From the icy realms of Wildfrost to the captivating narratives of Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, the digital realm of the Nintendo Switch offers an astounding array of experiences. Immerse yourself in the heart of this digital playground, where strategic card battles, chilling survival challenges, and heartfelt narrative adventures intertwine with the immersive realms of beloved characters such as Sherlock Holmes and the Grim Reaper herself.
Within this carefully curated collection of 15 best digital-only Nintendo Switch games, you’ll uncover hidden gems that will challenge your skills, tug at your heartstrings, and transport you to worlds both familiar and intriguingly novel. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a casual player seeking an engaging escapade, this collection is a testament to the boundless potential of the Nintendo Switch’s digital library.
Table of Contents
Wildfrost
For those who have a constant itch for engaging card games that beautifully blend strategic thinking and roguelike elements, be prepared to be thrilled by the unique offering of Wildfrost. This latest creation comes to us from the innovative minds at Deadpan Games, the same group that brought us Caveblazers, another intriguing title available on eShop.
In Wildfrost, the narrative sets us on an intriguing journey. Our world has been rendered a frozen wasteland due to the impact of the Wildfrost, a chilling event that froze everything, including our sun. However, one region, the modest land of Nievelia, managed to escape this frigid fate. It now falls upon its residents to undertake a daring journey to the Temple of the Sun, tasked with the lofty goal of reversing this cataclysmic condition.
As players, we’re provided the privilege of choosing our tribe’s leader from a selection of unique characters. The core of the game lies in its thrilling card battles, where strategic prowess is a must. We’ll be tasked with enhancing our deck by procuring new cards, recruiting allies to join our voyage, and equipping them with powerful amulets to bolster their abilities. Every decision must be calculated, every action precisely planned.
Wildfrost offers boundless possibilities, ensuring each game is a one-of-a-kind experience. Moreover, its roguelike elements allow for the retention of certain advancements after a downfall, creating a compelling sense of progress. If you decide to plunge into the icy realms of Wildfrost, we guarantee it won’t leave you feeling cold…
Don’t Starve Together
Renowned as one of the most engaging co-operative games in recent years, Don’t Starve Together provides players with an exhilarating survival challenge. It supports both local and online modes, enabling you and your friends to test your endurance in the savage wilderness.
This game’s distinctive gothic art style paired with an immersive crafting system creates an environment that is both fascinating and rewarding. However, don’t let your guard down – a sudden adversary or an untimely lightning strike could promptly upset the chances of survival for even the most prepared group of players. It’s a gripping battle against the elements that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Rakuen
Rakuen is the heartfelt creation of renowned Japanese composer Laura Shigihara, celebrated for her contributions to over 25 video games, including crowd-favorites like Plants vs. Zombies and To the Moon. In Rakuen, Shigihara presents a deeply personal side of herself, offering players a captivating narrative adventure.
This moving storyline unfolds with a hospitalized boy who persuades his mother to transport him to the fantastical realm from his cherished book, a place where the Forest Guardian has the power to fulfill a wish. To have his wish granted, the boy needs to overcome various challenges, all revolving around exploration and puzzle-solving. These tasks alternate between the stark reality of the hospital and the magical escapades in the fantasy world.
Rakuen’s storytelling prowess is extraordinary, striking emotional chords that only a few games can. This edition also comes with a treasure trove of additional content, featuring Shigihara’s latest creations like Mr. Saitou and Farmer in the Sky. It is a gem of a title for those who appreciate a well-crafted narrative journey.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened
Frogwares, a dedicated Ukrainian studio, has breathed new life into Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened, an engaging adventure originally unveiled in 2008. This game pays homage to the iconic detective, a character that sprang from the imaginative mind of Arthur Conan Doyle.
This rejuvenated edition elevates the initial version in numerous ways. Not only does it boast significantly enhanced graphics, it also introduces various exciting features such as a more expansive narrative, a host of side missions, and completely novel gameplay mechanics.
We journey back to 1882, stepping into the shoes of the famous duo, Sherlock and John, as they gradually earn their global reputation while unraveling a series of enigmas inspired by the chilling Cthulhu Mythos, a creation of the formidable H.P. Lovecraft.
This immersive game harmoniously intertwines elements of terror, detective work, riveting dialogues, and meticulous environmental exploration, thus giving rise to Sherlock’s renowned ‘mind palace.’ The adventure spans across the globe, leading us from the quaint charm of Victorian London to the enchanting swamps of New Orleans.
Among Us
Among Us, one of the most wildly popular multiplayer games in recent years, has maintained a firm hold on platforms such as Steam and now has made its thrilling appearance as a digital exclusive on the Nintendo Switch. This expansion offers an even larger player base the chance to delve into the exhilarating task of uncovering the traitor within their ranks.
The appeal of Among Us lies in its affordable price and its fast-paced gameplay, quickly drawing players into a world of fun and intrigue. With its satisfying game loop and a massive, vibrant community, this game is a go-to choice for anyone seeking a quick dose of multiplayer excitement.
Dredge
Combining the tranquility of fishing with the heart-pounding elements of horror might seem like an unlikely blend, yet Dredge masterfully showcases how these contrasting themes can intertwine to provide an enthralling gaming experience.
Set against a backdrop heavily influenced by Lovecraftian themes, this title from Black Salt Games operates in two distinct phases. One part of the game allows players to navigate freely around a collection of islands aboard their ship, casting their lines to reel in a variety of aquatic creatures. Conversely, the game encourages on-foot exploration, with players encountering various NPCs, undertaking missions, and engaging in trading activities.
Incorporating simple fishing mechanics within an overarching adventure brimming with mystery, puzzles, and strategic choices, Dredge offers a unique gaming experience. Key features include a system for upgrading your vessel, a stark contrast between peaceful days and perilous nights, and an inventory management challenge when storing fish for sale.
The end product is a game that’s not only visually compelling but also remarkably engaging in terms of gameplay. Dredge stands out for its unique concept, effortlessly hooking players at the outset and gradually pulling them deeper into its immersive world.
The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story
Crafted by Digital Sun, the innovative minds behind the well-received Moonlighter, The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story takes us on an enlightening journey into the life of champion Sylas. This remarkable character, a wizard with the unique ability to pilfer the magical abilities of others, unravels his story in this thrilling League of Legends offshoot.
This adventure is brought to life through a pulsating action game enhanced by RPG elements and framed in an isometric view, reminiscent of the style of highly acclaimed games like Hades.
Our main quest unfolds within the beautifully designed landscapes of Demacia, where we are tasked with overcoming any challenges that cross our path, including formidable end-of-level bosses. This is facilitated by a variety of offensive and defensive maneuvers at our disposal.
Additional layers of depth are introduced through a base management system that allows for upgrades, the potential to recruit new heroes, and the inclusion of side missions. The icing on the cake is a stunning pixel art graphics section that enhances the visual appeal of this highly recommended game.
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection
Attention Mega Man enthusiasts! The Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection offers an impressive assortment that is a must-have for any dedicated collection.
This comprehensive package amalgamates all the content from Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Vol. 1 and Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Vol. 2. It comes enriched with extra features such as an art gallery and music, not to mention support for online gameplay.
This collection boasts no less than 10 stellar games featuring the iconic Capcom hero, promising countless hours of immersive fun. Indeed, this is an ultimate compilation ideal for indulging in quick gaming sessions anytime, particularly in handheld mode.
Storyteller
We all cherish the allure of captivating stories, with many of us deriving joy from narrating them or, even better, crafting them from scratch using our boundless imagination. But how can this passion be encapsulated in a video game?
Storyteller precisely addresses this question. This inventive game offers a simple yet comprehensive platform for users to weave their own narratives and tales, imparting a sense of unparalleled creative freedom.
Daniel Benmergui, the game’s designer, equips us with a broad array of characters, situations, objects, and other elements. By freely combining these elements, we have the unique opportunity to generate an array of comic strips.
The game’s potential is vast, and the visual portrayal of our creations is wonderfully accurate, ensuring that amusement and laughter are ever-present. Storyteller offers an experience that is as refreshingly distinct as it is entertaining.
Unpacking
For players seeking a soothing digital exclusive game for the Nintendo Switch, Unpacking offers just the right ambiance. This enchanting game captivates its audience through an artful blend of passive storytelling, where the player’s task is to unpack the belongings of the central character at various stages of their life, unveiling a narrative of personal growth through the gameplay.
This unique approach to storytelling establishes a deep, personal connection between the player and the character, immersing them in a tranquil atmosphere with minimal stakes and confined environments. The beauty of Unpacking lies in its simplicity, providing a perfectly calming retreat for anyone looking to unwind after a taxing day.
Have A Nice Death
Every entity has its breaking point, even the Grim Reaper herself. In Have A Nice Death, she discovers that the employees of her establishment, Death Incorporated, have been neglecting their duties, leaving her buried under an avalanche of paperwork. It’s time to restore order!
This whimsical premise sets the stage for a thrilling roguelike game where we control the Grim Reaper herself, slicing through procedurally generated departments with her scythe, encountering a myriad of characters, and engaging in intense battles.
In line with the essence of a good roguelike, we encounter new weapons, temporary enhancements, and the constant threat of death (an ironic twist when you’re playing as Death herself), which translates into experience points to be invested in permanent upgrades.
Have A Nice Death, adorned with stunning art, challenging gameplay, and a brisk pace, is a fine specimen of the roguelike genre that promises to captivate enthusiasts.
Fatal Frame: Maiden Of Black Water
Though hailing from the same golden era as horror legends Silent Hill and Resident Evil, the Fatal Frame series hasn’t garnered the same level of commercial success. That, however, doesn’t detract from the chilling terror that these games deliver. Like Umurangi Generation, Fatal Frame incorporates photography, but here, the challenge lies in capturing menacing spirits on film in order to defeat them, all while they’re trying to eliminate you.
Maiden of Black Water, the series’ installment on the Wii U, didn’t get the attention it deserved, owing largely to its platform. However, with its recent port to the Switch, a new audience can finally immerse themselves in one of the most uniquely terrifying games ever created. The eerie thrill of Fatal Frame: Maiden Of Black Water is now ready to send chills down the spine of a whole new generation of gamers.
Tales of the Neon Sea
Tales of the Neon Sea draws its influences from seminal works of science fiction, most notably the iconic Blade Runner. The game employs an enchanting pixel art style and immerses players in a cyberpunk universe, plunging them into a gripping mystery.
The central figure in this narrative is Rex, an ex-cop turned private detective. Known more for his proclivity towards the bottle than his detective skills, he frequents the seedy bars of the city. His mundane existence is disrupted when an unresolved case from his past jolts him back into action.
From this point on, players find themselves engaged in a graphic adventure game where exploration and puzzle-solving take center stage. The captivating storyline is rife with intriguing characters, dilemmas echoing the principles of robotic law, and exceptionally well-crafted dialogue. The game’s compact, yet elaborate, environments surprise players with the multitude of hidden secrets and challenging puzzles they harbor.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly
Toge Productions, following their successful debut of the first game in 2020, invite players once again to don the barista’s apron in Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly. This visual novel makes a compelling case for itself with its thoughtful storytelling.
This sequel retains the engaging mechanics of the original title, combining the art of brewing an array of beverages with delightful customer interactions. The narratives spun by the various customers are thoughtfully composed, drawing players into their lives, experiences, and worries. The uncomplicated yet engaging drink preparation system introduces just the right amount of challenge to the gameplay.
One standout feature of Coffee Talk 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is its availability in Spanish, allowing a broader audience to immerse themselves in this soothing and unique gaming experience.
Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
Considered by many as the pinnacle of Star Wars games, and indeed, one of the finest role-playing games ever, Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic now finds its home as a digital exclusive on the Nintendo Switch. This opens doors for both nostalgic fans yearning to revisit the tale and fresh players eager to embark on the journey of Darth Revan.
The game introduces a rich array of characters and a plethora of diverse worlds, with over forty different force abilities to experiment with, various party configurations, and an extensive range of quest paths spanning the entire spectrum of the Force. The narrative stands out as one of the most compelling stories in the Star Wars universe.
Now, more than ever, is the perfect time to purchase this digital exclusive, whether you’re a seasoned Star Wars fan or a newcomer looking to immerse yourself in one of the franchise’s most revered narratives.
