Ever since the release of the Switch, Nintendo has been embracing indie game developers by supporting their games on the platform. While the hybrid console was released alongside one of the best AAA titles on the market, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, its ever-growing games library proves that bigger isn’t always better.
As there are so many new and upcoming indie titles, we’ve gathered and listed some of the best indie games to play on Switch. Here are the top 10 that you should be playing right now.
Top 10 Best Indie Games on Switch
Below, we have listed the top 10 best indie games on the Nintendo Switch based on their genre. Let’s start off our list with the best overall indie game for Nintendo Switch.
#1 Best Overall: Celeste
Developer(s): Matt Makes Games
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One + PC (Microsoft Windows, Linux + macOS)
Initial Release Date: 25 January 2018
In the 2018 launch trailer for Celeste, we all learnt that it’s “a game about climbing a mountain”. As easy as it may sound from that short and sweet description, you only truly begin to see how challenging Celeste is once you start playing it. You’ll also start to notice how stunning visuals, gameplay and music is, too.
I’d even go as far as saying it features one of the best video game soundtracks of all time. Now, although we didn’t include it in our soundtrack list, we have crowned Celeste as the best indie game for the Nintendo Switch.
Celeste Gameplay:
In terms of gameplay, Celeste is one of the most challenging yet gripping indie titles we’ve seen for the Nintendo Switch. Similar to Super Mario Bros, Celeste is a 2D platformer in which you have to run, jump, dash and climb your way through each and every level.
But don’t be mistaken, it’s not as simple as it may sound. Before you overcome the mountain, you must first beat a selection of 2D rooms. Every single room in the game presents a challenge that can be overcome with precise timing and accuracy. And yes, that does mean you´ll require a high level of patience, too.
As you zoom through the air, you’ll have to time your moves correctly in order to avoid spikes, lava and everything else that will inevitably get in your way. Will you die a million times attempting to surpass that one row of spikes? Absolutely. Will you give up and cry in your room for hours on end? Maybe.
Yet, the levels are short, the artwork is stunning, the story is engaging and the music is atmospheric. Elements that make gameplay so interesting and truthfully addictive.
Celeste Graphics:
To say Celeste is visually stunning is an understatement. As a matter of fact, Celeste features some of the best 2D pixel art I’ve ever seen in a video game. The attractive, NES-inspired levels are complemented by a range of vibrant and striking characters.
While the soundtrack composed by Lena Raine takes you on a trip down memory lane. Since it’s so stunning, it’s a game I’d play over again just for the vibrant visuals and gripping music. Which is why we can’t recommend Celeste enough.
Celeste Overall Verdict:
There are plenty of fantastic indie games available on the Switch right now, but to us, nothing compares to Celeste. It’s an absolutely superb indie game that almost feels nostalgic thanks to the retro visuals and fast-paced gameplay. Additionally, we found the soundtrack to be atmospheric and honestly remarkable—music that will make your heart race as you play.
#2 Best Run and Gun: Cuphead
Developer(s): Studio MDHR, Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, Xbox One + PC (Microsoft Windows + macOS)
Initial Release Date: 29 September 2017
After pouring their heart and soul into their first ever video game, brothers Chad and Jared Moldehauer managed to create one of the best indie titles on the market. Cuphead is a stunning, 1930s cartoon-inspired run-and-gun game that we simply can’t get enough of. Even if you aren’t particularly into shoot ’em up titles, there’s no denying that Cuphead is an absolutely gorgeous video game. Which is why it totally deserves a place on our list.
Cuphead Gameplay:
Cuphead has a reputation for being a challenging run and gun game, but is it really as challenging as everyone makes out? Much like Celeste, Cuphead is a game that requires a high level of patience and speedy reflexes in order to surpass each boss.
That means you’ll have to accurately run, jump, shoot and dodge their shots in order to survive. On average, every boss fight in Cuphead lasts roughly 2-minutes long. Despite this fact, since there are no checkpoints in this game, you could be smashing away at your Switch for hours on end.
These fights are then split into different phases that include a range of challenges that you’ll have to overcome. At certain points in the game, you may feel like throwing your Nintendo Switch across the room. Though over time, you’ll begin to learn strategies through trial and error so that you can eventually overcome each enemy.
Hence why we see each death as an opportunity to learn, rather than a failure. Sure, Cuphead isn’t on the same difficulty level as Dark Souls. But heck is it satisfying to eliminate an enemy after what seems like a thousand failed attempts.
Cuphead Graphics:
In an attempt to replicate the 1930s animation style, every single scene in Cuphead is completely hand-drawn and inked. In order to go back in time and accurately replicate traditional animation techniques, StudioMDHR set the animation at 24 frames-per-second as seen in 1930s cartoons.
This doesn’t mean that the game runs at 24 FPS, rather it runs at a smooth 60 FPS on the Nintendo Switch. Even though everything was done by hand, everything in Cuphead looks bright, colorful and generally stunning. Like Celeste, it’s truly a game I’d play multiple times just for the aesthetics.
Cuphead Overall Verdict:
Created by two brothers with a passion for video games and a dream to one day release their own, Cuphead is a superb example of a quality indie game for the Switch. We’ve even listed it as one of the best couch co-op games on the market since it’s so fun to play on console alongside a family member or friend. With that said, playing alone on your daily commute in tablet mode on the Switch is just as fun as playing with others.
#3 Best Role-Playing: Undertale
Developer(s): Toby Fox
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita + PC (Microsoft Windows, Linux + macOS)
Initial Release Date: 15 September 2015
If you’re looking for a quick indie game that you’ll inevitably want to play over and over again, Undertale is certainly the game for you. It’s a quirky, fun and addictive role-playing game developed and composed by Toby Fox alone. Several years after a very successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, Undertale was finally released on the Nintendo Switch for us to all enjoy on-the-go. But what’s so good about Undertale?
Undertale Gameplay:
Undertale is an outstanding RPG in which you take control of a kid lost in a strange world of monsters. Their king wants your soul, and the only way to get home is to either kill everyone or befriend them. That’s right, you don’t even have to fight a single enemy in this Nintendo Switch game to win. Instead, you can choose to interact with monsters in a non-violent way.
Sounds a lot like Cyberpunk 2077, doesn’t it? Still, let’s be real here, killing things in video games makes everything much more enjoyable. At least, I think it does. Even if you decide to spare the lives of every strange monster in Undertale, there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy the game. As you play this indie title, you’ll have to beat a range of quirky puzzles in order to eventually complete the game.
One thing that makes Undertale so engaging is the pair of comical skeletons that pop up with some witty jokes and terrible puns. Who knew skeletons could be so funny? On the topic of NPCs, every single one has its own unique personality and emotions, which is why we highly encourage you to interact with them as you play.
Undertale Graphics:
For a game mostly made out of black and white pixels, Undertale looks surprisingly good. As I see it, the simple color scheme enables you to focus on the story, crazy battle and tricky puzzle as you play—rather than the graphics. Sure, it’s not the best looking indie game we’ve ever seen. But when the storyline and gameplay is so fun, does a game really have to look breathtaking? We think not.
Undertale Overall Verdict:
Undertale is an excellent indie game that works well in both TV and Tablet mode on the Switch. While the game itself is fairly challenging, the humour is witty and the puns are as hilarious as ever. But be warned: Once you complete the game, you may want to replay it again since it’s so darn addictive. At least you can say you spent your time playing one of the best indie games for the Nintendo Switch.
#4 Best Action RPG: Moonlighter
Developer(s): Digital Sun
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One + PC (Microsoft Windows, Linux + macOS)
Initial Release Date: 29 May 2018
Moonlighter is an absolutely stunning 2D action RPG that I can’t help but compare to Pokémon and The Legend of Zelda series. Considering it’s comparable to some of the classics, it’s a game that’ll have you glued to your Nintendo Switch for hours on end.
So if you do decide to purchase Moonlighter, say farewell to your social life. If you’re already antisocial or you prefer to spend time alone gaming in your college dorm, great! Then it’s time to go on a journey as a virtual shopkeeper in the village of Rynoka.
Moonlighter Gameplay:
Long ago, a commercial village known as Rynoka was discovered—a place that enabled adventurers to sell their priceless goods. As a shopkeeper with a dream of someday becoming a hero, your main goal in Moonlighter is to sell by day and scavenge by night. During your time in the shop, you’ll have to price items thoughtfully, recruit staff and upgrade your store where necessary.
You’ll have to be very careful, though, as some cruel folks may want to take your valuable items for themselves. By night, you’ll have to spend time travelling through strange worlds to find precious items such as resources and weapons.
As Moonlighter uses inventory system as found in games like Zelda, you won’t have unlimited storage space—so you’ll have to choose your items wisely. Of course, this game isn’t all about befriending local citizens and finding items in order to expand your business. Rather, you’ll have to fight and defeat a range of enemies and bosses using weapons that can be crafted by interacting with villagers.
Moonlighter Graphics:
I’ve said this once and I’ll say it again: Moonlighter is absolutely stunning. Indeed, I’ve said the same about most of the games on our list. But there’s no denying that Moonlighter is simply breathtaking. Typically, I admire games that prioritize mechanics over graphics.
After all, what’s the point in a game that looks good but plays terrible? Yet, with Moonlighter, you get superb game mechanics and charming pixel graphics. It truly doesn’t get any better than that!
Moonlighter Overall Verdict:
As we have discussed, Moonlighter is both fun to play and fun to look at. In the day, you’ll have to befriend villagers and run your shop. By the time the sun sets, you must enter dungeons to find resources, battle it out with enemies and destroy bosses.
I mean, what more do you want from a game? Truthfully, we wouldn’t change a single thing about Moonlighter considering it works so well on the Nintendo Switch. Appropriately, it deserves a place here on our list of indie games for the Switch.
#5 Best Simulation: Overcooked 2
Developer(s): Team17 Digital Limited, Ghost Town Games
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One + PC (Microsoft Windows, Linux + macOS)
Initial Release Date: 7 August 2018
If you’re familiar with Overcooked, we think you’re going to enjoy the second installment in the series. Unfamiliar with the game? Worry not, the premise is very simple. A team of chefs has to cut, cook and serve food to save the Onion Kingdom from the Ubread. Very funny. Since it’s so fast-paced and unusual, Overcooked 2 is an addictive cooking simulation game that has you repeatedly saying “just one more turn!”
Overcooked 2 Gameplay:
New to the Overcooked series? Then buckle up as the second title in the series is much more challenging. Much like the first game, Overcooked 2 allows you to pair up in a team of up to four chefs online or with a friend in couch co-op mode. You can even play alone if you’re feeling really antisocial, which is much more enjoyable in Overcooked 2 compared to 1.
Now, what exactly do you do in Overcooked 2? As a chef would in the real world, your main goal is to cook food to the highest of standards while challenging or cooperating with the other chefs. At the end of each shift, you’ll be ranked on your performance. Personally, I’m a very competitive player, so when playing against other chefs across the globe, I simply have to get the highest score in the game.
To spice things up a little, Overcooked 2 features new recipes including pasta, sushi and sashimi. This way, you’ll be able to feed the hungry customers a range of dishes as you travel across the land, sea and sky. While we say that this indie game is fairly challenging, newcomers won’t feel left out. So if you’ve never played Overcooked 2, now is your chance.
Overcooked 2 Graphics:
When it comes to visuals, this cooking simulation game for the Switch boasts lively kitchens set in a range of fun, bright-colored locations. While Overcook 2 itself looks fairly simple compared to some of the other games on our list, its cartoony graphics are very playful, making the game much more enjoyable to play. After all, you’ll be too busy running around the kitchen to notice every single detail in each game.
Overcooked 2 Overall Verdict:
If you’re into challenging video games that you can play with the whole family, Overcooked 2 needs to be added to your games library. Released in the summer of 2018, Overcooked 2 is an addictive cooking simulation game in which you must compete against or team up with a group of chefs.
Some of which can be played by your family or friends in couch co-op mode. As you can play it in so many different ways with so many different people, we absolutely love this indie cooking game. If you’re into simulation games in general, we think you’ll enjoy our guide to the best simulation games out there.
#6 Best Platform: Super Meat Boy
Developer(s): Edmund McMillen, Team Meat
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Android, PlayStation Vita + PC (Microsoft Windows, Linux + macOS)
Initial Release Date: 20 October 2010
Super Meat Boy is a classic indie title that you can probably remember playing on the 360. If you’ve never played it, well, now’s your chance to play the game on the Nintendo Switch. As Super Meat Boy is a 2D platformer, you may even find the game much more pleasant in Tablet Mode while on-the-move. Just make sure not to rage too much on public transport as this game really is tricky.
Super Meat Boy Gameplay:
Super Meat Boy is a 2D platform game that’s divided into chapters containing over 300 short yet cruel levels. And when I say they are cruel, I seriously mean it. Levels are filled with a large range of hazardous items including lasers, blades, rocket launchers and any other dangerous obstacle you could think of.
To avoid these hazards as a small, fragile red character, you must run, jump and slide down walls. Why are you forced to travel through these almost impossible levels? To save your girlfriend, Bandage Girl, from Dr. Fetus. Thankfully, you don’t have a limited number of lives and therefore you can attempt to complete every level in your own time.
Though I’d recommend doing it as fast as possible to earn a good A+ grade. If you’re really good at Super Meat Boy, you’ll be able to access hidden stages via in-game portals. One of the best things about this indie game is that you don’t even have to play the levels in chronological order. However, if you wish to unlock the boss stage, you must first complete a specific number of levels.
Super Meat Boy Graphics:
As one of the oldest games on our list, Super Meat Boy clearly doesn’t look the best. Having said this, it isn’t the worst looking game we’ve ever seen, either. What’s more, gameplay should be a priority when it comes to indie games, not the graphics. After all, Super Meat Boy was designed by two people, Edmund McMillen and Tommy Refenes, rather than a team of thousands of experienced designers.
Super Meat Boy Overall Verdict:
If you’re into indie video games, you’ll likely remember playing Super Meat Boy on the Xbox 360 a whopping nine years ago. Yes, that did make me feel old. No, I’m not going to sob about it. Back then it was hard, and when it was released on the Nintendo Switch in 2018, it was just as challenging. So if you own a Nintendo Switch or you’re looking to buy one soon, why not relive those October 2010 moments with Super Meat Boy on the Switch?
#7 Best Indie Collection: Hotline Miami Collection
Developer(s): Dennaton Games, Abstraction
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Android + PC (Microsoft Windows, Linux + macOS)
Initial Release Date: 23 October 2012 (Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number: 10 March 2015)
If you’re a fan of Hotline Miami, we think you’re going to relish the Hotline Miami Collection available for the Switch. This collection combines Hotline Miami and Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number so that you can enjoy both games in the series consecutively. At this point, it’s almost a cliché to say that Hotline Miami is a challenging indie game. But that’s exactly how we’d describe it: a difficult indie game available for the Nintendo Switch.
Hotline Miami Collection Gameplay:
While some may disagree, Hotline Miami is a fairly challenging series that requires a high level of patience and precise timing. At least, it’s difficult up until you get the hang of it. Now, that may sound very obvious, but hear me out here. Hotline Miami is a top-down shooter in which you must move through brightly colored buildings full of very angry people, all of which are trying to kill you.
Your main job is to kill everyone without getting killed first, and it only takes one shot to die in this game. Having said that, once you finally figure out the enemy movement patterns, getting through each level should be as easy as pie. Albeit, until you get the hang of things, you’ll have to keep calm and carry on as you die at least a million times.
Like any other game, practice makes perfect and so we suggest spending some time on Hotline Miami when possible. Once you get the hang of the first game in the series, Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number should feel like a walk in the park. As this collection of indie games is so entertaining, we actually don’t mind restarting the game every time we die. After all, you’ll only improve your skills through trial and error as you play for hours on end.
Hotline Miami Collection Graphics:
Influenced by the movie Drive, Hotline Miami features both a unique art style and a synthwave soundtrack that compliment each other perfectly. As you play this collection on full volume, your heart will race with excitement as you enter the range of vivid, retro-style rooms. Something that attracted me to the game in the first place.
Hotline Miami Collection Overall Verdict:
Hotline Miami is a fast-paced top-down shooter that requires a high level of accuracy as well as a high level of patience. And with this collection, you’ll be able to enjoy both Hotline Miami games consecutively. If you manage to play them both, which one do you prefer? Feel free to let us know in the comments below! But before you do that, here’s another hilarious indie shooting game for the Nintendo Switch that we think you’ll enjoy.
#8 Best Shoot ’em Up: My Friend Pedro
Developer(s): DeadToast Entertainment
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch + PC
Initial Release Date: 20 June 2019
Although My Friend Pedro doesn’t necessarily have a set storyline, it’s one of the newer indie titles on the market that we find absolutely hilarious. As a shoot ‘em up game, My Friend Pedro is full of fun and unexpected moments that’ll keep you on your toes. Much like Hotline Miami, things are very fast-paced and tricky. Saying that, My Friend Pedro plays very different compared to the previous game on our list.
My Friend Pedro Gameplay:
My Friend Pedro is a short yet pleasant game that only takes around four hours to beat. In those four hours, you’ll inevitably have a blast. The game starts out with the protagonist awkwardly waking up in the basement of a mafia hideout. Your main goal? To control your nameless character and defeat all of the gangsters in the game.
Your only partner is a banana fittingly named Pedro who encourages you to murder everyone in the game. Sounds bananas, doesn’t it? Each level in My Friend Pedro allows you to kill every enemy in a hilarious yet innovative way. Whether you want to jump, skate, glide or swing on ropes to take down enemies is completely up to you.
The ability to slow everything down is a nice touch that enables you to take everything in for a moment in time. The more enemies you kill, the more your slow-motion meter will fill up and therefore the longer you’ll be able to accurately kill enemies.
My Friend Pedro Graphics:
Inspired by The Matrix and Max Payne, My Friend Pedro is a 2D run-and-gun game with 3D graphics that looks simply phenomenal. In the moments when time is slowed, you fully get to recognize just how awesome this indie video game looks. Especially on the Nintendo Switch in tablet mode. Just try not to put your face into the screen as you attempt to appreciate how good this game looks while you play.
My Friend Pedro Overall Verdict:
Your goal in My Friend Pedro is to ultimately listen to a talking banana that tells you to do terrible things. While the game itself doesn’t necessarily have a set storyline, it’s extremely amusing and very compelling. The use of slow-motion in My Friend Pedro is also a nice feature that allows you to take everything in as you accurately destroy enemies within a matter of seconds. Rather play something a little less violent? Keep on scrolling!
#9 Best Graphic Adventure: Oxenfree
Developer(s): Night School Studio
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, iOS + PC (Microsoft Windows, Linux + macOS)
Initial Release Date: 15 January 2016
Looking for something a little less hectic? We have just the game for you! Contrasting the witty humor and fast-paced gameplay seen in My Friend Pedro, Oxenfree is a haunting supernatural adventure game by Night School Studio.
At times, things may appear a little slow and even repetitive if you’re used to real-time strategy games. Regardless, we simply couldn’t make an indie games list without including Oxenfree. It would be like creating a list of some of the best platform games without including Super Mario Bros.
Oxenfree Gameplay:
Sometimes, it’s nice to unwind after a long day by playing a slow-paced indie title from the comfort of your warm bed. And with Oxenfree, you can do just that. Walking is a massive part of this indie adventure game, which may sound extremely tedious if you’re into fast-paced gaming.
Saying that, the compelling storyline and brilliant voice acting may certainly change your mind. Forced to face your fears on a strange island, Oxenfree is all about exploring the world with a group of teenagers. As you travel and converse with your virtual pals in Oxenfree, your relationship with them will inevitably grow stronger.
In the game, you play as a blue-haired teen named Alex who is on a mission is to investigate the ghostly message heard through a radio. Eventually, the group separates and the lead protagonist is sent on a journey to find her friends. I won’t go into the specifics since it would completely destroy the game for you. But what I will say is that Oxenfree is hauntingly beautiful.
Oxenfree Graphics:
Oxenfree is full of simple yet haunting watercolor environments that compliments the story perfectly. At first, you may find wandering around each location a monotonous task. But once you start to take in the background art and focus on your surroundings, you’ll begin to appreciate Oxenfree even more.
The environments reminds me of long trips through the woods at night with my friends, a creepy yet beautiful experience that I can relive through Oxenfree.
Oxenfree Overall Verdict:
Haunting, mysterious and gripping are words we can only use to describe Oxenfree. A brilliant indie game developed and published by Night School Studio that we suggest playing as soon as possible. If you don’t decide to grab this game, you’re only going to miss out on some great voice acting, a superb storyline and extraordinary visuals. Prefer something a little more colorful? The next game on our list may catch your eyes.
#10 Best Puzzle Platform: Snake Pass
Developer(s): Sumo Digital
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One + PC
Initial Release Date: 28 March 2017
Last, but certainly not least, is Snake Pass: a colorful puzzle platformer available for the Nintendo Ssswitch. Forget walking like an egyptian, in this indie game, you’ll have to slither like a snake called Noodle. How fitting is that?
If you’ve ever beat this game on console, you may remember spending hours getting used to the controls. And I have to admit that on the Nintendo Switch, the controls are initially just as confusing. Which is why we highly recommend using a Joy-Con Grip in order to play this sssuperb snake puzzle game.
Snake Pass Gameplay:
As someone who played a lot of platform games growing up, the lack of running and jumping in Snake Pass was simply bizarre. I don’t know if you noticed, but snakes don’t actually have legs. Removing the ability to run along a 3D world like Mario or Banjo-Kazooie would.
Instead, you have to put yourself in the shoes (or scales?) of a snake. Since you don’t have limbs, you’ll have to wrap your snakey body around bamboo structures and slither your way to the objectives.
You will fall off the edge of the map, get hissed off and want to sell your Switch to the first person you see. But that’s all part of the fun, right? As you play Snake Pass, you may notice some elements of the game that were clearly inspired by classic platformers like Banjo-Kazooie. You even have an adorable flying partner-in-crime known as Doodle who’ll follow you on your adventure in Snake Pass.
Snake Pass Graphics:
Visually, Snake Pass is like if Viva Piñata and Banjo-Kazooie had a baby. Similar to classic platformers, Snake Pass features two unique, memorable characters that I’ll remember for years to come. As I slithered along the floating island as Noodle, I’m taken back to my early childhood playing 90’s platformers on the N64.
As a result, I find Snake Pass to be a very charming game full of color and life. Which is why we highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t played it yet.
Snake Pass Overall Verdict:
If you’re after an adorable, colorful yet addictive indie title for the Nintendo Switch, Snake Pass is the way to go. At first, the controls may seem impossible to use, though once you get the hang of it, you’ll begin to enjoy the game even more. To further improve accuracy, we suggest using a Joy-Con Grip—especially if you’re switching from console to a hand-held device.
Conclusion
Sometimes, bigger isn’t always better. As a matter of fact, some of us even prefer indie games over their AAA counterparts, especially on a great handheld gaming console such as the Switch. For this exact reason, we decided to collect and share some of the best indie games on the Switch that you should definitely be playing right now. Do you think we’ve missed a game off our list? Feel free to let us know in the comments below!