With so many excellent platformers on Switch, picking the best can be hard. The genre has a strong pedigree on Nintendo systems going back to Super Mario Bros. on NES (which you can find on Switch along with several of its celebrated sequels via Nintendo Switch Online).
Over the years, other developers mastered the grammar of Nintendo’s classic and the genre ballooned, spawning countless side-scrolling platformers and a tangled web of subgenres, with flavours to suit every conceivable taste.
So, in no particular order, let’s get a jump on Switch’s best 2D platformers.
Celeste (Switch eShop)
Celeste is an exemplary amalgamation of style, mechanics, and character. A devilishly brilliant action platformer with enough skill required to excite genre purists and the speedrunning community, while at the same time featuring a breakdown of gameplay elements to customize and cater to all audiences.
While the game mechanically is great, if familiar, the art style and narrative are truly special, showing both a visual and emotional range and depth that will resonate and inspire. Celeste is the absolute peak of personal exploration and discovery on Nintendo Switch.
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Inside (Switch eShop)
Inside is a grimly beautiful puzzle platformer that, while brief, is packed full of jaw-dropping highlights. While its dark tone won’t be for everyone – it’s certainly not a game for very young or squeamish players – it’s all been executed brilliantly, with gently taxing physics-based conundrums woven into a haunting wordless narrative.
It doesn’t waste a single second of your time and is entirely free of pointless padding and dull repetition; there are more memorable moments packed in here than in most games three times the size. Plus, if you’re a fan of Inside, don’t forget about Limbo.
Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition (Switch)
Despite its ‘Definitive Edition’ moniker, the vast majority of what you get in the Switch version of Rayman Legends has been seen in every other edition. The only truly new features here are a complete character roster for the first time and a tournament mode for its football minigame.
Still, this is one of the best plumber-free platformers ever made, and its budget price means if you haven’t played it before, this is the perfect time to jump in.
Sonic Mania Plus (Switch)
Sonic Mania was a true return to form for the mascot, in his 2D ‘Classic’ guise at least. It celebrates the glory days of the original games while also enhancing their qualities and taking on new ideas. From new areas, imaginative second acts, and some delightful boss encounters, the development team poured a lot of passion and talent into the project.
With new characters and modes added in the ‘Plus’ retail version (also available as DLC), some neat tweaks iron out some of the kinks present in the original release, but regardless of the version you pick up, it’s one of the best 2D platformers in recent memory.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Switch)
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is an impressive package, offering the best of modern-era 2D Mario, madcap multiplayer, and glimpses of the outrageous invention that was to come in Super Mario Odyssey. The chance to replay a top-drawer Mario game on a handheld is tantalising, although gameplay aside, ageing visuals and the irritation of being kicked back to the world map after every death stand out as things that could have been improved.
The bottom line, though, is that Switch has a very fine ‘reserve’ 2D Mario adventure to its name, for when you’re done with Wonder.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (Switch eShop)
Shovel Knight has always been excellent, but bundling these three chapters together and including new functionality increases the attractiveness of an already incredibly compelling package.
These games are fantastic, and having the complete Shovel Knight experience in one spot, clocking in at around 15 hours of gameplay in our case, makes this a must-have for Switch owners – especially those that have so far failed to dig into this game and its add-ons.
GRIS (Switch eShop)
We’re very careful when we use this word, but Gris is a masterpiece. Its jaw-dropping visual style and heart-wrenching score combine for one of the most emotional pieces of interactive art you’ll ever play.
It may be too short for some, its puzzles may be on the simple side and the lack of any real challenge may not be to everyone’s taste, but this is a game focused more on fragility than ability and as long as you’re willing to go along for the ride, it’s one that will stick with you for a very long time indeed.
Nomada Studio’s follow-up, Neva, is also excellent if you enjoy this beautiful, meditative style of platformer.
VVVVVV (Switch eShop)
VVVVVV is a unique platformer in many ways – one that lacks a jump button for starters – and it feels every bit as fresh on Switch as it did in its original form on 3DS; if you didn’t try it back then you should definitely pick it up now. Even if you did, it’s well worth revisiting – multiplayer makes the Switch version even more interesting, and this is a game that still serves up an intense and enjoyable challenge.
VVVVVV is fantastic value and a great addition to the Switch library.
Super Mario Maker 2 (Switch)
Put in as simple a manner as possible, this is likely to be the last 2D Mario game you’ll need. It’s Super Mario Maker but with more of everything that made the original so phenomenal. Enemies, themes, game styles, gizmos, powerups, multiplayer, and more; the list of additional gubbins is truly massive when you take a step back.
The Story Mode has an actual story and makes Super Mario Maker 2 a worthwhile addition to your platforming library even if you’re not going to bother with all that making business. There are a few small issues here and there, but they’re overwhelmingly dwarfed by sheer joy and unbridled freedom. For any fan of Mario who owns a Switch – heck, for any Switch owner full stop – buying this game is an absolute necessity.
N++ (Switch eShop)
Bags of levels and increasing difficulty will keep N++ refreshing for hours and days on end. The mechanics are simple and yet incredibly deep, which opens up a wonderful game brimming with customisation options and new modes to try out.
Floaty controls ocassionally hamper progress, but the deaths are always spectacular.
Katana ZERO (Switch eShop)
Katana Zero is unmistakably an action platformer that you need to add to your Switch collection at earliest opportunity. The tough, hair-raising action sequences, gripping narrative, and impeccable sense of style elevate it, cementing it as a modern classic that sets new standards for what a side-scrolling action game can be.
This is the kind of game that you’ll blindly play through once and soon find yourself wishing you could have that first-time experience again; there’s nothing else quite like it on the eShop and we can’t recommend it enough.
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair (Switch)
Donkey Kong Country fans rejoice: this is the spiritual successor you’ve been waiting for. The worst thing you could say about it is that the overworld exploration may prove to be too involved for those who are in it purely for the runny-jumpy stuff, but those who are happy to mix platforming with top-down adventuring and don’t mind adapting to the constantly changing pace will find the best of both worlds here.
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a fantastic sophomore effort that pays tribute to Rare’s past and establishes Playtonic as one of the UK’s most exciting studios.
Wunderling (Switch eShop)
By removing the basic ability to turn direction whilst walking, Wunderling proves itself to be an incredibly addictive and fresh-feeling platformer that boasts excellent level design, brilliant writing, and adorable visuals.
Its impressive accessibility means that almost anyone can pick it up, but it simultaneously remains challenging enough to keep you engaged for hours.
Levelhead (Switch eShop)
Levelhead will live or die on the commitment of its community, but even without the creation aspect it would still be an enjoyable platformer. Smart design in every department — challenge, creation, and curation — means that Levelhead is a surefire winner, and we hope it catches on.
After all, there’s more to the ‘maker’ genre than just Super Mario.
The Eternal Castle [Remastered] (Switch eShop)
The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED] is a neo-retro masterpiece. Even if you play the game from start to finish just once in a single sitting and never come back to it, this minimalist post-apocalyptic epic will stay with you for years to come. Obviously, if you’re not a fan of classic ‘cinematic’ platformers like Another World and Flashback and their prioritising of look-and-feel over control responsiveness, then you may want to approach with caution. If you’re looking for the next true evolution of that genre, though, look no further. They just don’t make them like this anymore… and we found ourselves wondering, ‘Why not?’
If you are into your cinematic platformers, Lunark is another good shout.
Super Meat Boy (Switch eShop)
Super Meat Boy is another excellent indie addition to Switch’s library. The short, but challenging levels are a perfect fit for portable play, and the game runs perfectly in both handheld and TV modes. The tight platforming mechanics and wealth of hidden warp zones, bandages, and playable characters are enough to keep us coming back for more.
If you haven’t played this on another platform, or just want to play it on the go, pick this up.
Spinch (Switch eShop)
Bright, technicolour visuals, punishing difficulty, excellent level design, and tight controls are all hallmarks of this deliciously enjoyable sugar rush. Spinch is a short but sweet experience and one that certainly proves itself to be worthy of both your time and money.
Although regrettably marred by some performance issues, Spinch is an otherwise wonderful platformer that we’d highly recommend to anybody who just can’t get enough of the genre.
Horace (Switch eShop)
Horace is something very special — the only vaguely negative thing we can say about it is the fact that there are so many spectacularly brilliant indie games on Switch already vying for your attention that we fear Horace may fall somewhat by the wayside.
If you have any interest in superb level design, excellent storytelling, terrific art, evocative music, great characters, hilarious situations, and emotional gut-punches, Horace is a no-brainer. It’s moving without being manipulative, clever without being smug, and nostalgic without being a lazy rehash. It’s a platformer, but it’s so much more than that.
So yes, Horace is another indie masterpiece, and every gamer who enjoys quality experiences should play it; a masterpiece that owes so much to its medium, but has the strength, creativity, and identity to stand alone as something very, very special. Buy this.
Cyber Shadow (Switch eShop)
If you consider yourself a fan of retro action platformers, you owe it to yourself to pick up Cyber Shadow. It’s clear in virtually every facet of Cyber Shadow’s design that this project was a labour of love and that its designer is intimately familiar with what makes the stalwarts of this beloved genre so great.
Well-built levels, authentic presentation, tight controls, and a high difficulty all combine to make this a supreme and focused experience, and one that we can easily say is well worth your time. Mechanical Head Studios has set a high bar with its inaugural release.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Switch)
There’s no doubt about it, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is one of the most refined and enjoyable platformers money can buy. The levels are all beautiful, the characters move with fluidity and brilliant responsiveness, and the inclusion of Funky Kong brings balance for those who have less experience with brutally tough platformers. It’s so well-made that it’s almost too well-made; there’s an absence of a certain ‘rough-and-ready’ charm found in the original DKC trilogy.
This is, however, a complaint so minor it’s practically insignificant. Donkey Kong’s first appearance on Switch is streamlined, rewarding, and immensely good fun; any fan of 2D platformers simply has to get this game.
Kaze and the Wild Masks (Switch)
An absolute pleasure from start to finish, what Kaze and the Wild Masks lacks in originality it makes up for in the strength of its level design, responsive controls, kinetic move set, and attractive visuals. Excellent, action-packed platforming through and through, with great gameplay variety and gimmicks that don’t compromise on what the game is best at – challenging, fast-paced obstacle courses and deviously hidden secret areas.
Easiest sell? Kaze and the Wild Masks is to Donkey Kong Country what Freedom Planet was to Sonic the Hedgehog. Don’t miss this one.
The End Is Nigh (Switch)
There’s no doubt about it – The End Is Nigh delivers excellent platforming. It’s a manageable challenge from start to finish, and a game that becomes more and more enjoyable as you slowly adapt to its seemingly unforgiving design. At the same time you’ll never feel completely unstoppable like you would in other notable platformers — it keeps you on your toes. Where The End Is Nigh falls short is the fact it doesn’t expand a great deal on the initial foundations laid by Super Meat Boy.
What we have here is a spiritual successor, but with the open-ended adventure elements not having as much of an impact as you may expect. The main character and settings aren’t quite as likable as Meat Boy and his world, either. However, if you’re an Edmund McMillen fan and enjoy well-crafted, tough platform games, check this one out.
Disney Illusion Island (Switch)
While you could certainly argue that Disney Illusion Island is perhaps more of a Metroidvania than it is a straight-up 2D platformer, we reckon it strikes a wonderful balance between the two genres that it could honestly fall into either category.
Its focus on combat-free exploration makes this an excellent gateway into the genre for younger audiences, and its ability to support up to four players via local co-op means that it’s an excellent option for families who want to spend a bit of time with some of the most iconic Disney characters imaginable. You can also hug each other to regain health. What more could you ask for?
Sonic Superstars (Switch)
We had a few issues with Sonic Superstars — the local co-op could have greatly benefited from split-screen support, and the online Battle Mode feels incredibly shallow and tacked on — but this is the first original 2D Sonic game that feels truly authentic to the Genesis titles without aping the classic pixel-art style, and for a lot of longtime fans, that’s frankly an absolute miracle.
Zipping through the 12 zones in the excellent campaign made us feel like kids again, but it will also prove a great entry point for new players looking to see what all the fuss is about. Developer Arzest’s reputation has taken a beating in recent years, but this is a triumphant effort from the studio and a great return for ‘2D’ Sonic.
kuso (Switch eShop)
The sheer purity of kuso is almost disconcerting. A simple 2D platformer with no major traversal mechanics besides running and jumping, it’s quite a difficult sell to the seasoned platform veteran — you’re likely to see the back of the initial 25-level campaign in roughly 45 minutes.
However, you also get the levels from its predecessor, Love (also available separately on Switch, for some reason), as well as a clutch of extra levels from Love+ and its original incarnation. Paired with the hypnotic graphics and astonishingly atmospheric soundtrack, kuso is both accessible and difficult, and it’s a little gem on the Switch. Well worth the small asking price.
Aeon Drive (Switch eShop)
Aeon Drive isn’t quite up there with modern platforming classics like Celeste, but it’s pretty darn close nevertheless. While its narrative won’t win any awards, this is simply a supporting backdrop to the fantastic gameplay on offer. Bolstered by solid performance and minimal loading screens, racing through the levels feels exhilarating as you jump, slide, and teleport your way through the maze-like environments.
With an online leaderboard to satisfy your competitive nature and added multiplayer to boot, Aeon Drive is a speedrunning triumph that absolutely deserves your attention.
RITE (Switch eShop)
Rite is an absolute gem. Developer Pond Games nails the execution of a simple platforming concept and wraps things up before the game overstays its welcome.
At the price of just seven bucks, this one is a no-brainer pick-up for anyone who considers themselves a fan of tough platformers; tight controls, challenging levels, and a chill soundtrack all combine to make Rite the easiest of recommendations.
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe (Switch)
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a fantastic remaster of one of our favourite Kirby adventures. With slick new visuals, some meaningful gameplay tweaks, and two excellent new modes to dig into, this is a big, loud, colourful celebration of all things Kirby that should delight new and returning players alike.
Magalor’s Epilogue is a surprisingly chunky addition to the core action that gives the campaign a nice boost, whilst Merry Magoland ensures that you and your pals are kept busy with plenty of minigames, missions, and online challenges to best once you’re done with the main story mode.
Grapple Dog (Switch eShop)
Grapple Dog is one of the most refreshingly unfussy platformers we’ve seen in a long time. The central mechanic (other than, well, being a dog) is the titular grapple which allows you to traverse the game’s perfectly-sized levels using said hook to swing from ceilings, build momentum, attach to enemies and Donkey Kong Country-style cannons, and generally add a whole layer of mechanical complexity while maintaining extremely simple three-button controls.
It isn’t quite perfect, but developer Medallion does precisely what it sets out to do — deliver an unpretentious platformer that’s a hell of a lot of fun to play. Plus, that sequel — Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines — is rather excellent, too.
Pepper Grinder (Switch eShop)
Pepper Grinder is a wonderfully inventive and fun platformer that no fan of the genre will want to miss out on. Channelling the spirits of several retro dig-based games, it may have a runtime that feels a little too short, but this is ultimately a deeply enjoyable, challenging, and highly replayable game with lots of personality.
If you think you’d be interested, we’d suggest you pick up Pepper Grinder at the next opportunity (and there’s a even downloadable demo if you’re on the fence).
Freedom Planet 2 (Switch eShop)
Freedom Planet 2 is an excellent achievement from GalaxyTrail, setting a high bar for quality that will be tough to beat if we’re ever lucky enough to get a ‘Freedom Planet 3’. A compelling story, well-designed levels, tons of gameplay variety, and gorgeous visuals all come together to make this an absolute must-play for fans of high-speed platformers and a certain blue hedgehog.
Freedom Planet 2 exudes quality and passion in just about every way imaginable.
Volgarr the Viking II (Switch eShop)
Volgarr the Viking II is, quite simply, one of the best 2D action platformers on Switch, or any other platform for that matter. It improves upon the original in just about every conceivable way, introducing neat ways to ease newcomers into its relentless brutality, vastly improving the visuals, and adding a soundtrack that is destined to go down as one of the all-time greats.
Minor quibbles with the UI aside, Volgarr the Viking II is an absolute must-play if you can stomach the intense Ghosts ‘n Goblins-style difficulty.
(Incidentally, if you’re a G’nG fan, Ghosts ‘n Goblins: Resurrection is worth checking out, too.)
Pizza Tower (Switch eShop)
Pizza Tower is the rare sort of game that improves on its inspiration in nearly every way, building upon many of Nintendo’s Wario Land ideas with impressive results. This is an incredibly satisfying, creative, and addictive platformer that’ll keep you busy for a long time if you want to 100% it. We’d highly recommend this to anyone who loved the old Wario Land games, or to anyone who’s looking for a new platformer with a high skill ceiling and lots of technical depth.
Pizza Tower has definitely got it where it counts, and platformers don’t get much better than this.
Gimmick! 2 (Switch eShop)
Gimmick! 2 is an easy recommendation for fans of retro platformers and a no-brainer for lovers of the original. Its cutesy, feel-good vibes belie a trove of super-tough but cleverly crafted challenges that are surmountable with practice, precision, and patience.
What’s clear is the absolute reverence that developer Bitwave Games has for the source material. Dispel any notion of this being a retro cash grab; this is the sequel that the underappreciated and ahead-of-its-time NES classic has always deserved.
Antonblast (Switch eShop)
Antonblast is a great tribute to Nintendo’s Wario Land series with its madcap action and focus on gameplay variety. The cartoonish visuals, high replayability, and overall spectacle of the experience make this one well worth blasting through, especially after a post-launch patch drastically improved performance.
Whether on Switch or elsewhere, we’d suggest picking this up if you’re at all a fan of Nintendo’s other Italian mascot and looking for a well-made, fast-paced new 2D platformer. Antonblast has got it where it counts and is well-deserving of a spot in your platforming library.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Switch)
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is, quite simply, the best 2D Mario game since Super Mario World. This is the slickest, sharpest, and smartest that two-dimensional Mario has felt since 1991 and in its Wonder Flowers, badges, and online aspects, it serves up an endlessly inventive and impressive platforming adventure that will utterly hook you.
From its myriad animation details to its infectious anything-could-happen spirit, it’s got charm up the wazoo. A refinement of a well-established formula, it doesn’t totally upend the 2D tea table, but with local co-op and online fun adding to the replayability factor, this feels like 2D Mario with its mojo back.
Actually, before we touch the flagpole, let’s quickly answer a few common questions readers ask us about Switch’s platformers.
We haven’t added classic 8- and 16-bit platformers available via Nintendo Switch Online or re-releases, as we’d be here all day!
Of course! While the genre as a whole might not command the same legions of fans it once did in the ’80s and ’90s, 2D platformers are still widely loved.
The above list, in particular, includes titles that have sold millions of copies, and frankly, the genre wouldn’t still be around if it weren’t popular.
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference, but in our experience, the Switch has proven to be an excellent choice for 2D platformers. Not only can you play on the go, but the genre translates wonderfully well from your home TV onto the Switch’s portable screen.
There’s also an enormous of 2D platformers on the platform; far more than we’ve listed above, including historical classics and games that didn’t quite rank among ‘The Best’ for us. Bucketloads to investigate.
There are also several that are well worth checking out via the Nintendo Switch Online catalogue. If you want to dig into exactly which ones are the cream of the crop, then you can check out our list of the Best Super Mario Games Of All Time.
Some excellent platforming picks there, we’re sure you agree, and there are plenty to choose from. Feel free to discuss your favourites below.