Published on February 29, 2024

19 Best Nintendo Switch Metroidvania Games

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Over the years Metroidvanias has captured the hearts of many gamers across the globe. Metroidvania games are a great fit for players who enjoy exploring new places, gradually growing up, improving their skills, and gathering new items.

With the advent of the magnificent Nintendo Switch, Metroidvania games found a new home, taking advantage of the Switch’s unique technology while sticking to the old ways, resulting in one of the best collections of Metroidvania titles on any current-generation device.

From classic 2D games to new 3D ones the Switch library has much to offer for Metroidvania fans covering a dozen amazing games. In today’s article, we will delve deep into the world of Metroidvanias, offering the best titles on the Nintendo Switch as well as a large variety of hidden gems that many gamers may have missed.

Table of Contents

Metroid Dread


2021 メトロイド ドレッド (Metoroido doreddo)
About
Release Date
October 08, 2021
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Franchise
Metroid
Genre
Metroidvania
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2021-10-08

Metroid Dread was Mercury Steam’s attempt to bring back the old-school 2D Metroid to modern devices. Once again the game follows the adventure of Samus as she embarks on a new journey through a dangerous planet full of deadly aliens.

Just like any classic Metroidvania the game is seen from a side-scrolling perspective, where the player needs to explore each area carefully while defeating enemies, and looking for new upgrades and abilities that will help to unlock new areas, and so on.

The ability to block any attack with a melee parry is unique to the game, as is the Emmi Pursuit Mechanic, which involves a massive robot chasing you down, testing your reflexes, and adding horror aspects to the Metroidvania formula. The game’s visuals are equally good with stunning visuals, fully generated 3D levels, and solid framerates.

Hollow Knight


2017
About
Release Date
February 25, 2017
Developer
Team Cherry
Publisher
Team Cherry
Genre
Metroidvania
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Australia
Switch Releases
2018-06-12

Hollow Knight stands as a great example of an indie game surpassing numerous big AAA titles. What sets the game apart from many Metroidvanias is the unique attention to detail and the challenging levels that require players to try over and over again to overcome each area. The player can explore the unique environment of Hallownest, confronting numerous enemies, uncovering hidden regions, and eventually fighting merciless bosses.

As the player goes through the game, he has access to new skills that will assist him on his journey. From dashing in the air to new spells, these new upgrades equip the player with new techniques and make things a little easier, even though the game is quite challenging for any casual player. Visually, the game is as well-crafted, including an amazing hand-drawn style, fluent animations, and excellent frame rates.

Dead Cells


2018
About
Release Date
August 07, 2018
Developer
Motion Twin
Publisher
Motion Twin
Genre
Roguelike
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
France
Switch Releases
2018-08-07

Dead Cells uniquely blends the Metroidvania genre with Roguelike elements, offering one of the best Metroidvania games in the last decade. The player takes control of an unknown prisoner warrior, the goal in each playthrough is to navigate a huge castle full of treacherous traps and merciless enemies. Fighting relies primarily on speed and reflexes, pushing the player to their limits with severe consequences and an extremely brutal combat system.

As previously stated, the game contains roguelike features, which means you will die frequently; yet, you will preserve certain upgrades and skills even if you die. The game also has randomly generated stages every time you die, which means you will face new and distinct obstacles with each playthrough. Visually the game is fully rendered in 2D offering crisp 2D sprites, beautiful handrawn backgrounds, and a solid performance on the underpowered Nintendo Switch.

Timespinner


2018
About
Release Date
September 25, 2018
Developer
Lunar Ray Games
Publisher
Chucklefish
Genre
Metroidvania
Graphics
2D
Perspective
Side Scroller
Interaction
Real-Time
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United States
Switch Releases
2019-06

Timespinner is a love letter to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night fans, offering a similar art style and numerous upgrades. The game follows the tale of Lunais a young woman who can manipulate time, using a magical device. As Lunais the player will embark on a journey to take revenge against the evil empire that took down her homeland.

The game is a Metroidvania to its core, the player will explore vast areas eventually unlocking the huge map, and steadily leveling up by defeating numerous foes. The combat relies heavily on spells, offering a fast-paced combat system and a huge selection of spells to choose from. This allows the player to experiment with spells according to each player’s preference and combat style.

The ability to alter time plays an important role in the gameplay, allowing the player to solve puzzles, slow down opponents, and even rewind specific surrounding elements. This skill not only serves as a unique tool for solving puzzles, but it also provides a unique manner to fight in combat by combining it with the exceptional usage of orb spells. Visually, the game is heavily inspired by early 2D Metroidvanias, with a beautiful pixel art visual direction, distinctive landscapes, and, of course, a strong performance.

Metroid Prime™ Remastered


2023 Remaster メトロイドプライム リマスタード (Metoroido Puraimu Rimasutādo)
About
Release Date
February 22, 2023
Initial Release: November 18, 2002
Developer
Retro Studios
Publisher
Nintendo
Franchise
Metroid
Genre
Metroidvania
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2023-02-22
2023-03-03
2023-03-06

Metroid Prime Remastered reintroduces a legendary title to new generations of gamers, enhancing controls and providing a complete visual boost over the Gamecube version. As expected, Metroid Prime Remastered successfully converted the 2D Metroidvania formula to 3D. The player takes on the role of Samus Aran once more as she goes on a perilous expedition to uncover the secrets of a new planet and its lost civilization.

From a first-person perspective, the gameplay incorporates exploration, shooting, and puzzle-solving aspects. The player can explore each region individually, defeating monsters and acquiring various upgrades or even new powers. The ability to scan items and the environment is new to the game, and it allows Samus to locate entries or even vulnerabilities in opponents and bosses.

As previously said, this is a remaster, therefore the visuals have been significantly improved, including widescreen compatibility and HD textures. The controls were also upgraded to match modern FPS controls, while still allowing the player to use old-school controls if chosen.

Castlevania Advance Collection


2021
About
Release Date
September 23, 2021
Developer
Konami Digital Entertainment
Publisher
Konami Digital Entertainment
Franchise
Castlevania
Genre
Metroidvania
Concepts
Vampire, Werewolf, Zombie
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2021-09
2021-09-23
2021-09-24

Castlevania Advance Collection is a celebration of the amazing Castlevania games that were released on the mighty Game Boy Advance. This collection features four amazing games including Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, and Castlevania: Dracula X. Each one of these games features its storyline, unique gameplay, and beautiful art style.

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon follows the tale of Nathan Graves as he ventures inside the iconic Dracula castle, the game holds tight to the classic formula featuring a huge map with numerous secrets. As well as some minor upgrades such as the DSS system which allows the player to collect magical cards and combine their powers to unleash various effects on monsters.

Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance continues the legacy of its predecessor featuring a Belmont protagonist as he embarks on a journey to look for his missing friend inside Dracula’s castle.

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow takes the player to the near future exactly during the 2035 years, this time you assume the role of Suma Cruze a young man with mysterious powers, trapped inside the magical castle of Dracula.

Finally, Dracula X serves as a reimagining of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood featuring the famous vampire hunter Richter Belmont as he embarks on a journey to save his beloved Anette, unlike the previous three games this game sticks more to a classic formula with linear levels and a straightforward exploration system.

Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth


2021
About
Release Date
March 27, 2021
Developer
Team Ladybug, WSS Playground
Publisher
Playism
Genre
Metroidvania
Graphics
2D
Perspective
Side Scroller
Interaction
Real-Time
Concept
Anime
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2021-12-16
2022-02-25
2022-04-29

Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth is an amazing classic Metroidvania game that pays homage to a classic forgotten anime known as Record of Lodoss War. The game follows the adventure of Deedlit a high elf who embarks on a quest to uncover the mystery of the Wonder Labyrinth. The player gets to visit a vast world with numerous themes, unique enemies, and an atmospheric environment.

The gameplay focuses on the exploration of the Labyrinth, allowing the player to acquire new abilities, and upgrades across each region. The game’s combat elements encourage the player to experiment with numerous weapons, spells, and elemental familiars. This gives the player a great sense of customization to match his playstyle and enrich the gameplay for multiple playthroughs with different builds.

One of the standout features of the game is the unique use of elemental attacks to solve puzzles, unlock new paths, and overcome strong boss battles. For example, certain enemies have specific elemental weaknesses that can be exploited to deal bigger damage and end the fight cleverly. Also unique to the game, is the beautiful art sye design, paying respect to old-school Metroidvania games, and delivering a modern throwback to the golden age of video games.

Gato Roboto


2019
About
Release Date
May 30, 2019
Developer
Doinksoft
Publisher
Devolver Digital
Genre
Metroidvania
Graphics
2D
Perspective
Side Scroller
Interaction
Real-Time
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United States
Switch Releases
2019-05

Gato Roboto is a bizarre game but in a good way, the game has you controlling a little cat piloting a powerful mech suit, oh yeah!! The game follows the story of Kiki a small cat who finds herself stranded on a bizarre alien planet. With her owner trapped and unable to move kiki must pilot a giant mech suit and explore the planet to eventually save her owner and flee the planet.

The player gets to explore the planet Metroidvania way, slowly opening the map and upgrading the mech suit arsenal. Kiki gets to alter between the mech suit and the normal cat form, to get through tight areas or even open up the way for the big mech suit from the other side. In addition to the engaging gameplay, the game also offers a unique black-and-white retro art style taking inspiration from early Game Boy games.

Axiom Verge / Axiom Verge 2


2015 / 2021
About
Full Name
Axiom Verge
Release Date
March 31, 2015
Developer
Thomas Happ Games
Publisher
Thomas Happ Games
Genre
Metroidvania
Concept
Sci-Fi
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United States
Switch Releases
2017-10-05
2017-11-24
2018-01-26
About
Full Name
Axiom Verge 2
Release Date
August 11, 2021
Developer
Thomas Happ Games
Publisher
Thomas Happ Games
Genre
Metroidvania
Graphics
2D
Perspective
Side Scroller
Interaction
Real-Time
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United States
Switch Releases
2021-10-01

Axiom Verge 1 and 2 are two critically regarded Metroidvania games created by one guy, Thomas Happ. The first game immerses the player in a mysterious dystopian environment packed with deadly traps and monsters. The game retains classic Metroidvania aspects such as exploration and acquiring new powers to enter closed sections, while also introducing new components such as the use of the disruptor, which may modify the environment and reveal defects on the map that lead to numerous secret areas. In addition to the unusual gameplay, the game has an excellent plot with a strange universe, a distinctive cast, and unexpected endings.

Axiom Verge 2 builds on the legacy of its predecessor, taking place in the same universe while exposing the player to a new protagonist and new sections of the enigmatic Axiom. The player takes on the role of Indra, a young girl with the ability to alter her surroundings through hacking. Indra can utilize her hacking abilities to make enemies fight on her side, or even self-destruct. As the game progresses the player will get to unlock various power-ups and upgrades featuring a remote spider droid, night visions, fast travel, and many more. As a whole, both games serve as an amazing introduction the the Metroidvania genre, featuring forgiving difficulty, and easy yet hard to master controls.

Prince of Persia™ The Lost Crown


2024
About
Release Date
January 18, 2024
Developer
Ubisoft Montpellier
Publisher
Ubisoft
Franchise
Prince of Persia
Genre
2D Platformer
Graphics
2D
Perspective
Side Scroller
Interaction
Real-Time
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
France
Switch Releases
2024-01-18

Prince of Persia The Lost Crown hit the sweet spot for both Metroidvania and Prince of Persia fans, unlike the previous 3D games the game takes its inspiration from its original side-scrolling formula featuring a new protagonist and several Metroidvania elements. While the game does not fully incorporate nonlinear exploration features, it does provide some exploration and backtracking, placing it under the Metroidvania categories.

Following the story of Sargon, a youthful warrior, the player will explore a vast realm filled with mythical monsters and powerful enemies to liberate Prince Ghassan from Mount Qaf. Sargon carries two swords and can hack and slash his way through numerous adversaries; the main goal of the game is to platform your way through many traps while defeating foes and gaining new powers. Visually the game offers a beautiful cell-shaded art style, with a fully rendered 3D environment while seen from a side-scrolling perspective. While the Nintendo Switch port is hugely inferior to its console counterpart it’ still provides an acceptable performance, and the ability to exclusively play the game on the go.

Cave Story+


2011 Content Update 洞窟物語+ (Dōkutsu monogatari +)
About
Release Date
September 08, 2011
Initial Release: January 04, 2005
Developer
Studio Pixel
Publisher
Studio Pixel
Genre
Metroidvania
Graphics
2D
Perspective
Side Scroller
Interaction
Real-Time
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2017-06-20

Cave Story + is an enhanced version of the critically acclaimed indie Metroidvania Cave Story. The story starts as the main protagonist waking up in a mysterious cave with no memories, as Quote explores the cave and its surroundings you get to make new friends and uncover an evil plot led by an evil Doctor. At its core the game takes huge inspiration from Metroidvanias, you get to use a small weapon to shoot down various enemies across each area while leveling up and unlocking new abilities.

Quote can jump, shoot, and interact with the environment, completing puzzles and discovering hidden regions. The story is equally engaging, with a vast cast of characters with distinct personalities and multiple endings depending on how the player played the game. Visually, the game is a love letter to 8-bit games, with stunning pixel imagery and appealing chiptune music. Overall, Cave Story + is a modern classic that all Metroidvania aficionados should play or even try at least once.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night


2019
About
Release Date
May 14, 2019
Developer
ArtPlay
Publisher
505 Games
Genre
Metroidvania
Graphics
2D
Perspective
Side Scroller
Concept
Fantasy
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2019-06-25
2019-06-28
2019-10-24

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night serves as a spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night created by the same creator alongside a new team of youth developers. Set in the 18th century the game follows the story of Miriam a young girl with mysterious abilities who awakens in a mysterious castle full of dangerous monsters.

The player can freely explore the castle while gathering various equipment and weapons. The fighting system is highly configurable, allowing players to choose from a wide range of melee and throwing weapons, as well as a large collection of spells. The game also has a unique leveling system in which the player collects shards from vanquished foes to give Miriam additional power-ups and skills. The user can also create his arsenal of weapons or enhance existing ones using the crafting system.

Aside from the fantastic gameplay components, the game also pays special attention to the art style, which features a dark goth color palette, beautiful character design, and relaxing music that complements the game’s dark ambiance. Overall, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night was a worthy spiritual successor that captured the hearts of both long-time fans and newcomers eager to try the formula for the first time.

Guacamelee!: One-Two Punch Collection


2019
About
Release Date
August 06, 2019
Developer
DrinkBox Studios
Publisher
Leadman Games
Genre
Metroidvania
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Canada
Switch Releases
2019-08-06
2020-06-12

Guacamelee!: One-Two Punch Collection includes two great Metroidvania games, Guacamelee and Guacamelee 2. The first game recounts the adventures of Juan, a young farmer who sets out to save El Presidente’s daughter. After being killed, Juan is transferred to the world of the dead, where he gains new magical abilities. The game effectively combines action platforming and Metroidvania features; the player must carefully navigate each sector, brawling his way past adversaries and discovering various powerups and useful items.

The second game continues up where the previous game left off, revealing a long adventure in which Juan must stop Salvador, an evil luchador seeking to acquire a sacred object to change the universe to his liking. The sequel follows the same idea, with the player brawling his way through interconnecting stages, acquiring new wrestling powers, and facing several enemies. New abilities are introduced in this sequel including air dash, and firing a projectile. As a whole, this pack is well worth its price as it offers two amazing 2D Metroidvanias for a fair price.

Chasm


2018
About
Release Date
July 31, 2018
Developer
Bit Kid
Publisher
Bit Kid
Genre
Metroidvania
Graphics
2D
Perspective
Side Scroller
Interaction
Real-Time
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United States
Switch Releases
2018-10

Chasm is another retro-inspired Metroidvania game that hits every right spot successfully. Set in a fictional medieval world, the player takes on the role of a recruit in a mining town. Upon arriving the recruit is asked to investigate some disturbance in the mine, after some investigation the player discovers that the mine has been overrun by supernatural forces and it’s up to them to uncover the cave mystery.

The game’s main mechanics include exploration, leveling up, and solving puzzles. The player explores interconnected levels to battle enemies and acquire different items. Throughout the game, the player will acquire new powers and earn new abilities that will assist him in opening the path to new locations, and so on. Unique to the game is the procedurally generated level design, across any walkthrough items places are randomly generated making the walkthrough unique for each player.

Iconoclasts


2018
About
Release Date
January 23, 2018
Developer
Konjak
Publisher
Bifrost Entertainment
Genre
Metroidvania
Graphics
2D
Perspective
Side Scroller
Interaction
Real-Time
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Sweden
Switch Releases
2018-08

Iconoclasts captivated the hearts of many gamers by introducing players to a complex story, and a very interesting world. following the journey of Robin, the game takes place in a futuristic dystopian world. Despite being unlicenced Robin uses her mechanic skills to help the town’s residents which puts her in much trouble leading to a conflict with the rulers themselves.

The game has you controlling Robin in various interconnected levels, where the goal is to solve various puzzles and defeat numerous enemies. Along the journey, Robin gets to learn new abilities, giving her access to new areas and uncovering the complex story more and more. Visually, the game has an incredible visual style, drawing inspiration from vintage pixel art games while giving special attention to details and character designs.

Carrion


2020
About
Release Date
July 23, 2020
Developer
Phobia Game Studio
Publisher
Devolver Digital
Genre
Horror
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Poland
Switch Releases
2020-07-23

Carrion tries to uniquely switch the roles where the player gets to control the villain instead of the good hero. The player controls a mysterious monster with tentacles and fangs. Escaping from an underground facility the goal is to rampage your way through the tunnels consuming scientists and soldiers, and eventually gaining new deadly abilities.

The game supports nonlinear gameplay, allowing the player to explore the game in whatever way they like. This provides the player with a sense of independence and identity with each playtime. The game also emphasizes stealth, as you must escape notice while rampaging through the enigmatic facility.

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 is a unique combination of pinball mechanics and Metroidvania exploring system. The user takes on the role of Yoku, a young beetle tasked with resolving the issues of Mokumana Island citizens. Yoku must embark on a long adventure through pinball-inspired stages using his trusty ball and a bunch of numbers scattered across each level.

The goal in each area is to use bumpers to send the ball which is tied to Yoku flying through the level. Moving the ball is a key element in the game allowing Yoku to explore the environment and collect various items. Additionally, through the course of the game, Yoku gets to unlock new abilities allowing him to backtrack to previous levels and find new secrets and doorways. If you’re tired of the traditional 2D Metroidvania formula and want to try something new and refreshing, I hugely recommend checking out this game.

Owlboy


2016
About
Release Date
November 01, 2016
Developer
D-Pad Studio
Publisher
D-Pad Studio
Genre
2D Platformer
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Norway
Switch Releases
2018-02-13
2018-05-29
2018-06-15
2018-08-31

Owlboy was first released on the PC, but it made its way to the Nintendo Switch two years later. The game tells the tale of Otus, a young clumsy owl who is forced to mature and save the town when a pirate gang threatens the calm on his floating home island. With the help of his friends, now Otus must embark on a long journey to explore the island and drive out the evil pirates from his home.

While the game sticks closely to the Metroidvania formula with exploration, backtracking, and interconnected levels, it still offers a fresh look where Otus is not the one who acquires abilities. Instead, Otus carries his friends while flying to use their unique abilities to defeat enemies or even solve puzzles. The game is also distinguished by its magnificent pixel graphics style, which features a lovely colorful world with fluid animation and a finely detailed character design.

The Mummy Demastered


2017
About
Release Date
October 24, 2017
Developer
WayForward
Publisher
WayForward
Genre
Metroidvania
Graphics
2D
Perspective
Side Scroller
Interaction
Real-Time
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United States
Switch Releases
2017-10

The Mummy Demastered takes influence from the most recent Mummy film reboot. The player takes on the role of numerous Prodigium agents entrusted with investigating the resurgence of Princess Ahmanet, a mysterious malevolent Egyptian mummified princess endowed with magical abilities. The game’s purpose is simple: utilize your weapon to shoot down several foes over interconnected stages.

Throughout the game, the player gets ahold of new items and abilities allowing him to reach newer areas or even backtrack to previous levels to find secret items and upgrades. The visuals are equally interesting taking inspiration from old-school 16-bit titles. Additionally, the dark music contributes to the game’s atmosphere, heightening the sense of excitement as the player explores the undead world.

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Freecs

A casual gamer who loves everything Nintendo, and swears by arcade racers, platformers, and hack 'n slash games.

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