21 Best Nintendo Switch Cozy Games

The Nintendo Switch’s phenomenal success has kept the doors open for developers to include every genre in the Switch’s massive library. Relaxing games were no exception since many Nintendo fans enjoy them. From walking simulators where you can just let go and enjoy the journey to farming simulator games where you may manage your own farm while enjoying the company of domestic animals and nature, the Nintendo Switch library has much to offer.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing game to play over the weekend or want to take a break from your hardcore action games, the Switch has you covered with a massive library of cozy games that will provide you with the best calming experience. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into a list of the most relaxing games on the mighty Nintendo Switch.

Animal Crossing™ New Horizons 2020

About
	Release Date March 20, 2020
	Developer Nintendo
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Animal Crossing™
	Genre Life Simulation
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Switch Releases
2020-03-20

Animal Crossing New Horizons continues the legacy of its predecessor offering one of the greatest life simulation games ever made. The game premise is to populate your own island, to begin on a deserted island under the care of Tom Nook, together with the help of this iconic character you must populate the island with new buildings, decorations, and many more. eventually, you’re going to meet new NPCs that will become your neighbor each with their own unique personalities, and stories to tell. Furthermore, developers made certain to provide a unique experience each time you start the game, with seasonal gameplay that alters in response to real-life events and holidays. All in all, Animal Crossing New Horizons needs no introduction it offers one of the best games in its genre if not the best ever on the Nintendo Switch.

Doraemon: Story of Seasons 2019

About
	Release Date June 13, 2019
	Developer Marvelous
	Publisher Bandai Namco
	Franchise Story of Seasons
	Genre Life Simulation
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Anime
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Switch Releases
2019-06-13
2019-07-25
2019-10-11

Doraemon: Story of Seasons combines Doraemon’s gorgeous universe with the renowned farming series Story of Seasons. The game places the player in Natura, a lovely village inspired by Doraemon manga and anime. The player will be able to encounter many characters from the Doraemon universe, as well as establish their own farm, grow crops, and raise domestic animals. In addition, the player can use numerous Doraemon gadgets to execute various tasks, such as instantly growing crops or gathering resources more efficiently.

The game’s visual style is cartoony, with a colorful setting and a wonderfully peaceful vibe that will appeal to gamers of all ages. On the whole, Doraemon: Story of Seasons is a solid farming simulation game that combines the beauty of farming games with the unique art style of the anime world, I hugely recommend checking this up, especially for farming game fans.

Golf Story 2017

About
	Release Date September 28, 2017
	Developer Sidebar Games
	Publisher Sidebar Games
	Genre Golf
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Top-Down
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Australia

Switch Releases
2017-09-28

Golf Story is a lovely and one-of-a-kind golf RPG game in which you play as a golfer attempting to make a comeback in the golf realm. The story is loaded with amusing banter, eccentric characters, and pop culture references. The plot propels the game forward, giving players a sense of purpose. In terms of gameplay, the game is essentially a golf simulation game in which you are given a golf course and the goal is to hit the ball precisely and deliver it to the cup in as few shots as possible. To regulate the strength and accuracy of their golf swings, players employ a simplified three-click technique.

Timing is critical, and mastery of swing mechanics is required for success. As previously stated, RPG aspects are prominent in this game, with the ability to level up your character, increase certain stats, and work your way up the golf universe to become the greatest of the best. “Golf Story” contains a range of mini-games and challenges in addition to traditional golf gameplay. These tasks can include classic golf-related exercises or unique challenges like overcoming obstacles, knocking down targets, or playing disc golf. Overall, Golf Story is a very solid RPG, that blends in the fun of golf games with the unique sense of growth that every RPG offers.

Katamari Damacy REROLL 2018 Remaster 塊魂アンコール (Katamaritamashī ankōru)

About
	Release Date December 07, 2018 Initial Release: March 18, 2004
	Developer Monkeycraft
	Publisher Bandai Namco
	Genre Puzzle
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Switch Releases
2018-12-07

Originally released on the PlayStation 2 Katamari Damacy REROLL is a full remake of the original game providing the same old-school experience with upgraded visuals and HD graphics. The player takes control of Prince a mysterious alien who controls a ball called Katamari. On each level, the goal is to roll the ball while picking up various items across the area; the more items you collect on your ball, the bigger your Katamari becomes. Each level requires the Katamari to grow to a specified size before proceeding to the next one.

One of the standout features of the game is the relaxing vibe you get when playing, blended with the perfect wacky soundtrack the gameplay offers one of the best cozy and casual games to enjoy both locally or on the go. In addition, the vibrant cartoony art style adds more to the mix with a wacky style, and colorful environment similar to children’s cartoons and books. On the whole, Katamari Damacy REROLL is a perfect example of a remaster done right, the transition is perfectly made for both old veterans to revisit the game, and newcomers to appreciate this old little gem.

Yoshi's Crafted World™ 2019

About
	Release Date March 29, 2019
	Developer Good-Feel
	Publisher Nintendo
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Players Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Switch Releases
2019-03-29

Yoshi’s Crafted World continues the legacy of the Yoshi franchise with some new ideas while maintaining the same feel and core mechanics as the previous games. Taking inspiration from children’s arts and crafts objects, the game offers a unique art style where the environment is made of cardboard, paper cups, buttons, and many more. The gameplay retains the same premise as the previous games where you control Yoshi in a side-scrolling environment.

As always you move from point A to point B while collecting various collectibles and defeating various enemies. Yoshi can use his signature moves, including swallowing enemies and turning them into eggs which can be used later as projectiles to attack enemies and solve puzzles. As always the game is hugely intended for younger audiences which makes it very relaxing for older audiences, just like myself. You can simply pick the controller and enjoy the ride of your childhood without breaking a sweat.

Stardew Valley 2016

About
	Release Date February 26, 2016
	Developer ConcernedApe
	Publisher ConcernedApe
	Concept Realistic
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Switch Releases
2017-10-05

We can proudly say that Stardew Valley perfected the farming simulation genre by all means, this outstanding masterpiece takes all strong aspects of farming simulation games and blends them into one nice little package. You take control of a young man who trades the life of the city in order to move to the countryside and manage his own farm. You start off with a clunky farm, full of debris and overgrown with weed. Together with the help of your neighbor, your goal is to restore the town and start farming your own food.

The game offers a multitude of gameplay elements where you can farm, fish, mine, discover a mysterious cave system, and even build up several relationships with your neighbors that can go all the way to marriage and having babies. This open-ended nature allows the player to shape their own experience focusing on their favorite activities or balancing between activities over the gameplay time. While Stardew Valley offers one of the best relaxing games on this list, it also offers one of the most extensive gameplay time where you can easily spend over 100 hours of gameplay time without even scratching the surface of the game.

Yoku's Island Express 2018

About
	Release Date May 28, 2018
	Developer Villa Gorilla
	Publisher Team17
	Genre Pinball
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Sweden

Switch Releases
2018-05-29

Yoku’s Island Express offers a unique aspect never seen before blending traditional platformers with pinball gameplay. The player takes control of Yoku a determined dung beetle who starts his work as the postman of Mokumana Island. Your goal on each level is to push around a little ball making deliveries around a huge open-world island. Seen from a 2.5d side scroller perspective, you can move back and forth between ledges and platforms, unlike traditional 2d platformers you can’t jump, instead you can use paddles to launch yourself with the ball toward your next destination.

Similar to a pinball machine you’re going to find paddles almost everywhere you go, with a simple touch from your controller the paddle will send you flying up to reach newer areas and continue your delivery journey. Overall, this is an amazing little gem that might have gone under the radar of many gamers, if you like pinball games, and you’re looking for a relaxing and casual game that doesn’t overstay it’s welcome, I hugely recommend checking this out.

Donut County 2018

About
	Release Date August 28, 2018
	Developer Annapurna Interactive
	Publisher Annapurna Interactive
	Genre Puzzle
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Isometric
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Switch Releases
2020-03-27

Donut County is a casual puzzle game in which the player plays BK, a cheeky raccoon who works for a startup company that delivers doughnuts through remote-controlled holes in the ground. You take charge of these holes as you transport Donuts over the city, but things quickly get out of hand, resulting in chaotic events and humorous scenes. As the player, your goal is to swallow everything that comes your way utilizing the hole; the more things you swallow using the hole, the wider the hole becomes, allowing you to swallow larger items and even buildings.

While this appears to be a basic concept, the game adds some light puzzle aspects to the mix, requiring you to combine the hole ability with many items on each level to shift certain objects and create new paths to clear the level. This creative approach provides a relaxed environment in which you may sit back and relax without feeling rushed. If you’re searching for a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously while maintaining a short playtime length that can be completed in a day or two, this is your next game to pick up.

Gris 2018

About
	Release Date December 13, 2018
	Developer Nomada Studio
	Publisher Devolver Digital
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Spain

Switch Releases
2018-12-13

I always think of Gris as a 2D version of the critically acclaimed game Journey. Similarly, you traverse a wide range of landscapes controlling a young girl who can use her dress to perform unique powers that will help her during her journey. The young girl Gris begins the game in a bland environment where sadness and despair are all around her. With your assistance, Gris will develop new skills and get over her depression through numerous phases that are incorporated as game levels.

The most noticeable part of Gris is the stunning graphic style, which includes hand-drawn backgrounds and character designs, as well as a lovely watercolor design that mimics a surreal environment and feels like a moving work of art. This distinct art style contributes to the package by seamlessly moving between hues as Gris transitions from one emotional phase to the next, providing both fantastic gameplay features and flawless visuals.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land 2022 星のカービィ ディスカバリー (Hoshi no Kābyi Disukabarī)

About
	Release Date March 25, 2022
	Developer HAL Laboratory
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Kirby
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Players Multiplayer, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Switch Releases
2022-03-25

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a huge transition in the Kirby franchise, moving to a completely 3D environment rather than the 2.5D setting that all fans are used to. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world identical to ours, in which you play as Kirby, a weird cute pink creature who can gain any monster power by just swallowing it. As previously said, the 3D environment provides a unique perspective in which you may now freely explore the world around you by taking numerous quests and exploring each location.

Also new to the series is the ability to engulf objects such as cars, enemies, and many objects offering something very new for old players who are looking for something new outside of the typical Kirby formula. Graphic-wise, the game pushes the Switch’s ability to the limit with one of the best-looking Kirby games to this very day, offering a colorful environment, sharp 3D objects, and outstanding backgrounds. For the most part, the game is excellently balanced, providing an exciting journey for gamers of all ages as well as a soothing experience that will immerse you in Kirby’s gorgeous cutesy world.

A Short Hike 2019

About
	Release Date July 30, 2019
	Developer Adamgryu
	Publisher Adamgryu
	Genre Action Adventure
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Canada

Switch Releases
2020-08-25

With a basic yet intriguing concept, A Short Hike has demonstrated that small games may sometimes outperform large AAA games. As the title suggests, your goal is to hike your way up a mountain while controlling a distinctive humanoid protagonist who resembles a bird. You can glide, swim, and jog through the vast park, with the main purpose of collecting golden feathers to develop stamina, which will allow you to reach higher places, and so on until you reach the park’s summit.

Aside from the main goal, the park is full of NPCs who can give you minor pointers or even challenge you to unique mini-games to take a break from hiking. Visually, the game is incredibly beautiful, with a distinct graphic style and one of the most enthralling atmospheres. If you’re searching for a short game that will take your mind off you, I highly recommend checking out this little gem.

Sky: Children of the Light 2019

About
	Release Date July 18, 2019
	Developer Thatgamecompany
	Publisher Thatgamecompany
	Genre Action Adventure
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Switch Releases
2021-06-29

Sky: Children of the Light is an experience rather than a game with objectives. The game, developed by the same developers as Journey, offers a similar concept in which you can freely explore a pleasant universe. This time you’re in the air, with the opportunity to soar between regions, uncovering new mysteries and improving your own flying abilities to access new areas. The opportunity to meet other players while carving your own path is a key component of the game. You can engage with other players in a unique way by holding hands, lighting candles, or moving around them, giving this game a unique sense of communicating without using words.

Spirit of The North 2020

About
	Release Date May 07, 2020
	Developer Infuse Studio
	Publisher Merge Games
	Genre Action Adventure
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Switch Releases
2020-05-07

Spirit of the North is a unique and engaging game that lets you control a lovely red fox in a bizarre Nordic-inspired setting. As the fox, you have the freedom to explore a large landscape full of secrets while solving simple puzzles and listening to calming music. As you continue through the game, you will encounter various spirits that will guide you on your trip. Although there are no dialogues in the game, the makers made sure to give it a unique vibe with silent interactions that allow bodies to communicate rather than tongues. Nevertheless, this game is a fantastic meditative experience that provides both a calming experience and an extremely unique storytelling experience.

Slime Rancher 2017

About
	Release Date August 01, 2017
	Developer Monomi Park
	Publisher Monomi Park
	Genre Life Simulation
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective First-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Switch Releases
2021-08-11

Slime Rancher is a refreshing twist on farming games, featuring a charming graphic design and simple game mechanics. The purpose of the game is to explore a strange extraterrestrial planet and capture strange creatures known as slimes. You can harvest important resources from the caught creature, which you can then utilize to grow your ranch and include other creatures in it. Slimes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own set of skills. For example, bouncy slimes keep bouncing around in order to evade capture, whereas boom slimes explode when you get too close to them.

Aside from ranch management, you can also travel the vast universe, where you can discover treasures, uncover secrets, and get new items to aid you on your adventure. On the whole, Slime Rancher is a brilliant game that will lure you into a strange world of aliens and farming. Its distinct mood and relaxed nature will make casual players feel perfectly at home spending hours upon hours without getting bored.

Rune Factory 5 2021 ルーンファクトリー5 (Run Fakutori 5)

About
	Release Date May 20, 2021
	Developer Hakama Inc.
	Publisher Marvelous
	Franchise Rune Factory
	Genre Farming
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Switch Releases
2021-05-20
2022-03-22
2022-03-25

Rune Factory was always known for its unique blend of farming genre, RPG, and life simulation games. The fourth entry in the series didn’t disappoint offering the same delightful experience as its predecessor with better visuals and an expanded story to experience. You take control of a newly recruited peacekeeper ranger, visiting the magical land of Rigbarth. As a peacekeeper, your goal is to protect the city from various threats. You can fight off monsters, do tasks, and interact with the town residents in order to get ahold of each and every situation in the town.

Aside from standard RPG aspects, the game adds depth to the gameplay by allowing you to befriend any NPC in town. Strengthening your ties with the locals will allow you to befriend a large number of NPCs and even date and eventually marry any NPC of your choice. You can also manage and expand your own farm, harvesting items, selling them, and eventually improving your own farm, equipment, weaponry, and many other things. Overall, Rune Factory 4 is a really strong entry in the series that provides both experienced and new gamers with a wonderfully soothing experience.

Abzû 2016

About
	Release Date August 02, 2016
	Developer Giant Squid
	Publisher 505 Games
	Genre Action Adventure
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Switch Releases
2018-11-29

Brought to you by the same creator of Journey, fans of the previous game will find themselves right at home with this outstanding game. Abzu puts you in the shoes of a mysterious diver who embarks on a journey deep down the sea, where he must uncover many mysteries. At its core Abzu is a walking simulator where you can relax and just enjoy the view of the deep ocean, during each location, the player can discover new sea creatures as well as uncover the secrets of a mysterious civilization under the sea.

While the game contains some light puzzle aspects, it is still quite gentle, providing the player with a completely relaxed experience where the goal is to simply let go and enjoy the journey. With two to three hours of gaming time and a gorgeous soundtrack, Abzu provides a fantastic break from your regular fast-paced action games. Instead, you have a peaceful therapeutic experience that thankfully does not overstay its welcome.

Captain Toad™: Treasure Tracker 2014

About
	Release Date November 13, 2014
	Developer Nintendo
	Publisher Nintendo
	Genre Puzzle
	Players Multiplayer, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Switch Releases
2018-07-13

Captain Toad: Treasure Track merges the puzzle genre with a relaxing experience and a gorgeous cartoony design that keeps true to Nintendo’s usual cartoony art style. Captain Toad, a young treasure hunter from the Mushroom Kingdom, embarks on a trip to acquire treasure throughout the Kingdom. The purpose of the game is to climb a miniature 3D building while rotating the view to reveal secret passageways and new routes to climb up. Using this unique perspective, the player must solve each level’s challenges while remaining safe from various foes. All in all, this is an amazing first-party game that will please all king of gamers.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure 2021

About
	Release Date June 09, 2021
	Developer Ustwo Games
	Publisher Plug In Digital
	Genre Action Adventure
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

Switch Releases
2021-06-09

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is a family-friendly adventure that follows Alba, a little girl on vacation with her grandparents. When Alba arrives on this unique island, she discovers that the mayor is prepared to build a massive hotel, destroying the island’s natural existence. Alba, with the assistance of her closest friend, must collect 50 petitions from island residents in order to prevent the mayor from constructing the hotel. Equipped with her camera, you control Alba while documenting the natural life on the island while interacting with many NPCs.

You are free to explore the whole island at your own pace, you can take off your camera and start taking pictures of animals that you discover along your way. You can think of this game as a free open-world Pokemon Snap game, instead of a predestinated route you are free to explore the island as you like. On the whole, this game is more of an experience than a game if you like to take your time and discover an island at a slow pace without getting bothered with monsters or any action, I hugely recommend this game.

Islanders 2019

About
	Release Date April 04, 2019
	Developer Grizzly Games
	Publisher Grizzly Games
	Genre City Building
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

Switch Releases
2021-08-11

Although Islanders is a building simulation game, the interface, and premise are so basic that any gamer can pick up and play without any prior knowledge or experience. You are shown a small island where you can begin building your own city by simply selecting a structure and placing it on the map. You are given a set of resources to work with, and you must be careful in how you use them and where you place each building in each area.

Lands are accurately generated with distinct topographies and a compelling aesthetic style that provides the player with a zen-like experience in which he may simply relax and go with the flow. As a whole, this game is a good introduction to building simulation games, offering an easy-to-learn pattern as well as a very calming experience for players who need a break from serious games.

Spyro™ Reignited Trilogy 2018

About
	Release Date November 13, 2018
	Developer Toys for Bob
	Publisher Activision
	Franchise Spyro
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Concepts Dragon, Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Switch Releases
2019-09-03

Spyro Reignited Trilogy pays tribute to the original trilogy with an excellent recreation that shockingly exceeds the original games providing gamers with a taste of the golden age of 3D platformers. The trilogy consists of three games that have been completely recreated for new consoles with upgraded graphics while retaining the same core and mechanics as the original titles. The player primarily controls Spyro, a small dragon that sets out on a journey to free his companion’s adult dragons from the curse of the evil sorcerer Gnasty Gnorc.

Faithfull to the original games, you take control of Spyro in a 3D environment where your goal is to collect various gems scattered across many realms. Spyro can run, jump, and glide to traverse the surroundings as well as use his fire breath to defeat various enemies that come his way. The games also feature an endearing cast of characters, creative puzzles, and fun minigames, making for an enjoyable and well-rounded gameplay experience. The casual feel and cartoony art style add more to the package offering a cozy and relaxing feel, that will give you a nice little break from the stressful serious games that we see nowadays.

Tetris Effect: Connected 2020 Enhanced Port

About
	Release Date October 11, 2020 Initial Release: November 09, 2018
	Developer Resonair
	Publisher Hydelic
	Genre Puzzle
	Players Multiplayer
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Switch Releases
2021-10-08

While Tetris Effect Connected might seem like your typical Tetris port, it has so much more to offer with its unique and outstanding gameplay elements. Just like the original Tetris game the player must stack up a series of different shapes together to form complete rows and so on. What makes this game unique is the perfect sync between gameplay, music, and the vibration on your controller, this unique feel gives you a relaxing experience while playing as well as a zen-like feel that will keep you concentrated on each level.

Additionally, the game also uses visuals to match the rhythm, changing the levels with a beautiful color palette and new level designs never seen in a Tetris game. The Connected expansion adds more to the package with the additional multiplayer aspects, especially for people who are looking for a solid online multiplayer experience with players from all over the globe.