Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain is a fun way to exercise your mind, with short and sweet activities presented in a cute and cartoony way. It plays similarly to previous entries, but it’s still enjoyable, especially for new audiences. Or even if you’ve just missed Dr. Lobe’s style of brain training.

You went spend a lot of time in the escape room puzzles of The Star Named EOS, but the time you will spend there is fun, creative, and captivating.

OmegaBot is a fun platformer that serves as a strong debut from this solo developer. The gameplay feels like a fresh homage rather than a mere clone, with interesting characters and terrifically retro graphics.

Tinykin is a fun platformer with smooth controls, fun graphics, and stress-free gameplay. It’s a great game to pick up and play on the go.

Distraint 2 is a solemn and moving game that uses puzzles to guide you through a very human darkness.

An intensely cinematic game, Trek to Yomi enhances the action-platformer genre with a rich story and beautiful design that leaves a lasting impression.

Instead of “just one more chapter” 80 DAYS will have you saying “just one more playthrough”. It might also have you wanting to revisit Jules Verne’s novel. It comes recommended to booklovers and those desiring to a digital taste of the valet lifestyle.

It’s a niche genre on consoles, but as someone who’s intrigued that the Switch is getting titles formerly limited to the PC, I’m growing as a fan. The feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction from a job well done is real, and I can have more success thanks to the elimination of some of the complexities. I’ve enjoyed my time with Truck and Logistics simulator, and only wish it had more options ready for its $39.99 launch.

Nowhere Prophet combines a well-structured card battler with an intense story and a gorgeous art style to create a deck-building roguelike with genuine depth.

Elrentaros Wanderings is a well-crafted, well-designed game that is cleverly paced and set in an adorable fantasy world with great animation and movement. The combat is simple and the missions not particularly challenging, but even the elements that could be more fully realized don’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the game.

Pinkman+ strips back the action platformer to its core components in a way that makes for a fast-paced, boldly-coloured game that is enhanced by its simplicity.

Though some extras would’ve been beneficial, Parasol Stars is a likable release in many ways. It’s straightforward fun yet still offers plenty of excitement as you find secret doors, the “Hurry” message appears, and more. Bubble Bobble fans will want to scoop up this “third” entry, as will fans of quarter munchers, even if this classic skipped the arcades for the home console realm.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins offers thrilling action that looks great and performs wonderfully on the Switch 2. It’s likely the most intense musou combat Nintendo gamers have ever experienced. It’s also the most complex, and the management details will lessen the thrill for some players.

SteamWorld Heist II has so many outstanding core elements that, even chasing new horizons at the expense of some balance, it’s still a recommended sequel. While quirks might make it run out of steam at points, don’t be surprised when it keeps you coming back for more. With a presentation polished as a pearl and some fun twists, this lengthy sequel should find a place in the Switch collections of those up for the challenge.

On the surface, Ever 17 – The Out of Infinity tells a compelling story about a group of people in a race to survive an underwater theme park disaster. Dive deeper, though, and you’ll find plenty more to discover in this sci-fi visual novel that starts strong and doesn’t let up until the end(ings).

Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince may be the best of the Trine series, and it certainly deserves your consideration. If it’s been a while since you’ve played Trine 1 or 2, by all means, dig in. But if you’re just now getting into the series via any of the multiple packages available, you may start to feel burnt out before finishing this particular chapter.

Tempest 4000 is perceptibly held back by a clunky UI, missing two-player modes, and a gimped AI Droid. But it’s still recommended, thanks to its superb audio/visual package and “one more time” gameplay. Especially for series fans, getting “in the zone” will ensure this entry has high replay value. Being able to enjoy this in handheld mode on the Switch is a big plus also.

The Big Con is a coming-of-age story set in the ‘90s. Its strength is in the storytelling, the relatable characters, and the homage to that moment in time. The puzzles provide some challenge, and while the pickpocketing mechanic is a bit overdone, it’s something you can turn off. For those who didn’t grow up during the ‘90s, you might not connect with some of the story, but you’ll still get enjoyment nonetheless. However, for people like me, who are old enough to remember growing up during this time, I think there’s a lot you can connect with in this game.

Knight Squad 2 improves upon the original with new features, a nice layer of visual polish, and a much-needed online multiplayer component. The arcade party action is otherwise the same as in the original, however, which could disappoint those who have to buy the game again to get these enhancements.

The turn-based card battler Reigns: Three Kingdoms may not be exactly what you think when you first start, but it’s a good game worth adding to your deck-building library.

Beautiful to watch and genuinely challenging, Etherborn offers an innovative approach to puzzle games that has resulted in something unique and provocative.

While the linear design coupled with high difficulty is worth noting, the challenge leads to very satisfying gameplay. Mindball Play is a good-sized game, with polished aesthetics, and high replay value. This marble racer deserves a look.

Sci-fi and/or puzzle fans who are looking for an exotic, perplexing adventure that can terrify while challenging, will find a memorable experience with Soul Axiom Rebooted. Look for this atmospheric game to leave an impression with Switch players who check it out.

Hatch Tales: A Heroic Hookshot Adventure had a rough road to release, and the final product reflects that in some respects with a few odd choices. Still, it’s a very good platformer, much more often than not, challenging and content-rich. Releasing late in the life of the Switch exposes it to some of the same risks the original game faced later in the life of 3DS. I hope Hatch Tales secures success and recommend it for a fun time.

A turn-based tactical RPG set in a medieval fantasy map, Battle Brothers isn’t the most original premise, but it is well executed and easy to get hooked on.

Killer Queen Black is a fun and faithful recreation of the original arcade title. While the aspect of simulating ideal 4v4 local multiplayer matches has its technical issues, the transition from the arcade to home consoles surely doesn’t lose any of its competitive addictiveness.

Donuts’n’Justice is short and sweet, literally. Dish out some justice and take out waves of enemies in this 2D, horizontal side scroller. With only a few levels, the game can be completed quickly. But I bet you a donut that you have fun playing it.

Taking all the elements of visuals, variety of characters (with more available via DLC), attacks, environments, replayability, single and multiplayer modes, and overall challenge, Rumble Fish 2 is a good 2D fighter to have ready to go.

For a game that started on mobile, Rest in Pieces is a fine example of game fitted properly for the Nintendo Switch. The super simple horror-based game uses believable physics and addicting runs to create an easy game for anyone in the family to enjoy.

Capcom delivers an aesthetically pleasing world that’s fun to explore in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Whether riding your monster, scaling cliffs, swimming, or digging, the game offers variety that keeps you busily exploring. The plot and some gameplay systems can feel slower-paced at times. But a likable cast and entertaining side quests bring balance.

If you’re a fan of side-scrolling beat ’em ups then look no further than The Takeover.

Archaica lifts the puzzle game genre into a fantastical world with a rich and gripping history.

Skies Above provides some pure and simple arcade action fun. It looks nice, has a straightforward (albeit quite unique) premise, features simple gameplay mechanics, and challenges the player to keep pushing further than the last time.

A solid, portable way to experience Hitman Absolution. It has a few flaws, but the motion controls, fair price, and upcoming Contracts Mode make the Switch port worth playing.

Dispatch is a generally well-crafted game with a fun storyline, interesting characters, and clever decision-making mechanics. The dispatch minigame at its core is also genuinely fun, but the game overall would benefit from the possibility of failure to give it higher stakes and make your effort feel truly impactful.

Crowns and Pawns is a high-quality game that impresses in many ways by embracing the best of classic point-and-click design. There is even replay value, as different decisions lead to different puzzles—something noteworthy, indeed. Interesting reading and easter eggs to other genre classics are the icing on the memorable cake. Don’t let some user interface issues detract, as this is an adventure worth seeing through to the end.

It’s not blowing it out of proportion to say that Pac-Man is one of the most significant characters in video game history. He’s so widely known and loved; that alone may be enough for some to pick up his latest release. Others with a fondness for the fledgling days of 3D platformers will find PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC is a good release that grows on you, even with its dated aspects. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, and $29.99 is a fair launch price for a physical game.

EA Sports FC 24 is ambitiously big. It features an astounding number of real-life players and teams, and no shortage of content. It’s about as authentic as you can get on the Switch. Despite a few graphical blips and an overwhelming menu system, this is an easy title to recommend to fans.

If you enjoy playing Volta-X online in the main mode, you’re likely to enjoy the Metaverse update. It’s offline for you to play when you want and practice with the various Voltas.

Freddy Farmer provides a couple unique twists to classic arcade platformer action. They may not be enough to hold the attention of today’s gamer, but NES-era fans looking for something new will find a lot to enjoy.

As far as action RPGs go, Astlibra Revision is one of the most surprising I’ve played in quite some time. Outside of the occasional gap where neither the story nor gameplay seem to be progressing, it engages (and challenges) the player in multiple unique ways throughout its somewhat lengthy duration.

We. the Revolution is the kind of game that you need to concentrate on, in a way that is captivating and graphic.

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key adjusts the JRPG series’ gameplay formula in numerous ways—some subtle and some dramatic. Not all of the changes work, but the end result is still a very fun and satisfying conclusion to Ryza’s summer adventures.

Resident Evil Village: Gold Edition, offers a tense, action-packed thrill-ride through some wonderfully styled sub-genres of horror. With so much to explore, collect, and fall prey to, it’ll keep fans engaged for quite a while, and rekindle fandom for those who lost it.

Modest though it may be, Poker Night at the Inventory proves to be as fun as ever. And while it’s easy to wish for more, the game is only $9.99. To quote Strong Bad, that’s “Chump change, I say. Chump change!” The game’s charming personality guarantees you’ll be busting it out for a tournament or two every now and again.

GameDec is a point-and-click cyberpunk adventure set in a dystopian world, You make a living by discreetly investigating crimes, mysteries, and transgressions in the vast sea of alternate realities to which most humans retreat. It provides a fun mechanic for dialogue junkies who find joy in solving the big puzzle.

OkunoKA Madness is a great little platformer, with tight controls and gorgeous artwork that really puts your skill and precision to the test.

As far as remasters of remakes go, Ys Memoir: The Oath in Felghana is as good as they get. This PSP-era action RPG throwback is right at home on the Nintendo Switch. Its short time to completion helps prevent repetition and occasional aimlessness from being a real problem, making it an adventure worth taking.

Overall, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a classic RPG with one of the best Star Wars stories in the franchise. It is priced at $14.99, and I say it is worth it! There is plenty of replay value, trying for different endings and seeing different responses in your dialogue choices. Will you go Dark, Light, or Neutral? Will you bully your way through quests or try to be diplomatic? Play it, you ‘meatbag’!

Spica Adventure pulls off the unique trick of making you feel nostalgic for a game you’ve likely never played before. Kinetic, frenetic, perhaps even system syncretic, it’s a fun call-back to the heyday of chipper action platformers.

A narratively disconnected relationship makes Old Skies stumble badly at the end. But that aside, this polished release is generally great. I’d love to see a sequel that explores more of ChronoZen and its staff while jettisoning the romantic fluff to a side-story spinoff visual novel. The best way to make that happen is to check this title out. Old Skies starts brilliantly and maintains its grip with fun individual stories and an overall sci-fi plot that keeps ticking in mostly thoughtful ways.

To succeed as a Metroidvania, a game has to set itself apart from the rest. SuperEpic’s second-screen mini-game approach is not only an innovative concept, it helps underline the satirical conceit the game’s story lays out. Even with its shallow combo-based combat system, there’s plenty here for fans of the genre to enjoy.

Kickback Slug: Cosmic Courier is a pleasant little diversion with a dash of sarcasm, a pinch of difficulty, and a sprinkle of silliness (leave out the salt; our hero has some issues with that ingredient for some reason). What the game lacks in depth, it makes up for with simple fun.

The Legend of Steel Empire for Nintendo Switch strikes a solid balance between its modern upgrades and its Sega Genesis roots. Despite its short campaign, the game offers plenty for shmup fans to uncover and master without completely overwhelming casual arcade players.

Miitopia surpassed my expectations! There’s a surprising amount of content here, given the initial appearance and cutesy graphics. If you prefer the light-hearted side of RPGs, there’s a lot of fun to be had, with a lengthy game on offer. And it is loads of fun creating Miis of your family and friends (or teddies and pets) along the way.

Despite suffering from some issues on the user-experience end, Clue: The Classic Mystery Game is a lovable take on the classic board game, and one of the best renditions of the murder mystery to date. With new DLC, there’s never been a better time to check it out on Nintendo Switch!

HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition is perhaps thus named because it literally requires your signature to play. Once you’re past that and a few other technical and online issues, however, you’ll get a ton of content with countless ways to work through it. Make room for the 60GB install file, because you’ll want to keep this game around for a very long time.

For anyone who loved Ender Lilies, or enjoys Metroidvania games in general, Ender Magnolia is a must-play. It includes a good amount of exploration, a great story and beautiful hand drawn graphics.

Which Way Up: Galaxy Games is a super-fun and well-designed party title. The dreamy aesthetics and music coupled with the gravity-based mechanics help create a unique experience for all players.

Hermitage: Strange Case Files does many things right, with well-written characters, interesting cases, and incorporating gameplay that affects the story’s outcome. If you are looking for a very good visual novel and enjoy creepy mysteries with a twist of supernatural to solve, Hermitage: Strange Case Files is a solid choice.

Everhood 2 is an RPG broken down to its core elements—visually and procedurally—then remixed as a rhythm-based action game. It baffles at the start, continues to challenge and surprise, and ends before you’ve had the chance to really figure out what was going on. It’ll captivate players who are willing to let it.

Zombie Army 4: Dead War might be one of the most technically impressive games to come to Nintendo Switch in quite some time. With all the action on screen, the game manages to maintain a smooth and consistent experience regardless of how many enemies or online players are present. It’s a goofy, campy title that knows it’s goofy and steers into that goofiness throughout your adventure. It’s also unique in that it’s as much fun to play by yourself as it is to play with friends, although I have to admit playing with friends makes the experience a little more hysterical. While the character movement is too janky for its own good, this doesn’t ruin the experience at all. Put simply, if you’re looking for a good zombie shooter to play by yourself or with friends, then Zombie Army 4 must absolutely be at the top of your list.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails From Zero takes us back to the formation of the SSS, an organization Switch gamers will know from the Trails of Cold Steel games. It also takes us back to a relatively simpler system that’s perfectly sized for JRPG adventuring on the go.

I found Autonauts to be tedious at first, then really fun, then exhausting. It’s a fun challenge, but in the end, I just wanted to build a robot to tell all the others what to do so I could sit down and read a book.

A Tiny Sticker Tale is a cute game in which you play as a little donkey who explores new areas, collects many stickers, and helps people along the way. The explorative puzzle/adventure gameplay is super fun, and not too challenging; its simple style makes it easy to complete, leaving you feeling accomplished and happy.

Much like a deep dish pizza, Way of the Passive Fist isn’t what it seems on the surface. And like the heavy alternative to the NY slice, it’s not something I can recommend to everyone. However, it’s a totally inventive, gorgeous, and well-executed spin on rhythm-based games, where the action never lets up.

In lesser hands, Harvestella’s balance of JRPG and farming sim could’ve ended up as a bland mishmash. Instead, Live Wire and Square Enix have created a solid blend. Its effective gameplay loop and engaging story push you down surprising paths that are fun to travel.

Children of Silentown is yet another story centered around a mysterious town with a disturbing past (and present), but it’s handled with a sense of tenderness and youthful optimism that’s often missing from modern games. It’s one of the most cohesive and engaging puzzle adventures I’ve played in quite a while, and it’s well worth your time.

There is plenty to do and see in this game that justifies the price of entry. However, Black Book’s most valuable asset is the rich setting and lore that it showcases with pride.

Castle Pals uses clever character and level designs to create a somewhat fresh-feeling platforming experience. The short and sweet levels are meant to be completed quickly, and it’s certainly fun while it lasts.

What Minute of Islands lacks in gameplay, it makes up for with it’s beautiful world and in-depth story telling. If you want a faced-paced, action-packed adventure, Minute of Islands is a game you’ll want to skip. But for those of you who want a more relaxing, narrative-based game, I highly recommend checking it out.

Almost There: The Platformer takes a stripped-down approach to enemies and level design and adds a twist: while gravity can kill you, it only has limited power over your movement. It subverts the jumping puzzle game and manages to meld it with a fun brainteaser because the designers realize that a real-world motion (the joystick) doesn’t have to play by real world rules.

Metro: Last Light is included in the ‘Metro Redux’ package for the Switch. While you can certainly buy the games separately from the eShop, I think it’s still good to experience the series from its roots. You’ll notice the improvements that have been made and I believe your time with the game will be that much more satisfying. Just like with Metro 2033, this game features all of the DLC including a ‘Ranger Mode’ that offers a HUD-less, UI-less experience with more powerful enemies and even fewer resources. If you can’t get enough of the Metro experience, you’ll want to give the Ranger Mode a try.

Overall, R.B.I. Baseball 21 has a number of new features that bring it more in line with similar baseball games on the market. I enjoy my time with each new iteration but I do hope that the developers work on more fluid animations and overall ‘feel’ of the gameplay. It can be frustrating at times seeing players move strangely across the field or feeling like the ball is ‘magnetizing’ into a defender’s glove in an odd manner. Even though there’s the occasional stutter when loading between innings or frame rate issues in the home run replays, it has still come a long way since R.B.I. Baseball 17. I’ve got to give the developers credit for sticking with the series and always aiming to improve each year. If you’re looking for an MLB-licensed, arcade-focused baseball game, you won’t really find a better option on the Switch.

Galaxy Champions TV is a smooth shooting arcade game with satisfying gameplay and that itch to play more.

Simple yet effective, Overwhelm takes the concepts at the very core of the horror genre and presents them in the form of a nostalgic and addictive game.

Alphadia Neo is a steadily entertaining RPG for 15 hours, give or take your side quest consumption. Extra challenges and a handful of post-game extras are a bonus. With enjoyable battling and fun fishing, this one is better than the sum of its parts and comes recommended.

A fun fighting game with crisp graphics and smooth controls. With various characters and modes, the gameplay seems endless.

Destrobots hit the sweet spot in something that doesn’t require a lot of variety to be fun over and over again.

River City Girls is a vibrant, colorful, and surprisingly fresh take on the classic beat ’em up series. While small annoyances may hinder its pacing, the overall package from WayForward still packs a few good kicks and punches.

SteamWorld Build is another great entry in this long-running series. This latest outing encouraged me to give simulations another go, taking a series I enjoy and introducing me to a genre I’m not usually fond of. The relaxing style and intuitive gameplay make this an accessible and interesting title for all players.

Island Maze is a short and sweet puzzle game with a calming atmosphere, easy controls, and puzzles that are just hard enough to keep you saying, “One more try.”

I enjoyed Golf Peaks from start to finish. It’s a fun, light game that’s perfectly suited for portable play on the Switch, but is equally engaging in docked mode where it’s easy to have some others help solve the puzzles.

Daggerhood isn’t a platformer built with everyone in mind. In fact, even a few die-hards may find it to be a little too difficult. If you’re looking for a platformer that’s far-flung from the easier titles the genre is known for, it’s not a bad place to start. It may be the only Nintendo Switch eShop title under $5 that not only gives you more bang for your buck but has an incredible amount of polish.

As a solo game, I could take it or leave it. But when played cooperatively, Starlit Adventures Golden Stars checks a ton of boxes to be a highly entertaining title. With a favorable amount of content, this charming release should appeal to anyone longing for a more in-depth arcade-style experience. Whether you’re a younger kid, a seasoned completionist, or somewhere in between, don’t overlook Starlit Adventures Golden Stars.

When compared with the plentiful amount of action-RPGs already on the Nintendo Switch Torchlight II can seem like a bit of an afterthought. But while its story has a poor endgame, it offers a cute aesthetic with plenty of charm. Panic Button has done a great job once again with porting, and those new to the genre will find plenty to entertain at a fair price.

Crossy Road Castle is a chaotic, fun, and challenging platformer. With online play, countless collectibles, and varied levels, this is an easy title to recommend for anyone looking for multiplayer madness.

Project Nimbus: Complete Edition is a fast-paced, action-packed shooter with smooth controls, vivid graphics, and three different modes to keep you busy for a while. At the price of $20, it’s worth a try.

Although it seems clearly inspired by The Legend of Zelda series, A Knight’s Quest forms its own footprint. Despite a few minor setbacks, A Knight’s Quest does a great job delivering a fun, light-hearted adventure. Its funny storytelling sets it apart and makes a welcome addition to the Switch library. Genre fans should certainly check this one out.

Fragrant Story and Papaya’s Path is a surprisingly deep tactics game that has kept us hooked. Offering a good bang for the buck in an aesthetically impressive package, it’s earned its recommendation.

To do today: get up, brush teeth, follow strange dream about a deer and head off to the cursed castle to see what happens. Sounds like a plan, so what could possibly go wrong? Well, we all know the answer to that question, don’t we? In Operencia, you take off on a journey of exploration, adventure, and heroic deeds—not to mention monsters and mayhem. If you enjoy turn based RPGs, this one is worth checking out.

CLeM is a puzzle/adventure game for those who enjoy puzzle/adventures only to a certain point. Its simplification of exploration and inventory management allows the player to focus on the puzzles and the story, both of which hold up well over its short duration.

Autumn’s Journey is a short visual novel with delightful characters. Choices are minimal, but the game will go by so fast as you’re immersed in the strong story.

The mix of exploration, sandpit and story elements makes it feel fresher than recent LEGO games. Plus it’s just plain cool to walk around as Emmet or Wildstyle while talking to the likes of Batman and Unikitty.

Set aside your notions of how a modern RPG should look and play, and you’re going to have a great time with The Nameless: Slay Dragon. Its focus on the characters and story and how your decisions affect them compensates for its more basic approach to how its world is displayed and navigated.

The Alto Collection has some issues on the Switch, but these lively games can keep you engaged considerably longer than expected.

Born Of Bread is a visually appealing 2.5D adventure RPG with quirky characters. Its in-depth structure is simple to grasp and fun to play. However, a few glitches and hiccups may slow you down.

If you are looking for a stealth game of any sort, or are considering getting into Assassin’s Creed, this game is a must buy. Despite the few issues like unnoticeable graphical improvements and a slow beginning, Assassin’s Creed III Remastered features solid gameplay and a story underneath its surface that more than quantifies the investment. The sheer amount of things to do will lead to you investing hundreds of hours into this game.