The Best Retro Games for Nintendo Switch

Update : Lords of Exile added at rank #41.
1

Infernax (2022)

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84
Review score
Logo of Infernax Screenshot of Infernax Screenshot of Infernax Screenshot of Infernax

PC Windows Xbox Series X Xbox One Nintendo Switch Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Embark on an epic, bloodthirsty adventure in Infernax! With challenging castle-dungeons, multiple endings, and the option to play with friends, this retro side-scrolling platformer keeps you on the edge of your seat. Upgrade your character and unlock new skills to defeat demons and reverse the curse on your homeland. With secret areas to discover and a unique morality system, Infernax offers hours of exciting gameplay.

Buy

What we like:
  • Fun co-op
  • Multiple fun endings
  • Multiple playable characters
  • Lots of replayability
  • Incredible music
What could be improved:
  • Lots of instadeath pits
  • Weird morality system
  • Some metroid-esque elements but not a true metroidvania

  • dungeon
  • retro
  • gore
  • boss
  • metroidvania
  • platform
  • old-school
  • demons
  • pixel
  • dark
  • classic
  • side-scrolling
  • violent
  • castle-dungeon
  • boss-fight

2

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration (2022)

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87
Review score
Logo of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Screenshot of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Screenshot of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Screenshot of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration

PC Windows Playstation 5 Nintendo Switch Xbox One Playstation 4 Xbox Series X

Immerse yourself in 50 years of gaming history with Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration! Enjoy over 100 classic and new games, unlock hidden gems, and delve into fascinating interviews and archival material. Whether you're a nostalgic gamer or a history buff, this collection will keep you entertained and educated.

Buy

What we like:
  • Rich collection of classic and new Atari games
  • Exciting hidden games to discover
  • Comprehensive history through interviews and archival materials
  • Good value for money
  • Appeals to both gamers and history enthusiasts
What could be improved:
  • Absence of Activision games and some licensed games
  • Limited subtitle availability for non-English speakers

  • arcade
  • classic
  • retro
  • historical
  • 1980s
  • interactive
  • software
  • voxel
  • compilation
  • vector
  • platform
  • shoot-em-up
  • education
  • pinball
  • pvp

3

Axiom Verge 2 (2021)

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83
Review score
Logo of Axiom Verge 2 Screenshot of Axiom Verge 2 Screenshot of Axiom Verge 2 Screenshot of Axiom Verge 2

Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch wii u vita PC Windows Mac OS Linux

Dive into Axiom Verge 2, an epic adventure that takes you into a mysterious parallel universe. As Indra, unravel the secrets of this world, battling monsters, hacking machines, and exploring ancient ruins. With intriguing gameplay, unique combat mechanics, and a refreshing protagonist, this game offers an immersive, fast-paced, and thrilling experience.

Buy

What we like:
  • Excellent game design with a lot to discover
  • Unique combat mechanics that encourage stealth and hacking
  • Refreshing protagonist that breaks stereotypes
  • Improved aesthetic with varied pixel art and haunting music
  • Gameplay is fast-paced and responsive with a diverse array of weapons
What could be improved:
  • Level tree imbalance and unclear progression at times
  • Combat feels optional and some weapons are underutilized
  • Occasional confusion in navigating the open world
  • Less emphasis on bosses and limited weapon options

  • boss
  • exploration
  • platform
  • metroid
  • retro
  • boss-fight
  • classic
  • sci-fi
  • alternate
  • pixel
  • combat
  • metroidvania
  • narrative
  • adventure
  • fight

4

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider (2023)

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78
Review score
Logo of Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider Screenshot of Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider Screenshot of Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider Screenshot of Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider

PC Windows Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Playstation 5

Step into the shoes of Moonrider, a vengeful ninja warrior in the thrilling side-scrolling action game, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider. Battle through eight deadly stages, customize your fighting style, and immerse yourself in the captivating retro experience with an incredible soundtrack and stunning visuals.

Buy

What we like:
  • Solid and responsive gameplay
  • Fun and challenging stages
  • Visually stunning with a retro feel
  • Great soundtrack
  • Customizable fighting style
What could be improved:
  • Slightly underwhelming for its price
  • Limited unlockable content
  • Occasionally fiddly controls
  • Some graphics can be unclear

  • platform
  • retro
  • ninja
  • boss
  • action
  • side-scrolling
  • pixel
  • 2d
  • classic
  • metroidvania
  • hack-and-slash
  • boss-fight

5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection (2022)

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82
Review score
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Xbox Series X Xbox One Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Dive into the nostalgia with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection. Relive the classic TMNT games, journey through New York City, sewers, enemy bases, and even time itself. Enjoy the unique features like button mapping, cheat codes, and a wealth of bonus content. A must-play for TMNT fans and lovers of classic beat 'em-up games.


What we like:
  • Great value for the price
  • Access to Japanese regional versions
  • Easy activation of cheat codes
  • Nostalgic experience
  • Wealth of bonus content
What could be improved:
  • Limited online play
  • Button mapping limitations
  • Some bonus content is disappointing

  • arcade
  • retro
  • compilation
  • classic
  • fight
  • platform
  • side-scrolling
  • online
  • sprite
  • boss
  • cooperative
  • local
  • strategy
  • action

6

Steel Assault (2021)

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81
Review score
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Nintendo Switch PC Windows Mac OS Xbox Series X Playstation 4 Linux Playstation 5 Xbox One

Punch, whip, and zipline your way through a post-apocalyptic America in this 16-bit retro-style action platformer! Play as Taro Takahashi, a resistance soldier on a revenge mission against the dictator who lords over the ashes.

Buy

  • platform
  • post-apocalyptic
  • retro
  • arcade
  • old-school
  • pixel
  • action
  • america
  • 2d
  • perma-death
  • scroller
  • futuristic
  • classic
  • mech
  • fast-paced

7

Antonball Deluxe (2021)

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87
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox Series X/s Playstation 5 Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch

Antonball Deluxe is a unique retro-style game that mixes brick breaking with intense platforming across various modes. Immerse yourself in 69 levels, 21 characters and online leaderboards. With a blend of classic games such as Breakout and Mario Bros, Antonball Deluxe gives players an exciting arcade experience that is fun for everyone

Buy

What we like:
  • Fun gameplay
  • Unique concept
  • Entertaining for ball enthusiasts
  • Easy to learn
  • Engaging
What could be improved:
  • Crude humor & inappropriate language
  • Limited appeal
  • Lack of depth

  • platform
  • retro
  • 2d
  • arcade
  • ball
  • old-school
  • competitive
  • pixel
  • team
  • classic-looking
  • grand

8

Cathedral (2019)

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86
Review score
Logo of Cathedral Screenshot of Cathedral Screenshot of Cathedral Screenshot of Cathedral

Playstation 3 PC Windows Mac OS Linux Nintendo Switch

Enter a mysterious world and play as a knight trying to find his way home in Cathedral. With unique abilities and challenging bosses, explore the vast world full of secrets and mysteries. Jaw-dropping retro-inspired graphics and smooth controls make the game visually appealing. If you're a fan of Metroidvania games, Cathedral is worth checking out.

Buy

What we like:
  • Precise controls
  • Well-designed world
  • Challenging bosses
  • Varied quests
  • Generous checkpointing
What could be improved:
  • Charm system is underwhelming
  • Tedious exploration
  • Artificial backtracking
  • Overpowered enemies

  • platform
  • retro
  • metroidvania
  • boss
  • first-person
  • exploration
  • dungeon
  • shooter
  • boss-fight
  • puzzle
  • difficult
  • nes
  • fight
  • fps
  • vertical

9

Blaster Master Zero 3 (2021)

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86
Review score
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Xbox Series X Xbox One PC Windows Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch

Blaster Master Zero 3 is the ultimate mutant blasting action game that will leave you on the edge of your seat! This hybrid side-scrolling and top-down action game will take you on an epic journey through various dimensions. With a variety of new abilities and weapons at your disposal, you can travel through super-dimensional space and reverse the situation with the VRV system. Don't miss the epic conclusion of the Jason Saga!

Buy

What we like:
  • Continuation of the storyline from the first 2 games
  • Compatible with controllers
  • Retro graphics style
  • Retro music
  • Multiple endings
What could be improved:
  • High difficulty curve
  • Confusing storyline if the first 2 games are not played
  • PC version has weird technical issues

  • platform
  • top-down
  • retro
  • metroidvania
  • boss
  • dungeon
  • side-scrolling
  • pixel
  • boss-fight
  • classic
  • anime
  • 2d
  • old-school
  • action
  • futuristic

10

Angry Video Game Nerd I & II Deluxe (2020)

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85
Review score
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PC Windows Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Xbox One Mac OS Linux

He's gonna take you back to the past . . . again!


  • platform
  • retro
  • blood
  • difficult
  • scroller
  • boss
  • man
  • memes
  • funny
  • hardcore

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