The Best Nintendo Switch 3D Platformers

Key Takeaways

• Delve into the world of Nintendo Switch 3D platformers, from retro-inspired titles like Cavern of Dreams to brand-new concepts like It Takes Two.
• The Nintendo Switch offers a diverse library of 3D platforming games, including everything from Souslike platformers to collect-a-thons.

Nintendo fans have always been spoiled when it comes to platforming games. From the original Donkey Kong and Super Mario games to the 3D gems of Banjo-Kazooie and Conker’s Bad Fur Day, each game of the past carried the torch further for what success looks like within the genre.

The Nintendo Switch is no different. It offers a plethora of incredible titles ready for you to climb, run, and jump your way through. Each level acts as a playground for you to showcase your platforming skills, and there’s something undeniably charming about them, too. Whether you’re a fan of 3D platformers or a newcomer looking to dive into the genre, there are some wonderful games waiting for you on the Nintendo Switch.

Updated on December 4, 2024, by PJ Molloy: 2024 was excellent for 3D platformers, so we wanted to recap the very best ones that launched for Switch over the past year.

21 Penny’s Big Breakaway

A Silly Platformer From The Sonic Mania Team

Developed by the team behind Sonic Mania, Penny’s Big Breakaway is a colorful, momentum-based platformer that hearkens back to the GameCube era. Take control of a fugitive named Penny, who must evade an army of penguins after accidentally disrobing the Emperor. If that sounds like your type of humor, this game is right up your alley.

The gameplay revolves around the yo-yo mechanic, which can be used to attack, swing across gaps, and grab items. You can even ride it for an instant burst of speed, similar to Sonic’s spin dash. If you like classic 3D platformers, this one is definitely worth a shot.

20 Sonic X Shadow Generations

Revisit The Blue Blur’s Best Adventure

Sonic X Shadow Generations is a must-play for any fans of the blue hedgehog. Not only does it remaster one of the best games in the series, but it also delivers a brand-new campaign starring Shadow. The plot follows the two hedgehogs as they travel through time to revisit past adventures and face off against old villains.

The game truly feels like a celebration of the series’ history. The most iconic levels and bosses are back and better than ever, with exciting new twists to keep you engaged from start to finish. Plus, Shadow’s new Doom Powers are an absolute blast to use.

19 Frogun Encore

A Cozy Love Letter To The Classics

If you want a multiplayer title, Frogun Encore is an excellent choice. In this PS1-inspired collect-a-thon, you and a buddy control adventurers Renata and Jake, who travel around the world in search of treasure while stopping a few evil deities along the way.

The main mechanic is the titular Frogun, which you can use to grab enemies and cling to walls, each of which feels very satisfying. Overall, it’s an incredibly cozy platformer with charming low-poly graphics, excellent level design, and superb co-op gameplay.

18 Another Crab’s Treasure

A Colorful Yet Challenging Soulslike

If you’re new to Soulslikes, Another Crab’s Treasure is an excellent way to start. Take control of Kril, a hermit crab who must survive a harsh ocean and its many violent creatures. The entire sea is yours to explore as you search for trash you can use as either a weapon or a protective shell.

The gameplay offers a nice mix of platforming, exploration, and sword-based combat. True to the Soulslike genre, the difficulty curve is steep. However, the comedic tone, colorful presentation, and intuitive tutorial system provide more than enough incentive to entice newcomers.

17 Cavern Of Dreams

A Nostalgic Dream Come True

Those who love N64 collect-a-thons will feel right at home with Cavern of Dreams. The adventure follows a tiny dragon named Fynn, who explores a series of sandbox worlds in search of his lost siblings. Everything from the visuals to the level design feels like it could have launched right alongside Banjo-Kazooie or Donkey Kong 64.

What makes Cavern of Dreams unique is its heavier focus on puzzles. Each world has a handful of clever brain teasers that require observation, exploration, or a tight grasp on Fynn’s moveset. The game doesn’t hold your hand, allowing you to figure out the answers at your own pace. Give it a try if you miss ’90s platformers.

16 Demon Turf

Get Ready To Conquer The Underworld

Demon Turf takes you on a journey to become Queen of the Underworld. The demon Beebz is tired of how Hell is being run, so she sets out to take over the realm one section at a time. While the concept may sound intense, everything is presented in a comical, lighthearted tone.

As for the gameplay, the moveset feels similar to Super Mario 64, complete with a long jump, triple jump, wall jump, etc. Some unique features include a system that lets you place your own checkpoints and a charming art style that combines 2D sprites and 3D environments. It’s a nice mix of old and new mechanics, ensuring the adventure feels fresh yet comfortably familiar.

15 Lunistice

Low-Poly Perfection

Arguably one of the most underrated games in the genre, Lunistice is a high-speed platformer reminiscent of the PS1 and Sega Saturn era. When Hana the Tanuki wakes up in a dreamlike realm, she must platform through a series of levels based on her memories. The more you play, the more you discover what this place is and why you’re here.

The gameplay blends fast-paced platforming with more precise, exploration-based collect-a-thon elements. The two styles complement each other shockingly well and are enhanced by a satisfying moveset similar to Mario’s Tanooki Suit. It’s a short game but well worth it if you like retro platformers.

14 Fe

A Breathtaking Metroidvania

If you’re looking for something more avant-garde, Fe is one of the most interesting and creative Metroidvanias on Switch. Take control of a small fox with the power to befriend creatures through song. With the help of your animal buddies, you’ll explore a semi-open Nordic forest filled with puzzles and spooky robotic enemies called The Silent Ones.

With no set path to follow, you’re free to explore wherever you like, find new abilities, and use them to access new areas of the map. Unique, thought-provoking, and visually stunning, Fe is a journey all platforming fans should embark on at least once.

13 Poi: Explorer Edition

Embark On A Charming Adventure

Poi is a fantastic little 3D platformer that draws inspiration from classics on the Nintendo 64. When you traverse the game’s levels and take in the charming art style, you’ll experience a heartwarming wave of nostalgia. These feelings stay with you throughout the many challenges and the various worlds Poi has you explore.

The aim of the game is to collect all Explorers Medallions. If you’re a completionist, you’ve got your work cut out for you, as there are over 100. In collecting them, you’ll battle engaging bosses and participate in wonderful minigames. Poi is truly a charming platformer that is overflowing with content for you to sink your teeth into.

12 Yooka-Laylee

A Collect-A-Thon Masterpiece

From the creators of Banjo-Kazooie, Yooka-Laylee is an N64-inspired collect-a-thon that carries the torch left behind by the bear and bird. The lizard and bat duo explore a series of colorful sandbox worlds brimming with collectibles, quirky characters, and well-hidden secrets.

This game truly captures the feel of the Banjo titles, featuring everything from a diverse and expandable moveset to a silly yet sarcastic sense of humor. There’s even a bit of influence from Donkey Kong Country in the form of minecart sections. Check it out if you like Rare’s platformers from the ’90s.

11 De Blob 2

An Underrated Gem From The Wii

The original De Blob debuted on the Wii in 2008 as a game many people consider a hidden gem. This is because of its fluid, bubbly animations and how creative the game is, especially in terms of leaning into its comedic tone, art style, and cartoon aesthetic. So, it’s no surprise to see a sequel on the Nintendo Switch.

With De Blob 2, not much has changed. Despite being an old game, it keeps its unique and engaging gameplay, making it an enjoyable and colorful experience. You can expect to switch between a 2D and 3D world, absorbing and mixing different types of paint and using your own artistic flair to bring life to the town’s grayscale existence.

10 Spyro Reignited Trilogy

This Is How You Do A Remake

The Spyro games are right up there with Crash Bandicoot as the PlayStation 1’s best platformers. Equipped with the ability to glide and breathe fire, the titular dragon must explore open-ended, fantasy-themed levels in search of collectibles like gemstones and dragon eggs.

The Reignited Trilogy faithfully remakes the first three games in the series with stunning HD visuals, updated controls, and quality-of-life improvements. Thanks to these changes, the Spyro games are better than ever, making the Reignited Trilogy a perfect entry point into the series.

9 Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Three Legendary Platformers

As a celebration of the series’ 35th anniversary, Super Mario All-Stars bundles Super Mario 64, Sunshine, and Galaxy onto one cartridge with higher resolutions and minor quality-of-life updates. Sunshine, in particular, has never looked better, thanks to its brand-new wide-screen support.

Thankfully, all three games have aged remarkably well, showcasing 3D platforming design at its finest. Sadly, the collection has long been discontinued and removed from the Switch eShop. If you’d like to take these classics on the go, you’ll unfortunately need to track down a used copy.

8 Blue Fire

Get Immersed In A Gothic World

Blue Fire seamlessly combines 3D platforming with Zelda-like mechanics. You explore the fallen kingdom of Penumbra, using a mix of parkour moves and sword-based combat to venture through Gothic castles and dungeons.

The platforming and fantasy RPG elements blend surprisingly well. It’s a blast to run and jump through the world, looking for every well-hidden treasure chest and taking on side quests. Overall, Blue Fire is an outstanding choice if you’re looking for something different from the genre’s usual offerings.

7 Kirby And The Forgotten Land

The Pink Puffball’s 3D Debut

As the first 3D platformer in the series, Kirby and the Forgotten Land does a near-perfect job of bringing the pink puffball into the third dimension, so much so that it feels like he’s always been in 3D. This time, the star warrior explores a desolate post-apocalyptic world with the help of his new Ranger and Drill copy abilities.

The biggest addition, however, is the brand-new Mouthful Mode, which grants Kirby a slew of comical transformations, including a vending machine that fires soda cans and a car for running over enemies. Even better, the accessibility options and approachable difficulty curve make it perfect for platforming newcomers.

6 Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time

The Comeback The Series Needed

After a staggering 22 years of experimentation and genre-bending, the Crash Bandicoot series finally returned to its platforming roots in Crash 4. You control Crash, Coco, Dr. Cortex, and the newly playable Dingodile and Tawna as they travel across time and space in a thrilling, albeit cartoonish, multiversal war.

The traditional Crash-style gameplay is back, complete with linear hallway levels and light collect-a-thon elements. New to the series are the Quantum Masks, which grant Crash temporary powers like gliding and reversing gravity. It’s a remarkable return to form perfect for long-time fans and beginners.

5 Sonic Frontiers

Explore An Open World As The Blue Blur

Sonic Frontiers places the famous hedgehog in a series of open-world islands rich with collectibles, puzzles, and towering bosses called Titans. In addition to his signature boost ability, the Blue Blur has an array of close-combat attacks to use on enemies.

The game is also a tonal shift for the series, telling a more serious and thought-provoking story. When his friends get trapped in a digital realm called Cyber Space, the hedgehog must put his life on the line to acquire the power needed to break them out. Overall, it’s a solid high-speed platformer with one of the better stories in the series.

4 A Hat In Time

A Beautiful Throwback To The ’90s

Inspired by classics like Banjo-Kazooie and Psychonauts, A Hat in Time perfectly captures the feel of late-’90s and early-2000s 3D platformers. You control the bubbly Hat Kid, who explores four open worlds in search of Time Pieces to fuel her spaceship. To do so, she must take on the mafia, become a movie star, and maybe even sell her soul to a demon.

Along the way, you collect various hats you can equip to gain new abilities, such as slowing down time and throwing explosives. To top it all off, the characters and overall sense of humor are delightfully silly, creating a lighthearted and fun experience from start to finish.

3 It Takes Two

A Stunning Co-Op Platformer

It Takes Two is arguably one of the best co-op games of all time, let alone platformers. The plot follows Cody and May, a struggling married couple who get transformed into dolls. To become human again, they must learn to communicate and work together to solve puzzles, complete platforming challenges, and fight bosses.

The game is all about cooperation, requiring you and a friend to put your heads together and contribute equal effort. Not to mention, the worlds you explore are diverse and creative, including a massive nightclub and a colossal beehive.

2 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

Two Fantastic Games For The Price Of One

Whether you like course-clear or sandbox exploration Mario games, Super Mario 3D World + Bwoser’s Fury offers the best of both worlds. In the base game, you and up to three friends can run and jump through a wide array of diverse, well-designed linear levels, using the new cat power-up to climb walls and swat at enemies.

Bowser’s Fury, on the other hand, has you team up with Bowser Jr. to explore an open world with 100 hidden Cat Shines. The catch? The terrifying Fury Bowser will appear periodically and ruthlessly pursue you. Both games offer vastly different yet equally fun experiences ideal for Mario fans of all tastes.