Super Mario Odyssey 2017
Why it still holds upToday it works because you choose what to do toward the moon count, and capturing drives much of the level design.
Switch platformers that still hold up
First released on the Switch
Games
Super Mario Odyssey 2017
Why it still holds upToday it works because you choose what to do toward the moon count, and capturing drives much of the level design.
On sale
Celeste 2018
Why it still holds upEach chapter revolves around a different environmental mechanic and the game keeps adding ideas, so it stays fresh today, with Assist Mode letting anyone set their own difficulty.
Metroid Dread 2021
Why it still holds upIt still plays well because of how the map opens up, and because the E.M.M.I. areas turn the exploring into a chase every so often.
On sale
Sonic Mania 2017
Why it still holds upMomentum based movement and three characters with different abilities still give each stage different routes today.
On sale
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night 2019
Why it still holds upExploring is still rewarding, because shards dropped by monsters, each with a different attack, make every defeated enemy a possible new skill.
On sale
SteamWorld Dig 2 2017
Why it still holds upDigging down for resources and coming back to spend them makes every trip a loop of risk and reward today, with a choice of how far to go each time.
On sale
Little Nightmares II 2021
Why it still holds upThe tension is the reason to play it now: slow stretches of sneaking give way to desperate escapes, with Six at your side.
On sale
Yoku's Island Express 2018
Why it still holds upGetting around the island is still fun, because a hero who cannot jump has to use flippers, bumpers and ramps, and every route is worked out with the ball.
On sale
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom 2018
Why it still holds upExploring is still a matter of trying each form: five forms each open a different path and dying costs nothing.
On sale
Gris 2018
Why it still holds upThere is nothing to fail at, since there is no combat or game over and abilities arrive as the story goes on, so it plays relaxed today.
Super Mario Maker 2 2019
Why it still holds upEach session still differs, because you can build in five visual styles and try courses by other players.
Blaster Master Zero II 2019
Why it still holds upSwitching between tank and on foot levels still keeps each planet from repeating itself.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated 2020
Why it still holds upThe collecting holds up today, because reaching every part of a level takes the moves of each character it gives you.
On sale
Blasphemous 2019
Why it still holds upEvery enemy is still a pattern to learn and a parry to time.
On sale
Katana Zero 2019
Why it still holds upBecause one hit decides every room, each room is still a short puzzle to plan and then carry out.
On sale
The Messenger 2018
Why it still holds upEach enemy is still a stepping stone, thanks to a jump that renews when you hit something in the air.
On sale
Mega Man 11 2018
Why it still holds upLearning each stage until you can run it cleanly is still part of the series' appeal.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2018
Why it still holds upQuick runs and a party to swap still make a short game easy to return to.
On sale
Gato Roboto 2019
Why it still holds upIt still plays well for the switch between the armed suit and the fragile cat, each reaching places the other cannot.
On sale
Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap 2017
Why it still holds upThe switch still keeps the original one button away, at any moment.
On sale
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince 2019
Why it still holds upThe puzzles are why it holds up now, since the three heroes' tools combine in several ways to reach the same goal.