10 Must-Play Cross-Platform Games That Shine on Nintendo Switch!

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Summary

  • Nintendo Switch‘s portability makes it the best platform for games like Dead Cells and Cuphead.
  • Switch is a great home for JRPGs like Octopath Traveler, paying tribute to classics from Nintendo consoles.
  • For roguelike games like Hades, Switch’s structure of discrete runs is perfect for on-the-go play.

It’s undeniable that, in terms of performance, the Nintendo Switch trails behind the Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. Yet, despite being underpowered, it still managed to achieve immense popularity and is renowned as an exceptional platform for playing many of the finest video games ever created.

On the Nintendo Switch, you can find a variety of games spanning from quick-to-grasp roguelikes to grand RPGs reminiscent of the classic JPRG era on NES and SNES consoles. This device, although compact, offers an exceptional gaming experience for these cross-platform titles. Here are some top picks.

8. Dead Cells

Dead to Rights

Upon its release, Dead Cells entered a competitive market filled with numerous indie roguelike games, making it difficult to distinguish itself. However, through unwavering commitment to its challenging platforming gameplay, Dead Cells successfully attracted an audience.

Dead Cells can be enjoyed across various gaming platforms, but it truly shines on the Nintendo Switch. This isn’t due to its power or frequent crossover events, but rather because of the Switch’s portability. There’s no other experience quite like squeezing in a run of Dead Cells when an unexpected 30 minutes pops up, and the Switch is perfect for such on-the-go gaming sessions.

7. Cuphead

A 1930s Throwback

Prior to its launch in 2017, Cuphead had built up a reputation solely based on its distinctive art style reminiscent of the 1930s cartoons, setting it apart from other games. Yet, upon release, players were taken aback to discover a game characterized predominantly by its challenging difficulty level, which was tougher than many Soulslikes.

Since the game’s challenging and fun bosses demand almost flawless performance over just a few minutes, rather than extended hours of play, the Nintendo Switch is an excellent platform to enjoy this game. You can quickly pick it up for a couple of minutes, master your skills, and then put it down again. It’s perfect for portable gaming, and the Switch excels in providing that experience.

6. Octopath Traveler

The Old Style Reborn

Currently, Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) are widely available across various platforms. However, in the past, Nintendo consoles were particularly renowned for showcasing the finest JRPGs, such as the Final Fantasy series prior to the onset of the 3D era with Final Fantasy 7.

As a gamer myself, I can confidently say that the Nintendo Switch is an excellent platform for immersing yourself in the captivating world of Octopath Traveler. This game is like a heartfelt homage to those classic RPGs that have won the hearts of gaming enthusiasts worldwide. It’s perfect for the Switch, offering a nostalgic adventure experience that you can enjoy in convenient chunks, making it a fantastic choice for this versatile console.

5. Into the Breach

Sci-Fi Chess

Following the launch of FTL: Faster Than Light, gaming enthusiasts pondered over what the hit indie developer, Subset Games, might unveil next. Could it be a follow-up title? Or perhaps a more expansive space adventure game instead?

Many people were taken aback when the sequel arrived, titled Into the Breach. This seemingly straightforward grid-based tactical combat game hides its complexity in the strategic positioning of enemies, allowing for minimal damage by anticipating their movements. The game becomes challenging and demands deep thought, making it ideal for play on-the-go when players wish to solve problems gradually.

4. Undertale

Pacifist Playthrough

Describing Toby Fox’s “Undertale” as merely a sensation undervalues one of the most significant indie games ever crafted, second only to “Minecraft.” This game, a humorous take on classic RPGs such as “Mother,” presents an entirely original narrative that discussing in detail might ruin its most captivating twists. In short, it’s exceptional, and brimming with thought-provoking quotes.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel that Undertale, with its roots deeply entrenched in the classic RPGs of the NES and SNES era, finds a natural home on the Nintendo Switch. This console, much like the games that birthed Toby Fox’s magnum opus, stands as a testament to the legacy of these timeless RPGs.

3. Hollow Knight

Hallownest Hellhole

Standing out amidst the independent gaming scene can be quite challenging since many indie games often slip under the radar without a clear explanation. Some manage to gain traction through pure chance, but it’s fortuitous that Hollow Knight didn’t fall into obscurity. Instead, it was recognized not only as one of the finest indie games ever created, but also as one of the best Metroidvania games, in part due to its exceptional collection of challenging bosses.

The Switch makes an ideal setting for “Hollow Knight,” not just due to the esteemed lineage of games like “Metroid Prime” and “Castlevania” that are native to Nintendo, but because the compact universe of “Hollow Knight” aligns seamlessly with the portable gaming platform. This allows players to explore and conquer different parts of the world at their convenience.

2. Hades

Tartarus Tango

In the height of roguelikes’ fame, Supergiant Games introduced Hades, arguably the finest example of this genre ever crafted. So far, nothing else has managed to outshine it, not even its own follow-up. It’s challenging to envision if roguelikes will ever scale such lofty peaks again.

In the realm of gaming, carrying around a pocket-sized powerhouse like the Nintendo Switch offers an edge that larger consoles can’t match. The roguelike game structure allows for quick, self-contained sessions – ideal for slipping into during breaks or commutes. It’s like having a mini adventure in your pocket, ready to be played whenever inspiration strikes!

1. Stardew Valley

Harvest Moon Reborn

For quite some time, the “Harvest Moon” series had been dormant, with no demand for casual games. However, “Stardew Valley” suddenly revolutionized the scene, not just reviving the farming simulator genre, but also drawing in countless new gamers and spawning a fresh wave of completionists.

In the world of Stardew Valley, time moves at a leisurely pace, making it an ideal match for the portable convenience of the Nintendo Switch. With this device, I can seamlessly play a day’s worth of farming and town-building fun whenever I find myself waiting on the train or during short breaks. The progress I make towards crafting my dream farm feels substantial, offering a rewarding experience that surpasses other platforms. It’s an incredible harmony between game and console that truly sets it apart.

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2025-03-03 05:07