Summary
TheNintendo Switchseems to be made for single players. In handheld mode, the Switch can accompany you on solo trips and long commutes, and when docked, it becomes a home console displayed on a TV or another screen.
While there is no shortage of local and online multiplayer games from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to Splatoon 3, the hybrid console curates a portable single-player gaming experience as well. Nintendo and other developers have made a wide selection of phenomenal titles compatible with the Switch. But of all the single-player Switch games, these stand out from the rest.
Updated on July 12, 2025, by PJ Molloy:With the Nintendo Switch 2 around the corner, things have calmed down for the Switch 1. But don’t let the lack of new titles discourage you from playing games. We’ve updated the list with some must-play recommendations you might have missed out on throughout the console’s lifespan.
From the creator of Ace Attorney, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a remaster of an outstanding puzzler from the DS. Take control of a ghost named Sissel, who has until sunrise to solve his own murder. Using your powers of the dead, you must possess inanimate objects to solve puzzles until you catch the killer.
Similar to Ace Attorney, Ghost Trick features delightfully quirky characters, plenty of silly humor, and a gripping mystery with cliffhangers that will keep you glued to the screen. The writing is top-notch, the puzzles are clever, and the music is a treat for the ears. All detective fans should try it at least once.
If you grew up playing ’90s 3D platformers like Banjo-Kazooie or Spyro the Dragon, you’ll feel right at home with Cavern of Dreams. It’s a cozy, low-poly collect-a-thon inspired by the classics from the PS1 and N64. You control a tiny dragon named Fynn, who must explore a series of sandbox worlds and gather collectibles to rescue his lost siblings.
The gameplay is reminiscent of Banjo and Spyro but with a bigger focus on puzzle-solving. In addition to finding collectibles and unlocking abilities, you’re faced with plenty of cleverly designed brain teasers that test your observational skills and logical thinking.
Ifyou like roguelikes, Vampire Survivors should be at the top of your to-play list. The game drops you in randomly generated open worlds filled with hoards of monsters. The goal is to explore, collect weapons, upgrade your abilities, and survive for as long as possible. The longer you last, the tougher the enemies get.
While the concept sounds challenging, the gameplay is surprisingly casual and easy to grasp. Your character attacks automatically, so your only job is to move them around and dodge the bullet-hell attacks. It’s a simple yet endlessly enjoyable gameplay loop that’ll keep you saying, “Just one more run.”
The iconic PS3 action RPG, Tales of Graces f, is back with quality-of-life updates, revamped visuals, and much more. The story follows a young swordsman named Asbel Lhant, who reunites with a childhood friend after witnessing her death seven years ago. Together, the two must face a dangerous threat to their kingdom while unraveling the mystery behind her strange reappearance.
On top of its gripping story, the game excels thanks to its thrilling combat system, which strikes an excellent balance between fun, strategy, and accessibility. Plus, the Switch remaster comes with all the DLC from the PS3 version, making it the definitive way to play this RPG gem.
Fans of Pizza Tower will undoubtedly love Antonblast. This high-speed platformer follows the mighty Dynamite Anton, who must get back his stolen belongings from an extremely petty Satan. If that sounds like your sense of humor, you’re in for a real treat.
The gameplay is inspired by the Wario Land series, featuring similar fast-paced platforming, well-hidden secrets, and an emphasis on destroying anyone and anything in your way. Everything is brought to life by a charming graffiti-inspired art style and fantastic hand-drawn animations.
Nominated for Best Independent Game at The Game Awards 2024, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a spooky horror puzzler perfect for giving you goosebumps. Take control of a woman lured to an abandoned hotel by a mysterious letter. From there, you explore the building, solve brain teasers, and try to piece together why you’re there.
The gameplay is similar to Resident Evil but with less combat and a bigger focus on puzzles. It’s easy to get immersed in the eerie, non-linear world, which is presented in a creepy monochromatic art style. Think you can solve the hotel’s mystery?
Often considered the best indie game of 2024, Balatro is a deck-building roguelike with a fascinating spin on the game of poker. The goal is to play the best hands possible to earn points. Between rounds,you may buy Joker and Tarot cards, each with a special ability you can use to multiply your combo or gain power-ups.
Even if you’ve never played poker, Balatro is still a blast. The gameplay is easy to learn, endlessly replayable, and ridiculously fun, with just enough twists and turns to make each run feel fresh and unique. Don’t sleep on this indie gem.
In Stray, you control a lost kitten trapped in a robot-infested cyberpunk city. Using your wits, stealth, and platforming skills, you must explore gorgeous open-ended environments, solve puzzles, and survive the many dangers that lurk in the shadows.
Stray instantly hooks you in with its immersive world, powerful story, and gripping cat-inspired gameplay. Plus, it runs surprisingly well for a port of a PlayStation 4 game, minus a few drops in graphical quality. It’s a short game, but well worth it if you want an interesting world to explore.
After nine years with no new entry, the plumbers finally returned to the RPG genre in Mario & Luigi: Brothership - their very first home console installment. After being transported to the world of Concordia, the brothers must travel across the ocean and explore different islands to stop a world-ending entity called Glohm.
The turn-based combat you know and love is back and better than ever, with stunning animations and exciting new twists to make each battle an absolute joy. If you’re new to the series or a long-time fan, Brothership is an excellent addition to your collection.
Wantsomething spooky? Crow Country is a love letter to PS1-era horror games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. The story follows Special Agent Mara Forest, who investigates an abandoned, monster-infested theme park in search of its missing owner. Using a mix of resource management, third-person shooting, and puzzle-solving, you must explore the decrepit park, survive its terrors, and unravel the mystery behind its downfall.
If you like retro survival horror games, you’ll feel right at home here. Crow Country nails the look and feel of ’90s horror titles while adding much-needed quality-of-life updates, such as improved controls and a far superior camera system. Remember to play with the lights off and headphones on for the full experience.
