Hidden Gems on the Nintendo Switch Every Gamer Should Try

31 October 2025

Let’s face it—there’s nothing quite like the thrill of finding a game that no one’s talking about, but you end up loving every second of it. While the Nintendo Switch has plenty of blockbuster titles like Zelda, Mario, and Animal Crossing hogging the spotlight, there's a whole treasure trove of lesser-known gems quietly waiting to steal your heart (and your free time).

So, if you're tired of the same old picks and itching for something new, fresh, and unexpectedly fun, you're in for a treat. I’ve rounded up some of the best hidden gems on the Nintendo Switch that every gamer—yes, even you—should absolutely give a shot.

Why Bother with Hidden Gems?

Great question. With so many high-profile games dropping every month, why even dig around for overlooked titles?

Well, because hidden gems are like indie movies or underrated music albums. They’re full of heart, creativity, and sometimes even pure genius—just without the crazy marketing budgets. Trying these lesser-known games often feels like uncovering a secret the rest of the world hasn’t caught onto yet.

Plus, let’s be real—who doesn’t want to be the friend who always recommends the coolest off-the-radar stuff?

Alright, ready to find your next favorite Switch game? Let’s jump in!

1. A Short Hike – A Cozy Breath of Fresh Air

Ever just want to switch off (pun intended) and play something that soothes your soul? “A Short Hike” is the digital equivalent of a warm cup of cocoa on a rainy day. You play as Claire, a bird who’s visiting a national park. Your goal? Hike to the mountain’s peak. But it’s not about the destination—it’s about the journey.

This game is bursting with charm. The low-poly graphics and relaxing music will instantly put you at ease. You can talk to quirky characters, find hidden treasures, and even go fishing or glide around like a feathered superhero.

It’s short, sweet, and surprisingly emotional. Don’t sleep on this one.

Why You’ll Love It:

- Laid-back gameplay
- Heartwarming story
- Beautiful, minimalistic art style

2. Katana ZERO – Fast, Stylish, and Addictive

If you’re itching for something edgier, “Katana ZERO” brings a razor-sharp mix of action and storytelling. Think of it like a blend between a Tarantino flick and a retro arcade game. You play a katana-wielding assassin with the power to manipulate time. Yep, like a R-rated ninja with cool moves and mind-bending plot twists.

Each level is a one-shot puzzle where you slice, dice, and rewind time to perfect your run. It’s challenging but absolutely rewarding.

Oh, and the story? Mind-blowing. Seriously. The narrative takes dark, unexpected turns and dares to get philosophical.

Why You’ll Love It:

- Slick, one-hit-kill gameplay
- Synth-heavy soundtrack
- Twisted narrative that keeps you guessing

3. Golf Story – Sports Meets RPG, And It Works

Imagine combining golf with a JRPG. Sounds weird, right? But “Golf Story” makes it work, and then some.

You play a golfer trying to go pro while tackling ridiculous side quests, battling rival players, and yes—saving turtles. This game doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is part of its magic. Yet, it also nails the golf mechanics in a way that’s both fun and strategic.

Whether you’re sinking putts or solving bizarre problems for quirky townfolk, every second feels joyful and unpredictable.

Why You’ll Love It:

- Unique blend of sports and role-playing
- Charming pixel art and witty dialogue
- Surprisingly deep storyline

4. Hollow Knight – Not THAT Hidden, But Still Underrated

Okay, so “Hollow Knight” might not be completely hidden, but we’re adding it to the list anyway because not enough people are talking about how good this game really is.

This indie masterpiece delivers everything you want in a Metroidvania: tight controls, deep exploration, jaw-dropping boss fights, and a hauntingly beautiful world to get lost in.

The atmosphere is pure magic—a strange mix of eerie and peaceful. And the best part? The game’s massive, and you get so much content for such a low price.

Why You’ll Love It:

- Gorgeous hand-drawn art
- Deep lore and world-building
- Boss fights that test your skills and patience

5. SteamWorld Dig 2 – Dig Deep for Fun

You ever daydreamed about digging for treasure as a kid? “SteamWorld Dig 2” takes that childhood fantasy and adds robots, explosions, and incredible gameplay to the mix.

You play as Dorothy, a steam-powered robot adventurer with a knack for digging down into mysterious mines. The game is a perfect blend of exploration, upgrades, and light puzzle-solving. With every new tool you unlock, you’ll find yourself going deeper and farther into a world full of secrets.

It’s got the right mix of action and chill—never too intense, but never boring either.

Why You’ll Love It:

- Satisfying upgrade system
- Engaging platforming elements
- A story that evolves with your journey

6. Slay the Spire – Strategy Meets Card Collecting

Alright, deck-building games can sound dry, but “Slay the Spire” is anything but. It’s a roguelike card battler where every choice matters, and no two runs are the same.

You build your deck on-the-fly, fight bizarre creatures, and face risky decisions that can either make or break your journey to the top of the spire. The strategy runs deep, and the replay value? Off the charts.

This is the kind of game you promise to play for “just one more run,” only to realize it’s 2 AM and you’ve been at it for hours.

Why You’ll Love It:

- Deep, strategic combat
- Endless replayability
- Satisfying risk-reward mechanics

7. Celeste – Platforming with Purpose

Yes, we’ve got another semi-famous game on the list, but “Celeste” isn’t just a platformer—it’s an emotional experience. You play as Madeline, a young woman climbing a mountain both literally and metaphorically.

The controls are tight and responsive, making it one of the most finely-tuned platformers out there. But what really sets “Celeste” apart is its story. It tackles mental health, anxiety, and self-doubt in a way that’s beautifully real without ever feeling preachy.

It’s hard, sure. But finishing each level feels like conquering your own inner demons. And that’s powerful.

Why You’ll Love It:

- Masterclass in platformer design
- Emotional, relatable storyline
- Gorgeous pixel art and soundtrack

8. Spiritfarer – Death Has Never Been So Beautiful

“Spiritfarer” is about death, but not in a grim, scary way. It’s about letting go, closure, and celebrating the people (or animals) we love.

You take on the role of Stella, a Spiritfarer who helps guide spirits to the afterlife. Along the way, you cook for them, build their homes, and learn their stories.

It’s part crafting sim, part life management, and all heart. It might make you cry, but they’ll be the good kind of tears.

Why You’ll Love It:

- Gorgeous hand-drawn visuals
- Emotional storytelling
- Relaxing but meaningful gameplay

9. Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling – Paper Mario’s Quirky Cousin

Missing the charm of old-school Paper Mario games? Say hello to “Bug Fables.” This indie RPG might look like a Saturday morning cartoon, but don’t let the cutesy art fool you—it’s got depth, humor, and heart in spades.

You'll control a trio of bug heroes, each with unique abilities. The combat system is turn-based but interactive, meaning you’ll be pressing buttons and timing moves during battles.

It’s nostalgic without feeling outdated. And it’s funny. Like, laugh-out-loud funny.

Why You’ll Love It:

- Classic RPG feel with a modern twist
- Engaging, humorous writing
- Lovable characters and clever world-building

10. The Messenger – 8-bit Nostalgia with a Twist

On the surface, “The Messenger” looks like a simple retro action platformer. But stick with it, and you’ll see it morph into something far bigger and smarter.

You start off as a ninja on a quest to deliver an important scroll (because, sure, why not?). But halfway through, the game flips the script by changing styles, adding new mechanics, and expanding the world into a sprawling Metroidvania.

What starts as a straightforward action game quickly becomes a love letter to old-school gaming with plenty of modern flair.

Why You’ll Love It:

- Brilliant gameplay twist mid-game
- Hilarious writing and dialogue
- Tight controls and epic soundtrack

Final Thoughts: Don’t Overlook the Small Guys

Nintendo Switch is bursting at the seams with incredible games, but some of the best experiences won’t be found in TV commercials or trending YouTube ads. They’re in the corners, the edges, the quiet zones of the eShop—waiting for gamers like you to stumble upon them.

Whether it’s the emotional journey of “Celeste,” the zen-like adventure in “A Short Hike,” or the stylish chaos of “Katana ZERO,” these hidden gems prove that great stories and gameplay don’t need big budgets or familiar names.

So next time you’re browsing through the Switch catalog, try something unfamiliar. Roll the dice. Take a chance. You might just find your new all-time favorite.