The Nintendo Switch has become one of the most popular gaming consoles in the world. With its ability to switch between handheld and TV mode, it offers a gaming experience that suits every lifestyle. While big titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons often get most of the attention, the Switch has an incredible library full of hidden gems.
Many great games have slipped under the radar, offering creative gameplay and hours of fun that deserve more recognition. Here are five underrated Nintendo Switch games that you might have missed but are well worth playing.
Astral Chain
Developed by PlatinumGames, Astral Chain is an action-adventure game that blends futuristic police work with fast-paced combat. You play as a member of a special task force called Neuron, which fights mysterious creatures invading a city known as the Ark. The twist is that you control not only your character but also a powerful partner creature called a Legion.
The gameplay is dynamic and satisfying, combining exploration, detective work, and thrilling battles. You’ll solve cases and face huge enemies in stylish combat sequences. The visuals are impressive, and the energetic soundtrack adds depth to the story.
Despite its quality, Astral Chain didn’t get as much attention as it deserved, partly because it was released close to other major titles. It’s a perfect choice for players who enjoy action games with a bit of mystery and strategy.
The Messenger
If you love classic platformers, The Messenger is a game you shouldn’t overlook. It starts as a simple side-scrolling adventure, inspired by retro games like Ninja Gaiden, but it soon transforms into something far more creative. You play as a ninja on a mission to deliver an important scroll across a dangerous world filled with enemies and secrets.
What makes The Messenger special is how it changes halfway through the game. It evolves from a linear platformer into a sprawling adventure with time-travel mechanics, letting you switch between 8-bit and 16-bit worlds. The writing is sharp and often funny, with characters who break the fourth wall and poke fun at gaming clichés.
The gameplay feels smooth, the controls are precise, and the soundtrack perfectly matches the action. The Messenger is a love letter to old-school gaming but with enough modern twists to keep it fresh and exciting.
Golf Story
At first glance, a golf game might not sound exciting, but Golf Story turns that idea upside down. It combines sports with role-playing elements, creating a light-hearted and funny experience. You play as a golfer who wants to make it big while exploring a world full of quirky characters and strange situations.
Instead of just playing round after round of golf, you take part in mini-games, solve puzzles, and complete challenges that go beyond the sport itself. You might be hitting golf balls to solve problems, defeat rivals, or even interact with the environment in creative ways.
The charm of Golf Story lies in its humour and personality. It’s packed with witty dialogue and colourful pixel art that feels relaxing yet engaging. Even people who don’t usually like golf games find themselves hooked by its unique storytelling and clever design.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
While not completely unknown, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 often gets overshadowed by other Nintendo exclusives. It’s an epic role-playing game set in a world where giant creatures called Titans carry entire civilizations on their backs. You play as Rex, a young salvager who embarks on a journey with a mysterious being named Pyra.
The story is emotional and full of surprises, with deep world-building that draws players in. The combat system combines real-time action with strategy, allowing you to switch between different characters and abilities during battle. The world is vast and stunning, filled with places to explore and secrets to uncover.
While it takes some time to learn the mechanics, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 rewards patience with an unforgettable experience. It’s one of the best role-playing games on the Switch and deserves far more attention from fans of story-driven adventures.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to try something different on your Nintendo Switch, these five underrated games are a great place to start. Astral Chain gives you fast-paced action with a sci-fi twist. The Messenger offers a clever mix of old-school and modern design. Golf Story turns sports into a charming adventure. Immortals Fenyx Rising brings myths to life with humour and exploration. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 delivers a grand, emotional story that will stay with you long after you finish it.
The Switch’s library is packed with creativity, and you never know what you might discover when you look beyond the big-name releases. Many players explore a wide range of genres on the console, from indie adventures to titles often grouped alongside guides such as play slots nj, which simply reflect the variety of gaming interests people browse without encouraging participation.
