Top 2D Platformers On Nintendo Switch

Hey guys! Looking for some awesome 2D platformers to play on your Nintendo Switch? You've come to the right place! The Switch is an absolute treasure trove for 2D platforming goodness, offering everything from retro-inspired gems to modern masterpieces. Let's dive into some of the very best that you absolutely need to check out. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the genre, there's something here for everyone. Get ready to jump, dash, and explore some incredible worlds!

1. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight often tops the list when discussing best 2D platformers, and for a good reason. This game isn't just good; it's a transcendent experience that blends mesmerizing exploration with challenging combat. You play as the Knight, a silent protagonist venturing into the decaying kingdom of Hallownest, a vast underground world teeming with secrets, mysteries, and infected creatures. Hollow Knight is a masterclass in world-building, and the ruined insect kingdom feels incredibly alive. Every nook and cranny hides lore, challenging enemies, or helpful items, encouraging players to explore thoroughly and rewarding their curiosity. The sense of discovery is unparalleled, and uncovering the tragic history of Hallownest is one of the game’s greatest strengths. The gameplay in Hollow Knight is a blend of Metroidvania-style exploration and Souls-like combat, which creates a unique and engaging experience. You'll need to acquire new abilities to reach previously inaccessible areas, encouraging backtracking and exploration. Mastering the Knight’s moveset is crucial, as the game demands precision and timing in its combat encounters. Boss fights, in particular, are intense tests of skill and pattern recognition. The art style of Hollow Knight is simply breathtaking. The hand-drawn visuals are both beautiful and haunting, perfectly capturing the desolate atmosphere of Hallownest. The character designs are imaginative and memorable, and the environments are richly detailed. The game's soundtrack is equally impressive, with haunting melodies that perfectly complement the game's atmosphere. Hollow Knight isn't just a game; it's an artistic achievement. The game's depth and replayability are staggering. Beyond the main story, there are numerous side quests, optional bosses, and hidden areas to discover. Completionists will find themselves spending dozens, if not hundreds, of hours exploring every corner of Hallownest. The game also features multiple endings, encouraging players to experiment with different choices and strategies. Hollow Knight is a game that stays with you long after you've finished playing. Its haunting atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and rich world-building make it an unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a 2D platformer that will truly captivate you, look no further than Hollow Knight. It’s available on Nintendo Switch, making it perfect for playing at home or on the go.

2. Celeste

When you're looking for challenging 2D platformers with a heart, Celeste absolutely needs to be on your radar. This indie darling is more than just a game; it's an emotional journey wrapped in pixel-perfect platforming. You play as Madeline, a young woman battling her inner demons as she attempts to climb the treacherous Celeste Mountain. Celeste stands out because of its deeply personal and relatable narrative. Madeline's struggles with anxiety, depression, and self-doubt resonate with many players, making her journey all the more compelling. The game tackles these sensitive topics with nuance and empathy, creating a powerful and moving experience. The gameplay in Celeste is incredibly tight and responsive. Madeline has a simple set of moves – jumping, dashing, and climbing – but mastering these abilities is essential to overcoming the game's challenging levels. The levels are ingeniously designed, requiring precise timing, strategic planning, and quick reflexes. The difficulty is high, but the game never feels unfair. Each death is a learning opportunity, and the sense of accomplishment you feel after finally conquering a difficult section is incredibly rewarding. The game’s assist mode also allows players to adjust the difficulty to their liking, making it accessible to a wider audience. The visual style of Celeste is charming and vibrant. The pixel art is beautifully detailed, and the environments are full of personality. The game's soundtrack is equally impressive, with uplifting melodies that perfectly complement the game's emotional tone. The music swells during moments of triumph and softens during moments of reflection, enhancing the overall experience. Celeste is a game that respects your time and effort. The levels are short and self-contained, making it easy to pick up and play for short bursts. The game also features a generous checkpoint system, ensuring that you never lose too much progress after a death. Beyond the main story, there are numerous strawberries to collect, hidden levels to discover, and challenging B-side and C-side levels to conquer. These optional challenges provide hours of additional content for completionists. Celeste is a masterpiece of game design. Its challenging gameplay, emotional narrative, and beautiful presentation combine to create an unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a 2D platformer that will challenge you both mentally and emotionally, Celeste is the perfect choice. It’s a great addition to any Nintendo Switch library and is perfect for playing on the go.

3. Super Mario Maker 2

Let's talk about creative 2D platformers that offer near-endless replayability: Super Mario Maker 2 is the ultimate playground. It's not just a game; it's a toolkit that allows you to create, play, and share your own Super Mario levels with the world. The possibilities are truly endless, making it one of the most versatile and engaging games on the Nintendo Switch. The core of Super Mario Maker 2 is its level creation tools. The game provides a wide range of assets, including enemies, obstacles, power-ups, and themes from various Super Mario games. The interface is intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to quickly create and test your levels. Whether you want to recreate classic levels, design challenging obstacle courses, or experiment with bizarre and creative ideas, Super Mario Maker 2 gives you the tools to do it. The game also features a robust online community where you can share your creations and play levels made by other players. This community-driven aspect adds endless replayability to the game, as there's always something new and exciting to discover. You can browse levels by popularity, difficulty, or creator, and you can even collaborate with other players to create levels together. The online community is a vibrant and supportive place, and it's a testament to the creativity and passion of Super Mario fans. Super Mario Maker 2 isn't just about creating levels; it's also about playing them. The game features a Story Mode, which includes over 100 Nintendo-designed levels. These levels are designed to showcase the game's various features and inspire players to create their own levels. The Story Mode is a great way to learn the ropes and get a feel for what's possible in the game. The game also features a variety of multiplayer modes, including cooperative and competitive modes. You can play levels with friends locally or online, adding another layer of fun and excitement to the game. Playing levels with friends is a great way to challenge yourselves and see who can conquer the most difficult courses. Super Mario Maker 2 is a game that appeals to both creators and players. Whether you enjoy designing levels or simply playing them, there's something for everyone in this game. The game's endless possibilities, robust online community, and variety of gameplay modes make it a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. If you’re looking for a 2D platformer that will keep you entertained for hours on end, Super Mario Maker 2 is the perfect choice.

4. Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition

For those seeking visually stunning 2D platformers with amazing music, Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition is a top contender. This game is a visual and auditory feast, with vibrant graphics, fluid animations, and a catchy soundtrack that will have you tapping your feet as you play. The Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch includes all the content from the original game, as well as some exclusive features that take advantage of the Switch's capabilities. Rayman Legends is known for its gorgeous hand-drawn visuals. The game's environments are incredibly detailed and full of personality, and the character designs are charming and expressive. The game's art style is unique and memorable, and it stands out from other 2D platformers on the market. The game's soundtrack is equally impressive, with a mix of original compositions and licensed tracks that perfectly complement the game's action. The music is upbeat and energetic, and it will keep you motivated as you tackle the game's challenging levels. Rayman Legends features tight and responsive gameplay. Rayman has a variety of moves at his disposal, including jumping, punching, gliding, and wall-running. Mastering these abilities is essential to overcoming the game's challenging levels. The levels are cleverly designed, requiring precise timing, strategic planning, and quick reflexes. The game's difficulty is well-balanced, providing a challenge for experienced players while remaining accessible to newcomers. The game also features a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing you to play with up to four players locally. Playing with friends is a blast, and it adds a new dimension to the game. The multiplayer mode is chaotic and fun, and it's a great way to bond with friends and family. Rayman Legends is a game that is packed with content. The game features over 120 levels, as well as a variety of challenges, mini-games, and unlockable characters. There's always something new to discover in this game, and it will keep you entertained for hours on end. The Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch also includes exclusive features, such as touch-screen controls and local wireless multiplayer. These features take advantage of the Switch's capabilities and enhance the overall experience. If you're looking for a 2D platformer that is both visually stunning and incredibly fun to play, Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition is the perfect choice. Its gorgeous graphics, catchy soundtrack, and tight gameplay make it a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner.

5. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

When it comes to retro-inspired 2D platformers, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the gold standard. This game is a love letter to the classic platformers of the NES era, with pixel-perfect graphics, challenging gameplay, and a memorable soundtrack. Treasure Trove is a collection of five different Shovel Knight games, each with its own unique protagonist, story, and gameplay mechanics. This collection offers a staggering amount of content, and it's a great value for the price. The original Shovel Knight game, Shovel of Hope, is a classic adventure in which you play as Shovel Knight, a valiant warrior on a quest to defeat the Enchantress and save his beloved Shield Knight. The gameplay is tight and responsive, and the levels are cleverly designed. The game's difficulty is challenging but fair, and it will test your skills and patience. The game also features a memorable cast of characters, including the Order of No Quarter, a group of villainous knights who each have their own unique abilities and personalities. Plague of Shadows puts you in the role of Plague Knight, a master of alchemy on a quest to create the ultimate potion. Plague Knight's gameplay is significantly different from Shovel Knight's, as he relies on bombs and potions to attack enemies and traverse the environment. The game's levels are designed to take advantage of Plague Knight's unique abilities, and they offer a fresh and exciting challenge. Specter of Torment casts you as Specter Knight, a ghostly warrior on a mission to recruit the Order of No Quarter for the Enchantress. Specter Knight's gameplay is fast and fluid, as he can dash through enemies and walls. The game's levels are designed to take advantage of Specter Knight's agility, and they offer a thrilling and action-packed experience. King of Cards allows you to play as King Knight, a pompous and arrogant ruler who is determined to win the card game Joustus. King Knight's gameplay is a mix of platforming and card battles, and the game's story is lighthearted and humorous. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a must-have for any fan of retro platformers. Its challenging gameplay, memorable characters, and charming presentation make it a timeless classic. If you're looking for a 2D platformer that will transport you back to the golden age of gaming, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the perfect choice. Available on the Nintendo Switch, it's a fantastic addition to any gamer's collection.