We already published the list of best Switch games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Switch platform games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Switch definitely has a great library of platform games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Switch and platform games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Mechstermination Force
- Release Data: Horberg Productions, 2019
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Every encounter is unique and challenging but never unfair.
Each boss is uniquely designed, and realized with an outstanding degree of care and attention.
From the moment you play Mechstermination Force, it is immediately fun, and that fun never stops.
This is a gameplay loop distilled to its purest form, and it is an absolute joy.
#24. My Memory of Us
- Release Data: Juggler Games / Crunching Koalas/Crunching Koalas, 2019
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
My Memory of Us is a rewarding game from various angles.
The narrative is engrossing and touching, the gameplay is challenging and engaging, and the artistic style is glorious yet understated.
It tackles a difficult subject but does so with care and the end result is a game that only further enhances the already impressive Nintendo Switch library.
#23. My Friend Pedro
- Release Data: DeadToast Entertainment/Devolver Digital, 2019
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
My Friend Pedro is a kind of game that either clicks with you or it doesn’t.
If you’re a patient player who likes killstreaks, points, and stylish gameplay, you might like this a lot.
If you have less patience for a game that feels unintuitive for the first 20 levels, this title might not click so easily.
#22. 20XX
- Release Data: Batterystaple Games/Batterystaple, 2018
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
20XX offers a quick dose of Mega Man-inspired gameplay that doesn’t disappoint in the slightest.
The controls were clearly refined to be authentic and tight.
Overall, this endless retro shooter is worth checking out, especially if you love Mega Man X or just solid platforming in general.
#21. Yoshi’s Crafted World
- Release Data: Good-Feel/Nintendo, 2019
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
There are a couple of flaws that keep it from being a top-tier Switch exclusive, but it’s still pretty great and works as both a casual gaming experience and a more hardcore one as well.
From start to finish, Yoshi’s Crafted World is a solid platformer, and it’s a worthy addition to anyone’s Switch collection.
#20. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2019
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Despite its aging formula, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is still a great entry in the series, with its tight platforming and both accessibility and depth to spare.
While it can feel a bit stale for those who have played it before, Deluxe is worth playing, especially if you didn’t get a chance to play it on Wii U.
#19. Mega Man 11
- Release Data: Capcom, 2018
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The underlying action platforming gameplay is just as tight and challenging as you remember, and when combined with the new visuals and extra options for replayability, you’ve got a game that’s every bit as good as those that came before.
Overall, Mega Man 11 is a modern classic, a fitting refresh for a beloved series, and a highly recommended title.
#18. Salt and Sanctuary
- Release Data: Ska Studios, 2018
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
While Salt and Sanctuary is truly its own game, with themes and elements appealing to fans of the genre, there were moments when it was too similar to its predecessors.
However, Salt and Sanctuary provides ample replay value in a fun title that is fast-paced and challenging enough for anyone seeking a “Souls-like” game.
#17. Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montpellier/Ubisoft, 2017
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Although the Rayman series might not be as popular as something like Mario, it plays just as well.
This definitive version features a great collection of exciting 2D side-scrolling levels, wherein you hop, punch, and glide your way through numerous obstacles.
The extensive single player mode can also be played in coop, making it a great time when played with friends.
#16. Katana ZERO
- Release Data: Askiisoft/Devolver Digital, 2019
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Katana ZERO gameplay is enjoyable, a fast paced one-hit kill game where every step matters with a twist on time slowing mechanic.
Moreover, there are speedrun mode, additional levels and different weapons to try.
Not only that, Katana ZERO successfully implements the plot hole of gaming in general into the storyline itself in a fantastic and mind-blowing way.
#15. LIMBO
- Release Data: PLAYDEAD, 2018
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
LIMBO is a simple game, and in that simplicity, it successfully explains the narrative.
It has a dark atmosphere to it, with an eerie and mysterious soundtrack to follow you as you travel alone.
Each puzzle and each level will complement the minimalist story slowly, and by the end, you’ll get a good grasp of what’s going on throughout your journey.
#14. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Release Data: Nintendo Software Technology/Nintendo, 2018
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker perfectly made for handheld, offering a refreshing break from other story-heavy games.
For a puzzle platformer game, the levels are not challenging enough, but not every game is meant to be challenging.
Simply put, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker gives a story to a side character in the universe of Mario World, and Nintendo did it brilliantly.
#13. GRIS
- Release Data: Nomada Studio/Devolver Digital, 2018
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
GRIS delivers a moving story about grieving and moving on from the loved one.
The beautiful soundtrack and majestic visual combined to make GRIS a roller coaster ride of emotion.
Play GRIS if you’re ready to feel emotional and to think about the meaning of life, and lesson from every step you take.
#12. Freedom Planet
- Release Data: GalaxyTrail/XSEED Games, 2018
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Freedom Planet is a game that let you explore the game to find hidden secrets and treasures along with the level.
Overall, the story is enjoyable, every character is well laid out, the graphics are amazing and an additional game mode beside adventure will keep you hooked to the game.
#11. Sonic Mania
- Release Data: Tantalus/Sega, 2017
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This amazing Sonic game brings us back to yesteryear, as the graphics are more reminiscent of Sonic’s time on the Sega Genesis.
The game features a combination of both classic Sonic levels and brand new ones, offering a good mixture of familiar and exciting new content.
You can play both single-player and coop, which is great if you have friends.
#10. Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment
- Release Data: Yacht Club Games, 2017
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This fantastic indie game recalls classic action platformers like Mega Man and Castlevania.
The controls are tight and responsive, and the basic attacks and digging mechanics are incredibly easy to pick up.
In the end, this pixel art indie is an absolute masterpiece, and should be played by anyone who is a fan of retro sidescrollers.
#9. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
- Release Data: Retro Studios/Nintendo, 2018
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This Wii U game was amazing when it was first released, and the Switch version adds even more awesome features.
You’ll jump and roll through a variety of awesome looking levels across the game’s multiple worlds, before taking on the Snowmads in their frosty kingdom.
Overall, this is a great game for those looking for a colorful platforming challenge.
#8. The Messenger
- Release Data: Sabotage Studio/Devolver Digital, 2018
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The Messenger has an amazing narrative with a twist in every corner, be it in terms of story or the gameplay itself.
Undoubtedly one of the best indie game on Switch, The Messenger is a proof that there is still some value that can be added to the saturated retro platforming genre.
#7. Super Mario Maker 2
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2019
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
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.
For any fan of Mario who owns a Switch buying this game is an absolute necessity.
#6. Dead Cells
- Release Data: Motion Twin, 2018
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Dead Cells is a masterclass in excellent roguelike design, mixing together intense action sequences, gorgeous vistas, and an addictive loop of rewards into a beautiful experience.
There are hundreds of hours of content available here, and though some sense of repetition can creep in every now and then, it’s remarkable how fresh Dead Cells can stay through all those hours.
#5. Cuphead
- Release Data: Studio MDHR, 2019
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Cuphead was a masterpiece when it launched on Xbox One and nothing has been sacrificed in its move to the Switch.
In other words, it’s the same difficult game it was on Microsoft’s console.
Its focus on intense boss battles won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but as long as you know what you’re getting yourself into, it’s absolutely recommended.
#4. INSIDE
- Release Data: PLAYDEAD, 2018
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
INSIDE‘s game developer successfully created a minimalist dystopian world with an immersive dark atmosphere.
The story itself is always mysterious and engaging as you don’t know what to expect at the end of the story.
INSIDE is a perfect example of an atmospheric game design that’ll leave you with existential dread by the time you finish the game.
#3. Sonic Mania Plus
- Release Data: Sega, 2018
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
If you already own Sonic Mania, Sonic Mania Plus will add several hours of gameplay into the existing game and continue right away to where you left off in the original game.
All in all, Sonic Mania Plus is a great game and a great refreshed version from the old game with amazing graphics and entertaining gameplay.
#2. Celeste
- Release Data: Matt Makes Games Inc., 2018
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Celeste is one of the most beautiful and challenging platforming games in existence.
You’ll likely die thousands of times before beating it, but you’ll do so with a smile on your face.
The story is light, but impacting, and deals with heavy topics like depression and anxiety.
Altogether, it’s a redeeming and heartfelt story with incredibly satisfying and challenging gameplay to match.
#1. Super Mario Odyssey
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2017
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Super Mario Odyssey gives us the expected 3D platforming of a traditional Mario game, but adds an exciting twist.
The game delivers an adventure unlike any other, and it rewards players for being clever and skillful.
All told, Super Mario Odyssey is not only the best Nintendo Switch game, but possibly the best 3D Mario game of all time.
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See also: Best Wii U Games & Best Gaming Chairs
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Switch platform game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!