Summary
Platformers and Nintendo go hand in hand. They practically changed the game with Super Mario all those years ago and they’re still going strong with remasters and reimaginings of old classics on theNintendo Switch, as well as giving a bigger platform to some pretty great indie games and stuff from smaller teams.
If you’re looking for a platform game on the Nintendo Switch, you’re not going to have to go too far as there’s a tonne of them to choose from. It’s a lot to sift through if you’re just looking for something quick to burn through or that next big challenge to lose some hours on. To help make your choice of what to play a little easier, here are some of the best platformer games on the Nintendo Switch.
Updated July 02, 2025 By Matthew Mckeown:There’s no way to get tired of platformer games. Hopping from one precarious position to another above a gigantic yawning void of a drop always gets the adrenaline going. And some games have absolutely nailed this feeling.
It’s a classic genre that can trace its routes all the way back to the consoles of yesteryear, and it’s one that will stay popular for the foreseeable future. So it’s always easy to find something worthwhile in a few short seconds. To help you single out a superb game, here’s an updated look at the best platformers on the Nintendo Switch.
A split-screenco-op platformerthat comes recommended for those that enjoyed It Takes Two, Degrees of Separation from Moondrop is similar yet unique in its own way. You play as two souls, Ember and Rime. But unfortunately they can’t be together as a mysterious force keeps them apart.
Using the power of heat and cold, the two embark on an adventure into the wilds to break the spell and finally get together. Easier said than done though as countless challenges, brain teasing puzzles, and dangerous environments await. Levels are non-linear, so exploration is encouraged and there’s unique skills and abilities for each character to unlock as the two work together. It’s a solid co-op game that hits all the right beats, and it’s one worth checking out for a night.
A cozy and cute open-world platformer, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain from Chibig and Nukefist sees you exploring the land andsoaring through the skies as a Witchon your broom as you drop off packages for townspeople. It’s a slow-paced game that’s big on exploration, and there’s always something good to see.
Shipping things is just one part of the goal though, the other is reaching the top of the mountain at the centre of the island. But that requires a much sturdier broom. There’s unlockable outfits and treasure galore to find as you wander around this isle, so if you’re looking for your next chill game session then check out Mika and the Witch’s Mountain.
A platformer that’s turning heads for all the right reasons, The Pluck Squire from All Possible Futures is an exciting blend of2D and 3D puzzle platforming. You play as a storybook character that’s sprung to life and literally is hopping off the page to save their friends.
It’s a charming tale that tugs at the heart strings and introduces some really clever mechanics that blend the two planes of 2D and 3D gaming. Overthrow Humgrump, the villain of the story that’s kicked heroes out of his book, and return those lost warriors to their fables before it’s too late. Highly recommended and well received by everyone The Plucky Squire is a rare must-play.
Finish Line Games really thought outside of the box with this one, on a strange remote isle a deity has revived someone to help them settle a dispute with their siblings. But things haven’t gone exactly to plan. Instead of a full revivification, you’re just a skull.
What follows is a strange mix of platforming and possession as Skully the skull tries to prevent the oncoming war between gods, save the island, and regain his body again. It’s a comedic, low-stakes game that never takes itself seriously and that really works in its favor. There’s 18 levels to roll through, different forms to transform into, and a bunch of beautiful island ecosystems to explore.
A Rite From The Stars
Tropical Island Adventure For Two
An adorable adventure set upon the island of Kaikala, A Rite From The Stars puts you in control of Kirm and Mirk as the two set out to unravel the mysteries of the spirit world. A touching story that has all the energy of earlyN64 eraadventure games, you’ll feel right at home on this isle.
The landscapes are relatively large and varied, with some being very calming zones that you’ll often just hang around in. Plus, on top of all that there’s platforms and puzzles aplenty to keep you occupied as you power through the game’s interesting tale. Plumb the depths of tantalizing tombs and get in touch with the wonders waiting on the other side of the veil.
A musical inspired game, Symphonia sets itself within a realm of melody where songs and music act as a form of energy. After the founders of a orchestra vanish, the land is thrown into upset and its up to you as Philemon the mysterious musician that’s been brought back to life to save the day.
Master thismelodic realmas you’re catapulted across its vistas of violins and sheet music, unlock new areas with Philemons violin and gather maestros to bring the band back together. With a fantastic orchestral soundtrack that you’ll want to listen to separately for hours on its own, Symphonia is a great pick for band kids, musicians and anyone that enjoys platformers with a niche spin on the genre.
Professor Doctor Jetpack
Momentum Is Your Biggest Enemy
A physics based precision puzzle platformer, Professor Doctor Jetpack puts you in the role of an inventory taking Albert Einstein’s digital remains on a wacky aeronautical adventure underground. There’s 85 subterranean realms to explore, and each one is filled withplenty of puzzles, dangerous creatures and deadly traps that all want to take you down.
There’s also a couple boss fights thrown in to keep you on your toes and a difficulty curve that seems brutal at first, but once you get over the little speed bump of mastering momentum, it’s a breeze. There’s extra equipment to unlock as well as upgrades and a casual mode for those just looking for a bit of fun without having to deal with the laws of physics and inertia. Fun for all the family, Professor Doctor Jetpack is an indie gem worth hanging on to.
Spyro’s back and he’s better than ever. After a long hiatus it looks like everyone’s favorite purple dragon has re-emerged thanks to Toys For Bob and Iron Galaxy Studios. But it’s not a new game, but a reinventing of the original classics that brought him close to all our hearts.
Spro Reignited takes the original Spyro, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage and Spyro: Year of the Dragon and parcels them in a new next-gen skin. All yourfavorite characters and worldsare back and looking new and improved, plus there’s been some tweaking of old areas that caused issues. Whether you’re an old fan or a new one looking to see what all the fuss is about, it’s highly recommended that you pick up Spyro Reignited as a platformer for your Nintendo Switch. You won’t regret it.
Stuck on a colorful and picturesque world full of dark and dangerous machines, Planet of Lana from Wishfully throws you in the deep end with its adventure. You play as a young girl with a loyal pet with the goal of crossing this world and finding others like you.
But it’s not easy going as there’s plenty ofpuzzles and platforms, deadly creatures, roaming robots and worse waiting out in those rolling hills and twisting treetops. Absolutely gorgeous in its art style and approach to exploration, Planet of Lana is more than your usual platformer. If you like something that looks a bit ghibli-esque then check out Planet of Lana..
A mix of Mega Man and Castlevania in a slick andhyper advanced Cyberpunk setting, Trinity Fusion from Angry Mob Games may look like another side-scrolling platformer, but it’s got some fun tricks up its sleeves. For starters, whilst you can just bash, slash, shoot and slide your way to victory in this multi-verse hopping action adventure, you’ll be missing out on some fun mechanics if you do.
For example, there’s unlockable upgrades that will change the way each character plays as there’s three versions of yourself that you can hop between to progress. One version of you uses gadgets, the other a sword and grapple, whilst another is based purely on firearms. So it’s up to you to bounce between what fits a particular mold at that point. It’s an intense mix that keeps you on your toes at all times.
