The best single-player Nintendo Switch games

In Super Mario 3D World, Nintendo implemented multiple diorama-style levels that allowed you to play as Captain Toad. That idea was so beloved that it became its own game in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. If you’ve grown tired of standard 3D platformers and want to try something new, this is the game for you. The twist is that Captain Toad can’t jump, leading to some interesting and well-designed levels that radiate creativity. The satisfaction of fully exploring each level to gather all the treasure never gets old, so if you’re a completionist, you should give this game a try. It’s also stunningly cute, with silly character designs across the board. The boss battles are smart, the music is catchy, and much like the Mario games, Treasure Tracker is just pure joy.

When it comes to 2.5D platformers, it doesn’t get much better than Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. In it, you have many of the Kong family members to choose from, all of whom have their own unique abilities. The levels themselves are absolutely gorgeous, with beautiful oceans, snowy mountains, jungles, and everything in between. These levels are home to hidden secrets that you’ll absolutely want to go out of your way to find — especially since they might help you gain access to special items. This gives you the incentive to be thorough when making your way through each level, with many reasons to replay them. In the Switch version, you also gain access to the Funky character, who is playable in the New Funky Mode. This makes things easier, giving you extra health and a double jump so you don’t get as frustrated. That’s the thing about Tropical Freeze — it’s tough as nails, but the Funky mode does wonders and makes it more enjoyable. Everything from the visuals to the sounds and the platforming is top-notch. We especially love how the music is tied to each of the stages, making them feel much more personal. In short, this game is a blast and is even better on Nintendo Switch.