It’s hard to overstate the impact that classic Mario platformers have had on the gaming world. From the pixel-perfect jumps of Super Mario Bros. to the colorful, imaginative worlds of Super Mario World and Super Mario 64, Nintendo’s mustachioed plumber set the gold standard for platformers. Even as new genres and trends have emerged, the joy of a perfectly-tuned jump, a cleverly-hidden secret, and a world bursting with personality never gets old. As we step into the era of the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, platforming fans are once again spoiled for choice.

The Switch 2’s beefed-up hardware and vibrant game library have brought back that unmistakable Mario magic, both from Nintendo themselves and from a slew of inspired developers. Whether you’re after pure nostalgia or something that pushes the genre forward, you’ll find platformers that pay loving homage to Mario’s legacy while staking out their own unique territory. These games capture not only the precision and whimsy of Mario’s best, but also the addictive sense of discovery and delight that made those classics endure.

Let’s jump into 16 Switch 2 platformers that truly capture the spirit of classic Mario in 2026. From indie darlings to AAA adventures, these are the games that will have you saying, “Just one more level!”

Story

Super Mario Bros. Wonder marks Nintendo’s boldest return to the 2D Mario formula in years. Set in the Flower Kingdom, Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, and friends are invited by Prince Florian, only for Bowser to crash the party and merge with the royal castle, turning the land into a chaotic playground full of surprises. The story may be lighthearted, but the whimsical setting and charming new characters make it feel fresh and inviting, perfectly channeling the classic Mario vibe.

The plot unfolds through playful cutscenes and environmental storytelling. While the stakes are familiar—rescue the kingdom, defeat Bowser—the journey is packed with clever twists, new allies, and a sense of wonder that keeps you smiling.

Gameplay

Super Mario Bros. Wonder revitalizes the classic side-scrolling platformer formula. Each level is packed with inventive mechanics, most notably the Wonder Flowers, which transform stages in unpredictable ways—pipes come alive, gravity flips, and the entire world can change in a blink. The controls are as tight as ever, offering rewarding precision for both newcomers and Mario veterans.

Power-ups take center stage, from the adorable Elephant form to the Drill and Bubble abilities. With up to four-player co-op and a host of playable characters, the game is accessible and engaging for all. Hidden secrets, branching paths, and clever challenges evoke the spirit of Mario’s golden age.

Why it’s on this list

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the closest Nintendo has come to recapturing the magic of the original Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario World, while introducing a sense of unpredictability and playfulness. Its inventive level design, tight controls, and sheer joy make it a must-play for anyone who grew up with Mario.

Graphics and Sound

The game is a visual treat, with vibrant, hand-crafted backgrounds and expressive characters. Animation is fluid, from Mario’s bouncy run to the wild transformations triggered by Wonder Flowers. The soundtrack is equally delightful, blending classic Mario tunes with infectious new melodies.

Legacy and Reception

Critics and fans hailed Super Mario Bros. Wonder as a triumphant return to form for 2D Mario. It’s quickly become a staple on the Switch 2 and a new benchmark for platformers, inspiring countless developers to embrace creativity and fun in their own projects.

Story

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze brings the beloved Kong family back for another wild adventure. When the Snowmads, a group of viking-themed animals, invade Donkey Kong Island and blanket it in ice, Donkey Kong, Diddy, Dixie, and Cranky set out to reclaim their home. The plot is simple but effective, providing just enough narrative drive to propel players through a series of increasingly challenging and imaginative worlds.

The journey is packed with personality, from the quirky Snowmad villains to the humorous banter among the Kongs. Each island introduces new environmental storytelling, giving the adventure a sense of progression and urgency.

Gameplay

Tropical Freeze is a masterclass in 2D platformer design. Each level is meticulously crafted, featuring dynamic set pieces, branching paths, and a blend of precision platforming and exploration. The game’s unique character abilities—Diddy’s jetpack, Dixie’s spinning ponytail lift, and Cranky’s pogo cane—add layers of depth and variety to the gameplay.

Boss fights are creative and memorable, often requiring players to use their unique abilities in clever ways. The addition of Funky Kong’s easy mode on Switch and Switch 2 makes the game accessible to newcomers, while the original mode remains a satisfying challenge for veterans.

Why it’s on this list

Tropical Freeze channels the spirit of classic Mario with its tight controls, inventive level design, and rewarding sense of discovery. Its blend of challenge, charm, and polish sets a high bar for all modern platformers, making it an essential part of any Mario fan’s library.

Graphics and Sound

The game’s visuals are lush and vibrant, from lush jungles to frozen tundras. Animation is slick and full of personality, bringing the Kong family and their enemies to life. The dynamic soundtrack, composed by David Wise, is a standout, mixing energetic new tracks with remixes of classic Donkey Kong Country themes.

Legacy and Reception

Since its original release and subsequent Switch ports, Tropical Freeze has earned a reputation as one of the best 2D platformers of all time. Its challenging yet fair gameplay and stunning presentation have cemented it as a modern classic, beloved by fans and critics alike.

Story

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair follows the chameleon-bat duo as they attempt to rescue Queen Phoebee’s Royal Beettalion from the malevolent Capital B. The narrative is tongue-in-cheek, filled with playful dialogue and a self-aware sense of humor that recalls the best of classic platformers.

While the story isn’t deeply complex, it provides a charming backdrop for the platforming action, keeping the focus on fun and adventure. The quest to rescue the Beettalion adds a collect-a-thon element that will satisfy completionists.

Gameplay

Blending 2D platforming with a large, explorable overworld, Impossible Lair feels like a spiritual successor to Donkey Kong Country and classic Mario games. Each level is packed with secrets, hidden shortcuts, and inventive platforming challenges. The titular Impossible Lair is an ultra-tough gauntlet available from the start, but the more Beettalion you rescue, the easier it becomes.

The overworld itself is a puzzle-filled playground, with environmental changes that alter levels and open up new paths. Tight controls and creative power-ups keep gameplay feeling fresh and exciting throughout.

Why it’s on this list

Impossible Lair nails the mix of challenge, variety, and whimsy that defines the best Mario games. Its clever level design, rewarding secrets, and colorful world make it a must-play for platformer enthusiasts seeking that classic Mario feel.

Graphics and Sound

The game boasts vibrant 2.5D visuals, with detailed backgrounds and expressive character animation. The soundtrack, composed by genre legends David Wise and Grant Kirkhope, provides infectious tunes that evoke the golden era of platformers.

Legacy and Reception

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair received praise for its polished gameplay and inventive level design. It stands as Playtonic’s best work to date, with many fans considering it a modern classic in the 2D platformer genre.

Story

Kirby and the Forgotten Land takes the pink puffball on his first full 3D adventure. When a mysterious vortex transports Kirby to a world filled with abandoned structures and strange technology, he sets out to rescue Waddle Dees and uncover the secrets of this forgotten realm. The story is lighthearted yet tinged with mystery, drawing players into a vibrant, post-apocalyptic landscape.

Characters new and old join the journey, adding depth and personality to each area. The overarching narrative unfolds with a surprising amount of heart, especially in the later stages.

Gameplay

The leap to 3D platforming is seamless. Kirby explores sprawling levels packed with secrets, puzzles, and platforming challenges. Classic copy abilities return, allowing Kirby to inhale enemies and adopt new powers, but the real star is the “Mouthful Mode,” letting Kirby absorb and control oversized objects like cars and vending machines.

Levels encourage exploration and creativity, rewarding curiosity with hidden collectibles and side objectives. The controls are intuitive, making the experience approachable for all ages, but completionists will find plenty to test their skills.

Why it’s on this list

Kirby and the Forgotten Land captures the sense of discovery, charm, and mechanical inventiveness that make classic Mario games timeless. Its blend of platforming, exploration, and power-ups feels like a natural evolution of Mario’s legacy, making it a standout on the Switch 2.

Graphics and Sound

The game is visually stunning, with lush environments, detailed character models, and playful animations. The soundtrack blends whimsical tunes with more atmospheric tracks, enhancing the sense of adventure.

Legacy and Reception

Kirby and the Forgotten Land received widespread acclaim for its successful transition to 3D and its creative gameplay. It stands as one of the best Kirby titles and a shining example of how to modernize a classic platforming formula.

Story

Celeste tells the emotional story of Madeline, a young woman climbing the titular mountain while battling her own anxieties and inner demons. The narrative is deeply personal and resonant, intertwining Madeline’s journey of self-discovery with the physical challenges of the climb.

The story unfolds through brief but impactful cutscenes and dialogue, drawing players into Madeline’s struggles and triumphs. This emotional core gives the game a depth rarely seen in platformers.

Gameplay

Celeste is a masterclass in tight, responsive 2D platforming. Each level is a series of challenging rooms, demanding precise timing, clever use of Madeline’s dash, and creative problem-solving. The difficulty is high, but generous checkpoints and accessibility options make it inviting for players of all skill levels.

Hidden strawberries and secret levels provide extra challenges for completionists. The game’s design encourages experimentation, rewarding persistence and learning rather than punishing failure.

Why it’s on this list

Celeste captures the spirit of classic Mario in its emphasis on precision platforming, challenging yet fair level design, and rewarding discovery. Its emotional storytelling and innovative mechanics elevate it to must-play status for any platformer fan.

Graphics and Sound

The pixel art visuals are crisp and expressive, with each chapter featuring a unique theme and color palette. The soundtrack, composed by Lena Raine, is critically acclaimed, underscoring the game’s emotional highs and lows.

Legacy and Reception

Celeste is celebrated as one of the greatest indie platformers of all time. It has won numerous awards for its gameplay and narrative, and its influence can be seen in countless modern platformers on the Switch 2.

Story

Rayman Legends plunges players into a whimsical world where Rayman and his friends must save the Teensies and defeat the nefarious nightmares threatening their realm. The story is light and comedic, serving mainly as a backdrop for the platforming action, but it’s packed with charm and personality.

The adventure is structured as a series of themed worlds, each with its own unique aesthetic and cast of characters. The tone is playful and inviting, keeping the focus firmly on fun.

Gameplay

Rayman Legends is renowned for its fluid, kinetic platforming. Levels are bursting with creativity, from rhythm-based stages synced to music to traditional platforming gauntlets filled with secrets and collectibles. The game supports up to four-player local co-op, making it a perfect party game.

Responsive controls and varied abilities ensure gameplay never feels stale. Each level is a visual and mechanical surprise, keeping players engaged from start to finish.

Why it’s on this list

Rayman Legends channels the spirit of Mario with its inventive level design, tight controls, and joyful presentation. Its blend of challenge, accessibility, and replayability makes it a standout platformer on the Switch 2.

Graphics and Sound

The hand-drawn visuals are among the most beautiful in the genre, with lush backgrounds and expressive animations. The soundtrack is equally impressive, mixing original compositions with playful remixes of classical music for the rhythm stages.

Legacy and Reception

Since its initial release, Rayman Legends has been hailed as one of the best platformers ever made. Its Definitive Edition on Switch 2 remains a must-own, beloved for its creativity and sheer fun factor.

Story

Sonic Superstars takes the blue blur back to his 2D roots with a new adventure set across the mysterious Northstar Islands. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy team up to stop Dr. Eggman and his latest villainous scheme. The story is light and classic Sonic, providing just enough narrative to drive the action while letting the platforming take center stage.

The Northstar Islands offer a fresh setting, with each zone presenting unique themes and surprises. Cameos and callbacks to Sonic’s history delight longtime fans.

Gameplay

Sonic Superstars modernizes the classic Sonic formula, blending fast-paced platforming with new abilities and co-op multiplayer. The Chaos Emeralds unlock special powers, adding variety to the traditional speed-run gameplay. Each character brings distinct moves, encouraging replayability and experimentation.

Level design balances speed and exploration, with multiple routes, secret paths, and collectibles hidden throughout. The controls are tight and responsive, ensuring that Sonic’s trademark momentum feels just right.

Why it’s on this list

Sonic Superstars is a love letter to classic platformers, capturing the precise controls, inventive levels, and sheer fun that define Mario’s best. Its focus on replayability, secrets, and multiplayer make it a worthy addition to any platforming fan’s collection.

Graphics and Sound

The game boasts colorful, high-definition visuals that retain the charm of the Genesis originals while feeling fresh and modern. The soundtrack is energetic, with new compositions that evoke the spirit of Sonic’s golden era.

Legacy and Reception

Sonic Superstars reinvigorated the Sonic franchise, earning praise for its return to classic gameplay and its successful blend of nostalgia and innovation. It’s become a staple on the Switch 2 for fans of both Sonic and Mario-style platformers.

Story

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury delivers two platforming adventures in one package. In 3D World, Mario and friends must rescue the Sprixie Princesses from Bowser, traversing a variety of colorful worlds filled with inventive obstacles. Bowser’s Fury, meanwhile, drops Mario into a free-roaming lake plagued by a rampaging, kaiju-sized Bowser.

The dual narratives offer both classic Mario rescue fun and a more open-ended, experimental adventure. The dynamic between Mario and Bowser takes on new life in Bowser’s Fury, keeping players engaged throughout.

Gameplay

3D World is a cooperative 3D platformer that retains the tight, linear level design of classic Mario games, but with added depth and multiplayer chaos. Power-ups like the Cat Suit and Double Cherry introduce new mechanics and challenge players to master creative solutions.

Bowser’s Fury shifts to an open-world structure, blending 3D platforming with exploration and epic boss battles. The fusion of classic and modern Mario gameplay keeps both experiences feeling fresh and exciting.

Why it’s on this list

This package is a celebration of everything that makes Mario great: imaginative levels, tight controls, creative power-ups, and a sense of discovery. Bowser’s Fury, in particular, points to the future of Mario while honoring its roots.

Graphics and Sound

Both games feature vibrant, colorful visuals and fluid animation. The soundtrack is a mix of catchy new tunes and classic Mario motifs, keeping the energy high and the mood playful.

Legacy and Reception

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is regarded as one of the best Mario packages available. Its inventive gameplay and polished presentation have made it a staple for platformer fans on the Switch 2.

Story

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove follows the titular knight on a quest to rescue his beloved Shield Knight from the evil Enchantress and her Order of No Quarter. The story is told with humor and heart, blending classic fantasy tropes with a tongue-in-cheek sensibility.

Each campaign—Shovel of Hope, Plague of Shadows, Specter of Torment, and King of Cards—features its own protagonist and storyline, expanding the game’s world and adding layers of depth to its lore.

Gameplay

Shovel Knight is a love letter to 8-bit platformers, with tight controls, challenging levels, and a variety of power-ups and upgrades. Each campaign introduces unique mechanics, from Plague Knight’s explosive potions to Specter Knight’s acrobatic scythe moves.

Hidden secrets, branching paths, and tough boss battles evoke the challenge and reward of classic Mario games. The game’s platforming is precise and satisfying, rewarding skill and experimentation.

Why it’s on this list

Shovel Knight captures the spirit of classic Mario with its focus on tight platforming, creative level design, and rewarding discovery. Its multiple campaigns and retro charm make it a must-play for any platformer enthusiast.

Graphics and Sound

The pixel art visuals pay homage to the NES era, but with modern flourishes and expressive animation. The soundtrack, composed by Jake Kaufman, is packed with memorable chiptunes that evoke nostalgia while standing on their own.

Legacy and Reception

Shovel Knight has become one of the most celebrated indie games of all time, spawning sequels, spin-offs, and a legion of devoted fans. Its influence on the modern platformer renaissance is undeniable.

Story

Cuphead tells the story of two brothers, Cuphead and Mugman, who lose a bet with the devil and are forced to collect souls across a bizarre, cartoonish world. The narrative is simple but stylish, delivered with a wink and a nod to vintage animation.

The journey is filled with quirky characters, clever writing, and a sense of danger that keeps the stakes high. The story unfolds through brief cutscenes, letting the gameplay take center stage.

Gameplay

Cuphead is a run-and-gun platformer with a focus on challenging boss battles and precision platforming. Each level and boss encounter is a unique spectacle, demanding quick reflexes, pattern recognition, and mastery of movement and weapons.

The game is notoriously difficult, but fair, offering satisfying rewards for perseverance. Co-op play allows two players to tackle the adventure together, adding another layer of fun and chaos.

Why it’s on this list

Cuphead captures the challenge and creativity of classic Mario platformers, while adding its own twist with relentless boss fights and stunning hand-drawn visuals. Its emphasis on pattern mastery and tight controls will resonate with any Mario fan.

Graphics and Sound

Cuphead’s visuals are a standout, mimicking the look of 1930s cartoons with hand-drawn animation and watercolor backgrounds. The jazzy, big-band soundtrack perfectly complements the frantic action.

Legacy and Reception

Cuphead has earned critical acclaim for its unique style, challenging gameplay, and memorable boss encounters. It remains a high-water mark for indie platformers on the Switch 2.

Story

Ori and the Will of the Wisps continues the heartfelt saga of Ori, a small guardian spirit on a quest to reunite with his lost friend Ku and save the decaying forest of Niwen. The story is told through beautiful visuals and music, weaving themes of loss, hope, and friendship.

The narrative unfolds organically, with no spoken dialogue, relying on expressive animation and environmental storytelling to convey emotion and stakes.

Gameplay

Will of the Wisps is a “Metroidvania” platformer, blending precise platforming with exploration and ability upgrades. Ori’s movement is fluid and acrobatic, encouraging players to chain jumps, dashes, and wall-climbs across lush, interconnected environments.

The game balances challenging platforming sequences with epic boss fights and environmental puzzles. Upgrades and new powers keep the experience fresh, rewarding exploration and mastery.

Why it’s on this list

Ori and the Will of the Wisps embodies the sense of wonder, challenge, and discovery that defines classic Mario games. Its tight controls, stunning world, and rewarding progression make it a must-play for platformer fans.

Graphics and Sound

The game is visually breathtaking, with hand-painted backgrounds, dynamic lighting, and expressive animation. The orchestral soundtrack is deeply emotional, enhancing every moment of the adventure.

Legacy and Reception

Will of the Wisps has been widely praised as one of the best modern platformers, earning accolades for its gameplay, visuals, and music. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of great platforming design.

Story

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time brings Crash, Coco, and friends back for a time-bending adventure. After Dr. Neo Cortex and N. Tropy shatter the fabric of space and time, the heroes must collect Quantum Masks and set things right across multiple dimensions.

The narrative is packed with humor, colorful characters, and wild scenarios, keeping the action lighthearted and energetic. Cutscenes and in-game banter add personality and drive the story forward.

Gameplay

Crash 4 returns to the series’ roots with challenging 3D platforming, tight controls, and inventive level design. Each stage introduces new mechanics, from shifting gravity to quantum powers that alter the environment. Multiple playable characters, including Tawna and Dingodile, bring unique abilities and perspectives.

Levels are packed with secrets, collectibles, and time trials, encouraging replayability and mastery. The difficulty is steep, but the sense of accomplishment is immense for those who persevere.

Why it’s on this list

Crash Bandicoot 4 channels the spirit of classic Mario with its precise platforming, inventive power-ups, and rewarding secrets. Its blend of nostalgia and modern design makes it a standout on Switch 2.

Graphics and Sound

The game boasts vibrant, cartoonish visuals and expressive animation. Each dimension has its own unique look and feel, keeping the experience visually exciting. The energetic soundtrack complements the wild action perfectly.

Legacy and Reception

Crash 4 was lauded for its faithful yet modern take on the series formula. It’s become a favorite among platformer fans, solidifying Crash’s place alongside Mario and Sonic in the platforming pantheon.

Story

New Super Lucky’s Tale follows Lucky, a plucky fox, as he journeys through magical worlds to recover the Book of Ages and rescue his missing sister. The story is simple and charming, channeling the spirit of classic mascot platformers.

Each world introduces new characters and challenges, with playful dialogue and a whimsical tone that keeps the adventure light and fun.

Gameplay

New Super Lucky’s Tale is a 3D platformer that blends open-ended hub worlds with linear levels, reminiscent of Mario 64 and Super Mario 3D World. Lucky’s moveset is versatile, with double jumps, burrowing, and tail attacks that make traversal and combat satisfying.

Levels are filled with collectibles, puzzles, and mini-games, encouraging exploration and replayability. The controls are tight and approachable, making it accessible for players of all ages.

Why it’s on this list

New Super Lucky’s Tale captures the joy, charm, and exploration of classic Mario games. Its vibrant worlds, creative level design, and rewarding secrets make it a standout platformer on the Switch 2.

Graphics and Sound

The game features colorful, cartoonish visuals with expressive characters and lively environments. The soundtrack is upbeat and catchy, perfectly matching the game’s cheerful tone.

Legacy and Reception

New Super Lucky’s Tale has earned praise for its polished platforming and nostalgic appeal. It’s quickly become a favorite among fans of classic 3D platformers.

Story

Sonic Mania is a retro-inspired return to Sonic’s 2D glory days. The story follows Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as they race to stop Dr. Eggman and his new robotic henchmen, the Hard-Boiled Heavies, from harnessing the mysterious Phantom Ruby.

The plot is simple and classic, told through brief cutscenes and in-game events, keeping the focus on fast-paced action and exploration.

Gameplay

Sonic Mania combines the precise physics and momentum-based gameplay of the Genesis classics with new levels, remixed stages, and inventive boss fights. Each character has unique abilities, encouraging replayability and mastery.

Levels are loaded with secrets, alternate paths, and hidden power-ups, rewarding curiosity and skill. The controls are tight and responsive, delivering that classic Sonic feel.

Why it’s on this list

Sonic Mania is a masterclass in capturing the spirit of retro platforming, blending nostalgia with modern polish. Its focus on speed, exploration, and tight controls echoes the best of classic Mario.

Graphics and Sound

The pixel art visuals are lovingly crafted, evoking the look and feel of the original Sonic games. The soundtrack is packed with energetic, memorable tunes that keep the adrenaline pumping.

Legacy and Reception

Sonic Mania is widely considered one of the best Sonic games ever made. It has become a touchstone for retro-inspired platformers and a must-play for fans of the genre.

Story

Sackboy: A Big Adventure spins a whimsical tale as the titular hero journeys across Craftworld to rescue his friends from the villainous Vex. The story is lighthearted, filled with playful characters and creative worlds made entirely out of fabric and craft materials.

The narrative unfolds through cinematic cutscenes and in-game moments, giving each world and character its own unique charm and flavor.

Gameplay

Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a 3D platformer focused on tight, responsive controls and cooperative play. Each level is packed with clever platforming challenges, hidden collectibles, and inventive obstacles. The game supports up to four-player local co-op, making it a perfect choice for families and friends.

Sackboy’s moveset is versatile, allowing for creative solutions to platforming puzzles. The level design encourages exploration and experimentation, rewarding players with costumes and secrets.

Why it’s on this list

Sackboy channels the spirit of Mario with its imaginative worlds, precise controls, and sense of joy. Its emphasis on creativity and multiplayer fun makes it a standout among modern platformers.

Graphics and Sound

The visuals are delightful, with handcrafted textures and expressive animation that bring the world of Craftworld to life. The soundtrack features playful, catchy tunes and inventive remixes of popular songs.

Legacy and Reception

Sackboy: A Big Adventure has been praised for its polished gameplay and charming presentation. It’s become a favorite for platformer fans on the Switch 2, especially those seeking multiplayer fun.

Story

Ori and the Blind Forest tells the touching story of Ori, a guardian spirit, as he embarks on a perilous journey to restore life to the dying forest of Nibel. The narrative is deeply emotional, told through stunning visuals and a powerful musical score.

Environmental storytelling and expressive animation immerse players in a world filled with wonder, loss, and hope.

Gameplay

Ori and the Blind Forest blends precise 2D platforming with exploration and ability upgrades. The game’s movement is fluid and acrobatic, challenging players to master wall jumps, dashes, and other skills.

Levels are interconnected, forming a sprawling world filled with secrets, upgrades, and challenging platforming sequences. The game rewards curiosity and mastery, offering a satisfying sense of progression.

Why it’s on this list

Ori and the Blind Forest captures the emotional depth, challenge, and beauty of classic Mario games. Its tight controls and rewarding exploration make it a must-play for platformer fans.

Graphics and Sound

The hand-painted visuals and dynamic lighting create a breathtaking world, while the orchestral soundtrack elevates every moment of the adventure.

Legacy and Reception

Ori and the Blind Forest received widespread critical acclaim for its gameplay, visuals, and music. It stands as one of the most beloved modern platformers, inspiring countless games on the Switch 2.

Story

A Hat in Time follows Hat Kid, a time-traveling girl stranded on a mysterious planet, as she collects lost Time Pieces to power her spaceship and return home. The story is quirky and charming, filled with offbeat characters, humorous dialogue, and unexpected twists.

Each world is a unique adventure, from spooky mansions to bustling movie studios, keeping the narrative fresh and engaging.

Gameplay

A Hat in Time is a 3D platformer inspired by the likes of Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie. Hat Kid’s moveset is agile and versatile, with new abilities unlocked via collectible hats. Levels are open-ended, packed with secrets, platforming challenges, and side quests.

The game encourages exploration and experimentation, rewarding players who seek out every nook and cranny. Tight controls and inventive level design make traversal a joy.

Why it’s on this list

A Hat in Time captures the spirit of classic Mario platformers with its focus on creative worlds, tight platforming, and playful sense of adventure. It’s a love letter to the golden age of 3D platformers.

Graphics and Sound

The colorful, cartoonish visuals are full of personality, with expressive animation and lively environments. The soundtrack is memorable and varied, enhancing the atmosphere of each world.

Legacy and Reception

A Hat in Time has earned a cult following for its polished gameplay and charming presentation. It stands as one of the best 3D platformers available on the Switch 2.

Story

Sonic Origins Plus is an expanded collection of Sonic’s earliest adventures, including Sonic 1, 2, 3 & Knuckles, CD, and several Game Gear titles. The stories are classic Sonic: the blue blur races to stop Dr. Robotnik from conquering the world and collecting the Chaos Emeralds.

Each game features its own unique zones, bosses, and narrative beats, providing a nostalgic trip through Sonic’s formative years.

Gameplay

Origins Plus faithfully recreates the tight, momentum-based platforming of the original Sonic titles, with modern enhancements like widescreen support, new playable characters, and quality-of-life improvements. Levels are packed with alternate routes, secrets, and power-ups, rewarding exploration and skill.

Multiple modes and challenges add replayability, while the inclusion of Game Gear titles and bonus content makes this the definitive way to experience classic Sonic on Switch 2.

Why it’s on this list

Sonic Origins Plus is a treasure trove for fans of classic platformers, capturing the speed, precision, and inventive level design that made Sonic—and Mario—icons of the genre.

Graphics and Sound

The remastered visuals retain the charm of the originals while looking crisp on modern displays. The soundtrack features some of the most iconic tunes in gaming history, remixed for this release.

Legacy and Reception

Sonic Origins Plus has been praised for its comprehensive collection, quality enhancements, and nostalgic appeal. It’s an essential part of any platformer fan’s library on the Switch 2.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch 2 has become a haven for platformer fans, offering a dazzling array of games that channel the spirit of classic Mario while forging their own unique identities. From Nintendo’s own masterpieces to indie gems and revived legends, there’s never been a better time to jump, dash, and explore.

Whether you crave the tight precision of 2D classics, the boundless creativity of 3D worlds, or the heart and challenge of modern masterpieces, these 16 platformers deliver the same sense of joy and discovery that made you fall in love with Mario in the first place. Fire up your Switch 2 and let the adventures begin—the next great platformer memory is just a jump away!