The Best Digital Only Nintendo Switch 1st Party Games

Key Takeaways

Nintendo increasingly embraces digital games but still values physical copies to provide a refreshing gaming experience.
Pokemon Cafe Remix, Super Kirby Clash, and Part-Time UFO offer unique gameplay experiences with high replayability.
The Stretchers, Pokemon Quest, and Good Job! provide engaging puzzle-solving adventures with multiple solutions and high replay value.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, let me tell you about these three fantastic games that have recently caught my eye.

In today’s gaming world, I find myself gravitating towards digital games more and more. They offer an unparalleled ease and efficiency in gameplay, as they can be quickly downloaded right onto my console. Unlike traditional physical games that could easily get lost or damaged, these digital games are always at my fingertips, ready to play whenever I want. Companies like Nintendo have caught on to this trend, recognizing the convenience and accessibility that digital gaming provides.

Nintendo continues to favor traditional physical games but has been increasingly incorporating digital formats across each new generation. In earlier generations like Wii and Wii U, they primarily used digital means to distribute their classic NES games via virtual consoles. However, for the Nintendo Switch, these games are offered as part of an online streaming service. This shift towards digital in the current generation has made Nintendo more at ease with creating more digital titles. These games may not be large in size, but they offer a unique and engaging experience with high replay value.

11 Pokemon Cafe Remix

Relaxing Shelter

drinks, entrees, sweets, or small plates. The key to success lies in using the right Pokemon for each dish, resulting in a higher score and better meal presentation.

At the cafe, various Pokémon will drop by, with some showing up more frequently during particular events. Additionally, you might be able to recruit new Pokémon if you manage to complete a sufficient number of their tasks.

10 Super Kirby Clash

Warrior On Hunt

Super Kirby Clash is an action-packed game where Kirby goes on a quest for hunting, much like the style of Monster Hunter. Instead of going solo, Kirby has three companions to aid him in his mission. He can choose from various tasks given, aimed at defeating specific targets. Players can gather teams, whether it’s locally or online, to join Kirby on this exciting adventure!

In dealing with tough supervisors, customization and teamwork are crucial elements. For every Kirby character, there are four distinct roles to choose from: the versatile Sword Hero, the powerful Hammer Lord, the long-range Beam Mage, and the supportive Doctor Healmore. Each role has unique skills and gear. You can buy weapons and armor at the store to tackle more formidable opponents.

9 Part-Time UFO

Hardworking Alien

Release: October 28, 2020
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Publisher: Nintendo

The Part-Time UFO revolves around an extraterrestrial UFO attempting to earn a living on Earth by taking up various odd jobs. Using his claw, the alien performs tasks such as construction work, cleaning, baking, and other household chores. The success of each task is assessed based on both completion time and objectives. The UFO is also capable of achieving bonus goals, which results in extra pay and medals.

Instead of constantly accepting random tasks, the UFO might want to explore other avenues such as Tower Infinity and Treasure Isle. The earnings from these ventures can be spent on new apparel, which in turn boosts the UFO’s abilities like speed and grip strength. It’s also not compulsory to work solo; there’s an option for a fellow UFO to team up cooperatively in the local community.

8 The Stretchers

Dizzying Physics

In this scenario, The Stretchers rely on the player to navigate the city in a vehicle, aiming to rescue the increasing number of disoriented civilians. As the situation escalates, it becomes crucial for the player to uncover the culprit responsible for the Dizzies. Exposure to the Dizzy virus causes civilians to become confused, rendering them unable to leave hazardous zones such as construction sites. The methods used to complete tasks are left to the player’s discretion. Additionally, there is an opportunity for another player to join locally to share the burden of helping the distressed populace.

The evaluation of each mission will be determined by the player’s actions. Points for rescues can change during the operation, like putting the Dizzies in the ambulance or accidentally jumping into the sea. Additionally, there are extra objectives that grant additional rescue points. Accomplishing enough tasks and navigating the world map will unlock more customization possibilities, offering a wider range of decorative options for your emergency team members or home base.

7 Pokemon Quest

Cooking For Pokemon

Pokemon Quest offers the most accessible Pokemon experience by blending its gameplay on Tumblecube Island. Players can bring up to three Pokemon along for each level, searching for loot and rewards as they go. It’s crucial to tailor a Pokemon’s stats and abilities for optimal performance. During expeditions, the Pokemon are controlled independently, but the player must strategically time their skill moves or devise tactical strategies using commands.

In contrast to conventional games, capturing Pokémon is accomplished by preparing distinct recipes at your home base. The use of various ingredients can entice new Pokémon to join your team, even rarer types. You can log in daily to collect rewards and bonuses that enable you to customize your home base and cooking pot.

6 BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL!

Square Up

In the game BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL!, you join Qbby and Qucy on a challenging yet satisfying puzzle-solving adventure. With over 250 levels to conquer, this expanded journey is perfect for our square duo. They can construct different boxes to navigate over higher or distant platforms, making their journey more intricate as they progress through various stages. Despite the straightforward controls, the puzzles become increasingly complex and engaging.

The game offers three stories: a duo story, a solo story, and an extraordinary one. Characters Qbby and Qucy can be played concurrently or individually within the duo and solo stories. However, only the unique character Qudy can be experienced in the extraordinary tale through his distinctive platforming style as a rectangular shape. Thankfully, the demanding puzzles can be tackled cooperatively with friends in local multiplayer mode.

5 Good Job!

Climbing Physics Ranks

Released: March 26, 2020
Developer: Paladin Studios[a]
Publisher: Nintendo

This game, titled “Good Job!”, is a puzzle-filled adventure where you tackle various tasks in inventive ways. The main character is the CEO’s youthful son, climbing up the corporate ladder one promotion at a time. What makes this game entertaining is its versatility, allowing for numerous playthroughs due to its open-ended goals. Solving tasks can range from being logically straightforward to downright zany.

In each stage, there’s a set of tasks that need to be done, ranging from tidying up messes, taking care of plants, or transporting important items. The stage assigns grades based on completion time and the extent of damage caused. There are secret items scattered around, such as clothing accessories to customize your character. The player has the freedom to choose their own approach to complete the task.

4 Pokemon Unite

Pokemon League

In a fresh twist for the beloved series, Pokemon Unite introduces a distinctive competitive style on the Aeos Islands. It’s a free-to-play team game featuring 5 players, much like League of Legends, but with streamlined controls and goals. The aim is to cooperate, breach defenses, and amass the highest points possible. Each Pokemon is categorized into distinct classes:

Attacker: Excels at ranged damage, though has lower health
Defender: excels at defensive play for oneself and allies
Supporter: excels at utilizing beneficial effects for allies and harmful effects for foes
All-rounder: balanced jack of all trades, though no excelling stats
Speedster: Excels at high mobility and close-range damage; best at scoring

In this game, there are more than 60 unique Pokemon, each with distinct abilities and strategies. The island’s cutting-edge technology enables these Pokemon to don various fashionable holowears during fights for a stylish edge. The most effective way to demonstrate a team’s harmony, strategic thinking, and communication is through Unite battles.

3 Kirby Dream Buffet

Sweet Rolls

In the game Kirby Dream Buffet, Kirby finds himself in an unusual predicament due to his shrunken size, which initially seemed troubling. However, this problem turned out to be a blessing when he encountered larger-sized desserts. This situation encouraged him to swiftly roll and dash through the sugary paths, eager to consume as many sweets as fast as he could.

This game provides several play modes such as battle royale, racing, and mini-games. Additionally, there’s a sandbox setting where you can explore each dessert location to find the best paths and tricks. Players can team up with up to four friends either locally or online, competing to see who is the ultimate dream shopper.

2 Kirby Fighters 2

Super Kirby Bros

In simpler terms, “Kirby Fighters 2” is an excellent choice for determining which Kirby copy power reigns supreme in the series. It’s a platform-style fighting game where each copy ability is represented as a distinct fighter, such as Yoyo, Staff, Sword, Beam, and others. This multiplayer game allows up to four players to engage in friendly competition either locally or online.

The game features multiple play styles such as Story, Solo, and Battle options. Not all characters are accessible immediately, instead, you need to progressively climb the character rankings. As you advance, additional fighters will become available, including well-known figures like King DeDeDe and Bandana Waddle Dee.

1 Famicom Detective Club The Two-Case Collection

Paired Detectives

Release: May 14, 2021
Developer: Mages
Publisher: Nintendo

Refreshes a series that is over three decades old, originally exclusive to Japan for the Super Famicom console, the Famicom Detective Club The Two-Case Collection offers a revival. Contained within are two titles: The Girl Who Stands Behind and The Missing Heir, both available individually or as a set. For the first time in the West, these interactive visual novels have been updated with improved graphics and soundtrack, expertly localized to cater to today’s audience.

In both games, players delve into nerve-wracking, chilling mysteries haunting Japan. Each game centers around particular ominous events, such as murders, concealed truths, and terrifying legends. Players must use their analytical skills and problem-solving abilities to gather relevant information from witnesses and clues.

2024-10-20 23:54