Best Nintendo Switch Games To Play In Short Bursts

The Nintendo Switch’s portability stands as one of its most compelling features, setting it apart from other consoles. It offers players the freedom to enjoy gaming anywhere – whether commuting, traveling, or even lounging in a sunlit park. Many games are specifically designed to fit these on-the-go moments, tailoring their mechanics, narratives, and quests to suit shorter, more focused play sessions.

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The best games for these brief yet satisfying bursts of gaming prioritize convenience, entertainment, and quick rewards. They’re built with the goal of delivering fulfilling experiences in a compact timeframe. Whether played handheld or docked to the TV, the Switch is the ideal platform for these games, offering flexibility for players to enjoy them for as little or as long as they desire.

1

Stardew Valley

Short In-Game Days With Varied Activities

Released

February 26, 2016

Developer(s)

ConcernedApe

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

A cozy farming simulator and indie classic, Stardew Valley is the perfect game for short bursts of gameplay. Each in-game day lasts around 14 minutes, providing just enough time to enjoy a quick session without feeling rushed. Requiring no internet connection, the game is an ideal option for playing on the go. Players can immerse themselves in a variety of activities such as fishing, mining, friendship-building, and, of course, farming.

Created entirely by Eric Barone, Stardew Valley draws inspiration from Harvest Moon while offering a richer storyline, deeper character interactions, and the welcomed addition of same-sex marriage options. The game’s charm lies in its ability to offer both relaxing gameplay and engaging storylines, making it easy to pick up and play at any time.

2

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Play Mini-Games, Tournaments, Or Online Multiplayer

Released

April 27, 2017

Developer(s)

Nintendo

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch offers a variety of gameplay options, including single-player, multiplayer, and online play, making it versatile for all styles of play. With Battle Mode, players can enjoy five different mini-games, competing either in couch co-op or online. Each mini-game lasts around 5–10 minutes, perfect for quick gaming sessions, such as during a train ride or while spending a short downtime with a friend.

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Main races typically last between 5–10 minutes, with a Grand Prix taking about 30–40 minutes, including the track selection and winner’s ceremony at the end. Although completing the game in its entirety takes around 6 hours, the real charm lies in its replayability, making it ideal for short bursts of fun anytime.

3

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Battle It Out Alone Or With Friends

Systems

Released

December 7, 2018

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a platform fighting game boasting 89 playable characters, also offering single-player, multiplayer, and online play options. With up to 8 players in a battle, matches last around 3–6 minutes, depending on the selected characters and stage.

One of the most popular games on the Nintendo Switch, it has become a staple in the E-Sports scene, with its largest offline tournament at EVO 2019 featuring over 3,500 entrants. The game includes more than 100 stages, ensuring plenty of variety and replayability. Its diverse roster and stages make it ideal for short, enjoyable gaming sessions.

4

Townscaper

A Calming Escape From Daily Stresses

Released

June 30, 2020

OpenCritic Rating

Fair

Townscaper offers a relaxing, sandbox-style experience that’s perfect for relaxing. With simple gameplay mechanics, players can design and build their own unique town with unlimited freedom, creating as much or as little as they like. The game’s open-ended nature makes it ideal for short sessions to unwind after a stressful day.

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A standout feature is the game’s dynamic soundscape, which provides satisfying audio feedback while building. Set against a serene sea backdrop, Townscaper lets players feel like they’re crafting from scratch, with endless possibilities for structures and designs, making it a creative and calming experience.

5

Slay The Spire

Combines Deck-Building With An Easy Narrative

Released

January 23, 2019

Developer(s)

Mega Crit

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Slay the Spire is a rogue-like deck-building game that offers deep strategy in short, digestible bursts. Players choose a character and build a deck of cards as they navigate through procedurally generated levels, battling enemies and collecting upgrades. Each run takes around 30–40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick but engaging gaming session.

The game’s addictive nature comes from its replayability, with each new run offering fresh challenges and choices. With multiple characters, cards, and relics to experiment with, Slay the Spire offers endless strategic combinations, keeping the experience rewarding and exciting each time it’s played.

6

Cozy Grove

Designed Specifically For Short Bursts

Released

April 8, 2021

Developer(s)

Spry Fox

OpenCritic Rating

Fair

Cozy Grove is a real-time, life-simulation game designed for short, relaxing sessions. Set on a haunted island inhabited by ghostly bears, players complete daily quests, uncovering each bear’s unique story. Each day offers 30-60 minutes of quest content, but players can extend their experience by fishing, crafting, foraging, or decorating the island.

The game provides months of digestible daily content, allowing players to unwind and enjoy a calming gaming experience. With its gentle pacing and soothing activities, Cozy Grove is the perfect game to relax and decompress after a stressful day, offering a sense of calm and accomplishment.

7

A Short Hike

Peaceful Exploration With Saving Available Anytime

Released

April 5, 2019

Developer(s)

Adam Robinson-Yu

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

A Short Hike is a peaceful adventure that offers a relaxing break with its simple yet engaging gameplay. Players control Claire, a bird exploring a vibrant island with the goal of reaching the top of a mountain. Along the way, there’s plenty to discover – hidden treasures, side activities like fishing, and friendly characters to meet.

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Each play session is flexible, with gameplay ranging from 15–30 minutes, making it perfect for short, satisfying sessions. The game’s gentle pace, soothing visuals, and serene soundtrack provide an ideal environment to unwind, offering a calm escape perfect for de-stressing after a busy day.

8

Coffee Talk

A Day-By-Day Narrative Experience

Released

January 31, 2020

Developer(s)

Toge Productions

OpenCritic Rating

Fair

Coffee Talk is a narrative-driven game set in an alternate-reality Seattle, where humans coexist with mythical creatures. The game touches on important themes such as sexuality, racial inequality, and mental health, all while maintaining a lighthearted and easy-to-follow gameplay experience. Players run their own cozy coffee shop, serving drinks to diverse characters and learning their personal stories.

Each in-game day lasts around 15-25 minutes, depending on reading speed and choices made along the way, making it perfect for short, reflective sessions. With its beautiful music, unique art style, and retro vibes, Coffee Talk offers a heartwarming and thought-provoking escape in a bite-sized narrative.

9

Splatoon 3

A Third-Person Shooter With Several Game Modes

Systems

Released

September 9, 2022

Developer(s)

Nintendo

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Splatoon 3 is a fast-paced, team-based shooter that offers quick, action-packed matches ideal for short gaming sessions. Players engage in Turf War battles, where teams compete to cover the most ground with ink in a 3-minute match. The game features both casual and ranked modes, allowing for quick skirmishes or more competitive play.

With its vibrant art style, dynamic maps, and variety of weapons, Splatoon 3 provides endless fun in short bursts. The game’s fast matchmaking ensures players can jump in and out easily, making it perfect for quick gaming sessions when looking to relax or squeeze in some action.

10

Florence

Complete The Story In One 30-Minute Sitting

Released

February 4, 2018

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Florence is a brief yet poignant narrative game that explores the complexities of love, personal growth, and emotional change. Players follow the story of a young woman navigating her relationship, using simple interactions to convey deep moments of connection and heartache.

The game is designed for quick sessions, with each chapter lasting around 15–30 minutes, making it ideal for a short, meaningful escape. Its minimalist art style, gentle music, and relatable themes create an immersive experience that lingers long after it’s over, offering a beautiful and reflective journey in a compact, well-crafted package.

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