Top 10 2D Platformers for Nintendo Switch: SwitchArcade Special Edition

As another SwitchArcade Special approaches, we have a new selection of our top Switch titles for you to check out. We’re examining the 2D platformer this time. The console industry’s once-dominant genre experienced a sharp decline in the fifth and sixth console generations before exploding back to life with the rise of independent developers. They are plentiful on the Switch, and the genre has grown incredibly chaotic over time. I will now describe my selection criteria.

This list consists of games whose main gameplay mechanic is navigating complex platform configurations. You won’t find any run-and-gun or action games on this list because we will compile one later on. This list, which includes only our favorite works in the genre, is presented in no particular order. Share yours in the comments if you’d like.

10 Best 2D Platformers for Nintendo Switch: SwitchArcade Special Edition

The Nintendo Switch has a vast collection of 2D platformer games, making it one of the best consoles for platformer enthusiasts. With so many titles, it can be challenging to determine which games are worth playing. But fear not, as we have compiled a list of the 10 greatest 2D platformers available on the Nintendo Switch in this SwitchArcade Special Edition.

From classic franchises to new and innovative titles, our list includes some of the best platformers available on the console. These games offer a variety of gameplay mechanics, level designs, and art styles that are sure to captivate players of all ages.

Whether you are a fan of traditional platformers or looking for something more modern, our list has got you covered. So, get ready to jump, run, and dodge through our top picks for the best 2D platformers for Nintendo Switch.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe ($59.99)

Without Mario, a list like this would be lacking in content. There is much debate over New Super Mario Bros. U’s place in the overall 2D Mario pantheon, but you can accept all of the game’s flaws and still recognize it for the fantastic 2D platformer that it is. There is a ton of fun to be had with this game, whether you play it alone or with friends. If completing every level and collecting every Star Coin weren’t tricky enough, New Super Luigi U will add an extra dose of suffering.

• Metacritic score: 80
• Developer: Nintendo
• Genre(s): Action, Platformer, 2D
• # of players: No Online Multiplayer
• Cheats: On GameFAQs
• Rating: E

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze ($59.99)

Donkey Kong has his beloved series of 2D platformers; his latest may be the best of the bunch. Originally released on the Wii U, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze was the second kick at the can by the folks at Retro Studios. It has a different feel from Mario’s adventures and tends to appeal to more skilled players thanks to its intricate, challenging-level designs. Most of the additions to this Nintendo Switch port center around making the game more accessible to newcomers, so regardless of your familiarity with the Kongs, you should have a good time here. It sure doesn’t hurt that it looks and sounds like a million bucks.

• Metacritic score: 86
• Developer: Retro Studios
• Genre(s): Action, Platformer, 2D
• # of players: No Online Multiplayer
• Cheats: On GameFAQs
• Rating: E

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair ($29.99)

What about the employees at Rare who worked on the first Donkey Kong Country games, though? Why are they doing that? Well, some of them were capable of playing this controversial Yooka-Laylee sequel. Although the game has distinct flavors, it has a strong undercurrent of the classic 16-bit platformers from the 1990s. Its level is both as own story is accurate and as own level is both proper and as own level is both as own level. Any fan of 2D platformers must experience the titular Impossible Lair if you play the game according to the original rules. Additionally, the levels preceding that aren’t too bad either. The superior of the two Yooka-Laylee games by far.

• Metacritic score: 81
• Developer: Playtonic Games
• Genre(s): Action, Platformer, 2D
• # of players: No Online Multiplayer
• Cheats: On GameFAQs
• Rating: E

Celeste ($19.99)

Celeste is one of the first titles that come to mind when considering major indie hits for Switch. You take on the role of Madeline, a young woman attempting the mentally and physically taxing task of scaling Mount Celeste. And that goes for the player, too, as you’ll be asked to pull off increasingly tense mid-air maneuvers and split-second movements to make your way through each section. Most players will be able to complete the story, but those looking for a harder challenge can attempt to collect every bonus strawberry or take on the additional B-Side and C-Side stages. Here, you get many games for your money and a lovely and uplifting narrative.

• Metacritic score: 92
• Developer: Matt Makes Games Inc.
• Genre(s): Action, Platformer, 2D
• # of players: No Online Multiplayer
• Cheats: On GameFAQs
• Available On: Stadia
• Rating: E10+

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove ($39.99)

The 2D joy of Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is unmatched. Shovel of Hope’s initial campaign was a perfect ode to 8-bit classics while still having its own identity. Each subsequent campaign introduced fresh, clever gameplay mechanics that made you reevaluate how you navigate the game’s world. It’s a fun time that’s a little bit Mega Man and DuckTales. The boss encounters are satisfying; the levels are well-designed, and just the right amount of challenging. Perhaps most importantly, it feels great to move around—one of the best video game Kickstarter successes ever.

• Metacritic score: 91
• Developer: Yacht Club Games
• Genre(s): Action, Platformer, 2D
• # of players: No Online Multiplayer
• Cheats: On GameFAQs
• Rating: E

Sonic Mania ($19.99)

Every list with a great Mario game would also have great Sonic fun if there were justice. Sadly, there haven’t been many chances to reenact one of the legendary rivalries in gaming over the past few decades. This is one list where we can relive the good old day’s thanks to Christian Whitehead and his crew. Anyone who claims that Sonic Mania is their favorite game in the Sonic series shouldn’t raise too much of an eyebrow. It serves as a “best-of” and a revival of Sonic’s 2D peak. Although it spends a significant amount of time looking back, it does so in a manner that is clever and should appeal to most SEGA fans. One can only hope this won’t be the final time SEGA’s mascot faces off against his longtime foe.

• Metacritic score: 86
• Developer: Tantalus
• Genre(s): Action, Platformer, 2D
• # of players: No Online Multiplayer
• Cheats: On GameFAQs
• Rating: E

Super Meat Boy ($14.99)

Super Meat Boy gets its hands dirty more than most games when it comes to intense platforming action. This game will have you cursing and cheering for hours on end with its hundreds of levels of frustrating but oh-so-satisfying activity. Every single demise leaves a trace of the hero behind, which, while a little gory, also serves as a helpful reminder of where you’ve gone wrong. Like Celeste, those seeking an additional challenge should come here. It takes a master to unlock and finish every level in the dark world and bonus levels.

• Metacritic score: 84
• Developer: Team Meat
• Genre(s): Action, Platformer, 2D
• # of players: No Online Multiplayer
• Cheats: On GameFAQs
• Rating: T

N++ ($14.99)

A game called N, arguably one of the most significant pioneers of the “masocore” platformer, set the model that Super Meat Boy followed. The third game in the series, N++, is without a doubt worth the time and money of any platformer fan, even though it appears to have gone unnoticed. If you’re still hankering for more, it has an additional hardcore mode and more than 4,300 levels. What’s that, still insufficient? Why not create your challenges on a stage creator and share them with others? Which logically implies that you have access to other players’ creations. You might never be able to escape N++ if you dive in.

• Metacritic score: 90
• Developer: Metanet Software Inc.
• Genre(s): Action, Platformer, 2D
• Cheats: On GameFAQs

Horace ($14.99)

Horace may not appear to be much of a platformer at first, but once it gets going, you’ll quickly realize that it more than justifies its place on this list. As a bonus, you’ll also get a wonderful story, keeping you glued to your Switch all through. It tells the tale of a little, unassuming robot and its turbulent life as its world disintegrates. With many creative gimmicks and nerve-wracking set pieces, the gameplay more than lives up to expectations. An outstanding package all around that no Switch owner should pass up.

• Metacritic score: 82
• Developer: Paul Helman
• Genre(s): Adventure, General
• # of players: No Online Multiplayer
• Cheats: On GameFAQs
• Rating: T

Rayman Legends Definitive Edition ($39.99)

With the 2011 release of Rayman Origins, Rayman, another respected name in the platforming genre, experienced a brief but enduring comeback. Following the success of that game in 2013, Rayman Legends was released. The gameplay easily matches the game’s breathtaking visuals. The platforming has a perfect rhythm, and the game keeps coming up with fresh, creative ideas to challenge you. Even though not all of them succeed ideally, you can’t help but admire the level of creativity present. And after those concepts are implemented? Outstanding. If that turns out to be the case, Rayman at least left with a bang because there might never be another game like this again.

• Metacritic score: 84
• Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier, Pasta Games
• Genre(s): Action, Platformer, 2D
• Cheats: On GameFAQs
• Rating: E10

We could have talked about three more games if this list had been three times as long. However, that is where you can help. Do you have a favorite 2D platformer that isn’t on this list? Please put it in the comments so it’s preserved for history!