No other genre of game can quite scratch that same itch of exploring an interconnected world, solving puzzles, and platforming like a Metroidvania. It combines the best elements of the best open-world games and best puzzle games, but in a singular package that is arguably best on the Nintendo Switch. The genre has inspired tons of creators to put their own spin on the basic formula of exploration that slowly opens up as the player finds or earns new powers and items. You can now find shooters, platformers, action games, 2D, and 3D Metroidvanias on the Switch, but more isn’t always better. Navigating all these options can feel more intimidating than a Metroidvania map, so feel free to use our list to sequence break your search to just the best Metroidvania games on Switch.
Hollow Knight
92%
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Wii U, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Team Cherry
Publisher
Team Cherry
Release
February 24, 2017
The current king of the Metroidvania genre is far and away Hollow Knight. This humble Kickstarter game won fans over with its amazing art direction, world, character design, and most importantly, its mechanics. The simple act of moving, jumping, and attacking in this game is tuned to perfection, which is important since it is meant to be a real challenge. The world itself is dangerous to explore, especially with the checkpoint system where you can lose all your currency similar to a Souls game, but the bosses are perfect tests of your skills. You never feel like the game failed to perform your actions and know that you have the ability to overcome any situation with enough practice. The world is massive and full of delightful, creepy, and bizarre secrets that will keep you exploring for hours.
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Metroid Dread
85%
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Nintendo EPD, MercurySteam
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 07, 2021
It would be a crime to not include at least one Metroid game on the list of best Metroidvanias. We had two great options to pick from, but went with Metroid Dread over Metroid Prime Remastered due to it being a completely new and more traditional Metroidvania. Metroid Dread takes the series back to the 2D perspective and reminds us why the series became so influential. Moving Samus around is perfect, and only gets better as you unlock her familiar and new moves. Each powerup feels impactful and useful for exploration and combat. A new wrinkle to the format is the EMMI enemies that are normally invincible, requiring you to either sneak or run from them when they’re nearby. Having a threat like that adds some much-needed tension and…dread…to the isolated and atmospheric world you explore.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
83%
Platforms
Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Mac, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Ubisoft Montpellier
Publisher
Ubisoft Entertainment
Release
January 18, 2024
The Prince of Persia series began as a 2D platformer before shifting into 3D, but Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the first time it has taken a true stab at the Metroidvania genre. Now that we have it, we can’t believe it hasn’t done it before. Every core component of the series, from parkour and sword combat to time-based powers is such a perfect and obvious fit for this genre. It also adds great quality-of-life features to the genre, such as taking pictures of locations you can’t access yet to easily remember not only where you need to explore, but also what was stopping you. This game does not waste that potential, either. It feels amazing to control, you get great powers that apply to combat and environmental obstacles, and plenty of reasons to revisit locations to find more upgrades. It would be a shame if this was the last time the series appeared in this form.
The Messenger
79%
Platforms
PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Sabotage
Publisher
Devolver Digital
Release
August 30, 2018
For the first few hours, The Messenger isn’t a Metroidvania. After teaching you the basics in linear levels, the game pulls a major twist we won’t spoil that changes almost everything about the game. It is a love letter to retro games of that era without holding itself back to those limitations. The pixel art looks fantastic on the Switch and is perfect to play on the go. It also has a great sense of humor, which is something we don’t see that often in the genre
SteamWorld Dig 2
84%
Platforms
Google Stadia, PlayStation 4, Linux, Nintendo 3DS, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Puzzle, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Image & Form
Publisher
Image & Form
Release
September 21, 2017
Some Metroidvanias eventually feel somewhat cozy once you get familiar with the mechanics and the world. SteamWorld Dig 2 might be the best example of a cozy Metroidvania yet. You will spend your time digging your own path down the caves, collecting resources, and finding items that you can use to upgrade yourself back in the hub. It has an amazing visual style and soundtrack that makes exploration almost zen-like. Take this one at a casual pace and you will have a blast.
Disney Illusion Island
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Dlala Studios
Publisher
Disney Games
Release
July 28, 2023
Perhaps seeing the missed opportunity with Cuphnead, Disney Illusion Island came out of nowhere to provide a much more beginner-friendly game into the genre. It can’t match Cuphead’s level of animation, but does have a unique style all its own that makes exploration appealing. You can choose from either Mickey, Minnie, Donald, or Goofy as playable characters exploring the tight but well-designed Monoth island. You don’t actually fight anything directly, which might put some people off, but it is meant to be on the easier side of things.
Nine Sols
86%
Platforms
Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Mac, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Red Candle Games
Publisher
Red Candle Games
Release
May 29, 2024
Having a unique world is essential for a Metroidvania to stand out from the crowd. Nine Sols not only shuttles you to a world that melds Taoism and sci-fi elements but presents in it a hand-drawn art style that brings it all to life. You play as a small creature named Yi on a mission to defeat the titular Nine Sols. The best comparison for the gameplay is actually something like a Sekiro due to the heavy emphasis on parrying and deflections. It demands your attention but the reward for overcoming its challenges is worth it.
Momodora: Moonlit Farewell
79%
Platforms
Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Bombservice
Publisher
PLAYISM
Release
January 11, 2024
There have been a ton of games in the series but there’s no need to play any of the earlier games before Momodora: Moonlit Farewell, although they are all great in their own right. It doesn’t do much to redefine the genre but instead mainly seeks to refine it. It is a perfect choice if you want something somewhat familiar but highly polished and a ton of fun to experience.
