The Ultimate Guide to the Best Nintendo Switch Metroidvania Games

Hollow Knight (Switch eShop)

Hollow Knight seems to have found its true home on Switch. The game’s elegant 2D environment, responsive combat, and rich array of secrets continuously draw players in for more, and it delivers an equally fantastic experience on the go as it does on your television.

In an eShop that’s already packed with exceptional indie titles, Hollow Knight ranks among the very best; a grand, beautifully crafted Metroidvania that is brimming with detail. From its striking combat system to its enchanting visuals and audio, this is one of the best adventures available on Nintendo Switch.

The Mummy Demastered (Switch eShop)

They say not to judge a book by its cover, and you should not judge this game solely on its movie connection; with The Mummy Demastered, WayForward may have reached its high point. It deserves recognition as one of the standout recent examples of not only pixel art excellence but also as a remarkable blend of running, gunning, platforming, and exploration.

The game draws inspiration from multiple 16-bit predecessors rather than strictly adhering to its cinematic source material; The Mummy Demastered is a vibrant, well-crafted, and enjoyable journey that will appeal to more than just devoted Metroidvania fans.

Axiom Verge (Switch eShop)

Axiom Verge on Switch is simply an excellent port of an outstanding game, nothing more and nothing less. We strongly encourage those who missed this title on other platforms to acquire it here; this is the complete Axiom Verge experience and it’s available in a format that supports both handheld and docked play.

Even better, the sequel is just as impressive! Axiom Verge 2 skillfully balances familiar elements that made the original so great while introducing new concepts that give the sequel its distinct identity, and while fans of the first game may need some time to adjust, everything harmonizes to create a powerful experience that no genre enthusiast should pass up.

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Guacamelee! 2 (Switch eShop)

A dynamic, engaging action-platformer featuring a potent mix of combat and platforming elements, all set within one of the most vibrant gaming worlds imaginable. It’s not a significant departure from the original, and its relentless nature can become tiring, but Guacamelee! 2 is a prime example of a successful sequel.

The Messenger (Switch eShop)

2D side-scrolling action games like The Messenger can be quite common nowadays, but you’d miss out on something special by overlooking this title. Featuring a surprisingly lengthy campaign, an amazing soundtrack, and tight, challenging level designs, The Messenger stands as a shining example of excellent game design. We highly recommend you check this one out; it’s the very definition of a modern classic.

SteamWorld Dig 2 (Switch eShop)

SteamWorld Dig 2 is another commendable effort from Image & Form, and a fantastic successor to a game that’s a beloved part of many eShop collections. Well-crafted and visually appealing, it retains the series’ signature humor and, indeed, features an excellent soundtrack. It refines and builds upon the strengths of the original and hits some delightful high points, though some of the cleverest sections and mechanics seem to appear only briefly. It sets the stage for more content and games, which is exciting to see.

For fans of SteamWorld Dig, we assume the recommendation is unnecessary as they’ll likely pick this one up anyway. However, for those who missed the first game, Dig 2 is a must-play — its charming visuals and solid gameplay design set the stage for a tightly crafted and intellectually engaging exploration experience.

Dead Cells (Switch)

Dead Cells is more aptly described as a “roguevania,” blending elements of roguelite and Metroidvania genres, rather than being solely a traditional movement exploration game. Nonetheless, it excels in both categories.

Dead Cells seamlessly combines relentless action sequences, stunning visuals, and an addictive cycle of unlocks and rewards into a remarkable experience that every Switch owner should try. With countless hours of content available, and that’s not even considering the DLC! This game is incredibly enjoyable, brimming with visual delight, and filled with collectibles to obtain; make sure not to pass this one up, it’s a must-have.

Blaster Master Zero (Switch eShop)

Blaster Master Zero is a charming retro shooter that played an important role in bridging the gap between major retail releases following the console’s launch back in 2017. A tribute to Sunsoft’s beloved Blaster Master on NES, Inti Creates has done a fantastic job of ‘rebooting’ the franchise, enhancing the 8-bit visuals with additional details that make the sprites truly stand out on your Switch screen. It’s a game that has retro aesthetics yet feels refreshingly polished and relevant today.

And if you enjoy this one, both Blaster Master Zero 2 and Blaster Master Zero 3 are also fantastic choices.

Iconoclasts (Switch eShop)

Iconoclasts is a standout, thought-provoking, and deliciously crafted take on the Metroidvania genre that manages to differentiate itself with its lively presentation and deeper narrative style.

Combine these elements with some of the finest 16-bit sprite artwork we have seen, along with a thrilling lineup of challenging boss encounters, and you have yet another essential addition for the Switch library.

Yoku’s Island Express (Switch eShop)

Yoku’s Island Express feels like a fresh breeze, even today. Merging pinball mechanics and Metroidvania gameplay in an incredibly creative way, we continually find ourselves returning to this Switch staple.

Factor in one of the most enchanting fantasy worlds available on the eShop, and you’ve got an instant unconventional classic.

Cave Story+ (Switch)

If you haven’t experienced Cave Story, you absolutely should; it’s a significant title for any enthusiast of Metroidvania-style games. Its perfect pacing, outstanding controls, and captivating visuals make it a must-have for genre followers, especially those yet to experience it.

If there were a must-play list for games, Cave Story+ would certainly be included.

Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom (Switch)

Monster Boy is a remarkable achievement. It’s a visually stunning game with an incredible soundtrack that honors its spiritual predecessors by perfectly capturing the Wonder Boy mechanics while still offering something appealing to a modern audience. As long as you understand that it’s essentially a classic game at its core, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this 12-15 hour journey.

However, if you are on the lookout for a more traditional Monster/Wonder Boy experience, Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is an exceptionally crafted non-linear action adventure that absolutely deserves recognition as one of the best from the 8-bit era, and the remake on Switch is outstanding.

Owlboy (Switch eShop)

Owlboy is a triple threat of brilliance: the gameplay is tight, enjoyable, and consistently fresh; the world is visually breathtaking thanks to some truly masterful pixel art, and you will find yourself genuinely invested in the characters due to a compelling narrative and rich lore.

This is a game that is definitely worth your time; if any of the titles we’ve discussed pique your interest, we strongly encourage you to consider giving Owlboy a try.

Gato Roboto (Switch eShop)

This feline knows what it’s doing. With precise controls, a retro-inspired minimalist art style, and a fantastic sense of advancement, Gato Roboto is the quintessential bite-sized Metroidvania (or Meowtroidvania). Anyone with a bit of experience can swiftly navigate through it, and we wish it lasted just a bit longer.

Nonetheless, many will see its brevity as a positive aspect, as the game is packed with exciting upgrades, secrets, and exhilarating boss fights to keep you engaged, even if just for a few hours.

Timespinner (Switch eShop)

Visually appealing and just as enjoyable to play, Timespinner stands out as another excellent Metroidvania on Switch.

Despite lacking some challenging exploration elements and an underutilized time-freeze mechanic, it effectively uses the beloved genre as a vehicle for a genuinely engaging sci-fi narrative that will encourage players to explore every corner of its marvelous pixel-art world.

Blasphemous (Switch eShop)

Blasphemous is a beautifully designed Soulslike/Metroidvania set in an intriguingly twisted, delightfully gruesome world filled with well-crafted enemies, satisfying and weighty combat, and some truly memorable and grotesque boss battles. The platforming segments are consistently well-designed, and the entire experience comes together to create one of the most visually captivating and engaging games in the genre.

The sequel, Blasphemous 2 continues this legacy superbly.

2, enriches the core of the robust Metroidvania framework. It features essential enhancements that offer deeper and more satisfying combat experiences, along with three adjustable weapon categories that seamlessly integrate with environmental puzzles, creating a more unified and fluid overall experience.

Ori And The Blind Forest: Definitive Edition (Switch eShop)

From start to finish, Ori and the Blind Forest is an absolute delight to experience and represents a truly flawless port on Switch. It isn’t overly challenging, yet never feels unfair or demotivating, and is quite enjoyable to control. The enchanting art style and musical score serve as the cherry on top, making players genuinely invested in the protagonist’s journey and eager to continue playing until the end.

Moreover, there’s that sequel—while it’s somewhat more linear than The Blind Forest, Ori and the Will of the Wisps still beautifully fulfills that Metroidvania craving. The introduction of additional customization options, an enhanced focus on combat, and a more developed narrative—all within a game running at 60 frames per second—allows the sequel to significantly surpass its predecessor.

La-Mulana 2 (Switch eShop)

La-Mulana 2 definitely isn’t for everyone—if you consider yourself an impatient or clumsy player, it’s advisable to steer clear—but those who invest the time and effort to unravel its challenges will find immense satisfaction.

What we have here is a meticulously paced, astoundingly complex, and wonderfully cryptic adventure that constantly invites you to delve deeper and familiarize yourself with its unique treasures. The original La-Mulana was a masterpiece in its own right, but we’d argue that the sequel has taken it up a notch.

Carrion (Switch eShop)

Carrion is a unique experience in many aspects—a game that places you in the role (or slithering tentacles) of the ‘boss’ of the game—but the foundational gameplay is as conventional as the style can be. Fortunately, its core mechanic of ripping through room after room of unsuspecting individuals into gory chunks never becomes repetitive and sustains the thrill throughout.

It looks stunning, sounds incredible, and is a lot of fun to play, despite some minor issues that just prevent Carrion from reaching the absolute top tier of the Switch library. Still, if you’re searching for a Metroidvania with a spin, this one is captivatingly gruesome.

Minoria (Switch eShop)

Minoria is a remarkable Metroidvania that we would hate to see fade into obscurity among more well-known titles like Bloodstained and Hollow Knight.

While it may not be as feature-rich as some other titles in the genre and lasts only about five hours or so, the combat is impressive enough that we strongly encourage you to check it out.

Alwa’s Legacy (Switch eShop)

Alwa’s Legacy is a prime example of how to craft a worthy sequel; it takes everything that Alwa’s Awakening did well and improves upon it, introducing some fresh concepts and rectifying the flaws found in its predecessor.

Even though it may be slightly short, Alwa’s Legacy is precisely the type of game that comes along once in a while, reminding you of the quality that can be achieved when a committed team dedicates the time to create a vibrant and meticulously designed final product.

Astalon: Tears of the Earth (Switch eShop)

Featuring a wide array of environments, solid, straightforward gameplay, an engaging overarching narrative, and many formidable foes, Astalon: Tears of the Earth may only last a few hours, but it offers plenty to appreciate.

While it may not be exceptionally unique, Astalon remains a wonderful example of the genre, making it a no-brainer for fans of high-fantasy Metroidvanias.

Narita Boy (Switch eShop)

Narita Boy joins a multitude of entertainment franchises that pay tribute to the ‘80s culture. However, where others have faltered, Narita Boy rises above its influences with original world creation, an intricate yet thoughtful narrative, and impressive combat mechanics.

It often feels a bit overly vague and abstract in its execution, which ultimately holds it back from being a true masterpiece, but if you’re in search of a impressive Metroidvania experience, then Narita Boy is certainly worth exploring.

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights (Switch eShop)

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights emerged as one of the standout Metroidvanias of 2021, and undoubtedly represents one of the finest examples of the genre. It boasts stunning visuals throughout, with splashes of color brightening an otherwise somber realm, and an exquisite soundtrack that will undoubtedly linger in your mind for hours.

All of this is supported by solid gameplay, with a specific emphasis on customizable loadouts through spirit abilities. With a sequel (Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist) also available—and it’s also fantastic—make sure to carve out time to explore these distinct adventures.

UNSIGHTED (Switch eShop)

Merging elements from classic Nintendo titles with modern playability, Unsightedis the game 1995 desperately hoped to create but simply didn’t figure out how.

Its time-sensitive, post-apocalyptic agony is brought to life by the captivating hues of its pixel art, crafting a world you want to explore, rich with characters you yearn to meet. Rather than being punishing, it leans more towards ‘lite’ than ‘rogue’, allowing enjoyment to take precedence – as this may very well be, thanks to the addictive rhythm of the controls, enhanced by energetic sounds. The cooperative multiplayer adds the perfect finishing touch to an already splendid experience.

Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth (Switch)

Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth doesn’t take long to complete, but when the journey is this incredibly enjoyable and brimming with creativity, does it even matter? By the end, you’re likely to feel more pleased than rushed, and Deedlit’s tale is surprisingly heartfelt regardless of how much or how little you know about Lodoss.

If you’re looking for something with the essence of Symphony of the Night that doesn’t come off as a mere imitation, this is a wonderful choice.

Islets (Switch eShop)

Islets offers a surprisingly rich narrative while featuring numerous core Metroidvania mechanics, and it truly delivers. The exquisite landscapes and island inhabitants create an unforgettable adventure. Filled with challenging enemies, precise timing-based platforming, and cleverly hidden puzzles, this game exceeds the standard Metroidvania experience.

There are plenty of collectibles scattered throughout each island to keep players returning, and truthfully, it’s delightful to leave behind the charming cast of creatures.

If you enjoy this, developer Kyle Thompson’s Crypt Custodian offers a similarly excellent (top-down) take on the Metroidvania genre.

Disney Illusion Island (Switch)

If you could argue that Disney Illusion Island leans more towards a Metroidvania than a traditional 2D platformer, we believe it strikes a wonderful balance between the two genres.

Its focus on combat-free exploration makes this an excellent entry point into the genre for younger audiences, along with its capacity to support up to four players through local co-op, making it a fantastic option for families wishing to spend time with some of the most iconic Disney characters ever. You can even hug each other to regain health – what more could you ask for?

9 Years of Shadows (Switch eShop)

Halberd Studios has developed a Metroidvania with a unique blend of engaging elements. We have no qualms proclaiming it A Quality Game™ and a fun experience thanks to its meticulous design and the incorporation of various beloved concepts that enhance the gameplay instead of constraining it.

It remains yet another Metroidvania at its core, yes, and it doesn’t reinvent the genre; however, while there are a few rough patches where you may notice a tighter budget compared to works from larger studios, 9 Years of Shadows stands out as a creative, stylish, and consistently enjoyable adventure.

Worldless (Switch eShop)

Worldless attempts to set itself apart from its counterparts by incorporating enjoyable turn-based combat into the usual Metroidvania gameplay loop. It largely succeeds, aided by a captivating art style and diverse puzzle mechanics.

Some difficulty spikes can disrupt the flow and throw off the dreamlike exploration, but