10 Near-Perfect Switch Games Nobody Played
With thousands of titles crowding the Nintendo Switch library, many exceptional games have been overlooked by the broader gaming public. Polygon has highlighted 10 near-perfect hidden gems on the platform, ranging from physical-only collector's items to innovative spin-offs and physics-based puzzle games that deserve a second look from players who missed them.
The sheer volume of releases on the Nintendo Switch has made it easy for high-quality games to slip through the cracks. With thousands of physical releases and an even larger digital marketplace, many players have begun to ignore the cluttered eShop entirely, while others overlook physical titles due to the constant influx of new options. This environment has left several exceptional, near-perfect games largely unplayed, particularly those exclusive to Nintendo's hybrid console.
Among these overlooked titles is Part Time UFO, developed by HAL Laboratory, the studio famous for the Kirby franchise. Originally a mobile release, the game arrived on the Switch with exclusive features, extra modes, and a cooperative multiplayer option. Players control a small UFO equipped with a claw to complete physics-based tasks, such as loading a farmer's truck or assembling a dinosaur skeleton. Because the game has been delisted from iOS and Android devices, the Switch version now stands as the only way to experience this charming puzzle game.
Action fans may have missed Astral Chain, a futuristic title from PlatinumGames published by Nintendo. While the game managed to find a respectable audience of over one million players, its reach fell far short of Nintendo's flagship franchises like Mario and Zelda. The game features a special police task force fighting monsters in a stylized city, delivering the high-octane action PlatinumGames is known for. Despite its strong reception, millions of Switch owners have yet to experience this unique release.
For collectors, Demon Throttle by Doinksoft presents a rare case of a modern game bypassing digital distribution entirely. Published by Special Reserve Games, this retro-style scrolling shooter was released exclusively as a physical cartridge and cannot be purchased on the Nintendo eShop. Drawing inspiration from classic arcade titles like Pocky & Rocky, its physical-only status has turned it into a genuine collector's item that many mainstream players remain unaware of.
The Switch also hosted unique spin-offs, such as Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer. Developed by Brace Yourself Games, this crossover blends the rhythmic movement of Crypt of the NecroDancer with the world and characters of The Legend of Zelda. Players must navigate a world styled after A Link to the Past by moving in sync with the background music. Though the control scheme can feel unusual at first, it has been praised as one of the finest Zelda spin-offs ever created.
Other notable mentions include Shinsekai: Into the Depths, an atmospheric underwater Metroidvania from Capcom, and Good Job!, a destructive office-themed puzzle game from the now-defunct Paladin Studios. Additionally, WayForward's Vitamin Connection showcases the unique capabilities of the Joy-Con controllers through asymmetric multiplayer, while Tarsier Studios' cooperative puzzle game The Stretchers offers lighthearted physics-based gameplay. Rounding out the list are the high-speed futuristic racer Fast RMX and the beloved indie RPG-sports hybrid Golf Story.
Source: Polygon — original reporting
Updated