Ten might be too few so check out our up-to-date ranking of all the best indie game titles for the Nintendo Switch.
10. Kamiko
Taking inspiration from Nintendo’s legendary Zelda series, Skipmore's Kamiko has a few charms of their own. It’s a hack and slash indie game straight from pixel land. It offers a refreshing take on the fast-paced genre with its nice and colorful visuals. It’s a simple game, but it packs fun.
Players are given the choice to pick between three Shrine Maidens that are tasked to battle the demons across the land. Solve puzzles, break magical seals, and defeat enigmatic bosses. Each of these unique characters focuses on the same story, but their abilities vary depending on your playstyle.
All in all, it’s a solid RPG indie RPG experience with Japanese Shinto beliefs. It receives a playscore of 7.43
9. Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap
SEGA’s legacy of games are still being brought back to life in this day and age. 30 years after the original, Lizardcube manages to recreate the classic with precision and style. Although it has shown its age, it still shows the wonders of the game’s solid foundations, characters, and design.
This action-platformer takes you to the life of a cursed boy that can transform into a half-lizard, half-human, meka-dragon and so much. Aid him in his quest to search for a cure in a world filled with legendary dragons.
For the first time in the series, players can also play as the classic Hu-Man and the brand new Hu-Girl. Lead them in their daunting task to uncover the lands deepest secrets, all accompanied with an addictive 8-bit soundtrack.
It receives a playscore of 8.18
8. Golf Story
There’s always something new to expect when it comes to golf games. Golf Story is taking that kind of approach. It mixes regular golf with deep RPG mechanics. That means anyone who sucks at this sport can redeem themselves by just playing the game. But you have to play a few golf, of course.
This indie adventure from developer Sidebar Games solves all the world’s problems by just swinging your club. Your main character defines your story. Tee up anywhere and explore the game’s unique environments filled with people to talk to, and secrets to uncover.
Golfing in this game takes some time to master, but its mechanics keep you entertained for hours. It provides a balance between fun and challenging. It was praised for its controls, but its story was a subject to criticism. Nonetheless, it’s a tee-rific journey to swing into.
It has a playscore of 8.19
7. Snipperclips - Cut It Out, Together!
When the Switch arrived, it was met with positive praise due to its innovative features. SFB Games' Snipperclips was a game that showcased the console’s responsive hardware. This game, to put it simply, is a puzzle game that involves you cutting out pieces of anthropomorphic paper.
Players must invite someone to play with, and together they enter a world of endless slicing possibilities. Solving puzzles requires you and your buddy’s imagination. Use Snip and Cut’s flexible bodies to transform them into different polygonal shapes and solve its multitude of unique levels. By using the Switch’s Joy-Con, players can manipulate the game by crafting the necessary shapes.
It’s a fun addition to the hybrid console, and its various modes offer tons of surprises for your family and friends. It has a playscore of 8.22
6. The Binding Of Isaac: Afterbirth+
Nothing is more horrifying than an overly religious mom. A one of a kind classic, this reinvented version steps up the horrors of Isaac’s basement. There’s so many genres to put into this title, it could be a horror game, an RPG, a shooter, and roguelike. It mixes these types together to create a game so brutal, yet so rewarding.
Play as the titular Isaac. A young boy trapped inside his mother’s basement due to religious reasons. Turns out he’s not alone. Under the cover of darkness, legions of deranged creatures test Isaac’s faith. Use his powerful tears to shoot enemies and survive the mayhem.
This expansion carries even more sinister surprises with 6000 new rooms, 500 different items to choose from, and 50 basement beasts to defeat. Share the burden in local co-op, and fight to live another day. It’s as if this game doesn’t want you to stop.
It receives a playscore of 8.23
5. Puyo Puyo Tetris
An unlikely combination of two iconic arcade games, SEGA's Puyo Puyo teams up with the ever-popular Tetris to create another fast-paced couch multiplayer for the Switch. This game is for anyone who either needs a two-fold nostalgic treatment or light and colorful challenge.
Go on Arcade Sprees by yourself in its single-player adventure mode or drop blocks and blobs with friends in a variety of multiplayer game modes. Pile up combos and tetris lines in 1v1, or tackle the arcade-switching Swap Mode, hybrid fusion challenge, and a whole lot more.
Check in on your ranks in the online leaderboards, and beat thousands of other players in this hearty battle of bubbles and lines. Even with the game's simplicity, the variety of game modes ensures it a high level of replayability for you and your friends to enjoy. With both online, local, and solo gameplays covered, it's a worthy addition to anyone's collection.
It has a playscore of 8.35
4. Cave Story+
Dug up from its Y2K glory, Nicalis’ Cave Story returns to the surface with its classic Metroidvania experience. Developed over five years by the one man team of Daisuke Amaya, this Metroid-inspired adventure has won over hearts for its pixel perfect environments, gameplay, and one of a kind story.
Play as its young protagonist and venture to the colorful land of mimigas. With a villainous scientist plotting to turn its bunny citizens into ferocious beasts, put a stop to the madness as you journey through each of its stunning islands.
The game has stood the test of time, owing to its remarkably polished execution. The experience is made even better with this Switch release. Enjoy upgraded graphics, remastered music, new modes and levels, and, of course, an all-new co-op mode to share with a friend.
It has a playscore of 8.50
3. Stardew Valley
With its upcoming multiplayer update, Chucklefish and ConcernedApe’s adorable farming simulator is just getting started. Now out on the Switch, expect a convenient way to take care of your farm and socialize with the lovable people in this quaint rural town. It is a homage to Marvelous’ Harvest Series, and it certainly did the job better.
Developed by just one dude, find out the reason for his sleepless nights with the game’s huge content. The story is as simple as the farming life, play as the role of a young man/woman after his grandfather’s passing. Inherit a huge sum of land in the hearty town of Stardew Valley. Plant crops, talk to people and enjoy the game’s relaxing soundtrack.
It’s one of the best selling game on Steam, but this Switch port receives a playscore of 8.52
2. SteamWorld Dig 2
The latest Metroidvania experience from Image & Form takes you to the depths of the world. As its name implies, you dig, dig, and dig to solve puzzles and complete objectives. The story begins in an old trading town where a mysterious earthquake struck the land. Enter the life of a lone steambot and her partner to find out the source of their problems.
Dig deeper underground as you explore unknown worlds filled with treasure and secrets. It’s a very relaxing game especially when you’re a big fan of the genre. This sequel pretty much improves on the first game’s flaws, and it was praised for its improved platforming elements but criticized for its length.
It receives a playscore of 8.53
1. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
When it comes to successful Kickstarters, Yacht Club Games’ indie action-platformer is a hallmark of video game development due to its passionate team of workers dedicated to making it happen. Upon the Switch’s release, Treasure Trove was among its early releases.
This complete edition contains everything the game offers from DLC’s to the latest upcoming content. Venture into the 8-bit realm and ready your shovel, sword, or your scythe.
Start with the original story and save your beloved from an evil enchantress. Dig your way around a creepy castle using your trusty shovel. After that, you’re left with 3 expansions that introduce a whole new character and story to your retro adventure. The game also contains a co-op mode if you want to play with a friend.
To put it simply, this game is just so massive for such a cheap price. It’s worth every penny. It receives a playscore of 8.58