, and watercolor to great effect.

But the overall concept is cool, too, of facing mostly bosses, each unique and donning hella funny designs. You almost keep on playing just so you can find out what the next boss looks like: a giant sunflower, a swimming scorpion, a buzzing bee, a half-naked giant woman… anything goes.

8. Mega Man 11

Games like Mega Man may easily swim back into subconscious memory. Hence why I’m grateful Capcom brings back the lost but not forgotten franchises every so often. This time, you’ll enjoy a new Double Gear system that significantly speeds up and boosts Mega Man’s power. 

While the authenticity of the graphics and gameplay remains the same, the entire game feels fresh and new, thanks to improvements in line with modern-day games.

7. Celeste

You’ll probably reach a point in the platforming world when you’ll crave something a little more complex. In that case, check out the Metroidvania Celeste. Being a Metroidvania, you know the world is going to be huge. Merely beating one stage doesn’t mean you’re done with it, as you’ll likely come back for a second go when you unlock more powers.

But the story here is the most eye-catching. It follows Madeline, a depressed and anxious young woman who climbs to the top of Celeste Mountain, braving hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, and in turn, beats her own inner demons. 

6. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

The little owlet Ori’s journey continues, trying to unlock your true destiny and all. Ori and the Will of the Wisps starts off with a flight gone awry. Soon, it blossoms into numerous tasks of bringing a family back together and healing a broken land.

You’ll meet new friends and enemies alike while enjoying Ori’s signature hand-painted artwork. From the story, heavily tugging at your heartstrings, to the platforming, ever so creative and tightly crafted, the Ori series continues to awe even the most seasoned players.

5. Degrees of Separation

Degrees of Separation is quite artistic, most gorgeous in its highly ambitious feat of capturing the power of love. Even when Ember and Rime are separated from each other, their souls navigate contrasting moods, they cling onto each other for the hope of someday reuniting.

Heat and cold play against each other in beautiful ways, both visually and emotionally. You feel every leap as something more than just gameplay, but as an expression of faith in learning to lean on each other (or tear each other apart).

4. A Hat In Time

With every hat you stitch, A Hat In Time unlocks newfound time-traveling powers. This is a cute story of fantasy and adventure. It’s been graciously received, spiraling to the top of the best platformers on Nintendo Switch, because of its flair and constant surprises at every turn. 

3. Inside

Dark and gloomy might alternatively be the platformer you’re looking for. But not at all in the lackluster sense. Inside is quite a gripping, atmospheric game, using black and white colors to lure you into a most dreadful tale. 

If you’re looking for a moody platformer with an unsettling vibe, but equally stimulating in its puzzles and action, Inside has got you covered.

2. The Plucky Squire

Cast away from inside his own storybook, Jot has to learn to navigate the real world while finding a way back into The Plucky Squire. But not with resistance from the real world’s platforming stumbling blocks or the vicious villain of the storybook, Humgrump.

The Plucky Squire experiments with unique ideas to great effect. Not one moment feels bland as you navigate a most pleasing adventure with Jot and his friends. Every page is its own story, whether the puzzles, secrets, or friends you meet, culminating in an all-around wholesome experience.

1. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Super Mario has always been the best at what he does, not plumbing, no, but platforming across whatever obstacle to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. I’d argue Super Mario Bros. Wonder offers the best experience. 

True to its name, every stage is full of wonder. You’ll encounter moving pipes, tilting terrain, bouncing Hoppos, and space walks. Your abilities allow you to interact with the game in exciting ways, even stampede on enemies and skydive. 

The best part is that these cool surprises are unlocked by collecting Wonder Flowers dispersed all around the world. So, you’re constantly motivated to keep hunting for every single one.