The Best 2D scrolling Games for Nintendo Switch

Update : Gradius Origins added at rank #1.
1

Gradius Origins (2025)

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81
Review score
Logo of Gradius Origins Screenshot of Gradius Origins Screenshot of Gradius Origins Screenshot of Gradius Origins

PC Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Nintendo Switch Xbox Series X/s

Salamander III is the newest addition to the Gradius series, a legendary pioneer in the side-scrolling shooter genre, and comes with the original arcade versions of the previous games.


  • arcade
  • shooter
  • scrolling
  • 2d
  • compilation
  • 1980s
  • 1990s
  • retro
  • spin-off
  • platform
  • boss
  • shoot-em-up
  • pixel
  • space
  • vertical

2

DRAINUS (2022)

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87
Review score
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Nintendo Switch PC Windows

This is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you take control of the "Drainus", the Kharlal Empire's most cutting-edge fighter with the ability to absorb energy bullets, and take down the enemy ships zipping through space.


  • shooter
  • shoot-em-up
  • scrolling
  • boss
  • horizontal
  • 2d
  • side-scrolling
  • tanks
  • pause
  • shoot
  • action
  • bullet-hell
  • pixel
  • puzzle-shmup
  • mecha-dragon

3

X-Out: Resurfaced (2025)

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73
Review score
Logo of X-Out: Resurfaced Screenshot of X-Out: Resurfaced Screenshot of X-Out: Resurfaced Screenshot of X-Out: Resurfaced

Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Nintendo Switch PC Windows

Build your fleet and face the alien terror from the deep! Now it’s up to you alone to stop an alien invasion from the depths of the ocean in this legendary, home computer era shoot ‘em up dredged up and faithfully rebuilt for modern platforms – X-Out: Resurfaced!


  • scrolling
  • scroller
  • shoot-em-up
  • pve
  • submarine
  • 2d
  • shooter
  • side-scrolling
  • enemy
  • horizontally-scrolling
  • aliens
  • underwater
  • abstract
  • attack
  • score

4

Gigapocalypse (2021)

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78
Review score
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IOS iPhone Playstation 4 Xbox Series X Xbox One PC Windows Playstation 5 Nintendo Switch

Become a customizable giant monster with manifold skills in Gigapocalypse, inspired by classical Kaijū movies such as “Godzilla” and “King Kong” and the game classic “Rampage”.


  • tamagotchi
  • pixel
  • 2d
  • dinosaurs
  • destruction
  • arcade
  • cute
  • boss-fight
  • skill
  • mech
  • 1990s
  • scrolling
  • casual
  • boss

5

Jets'n'Guns 2 (2020)

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95
Review score
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Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Jets'n'Guns 2 is a side-scrolling space shooter with insane levels of action and destruction. Travel the galaxies and unleash an arsenal of the deadliest weapons and devices to save the universe from its inevitable doom.

Buy

  • shoot-em-up
  • shoot
  • side-scrolling
  • shooter
  • unique-playing
  • scrolling
  • vertical
  • action
  • stage
  • 2d
  • colourful
  • scroller
  • bullet-hell
  • retro
  • local

6

Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All! (2021)

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64
Review score
Logo of Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All! Screenshot of Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All! Screenshot of Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All! Screenshot of Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All!

Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch Xbox One PC Windows

Asterix & Obelix, return in a new adventure full of slaps! Play as Asterix and Obelix and cross the most iconic landscapes of the saga while facing a host of enemies, in a Beat Them Up filled with action ... and slaps!

Buy

  • hand-drawn
  • book
  • horizontal
  • beat-em-up
  • 2d
  • scrolling
  • local
  • cooperative
  • brawler
  • comic
  • adventure
  • fight
  • multiplayer
  • side-scrolling

7

Cyber mission (2023)

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ND
Review score
Logo of Cyber mission Screenshot of Cyber mission Screenshot of Cyber mission Screenshot of Cyber mission

Xbox Series X Xbox One PC Windows Nintendo Switch

Side-scroller, with beautiful 2D pixel art, addictive shooter gameplay, classic levels and weapons that will let you perform a symphony of destruction of the alien base in the black eye galaxy.


  • scrolling
  • local
  • cooperative
  • 2d
  • shooter
  • shoot-em-up
  • scroller
  • pixel
  • multiplayer
  • aliens
  • action
  • military
  • team
  • boss
  • arcade

8

Slam and Roll (2024)

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ND
Review score
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early access Xbox One Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch PC Windows

Slam and Roll is a modern 2D platformer where you beat enemies by throwing them sport balls. Play 200+ stages while travelling around the world rescuing new characters. A frantic tribute to the '90s arcade "stage clear" games. Play solo or with a friend. Unlimited hours of fun playing 'chaos mode'.


  • cooperative
  • 2d
  • scroller
  • local
  • arcade
  • platform
  • replay-value
  • family-friendly
  • pixel
  • retro
  • mind-bending
  • character
  • multiplayer
  • scrolling
  • difficult

9

Greak: Memories of Azur (2021)

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72
Review score
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PC Windows Playstation 4 Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Nintendo Switch

Join the adventure in Greak: Memories of Azur, a beautifully hand-drawn game that takes you through magical lands. Dive into a captivating story of family and unity, solve intricate puzzles, and engage in thrilling combat. Experience the unique character swapping mechanics and immerse yourself in the expressive live orchestra soundtrack. A must-play for anyone interested in a fresh take on the Metroidvania genre.

Buy

What we like:
  • Stunning hand-drawn graphics
  • Engaging puzzles and storytelling
  • Unique character swapping mechanics
  • Expressive live orchestra soundtrack
What could be improved:
  • Short gameplay for the price
  • Challenging management of multiple characters
  • Clunky controls
  • Limited character development

  • platform
  • hand-drawn
  • puzzle
  • inventory
  • boss-fight
  • 2d
  • boss
  • combat
  • scrolling
  • adventure
  • battle
  • cooperative

10

DISTRAINT Collection (2021)

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ND
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Xbox One

DISTRAINT: Deluxe Edition is a 2D psychological horror adventure game that tells the story of Price, a young man who seizes an old woman’s apartment. Features: * Side scrolling 2D art with dynamic hand drawn graphics * Atmospheric music and sound design * Minimalist interface so your focus never wavers from the experience * Delve into a unique story full of intriguing twists Features: * Side-scrolling 2D with unique, hand-drawn graphics * Atmospheric sound design * Minimalist and efficient interface * Delve into a complex story full of intriguing twists and characters * Includes brief summary of DISTRAINT 1

Buy

  • scrolling
  • psychological
  • hand-drawn
  • horror
  • 2d
  • puzzle
  • classic

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