Let's Build The Ultimate Switch Collection - Worthwhile games that aren't first party Nintendo

[Judge Dredd]

If you wanted something really cheap, portable, and disposable, the switch lite might be better than the oled.

That was the plan. I mentioned the OLED in the OP as it's the top tier Switch, but still cheaper than the lowest end Steam Deck.

A quick breakdown in prices.

1. Retroid £150-ish
2. Switch Lite £200
3. Switch OLED £300
4. Deck £350 + postage + parts to upgrade it (Let's say £400 for sake of arguement)

While I can't find solid prices for sure, the 3DS XL seems to have launched for around £200, though I likely got it on some kind of deal.

My ulterior motive with this thread is to see if the Switch is worth buying for me. I haven't followed it so I have no idea which games are good, and my attempts to find more get the same dozen first party games I don't care about. My Vita and 3DS are now too valuable to take anywhere. I'm nervous about even playing the Vita these days in case I drop it or something. I even have a couple of sealed games that I'm having second thoughts about opening. My goal with getting a Switch is to have something I won't treat as precious, even though I'm not the college kid I was when I took my 3DS everywhere (I miss streetpass), I'd like something I can throw in a large pocket or backpack when I do go somewhere.

I also have irl friends and family relatives with a Switch, so there is the social factor too, between playing together or renting vidya.

I never considered this, but this could be an interesting point. I have a relative with a Switch (he only plays Zelda and Pokemon on it whenever I see him).

 

[Scarthew]

curse of the moon 1/2. All the big metroid-clones are on switch.

 

[Buttigieg2020]

That was the plan. I mentioned the OLED in the OP as it's the top tier Switch, but still cheaper than the lowest end Steam Deck.

A quick breakdown in prices.

1. Retroid £150-ish
2. Switch Lite £200
3. Switch OLED £300
4. Deck £350 + postage + parts to upgrade it (Let's say £400 for sake of arguement)

While I can't find solid prices for sure, the 3DS XL seems to have launched for around £200, though I likely got it on some kind of deal.

My ulterior motive with this thread is to see if the Switch is worth buying for me. I haven't followed it so I have no idea which games are good, and my attempts to find more get the same dozen first party games I don't care about. My Vita and 3DS are now too valuable to take anywhere. I'm nervous about even playing the Vita these days in case I drop it or something. I even have a couple of sealed games that I'm having second thoughts about opening. My goal with getting a Switch is to have something I won't treat as precious, even though I'm not the college kid I was when I took my 3DS everywhere (I miss streetpass), I'd like something I can throw in a large pocket or backpack when I do go somewhere.


I never considered this, but this could be an interesting point. I have a relative with a Switch (he only plays Zelda and Pokemon on it whenever I see him).

You can get the switch lite refurbished from Nintendo for 169 USD, or maybe 135 GBP from Nintendo, so that makes it very competitive price wise. Nintendo Store

There are a fuck ton of games on switch that don’t get mentioned often because they aren’t exclusive.

Slay the Spire, Portal Collection, Ghost Trick, etc. all have parity in performance with console and PC versions, they just don’t stand out because you can get them anywhere.

 

[starborn427614]

Ghost Trick HD is perfect on Switch. Definitely pick that up if you haven't already.

 

[Celebrate Nite]

Crazy BMX Rider - Previously known as BikeRider DX and was a 3DS title in the US. In Japan it's called the "Chari-Sou" series and has blown up in popularity to where it's become a #1 seller, spawning multiple sequels, spin-offs, and ports across various platforms (PlayStationRMobile, Android/iOS, WiiU, and now Switch). You are a stick figure man riding a bike and have to cross the finish line. Sounds simple enough, but it's not. You have to jump and make it over obsticles to get to the finish line, while also collecting golden coins, which allows you to progress through the game to get to the other stages. That's not enough though, you also need to collect golden crowns to actually complete the game and to do that you need to NOT touch the d-pad/joystick, but ONLY use the jump button to get to the goal. Some levels also have power-ups that come in the form of speed boosts, helicopter for hovering, glider, and many more. The result is a game that's toe-curlingly difficult that will test your reflexes, but meets that balance of challenging that it's not completely impossible.

This ultimate collection for the switch is basically a port of the latest Android/iOS version, which combines BikeRider DX 1, 2 Galaxy, and 3 Time Rider into one game. DX 1 levels are a Wold Tour of various places in the globe. DX 2 Galaxy levels are plaets in space based off the zodiac signs (Taurus, Piscese, Gemeini, Cancer, Aeres, Leo, Scorpio, Sagitarius, Capricorn, Libre, Aquarius, Virgo). DX 3 Time Rider levels is going in time from the past to the future with the last level being a really trippy cyber-space one with a fucking killer stage song and one of my personal favorites.

Speaking of which, the music in this game is fucking fantastic. Almost each track is catchy enough to where it'll get stuck in your head for DAYS. DX 1 has a few repeating tunes for certain levels, but from DX 2 galaxy on, each level has their own specific tune. The 3DS version in the US had a promotional thing going on with an artist called Ram Rider, so two of the levels are dedicated to him and his songs, one of them being "AROUND U"

https://ramrider.com/discography/around-u/

The japan version(s) have had other promotional stuff linked to the game inclusing a crayon shinchan level, and a level based on the game "Q", a puzzle game that also has a remastered version on the switch

https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/q-remastered-switch/

There's unlocks for other extra levels, and specifically to the switch version is a gacha system where you can unlock special heads for your stick figure. This is a defenite MUST BUY

More Info:
Japan Site: http://www.chariso.com/
SpicySoft (developer) Site English: http://www.spicysoft.com/intl/

 

[whatever I feel like]

A few more games to consider:

Dragon Quest Builders 2: Its a minecraft clone! And a 40 hour long RPG! And a farm /town simulator! Its on everything, including Switch.
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin: A 2D action platformer with rice farming elements. This was a suprise hit in 2020.
Okami HD: 20 years later its still fun.

 

[Two Dollars]

I may as well dig through my Switch and Steam libraries and see what comes up. As others have said, there are a lot of great third-party Switch games that no one talks about simply because they’re also on PC, and the only real benefit of getting the Switch version is playing it on the go. Also, a lot of people only care about first party games and see third party as more of a perk (again, because they're also on PC). In roughly alphabetical order, not counting first party:

Spoiler: Big list of recommendations

• The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ (excellent action roguelike)
• Blaster Master Zero (reboot of Blaster Master, has sequels)
• Brotato (cheap dual stick shooter roguelike)
• Bug Fables (RPG, spiritual successor to classic Paper Mario)
• Castle Crashers (beat-em-up made by the people who made Newgrounds)
• Cave Story+ (metroidvania; the Switch version is the best official release, but PC players have the fanmade Doukutsu-rs as an option)
• Kero Blaster (similar to Cave Story, made by the same guy)
• Cook, Serve, Delicious (restaurant simulator; there are three games, but each one is worse than the last; only 2 and 3 are on Switch right now, but 1 is coming later this year)
• Cuphead (2D platformer/shooter)
• Dicey Dungeons (a great turn-based roguelike held back by slightly tumblr-esque art)
• The modern remasters of DOOM 1+2 and Quake 1+2
• FAST RMX (spiritual successor to F-Zero)
• Human Resource Machine and its sequel, 7 Billion Humans (Assembly Programming: The Video Game; also on mobile)
• Katamari Damacy Reroll
• Lumines Remastered (falling-block puzzle)
• Marble It Up Ultra (marble game, sequel to Marble Blast Ultra made by the same devs)
• All of the Mega Man Legacy Collections
• Mighty Gunvolt Burst (excellent Mega Man-like crossover between Gunvolt and the otherwise-terrible Mighty No. 9)
• Octopath Traveler 1 and 2 (RPGs; I loved 1; haven't played 2 yet but I've heard it was better and fixed 1's bigger issues)
• Pac-Man Museum+ (big collection of Pac-Man games old and new)
• Portal 1 and 2
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 1 and/or 2
• Retro City Rampage DX+ and Shakedown Hawaii (both inspired by the first two GTA games)
• Rogue Legacy 2 (I've only played the first one, but it was a great metroidvania despite some gay shit)
• The SEGA AGES games are enhanced versions of arcade games that often go on sale for cheap
• Shovel Knight (2D action platformer; the Treasure Trove includes every game)
• Slay the Spire (deckbuilding roguelike)
• Sonic Mania (essential if you like Sonic even a little)
• Super Meat Boy (platformer; the Switch version has the newer, worse soundtrack)
• Toki Tori (cheap puzzle platformer; kind of like Lemmings, but you directly control the main character)
• Undertale and Deltarune (RPGs; Deltarune is free, though only the first two chapters are finished; still worth it)

And I know you said no first party, but here are a few more obscure recommendations that you may not have seen:

• BOXBOY + BOXGIRL (puzzle platformer)
• Cadence of Hyrule (a crossover between Zelda and the rhythm action game, Crypt of the Necrodancer)
• Clubhouse Games (a large collection of board/card/pen-and-paper games; much more fun than it sounds)
• F-Zero 99 (free for Switch Online, but online only)
• Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition (musou beat-em-up with a ton of content)
• Miitopia (a very silly, lighthearted, love-it-or-hate-it RPG)
• Tetris 99 (free for Switch Online, but it has paid DLC for offline modes; Puyo Puyo Tetris is better)
• I don't care who you are or what your tastes are, Smash Ultimate and Mario Kart 8 are on every Switch list for a reason

Also, Switch Online comes with a decent collection of NES+SNES+GB(C) games for $20/year, and an extra $30 gets you N64+GBA+Genesis. It's not what you'd get with an emulator, especially since third party selections are lacking, but it's still a good collection if you want something hassle-free on your Switch.

 

[AnsemSoD1]

@Two Dollars Isn't Hyrule Warriors the one with the hot cuckquen villainess?

 

[Two Dollars]

@Two Dollars Isn't Hyrule Warriors the one with the hot cuckquen villainess?

You got “hot villainess” right, at least.

 

[AnsemSoD1]

You got “hot villainess” right, at least.

Just another fact that supports Link being too autistic to live.

 

[BananaSplit²]

A quick breakdown in prices.

The shipping is included in the base price of the Steam Deck unless you bongs have to deal with a bullshit rule that I'm unaware of, as for no longer being part of the EU.
Highest Deck model (the 512GB which I own) has exclusively the mat screen too, just for info.

I never considered this, but this could be an interesting point. I have a relative with a Switch (he only plays Zelda and Pokemon on it whenever I see him).

I tend to buy Switch games as gifts for my younger relatives, between Pokemon, Pikmin, Deemo, Zelda, Dragon Quest, Animal Crossing, etc.
They also try games on my console they don't get the chance otherwise such as Earth Defense Force and Taiko no Tatsujin (with the official drum accessory). It's also a good way to gauge the kind of games they're most comfortable with, before gifting the vidyas.

@Two Dollars Isn't Hyrule Warriors the one with the hot cuckquen villainess?

I assume you mean her?

 

[AnsemSoD1]

The shipping is included in the base price of the Steam Deck unless you bongs have to deal with a bullshit rule that I'm unaware of, as for no longer being part of the EU.
Highest Deck model (the 512GB which I own) has exclusively the mat screen too, just for info.


I tend to buy Switch games as gifts for my younger relatives, between Pokemon, Pikmin, Deemo, Zelda, Dragon Quest, Animal Crossing, etc.
They also try games on my console they don't get the chance otherwise such as Earth Defense Force and Taiko no Tatsujin (with the official drum accessory). It's also a good way to gauge the kind of games they're most comfortable with, before gifting the vidyas.


View attachment 5367429
I assume you mean her?

Take your guess.

 

[Calandrino]

I haven't followed it so I have no idea which games are good, and my attempts to find more get the same dozen first party games I don't care about.

Use dekudeals.com to find things that are like the things that you like, and how much they cost.

You see this thread's mostly "what indie games on Steam got Switch ports". For me the Switch's hook is mostly a bunch of official retro/arcade ports/remakes (like Sega Ages) that either don't come to PC or take a lot longer to get there. For most people the Switch is probably not going to have a particular exclusive non-1st-party killer app.

 

[Jonah Hill poster]

I’m willing to argue that the Atari and Mega Man collection games for the Nintendo Switch are a pretty good way to add to your collection.

Also, the Jojo‘s Bizarre Adventure fighting game and Dead or Alive Xtreme Volleyball: Venus Vacation are the best to play, especially if the latter is region free.

 

[Premium Gonzo]

Don't bother with the switch lite, the joycons are fucked on there as well, but they aren't easy to replace unless you are good at modding shit. Go full sized the dock drop is comfy. The only other good thing is if you aren't going for first parties and you can get games really fucking cheap digital. I prefer carts but if some things like $5 i'll pick it up.

Use dekudeals.com to find things that are like the things that you like, and how much they cost.

Seconding Deku on this how i buy my games digitally now, handy little tracker.

Also has no one mentioned;

- Cat Quest & Cat Quest 2
- Monster Hunter G4U
- Yokus Island Adventure ( you play as a stinkbug post man pinball style)
- The Last Camp Fire
- Ace Angler
- Animal Crossing is okay if you can pick it up for cheap
- Rune Factory 4 (does have a pc port but plays really well on a smaller screen)

It is a tendie title but Yoshis Crafted world is actually really good

 

[whatever I feel like]

Don't bother with the switch lite, the joycons are fucked on there as well, but they aren't easy to replace unless you are good at modding shit. Go full sized the dock drop is comfy. The only other good thing is if you aren't going for first parties and you can get games really fucking cheap digital. I prefer carts but if some things like $5 i'll pick it up.



Seconding Deku on this how i buy my games digitally now, handy little tracker.

Also has no one mentioned;

- Cat Quest & Cat Quest 2
- Monster Hunter G4U
- Yokus Island Adventure ( you play as a stinkbug post man pinball style)
- The Last Camp Fire
- Ace Angler
- Animal Crossing is okay if you can pick it up for cheap
- Rune Factory 4 (does have a pc port but plays really well on a smaller screen)

It is a tendie title but Yoshis Crafted world is actually really good

Noone mentioned Cat Quest because it was dog shit.

 

[SSj_Ness (Yiffed)]

So was Yoshi's Crafted World too, especially after Wooly World was so good.

 

[Calandrino]

Noone mentioned Cat Quest because it was dog shit.

Well we are all dying to hear your catcore recs because it is a genre where the Switch library is well-known to be lacking

 

[Product Placement]

The usual solution I hear is "buy a Steam deck and put some emulators on it!" but Steam decks start at £350 (£460 for a decent one), and I can get a Switch OLED for that.

Reading your post honestly a Steam Deck does sound better for you, if the price is what is putting you off, the big Steam sales they are discounted to £315ish for the 64gb and £390 for the 256gb, and for emulation won't have any issue running the games off a micro sd card anyway. Not tested PC games on a micro sd card, but doubt they will run badly outside the more demanding games.
price they were in the June summer sale.

https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/steam-deck-10-20-off-64gb-ps314-128gb-ps390-256gb-ps455-4157948

Steam is also doing refurbished decks for a discounted price

https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamdeckrefurbished

If you don't already own a Switch, could also wait for the Switch 2 which should be out next year sometime, even if you don't want a Switch 2 there is a good chance it will lower the price of the Oled Switch model.

But as you seem to like Platinum games, the switch Nier Automata is a good port. The graphics are downgraded but not something you will notice without comparing screens, and the frame rate is locked to 30fps however on consoles it was never a locked 60fps and would dip into the 40s a lot.

 

[Judge Dredd]

If you don't already own a Switch, could also wait for the Switch 2 which should be out next year sometime, even if you don't want a Switch 2 there is a good chance it will lower the price of the Oled Switch model.

Something I found before making the OP was some debate on if the Switch was end-of-life, or if it was middle of it's life. The arguments tend to go back and forth. It feels as though the "Switch pro" has become a bit of a meme with how often it's predicted to show at some direct and then doesn't.

If that happened, I'd jump on it and sweep up when people sell their old collections. I regretted not doing so with Xbox 360 and PS3.

Smash Ultimate and Mario Kart 8 are on every Switch list for a reason

Smash Ultimate I can give a try. I meant to try the single player focused 3DS game but never got around to it.

Mario Kart 8 is a hard pass for me. Sonic All Star Racing Transformed spoiled me, and Mario Kart appears to have been spinning it's wheels since the DS. Maybe they made a huge leap from old games, but I've not seen it if they have.


Originally I did plan to update the OP as more recommendations came in, but it's sounding more and more that what I assumed was just ignorance on my part is actually the case. That being there's little of worth on the Switch outside of the big name first party stuff. The DS and 3DS, hell, even the Wii had some interesting stuff outside of first party. That doesn't seem to be the case for the Switch?

There have been a bunch of great recommendations, don't get me wrong. Stuff I had never heard of, and stuff I had completely forgotten about, but there's really no equivalent to, say, Dementium, GT Advance, or ZombiU? It's a shame really.

Is there any specific reason for it, or is it just the stereotype that Nintendo fans don't buy third party?