A few games on the Nintendo Switch have dominated the console throughout 2024, with Balatro and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom stealing the show this year. Still, the Switch’s library extends far beyond these big names, with tons of gems that deserve your attention. Many of these overlooked titles can be purchased at a budget-friendly price—especially during the holiday sale running through December. Here are 60 games you might have missed in 2024.
We have been doing this list for a few years now! Read our list of games you might have missed in 2023 here! We also have a list of the games you might have missed in 2022 and 2021.
Pentiment
Who Is It For? Players who enjoy narrative-heavy detective games with tons of agency will enjoy this one, especially if they dig the visuals. It’s fantastically written, the medieval art visuals are one-of-a-kind, and it is fulfilling from start to finish.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
Who Is It For? This is a puzzle game for puzzle enthusiasts who want more than just non-stop puzzles. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes combines thinky gameplay and surreal mysteries that make it one to be enjoyed by fans of The Witness and similar games.
Dungeons of Dreadrock 2 – The Dead King’s Secret
Who Is It For? Another puzzle game, but Dungeons of Dreadrock 2 has very different vibes than the previous game on this list. It looks like a dungeon crawler, but don’t let its visuals fool you. This sequel is all about the puzzles, so puzzle fans will want to jump into this fun series.
Grapple Dogs
Who Is It For? Fans of tough platformers like Celeste will dig Grapple Dog, which is a charming surprise. There’s a lot of grappling and solid physics in this one, making it one of the more polished games in its genre on the Switch.
Qomp2
Who Is It For? The visuals are minimalistic, so this one is here for players who can see past that. Qomp2 is an excellent combination of platforming, puzzles, and of course, Pong. It just works.
Lil’ Guardsman
Who Is It For? There are more and more solid point-and-click games coming out every year. Lil’ Guardsman is here for those who need more of these games. Fans of the genre are not only getting a new game but one that’s exceptional. Lil’ Guardsman has great puzzles and a better narrative, making this a must-play.
Thank Goodness You’re Here
Who Is It For? Thank Goodness You’re Here is perfect for players who want tons of comedy in their games. The very British humor is complimented by fun, bold art, and solid platforming, so anyone who digs all those things will dig this one.
Botany Manor
Who Is It For? I know I’ve recommended a lot of puzzle games already, but that’s just because tit was a really good year for puzzles. Relaxation seekers who love Unpacking or A Short Hike will find comfort in this plant-focused exploration game.
Paper Trail
Who Is It For? What’s that? Another puzzle game? Fans of that genre are eating this year. At least they are all unique. This one is a top-down puzzler, and fans of gorgeous puzzler games that aren’t afraid to actually challenge the player will enjoy this one.
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II
Who Is It For? Obviously this is a sequel, so this is for fans of the first Death Mark game. If you haven’t played it and you like visual novels AND horror games, you should do so. This sequel is just as good as the original, so fans of tense, story-driven experiences should get on it.
Pine Hearts
Who Is It For? It’s cozy. It’s cute. It handles hurtful subject matter well. Pine Hearts is out there for people who are willing to open their hearts and enjoy a wholesome narrative.
Snufkin: Melody of Moomin Valley
Who Is It For? Fans of cozy adventure games and charming stories will love this whimsical journey. Perfect for all ages. Snufkin leans on its musical theme and backs it up with a great soundtrack.
Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure
Who Is It For? Players who enjoy quirky humor and genre-bending games will feel at home. Arranger flawlessly combines RPG and puzzle mechanics with all the best elements of both genres.
Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid
Who Is It For? There has to be a word for nostalgia for a childhood you never had. Natsu-Mon is a different take on cozy games, letting players be a kid enjoying summer break with friends, nature, and bug catching. I never lived in a rural town, but this game gives me warm feelings, and anyone who thinks they will get the same vibes will want to play this summer vacation simulator.
Neva
Who Is It For? Video games are art, and this game is for those who yearn to be moved by art. Neva is art in every way possible. The graphics are gorgeous. The narrative is powerful. The gameplay is Nomada Studio’s best. Fans of Gris will want to see this one through.
Shadow of the Ninja Reborn
Who Is It For? Fans of retro action-platformers who enjoyed Ninja Gaiden or other tough NES games will love Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn. It’s perfect for players seeking a challenge with updated visuals, revamped gameplay mechanics, and local co-op. You can read my full review here.
Pepper Grinder
Who Is It For? Fast-paced gameplay lovers will enjoy this polished little platformer. It plays in nice small bursts like Velocity Noodle or Super Meat Boy and is unique in its gimmicks. It’s a little short, but that shouldn’t stop players from enjoying it on a sale.
Duck Detective – The Secret Salami
Who Is It For? Do ya’ll remember Chicken Police from a few years ago? There is also that Aviary Attorney game. How do we have so many birds solving crimes in video games? I guess it’s not as niche as you’d think! Anyway, this is a game for people who love quirky games like those. Duck Detective is much more lighthearted and is genuinely funny.
Fear the Spotlight
Who Is It For? Survival horror fans will love this tense and atmospheric game. It’s short, but visually distinct and combines the best of classic PS1-era gameplay with modern quality-of-life features. It’s perfect for Resident Evil and Silent Hill fans.
Rose & Camellia Collection
Who Is It For? Okay, this is an absurd pick for an absurd game. Rose & Camellia is admittedly not excellent, but there isn’t a game out there like it. It combines a quick draw style mini-game with a visual novel narrative, except that’s all there is to it. People who want a silly gimmicky game will want to get this one on a deep sale. The two-player versus mode is the icing on the cake and might be enough to push someone towards slapping the “Download” button.
Voidwrought
Who Is It For? Metroidvania fans are still waiting for Silksong, but there are still solid games coming out in this crowded genre. Voidwrought offers an excellent experience despite sparse storytelling and uneven difficulty. Check out my full review here.
Devil Inside Us
Who Is It For? It’s a little slow (Like, literally slow. You are playing as an old priest) but The Devil Inside Us is a solid short horror experience. It’s mostly a walking simulator with puzzles, but it does have some light combat too. Fans of little horror experiences will likely enjoy Devil Inside Us even if it doesn’t have a big budget. You can read my full review here.
Alisa: Developer’s Cut
Who Is It For? Retro survival horror games are so hot right now. Fans of the genre will enjoy Alisa, which plays like an old Resident Evil game. Everything from a bizarre mansion, to puzzles, and conserving ammo is here.
KONOSUBA – God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! Love For These Clothes of Desire!
Who Is It For? This is one for the Konosuba fans. This visual novel with management elements plays just like an episode from the series. It’s an original story that keeps everything that gave this series so many cringy fans. It’s a good time.
Crow Country
Who Is It For? Why not one more survival horror game with retro graphics? If that’s your thing, check out Crow Country, which not only has great gameplay, but also unique graphics that look like they belong in Final Fantasy VII. It’s excellent.
Potionomics: Masterwork Edition
Who Is It For? Potionomics avoids being another shopkeeping comfy game with solid deck-building, store management, and endearing characters. If anyone wants a small dose of all of those things, they should dive in.
Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged
Who Is It For? Point-and-click fans will appreciate this beautifully modernized version of a classic. This is likely the best version of the nearly 30-year-old game, making it the perfect game for uncovering what makes it so special.
Death Elevator
$9.99 on the eShop
Who Is It For? It’s a little bit of Superhot with roguelike elements. It’s not as special, but this is a solid shooter that does some things that you’ve never seen before. Unfortunately, it’s too short, so those who are interested in this type of game will want to get it at a great deal (Not that it’s an expensive game to start with).
Micegard
Who Is It For? Strategy fans will enjoy this small little game about Viking mice fighting for survival. It’s full of Norse mythology and Scandinavian culture, and it can all be enjoyed in one evening. It’s lovely, but it falls just short of being excellent.
Rogue Flight
Who Is It For? If ya’ll have read my lists, you know that I love shoot ’em ups. The genre was light on blowing up spaceships this year, but Rogue Flight delivers. The art is excellent, and the gameplay isn’t too deep, but Rogue Flight does just about everything right and delivers hours of shooting fun.
