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29 Best Nintendo Switch Puzzle Games To Exercise The Brain

Put on your thinking caps!

#29 Mario vs Donkey Kong

#28 super mario rpg, #27 hogwarts legacy, #26 pikmin 4, #25 unpacking, #24 far changing tides, #23 the gardens between, #22 the room series, #21 gorogoa, #20 bridge constructor portal, #19 unravel two, #18 the trine series, #17 baba is you, #16 the talos principle, #15 snipperclips: cut it out, together, #14 relicta, #12 little nightmares 2, #11 captain toad: treasure tracker, #10 12 minutes, #8 world of goo, #7 return of the obra dinn, #6 keep talking and nobody explodes, #5 the sexy brutale, #4 portal series, #3 puyo puyo tetris, #2 thimbleweed park, #1 tetris 99.

If you’ve been enjoying the Nintendo Switch, you’ll know that there are all sorts of genres for you to play on the system in great number. And if you like puzzles? Yeah, they got hat in droves as these games will show you.

Platform: Switch Release Date: February 16, 2024

If you never got the chance to play  Mario vs Donkey Kong  on the Nintendo DS, you’re in luck, as the game has been remade for the Nintendo Switch!

The game will put you in over 100 levels filled with challenges, all so you can get back the Mini-Mario toys that Donkey Kong has stolen! But it won’t be as easy as simply finding all the toys. You’ll need to work your way through various challenges to reach them, and then, you’ll need to get them to safety! Sometimes, you’ll even need to guide whole scores of Mini-Marios to the exit!

With new levels and challenges, now is the perfect time to jump in!

Platform: November 17, 2023 Release Date: Switch

You might not think that  Super Mario RPG  is a “puzzle game,” and it’s not in the overall, but there are puzzles in the world to solve.

Not to mention, you have to worry about the “puzzles” that await you in combat! The game will maintain its classic turn-based combat but will also feature plenty of challenges within it that’ll test your timing and skill in figuring out how to exploit the enemies within!

So, while it may be an RPG, that doesn’t mean you can’t put your puzzle brain to the test by playing it! After all, it’s a remake of a classic title. What’s not to love?

Platform: PC PS5 XSX|S – February 10, 2023 | PS4 Xbox One – May 05, 2023 Release Date: Switch November 14, 2023

Steam | PlayStation | Xbox | Nintendo

Many people would say that the most important thing about being a witch or wizard is being able to use powerful spells and curses. But the wise ones among you will state that it’s about how you use those spells and whether you can use them to your advantage in multiple scenarios.

As you travel throughout the world of Hogwarts Legacy, you’ll have to face trials, not dangerous in nature but puzzling. So think like the educated student you are and use spells to move objects or erase obstacles from your path.

The more puzzles you solve, the further you’ll get to explore!

Platform: Switch Release Date: July 21, 2023

It’s easy to picture the Pikmin as just tools to use or beings to throw at foes to get them out of your way. But as  Pikmin 4  reminds you, you’ll need to use them and other entities wisely if you wish to get around the alien world you’ve crash landed upon.

At first, you’ll be restricted to certain areas, and you’ll need to use the Pikmin to open new paths, collect “treasures” to fix your ship, and fight off against familiar figures in Dandori battles to rescue your lost squad mates.

So don’t think of Pikmin as expendable. Instead, think of them as your most useful tool for getting out alive!

As the name suggests, this unique puzzle game tasks players with helping to unpack a person’s belongings after a move. Beginning in 1997, Unpacking follows the same person across several moves and many different years. From childhood to college to relationships, players will gain clues about the person’s life and experiences by looking at their belongings. Play casually to enjoy the story or search for all the hidden achievements for an added challenge.

A sequel of sorts to Far Lone Sails , Far Changing Tides puts you on a large boat, where a young man is trying to sail it in order to get to a new place for him to live in a world that has been nearly flooded.

The puzzles here lie in both the world around you, as you’ll need to activate certain things to open paths to get your boat through, as well as your ship itself. Dive deep into the vessel to figure out what it is all about, how to operate it correctly, and more.

It’s you and your ship against the world, and you’ll find that this adventure will take you to highs and lows while also giving you a unique atmospheric experience.

For a more lighthearted adventure, you might want to try out The Gardens Between . Because this single player title puts you in a story that focuses on “time, memory and friendship.”

You play as Arina and Frendt, two friends who fall into a “dream world”, and that world just so happens to be filled with relics from their time together as friends. Now, you’ll control the two friends and work together to solve puzzles to figure out more about their friendship, what they really mean to one another, and more.

It’s a very unique title that delves deep into its narrative, so you might just want to play it to see where the “bittersweet” story goes…and ends.

The Room Series is for those who like a deep approach to their puzzle titles while also twisting the perceptions of what those games can be. Because in the game, and the many that follow, you’ll be a person locked in a room, or dimensional space, and you’ll be left with nothing but puzzle boxes and clues as to what you need to do.

With each puzzle you solve, your “world” grows a little bigger, but then again, so does the mystery. You’ll learn about various sciences and dark practices and wonder how it’ll all going to end. More than likely…you won’t be able to guess…

With multiple games in the series, you’ll be able to try them on Switch and have plenty to do for a while.

There has long been an argument about whether “games are art”, and the answer is very obviously, “yes”. But if you want a game that very much proves that feeling, you need to look no further than Gorogoa .

Because in this game, you’ll be solving puzzles within a very special narrative, the twist is that these puzzles are tied to illustrations (thousands of them) that were made by a singular man: Jason Roberts. How you use these illustrations/art pieces will depend on the puzzle and what you’re trying to do.

The visual style here is truly unique, as is how you use it all gameplay-wise. So if you want a truly visual yet deep puzzle experience, here you go!

Combining elements from both the Portal universe and the Bridge Constructor series, Bridge Constructor Portal is an engineering puzzle game. As the name implies, players must construct bridges to transport trucks around Aperture Laboratories. Any bridge that withstands one truck passing over it will solve the challenge, but for a higher rating, all the trucks in the convoy must successfully cross. In addition, the cost of building each bridge is calculated, and players are challenged to keep their costs as low as possible.

After a shipwreck, two Yarnys (creatures whose bodies are made of wound-up yarn) connect their loose yarn ends. This binds the two together and creates a magical spark, which the players must chase. Using the yarn of their characters to climb, swing, and pull objects, players solve puzzles across the game’s island setting while uncovering a surprisingly dark story about children fleeing from abusive adults.

Set in a fantasy world, the Trine games focuses on a set of heroes who use an object known as the Trine in order to solve puzzles and fight evil. All so that they can save the kingdom they’re in.

The twist here is that unlike typical fantasy games, the combat and other elements are all tied to physics based puzzles. Each of the main characters for examples have skills that will affect things in a way that can solve puzzles or send objects at enemies to bust them up.

Because of the freedom and the skills of your characters, there are multiple ways to solve puzzles in the series. Plus, since there are 4 different games in the series, that’s a lot of puzzles to go and solve.

As an evil man once said, “True power is warping reality around you,” and that is a perfect lead-in to the title Baba Is You . Because in this game, every level you play you can change the rules of the game and the reality you play in.

That’s because the “rules” are displayed in blocks, if you change them, everything changes with it. And that means that anything and everything can happen depending on how you want to play things.

Plus, with 200+ levels for you to “bend the rules in”, that’s a lot of potential and possibility for chaos! In the fun way, of course.

So jump into Baba Is You and see just how you can change the world!

Sometimes the best puzzle games are the ones that make you ask the questions of all that is going on. In The Talos Principle , you are an entity in a world of ancient ruins…but also modern technology. The one who built you put you on a “mission” to solve over 120 puzzles scattered throughout the place.

But the question becomes…will you do it as your master wants? Or, will you try and solve the puzzles to learn more about yourself and then seek a way to escape?

The Talos Principle has a deep and twisting story that will ask a lot of big questions, all the while having you enjoy the puzzle-solving experience.

In this co-op puzzle game, players will snip and clip the paper bodies of their co-op partners to create different shapes to solve puzzles (for example, cutting a pointed shape to pop balloons). The game’s World mode allows one or two players, while the Blitz and Party modes allow up to four players. Party mode features puzzle challenges designed for more players. Blitz mode ups the ante with snipping deathmatches alongside games like basketball and hockey.

In this M-rated, first-person puzzle game, players will use magnetism and gravity to solve physics-based challenges. After being stranded on a moon base, a top-level physicist searches for her daughter while also confronting the truth behind her own research. Players can simply solve the puzzles or take their time exploring, fleshing out the story of this 22nd-century world and perhaps changing the destiny of humanity itself.

Arguably one of the best puzzle games ever made, Fez puts you in the role of Gomez, who is a 2D creature…that all of a sudden gets “revealed” the third dimension. Curious about what is going on, Gomez sets out on a journey to figure out the truth, leading to a large puzzle adventure you’ll enjoy.

Unlike many on this list, Fez doesn’t need “over the top” or even ‘super realistic” graphics to get things done. The visual style is simple for a reason, and it lends to the deep world that the game is trying to portray in its own way.

Trust me, the game is deeper than you realize, and so if you haven’t check this game out yet…you should.

There are some rather dark titles on this list as you’ve seen so far, and Little Nightmares 2 is another example of that.

In this sequel, you’ll play as Mono, who ends up in a nightmare world full of distortions and monsters. The reason for this is a signal tower, and it’s up to you and another named Six to reach the tower and figure out what is going on.

You’ll have to get the two characters to work together to not just solve puzzles, but fight off the various creatures that inhabit the dark and mysterious areas you’ll travel to.

This is definitely a title for those who prefer a very spooky element to their games. So try out Little Nightmares 2 is that fits your style.

It took us a while, but here indeed is a 1st-party puzzle game. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker was first released on the Wii U, but ported to the Switch (like so many games before it…and after it…) so that more people could try it out. And you should absolutely do so.

You’ll play as…who else? Captain Toad! And in each level you’ll need to use all the camera angles and perspectives to figure out how to get from one spot to the next, get all the treasure, and avoid enemies and traps!

You can even play in co-op to have someone help you out with those enemies! It’s a lighthearted and simple title, but at times…isn’t that what we really need?

This top-down game boasts the voice talents of James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe. A husband and wife are celebrating the news that she is expecting their first child when a man claiming to be a cop arrives at the apartment. The man accuses the wife of murdering her father, and in the ensuing struggle, both the husband and wife are killed. The husband then wakes up moments before the man’s arrival. As the husband, players must use the time loop to save their wife and determine the truth about the death of the wife’s father.

It’s honestly hard to describe a game like Inside without diving deep into spoilers, so I’ll try and keep it light.

In this game, from the creative team of PlayDead, who made the equally dark and praised title Limbo , you’ll find yourself as a young boy who is drawn to a certain building where a “dark project” is being done.

What exactly is going on here? That’s for you to figure out in this narrative-driven puzzle title. You’ll have to make it through the confines of the building, solve puzzles, avoid detection, and learn the truth. But as these games like to show…sometimes it’s best if the truth…isn’t revealed at all.

Here’s another classic that was eventually brought over to the Switch. World of Goo puts you in control of living glob entities that you can both get and then place in order to build various things. Like what? Bridges, buildings, slingshots, and more. As long as you have the right structure, and amount of goo, you can make it.

Why do you need to do it? Because the game’s levels are all meant to do something specific, and you have to get your goo creatures to build the right kind of structure to complete the task.

It might sound simple, but it’s not. Each level is special, and can even have dangers for your goo creatures. So use them wisely, and get to the next challenge!

In 1803, the Obra Dinn set sail around the Cape of Good Hope with 60 people on board, but the ship never arrived at its destination. Five years later, it has mysteriously washed up at the port with all its passengers and crew either dead or missing. In this “1-bit” gorgeously-stylized, first-person game, players assume the role of an investigator and search the ship to try to determine what happened to the Obra Dinn . They are aided by the Memento Mortem, a device that lets them go back in time to witness a person’s final moments.

In this multiplayer puzzle game, communication is key. While one player (the Defuser) attempts to disarm a bomb, the others (the Experts) must read the instruction manual and convey the proper procedures for doing so. Neither party can see the other’s screen, so players are forced to rely on each other to disarm the bomb as a team. And if the bomb’s timer reaches zero, everyone explodes.

A party in a mansion has gone horribly wrong. All the party-goers are dead except for Lafcadio Boone, a preacher. Boone is stuck in a time loop, reliving the party over and over again, looking for a way to prevent the deaths of the party goers. In this single-player puzzle game, players must explore the mansion, gain new abilities, and decipher how to save the party guests. Along the way, they’ll uncover the truth about the guests, Boone, and the party itself.

…so, who wants some cake?

The Portal Series is indeed on Switch, and Switch players are lucky to have this title as it’s one of the most important puzzle franchises ever made.

In it, you are stuck in Aperture Labs, and an evil robotic entity known as GLaDOS is “guiding you” through the place in order to complete various tests. You won’t have a weapon in the game to help you though, all you have…is your portal gun.

The puzzles, creativity, and feel of this series is S-tier in every way, and that’s part of what makes it so great to play over and over again. And now that you can play it on the go…you have even more reason to try it out on Switch.

I’ll admit that I’m a little bias with this game because it’s something I found really fun even though I didn’t know what Puyo Puyo was.

Basically, this game is a fusion of two worlds of puzzle games complete with adorable and hilarious characters that interact with one another to try and save the universe! And naturally, you’ll save it by playing Puyo or Tetris against other characters and even against one another.

There’s a lot of depth in this game believe it or not, and that makes it all the more enjoyable to play not just the story modes, but all the other game modes.

There’s two games in the series on Switch, so don’t miss out!

Developed by Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick, this point-n-click puzzle game is a spiritual successor to Maniac Mansion and The Secret of Monkey Island . A pair of FBI agents arrive in the town of Thimbleweed Park to investigate a murder, but not all is as it seems in Thimbleweed Park. Using commands like “pick up” and “talk to,” players navigate the town while collecting evidence and interviewing suspects to uncover the truth behind the murder and the town itself.

There are a lot of reasons why I’m putting Tetris 99 on top despite it not being a “typical puzzle game”. But in point of fact, Tetris as a whole IS a puzzle game. You’re trying to fit the pieces together (like a puzzle) in order to get points and keep going.

In Tetris 99 , the difficulty is ramped up because you’re going to be facing off against 98 other players who are trying to not just beat you, but bury you in Tetris blocks.

So you’ll have to play fast AND play smart so you can trip them up before they do it to you, as well as get out of any sticky situations you find yourself in.

Do well enough, and you’ll be No.1!

About Todd Black

• Console Gaming
• Nintendo Switch

The 16 Best Puzzle Games on Nintendo Switch, Ranked

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As a hybrid gaming console, the Nintendo Switch is perfect for pretty much every type of video game—especially puzzle games, when played in handheld mode.

If you've ever had a Game Boy, you know how many hours you can sink into a game like Tetris when you're on the couch, in the car, or wherever else. But there are hundreds of puzzle games of varying quality available for the Nintendo Switch!

So, which ones are worth your time? If you aren't sure where to start, here are my picks for the best Nintendo Switch puzzle games that are pretty great and worth checking out.

16. Watermelon Party

Watermelon Party is a pretty simple game, but it's also pretty cheap—significantly so if you can grab it on sale—and it's fun to break out every so often as a quick filler game between bigger ones.

The goal is to be the first to pick up all your watermelon slices, which you do by placing tiles on the ground. Your character will automatically move along the path you set, so the trick is to build the most effective road as quickly as you can.

It's definitely not your typical puzzle game, but that uniqueness helps set this one apart and make it worth trying.

15. Pack Master

You know how packing luggage into a case can feel like a puzzle? That's basically what Pack Master is, except this game is a lot more relaxing than shoving actual clothes and gadgets into a carry-on!

Every level in Pack Master is basically a set of objects of varying sizes and shapes, along with a case where they need to be fitted into. You'll need to rotate the objects and place them with precision if you want to get them all inside properly.

The solo mode is very relaxing and a great way to kill time—especially in handheld mode—but the versus mode is also fun as you rush to pack your case before anyone else can.

14. Tumblestone

Tumblestone is an action-puzzle game that's perfect for when you want a simple game that exercises both problem-solving skills and dexterity challenges. The quicker you are, the bigger the advantage!

In Tumblestone , each level is a set of colored blocks and your goal is to clear the blocks by removing one at a time. The catch? You can only pick from the blocks closest to you, and you always have to clear three of the same colored blocks at a time.

The campaign mode is a full-on take-your-time puzzle challenge, but the endless mode and versus mode both have you racing to see how quickly you can clear everything.

13. Lumines Remastered

The PlayStation Portable didn't make much of a dent in the sales of Nintendo's handhelds, but it did have its share of fantastic games, one of which was the mesmerizing Lumines .

This remastered take on that game is every bit as addictive as the original title was, and it's a must-play for Switch owners even remotely interested in puzzle games.

It's just a shame that there is no online multiplayer to let you face off with other players from around the globe.

12. Slayaway Camp: Butcher's Cut

Have you ever wondered what it would look like if you tried to make a puzzle game out of a slasher horror movie franchise?

Slayaway Camp: Butcher's Cut is the answer to that question. While it starts relatively stacked in favor of the player character, Skullface, you'll eventually face tougher levels that feature SWAT teams and other challenges to your reign of terror.

11. Art of Balance

Art of Balance is a physics-based puzzle game where you're given a set of strangely-shaped pieces and tasked with stacking them in such a way that they don't topple over.

Of course, the game becomes deeper in later levels, especially when other types of objects are introduced—such as glass blocks that can only withstand a certain amount of weight on top—which force you to think on multiple levels for a solution.

While Art of Balance is a fine game for solo play, it shines with friends. You can play it cooperatively (taking turns placing blocks) or competitively (in a race to see who can finish first).

10. BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL!

The titular characters in BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! can create boxes, hence their names. You, in turn, use these boxes to make your way around whatever obstacles the game throws at you.

Of course, it's never actually this simple. It's what you do with the boxes that matters, and this is where the complexity lies.

9. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2

As the name implies, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is a mash-up of the gameplay styles of the Puyo Puyo and Tetris franchises. You can play either game standalone, but the modes that combine them both are the reason to play this game or its sequel.

Pode is a brilliant, lovely, artistic, soft experience that's ultimately about two strangers—an orb of fire and a block of stone—who fall in love and must work together to navigate puzzle-laden levels.

On top of the solid puzzle gameplay, Pode stands out for its ambience and environmental storytelling that makes for a relaxing puzzle experience. You don't need much action-dexterity and you don't need to be a genius. You just need to work together!

7. Mr. Driller DrillLand

At it's core, the gameplay of Mr. Driller DrillLand is simple: drill downward through colored blocks, line up color combos, and make sure none of the falling blocks from above land on you.

That said, the balance of tension and action make this one of the more gripping puzzle games you'll find. This is a great one for puzzle fans looking for some twitch action.

6. What the Golf?

What the Golf? originally debuted on Apple Arcade, one of the few games that made the service feel worthwhile.

On the Switch the game is just as fun, and it doesn't feel like a mobile game carelessly ported to the Switch, it feels like this was the target system for the game all along.

5. Tricky Towers

Take Tetris , but take away the part where the blocks always align perfectly, and that's Tricky Towers in a nutshell. Building taller and taller towers in this game feels like a combination of Tetris and a 2D Jenga , and it's just as fun as that sounds.

4. Death Squared

Death Squared is a phenomenal cooperative puzzle game where players take on the roles of four different colored cubes, navigating through levels where each player can only interact with certain objects.

This means everyone needs to work together to solve the puzzle of each level, all while dodging and overcoming hazards (especially in the later levels). The 3D stage geometry leads to some really interesting solutions that force you to think outside the box.

While Death Squared is best played with friends, you can play it solo. It's a different experience, but still a solid one worth having.

3. Puzzle Bobble Everybubble!

Puzzle Bobble is far from the only old-school puzzle game on the Nintendo Switch, but a list of puzzle games wouldn't be complete without a bubble shooter like this one.

You know this game: you shoot bubbles and cluster them together to pop them, which drops everything that was clinging to them. The whole experience is surprisingly relaxing and satisfying.

Modern gamers will want to opt for Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! , a remake that takes the original gameplay and wraps it up in a co-op adventure that supports up to four players.

And when you're done with the story mode, you can keep playing in multiplayer mode, from 1v1 up to 2v2.

2. Picross S8

Nintendo handhelds and Picross have a long history together, and there are already plenty of games of this kind on the Nintendo Switch.

You can pick up and play any one of them and have fun, but this is the latest entry in the series, so it's as good a place to start as any other game in the series.

1. Tetris 99

Here's an idea: take Tetris and make it a battle royale. That may sound pretty terrible on paper, but for some reason it works...

...and the cherry on top is the fact that this game is free as long as you subscribe to Nintendo's Switch Online service.

There are optional paid add-ons, but you can have plenty of fun without paying an extra dime.

Top 20 best puzzle games on Nintendo Switch

Updated by Ivan Spasojevic on December 22, 2023  - swapped 1 game. We have made a list of the top 20 best Switch puzzle games that you can get right now on the popular handheld console!

But, first things first, we need to answer this question: What exactly is considered to be a puzzle? It seems like the term 'puzzle game', is used to describe titles from different genres. From first-person adventures to platformers, simulations, and  Switch board games . The list goes on and on.

Well, the truth is, that puzzle games make up a very broad category, and they include various subgenres. So, in order to avoid getting too technical about this, let's just consider any title that has some puzzle-solving as a core mechanic to be a puzzler.

Picking the top 20 Switch puzzle games was harder than you think

1 baba is you.

Baba Is You is a single-player title with unique gameplay that allows players to change the rules of the game. By manipulating blocks, you can change the level mechanics, transform your character or even change the goal that you need to reach.

The trailer below illustrates the game's mechanics beautifully. When "wall is stop," a wall stops you from the level's goal. But what happens when you remove the "stop" from that statement? You change the world, and the wall fails to stop you. If the rule is "key is you" then you are no longer controlling Baba, but you're controlling the key. Simply "walk" into the door to complete the level. It's all up to you and the decisions that you are going to make! If you're looking for more detailed info, we have a Baba Is You review for Nintendo Switch .

2 Return of the Obra Dinn

Return of the Obra Dinn is a first-person adventure that blends mystery and puzzle elements together. Take on the role of an insurance investigator who's working for the East India Company. Your objective is to figure out what in the world happened to the merchant ship Obra Dinn that suddenly drifted into London's port, five years after it was declared lost at sea. Use a mysterious pocket watch to turn back time and view each person's last moments.

Return of the Obra Dinn features an utterly unique art style that looks both retro and fresh, it uses a black-and-white "dithering" technique to create high-resolution visuals using one bit per pixel. Don't underestimate it though, because Return of the Obra Dinn is visually gorgeous.

3 Good Job!

Good Job! is an action Switch puzzle game that supports up to 2 players and offline gameplay. If you want to climb the corporate ladder, you better be prepared to do whatever it takes! Your job duties will vary from fixing the office's internet connection to cleaning up the weird goo. With every puzzle you solve, you come one step closer to the executive suite!

Every puzzle is a hilarious exercise in "just how much chaos can I cause." Why carefully water the plants when you can flood the office? Why wheel the copier into a new room when you can risk lives by constructing a catapult with zero regard for doors, walls, and basic safety? It's brilliant, laugh-out-loud fun matched by a cartoony art style and slapstick humour.

4 Untitled Goose Game

Untitled Goose Game is another puzzle game for Switch that supports up to two players co-op in offline gameplay. You play as a loose goose that is about to bring chaos to a whole town. Steal hats, set up pranks, honk a lot, and do pretty much anything that you can to be super annoying and ruin everyone's day.

Following the quest objectives is only part of the fun. Sure, you can steal slippers, trap a terrified kid in a phone booth and drop garden tools in the pond ("rake in the lake" is our favourite quest objective ever) but part of the fun here is in experimentation and generally being horrible. It's great in single-player, but couch co-op makes puzzle-solving and chaos-worshipping even better. Therefore, we highly recommend you try this funny gameplay together with a friend. All hail the honk.

5 Catherine: Full Body

Vincent's love life is... complicated... to say the least. On top of that, he's starting to have weird nightmares that force him to climb for his life. Catherine: Full Body is a mature action-adventure puzzle with an intriguing storyline and challenging puzzles. Gorgeously animated in anime style, you'll alternate between daytime segments where you'll navigate Vincent's relationships with various girlfriends, and nightmare segments climbing a tower made of blocks that must be arranged to facilitate your escape.

Aside from the great story, daytime segments also allow you to purchase drinks which will help in the nightmare segments... but have too many drinks, and you'll make your escape that much harder. If you're looking for a more mature puzzler, this is for you.

INSIDE is an award-winning puzzle platformer by Playdead. It is known for its art style, a combination of dark visuals and audio that creates a cold, dystopian world. In its 2.5D monochromatic environment, you control a young boy without a name who has to solve a series of puzzles in order to stay alive. This clearly isn't the one for younger audiences.

INSIDE is atmospherically heavy and creepy, leaving the story open to your own interpretation as you sneak through its haunting halls and otherworldly environments. If you liked Playdead's previous game, Limbo , you'll love this.

7 Little Nightmares 2

Little Nightmares 2 is a single-player, 2.5D puzzle platformer. The story precedes the events of the original Little Nightmares. You play as Mono, a boy who's trapped in a distorted world, caused by a humming transmission coming from a tower far away. A girl named Six will be his guide as he sets out to explore the Signal Tower and uncover its secrets.

It's atmospheric, grotesque, and foreboding at every turn. A game with such a cute art style shouldn't be this scary, should it? If you are up for a horror adventure that has a lot of mind-bugging puzzles, Little Nightmares 2 is a must-try. If you have already played it, and looking for something similar, here we have a list of the best mobile games like Little Nightmares .

8 The Talos Principle

The Talos Principle is a single-player, puzzle adventure. You play as a robot, tasked by its creator to solve a series of increasingly complex puzzles in an ancient-looking world. Here you will find 120+ puzzles with different levels of complexity, so it actually might take quite a while to beat the game.

It's best to go into The Talos Principle knowing as little as possible about its story and its world, but excellent puzzle-solving experience, combined with a unique storyline, make this title a must-have for the fans of the genre. It'll stay with you for a long time after the final credits roll. Sounds interesting, right? To learn more about this exciting title, feel free to read our The Talos Principle review .

9 Machinarium

There are all sorts of Switch puzzle games. Block-based puzzlers, platformers, first-person, strategy, and the list goes on. Machinarium is a single-player, point-and-click adventure puzzler that was originally released for PC back in 2009. Prepare to solve a series of puzzles and brain-teasers.

The story follows Josef, a little robot who's trying to get back to the city and reconnect with his girlfriend after he was dumped in a scrapyard. Games are often criticised for being too "brown," but Machinarium has a unique, sketch-like art style and brown-toned colour wash that only adds to the impression of a cold, surreal robotic world. In case you want to know more about the title, feel free to read our Machinarium review for some additional information.

10 Human: Fall Flat

Human: Fall Flat is an excellent puzzle game with lots of challenging puzzles and entertaining gameplay. You will have to complete levels full of various obstacles, find items and figure out how to use them properly in order to beat the level. The very first task here is to learn how to control your character because it is pretty complicated.

Human: Fall Flat also has a multiplayer mode, therefore, we recommend you play it with friends because solving puzzles together with someone is even more exciting here than in any other similar title. It is definitely worth your attention, but if you are still having doubts about it, feel free to read our Human: Fall Flat review to learn more about this exciting game.

11 Snipperclips - Cut it out, together!

Snipperclips - Cut it out, together! is a unique action-puzzle game. If you are looking for a title to play with friends or family, then you should give this one a try. Snip and Clip must cut each other up in order to overcome tricky obstacles and match the outlined shapes. Or just for fun. Too tall? Take a little off the top. Even though the puzzles are easy at the start, they get increasingly more complex as you progress.

It's surprisingly pretty, too, with the characters reacting to each snip and cut with joy and laughter. If you have enough controllers, you can even play with four people on the one Switch, making this a fun, light-hearted party title. If you're not convinced yet, and looking to learn even more about it, we have a Snipperclips review !

12 Human Resource Machine

Another type of Switch puzzle game that blends strategy and simulation elements together is Human Resource Machine, a delight for 'expert' nerds. At every level, you have to program little office workers, to automate a task given to you by your boss. If you succeed, and you make your boss happy, well, you get promoted to the next stage.

At the start of the HRM, you can only use 2 commands to program your workers, but as you advance new commands become available, making it more complex. You don't need to know programming, either. You'll be automating the workplace in no time! An exciting title, isn't it?

Gorogoa is a narrative-driven puzzle game. Arrange and combine a series of beautifully illustrated panels in order to solve the puzzles. It may be short and might only take you less than two hours to complete. But, its absolutely amazing art style and unique gameplay make for a great gaming experience. It is a cute story about a young boy that makes you relax and enjoy the adventure.

What makes this more impressive is that it was created by one person, developer Jason Roberts, hand-drawn and written over a period of six years. Without a doubt, such efforts truly deserve admiration, and the title itself is so beautiful you cannot just skip it. If you want to know our detailed opinion about it, make sure to read our Gorogoa review , where we explain in detail why this puzzler is a masterpiece.

14 The Gardens Between

The Gardens Between is a single-player puzzle adventure about two friends reliving their fond memories together. The game's time manipulation mechanics offer an interesting take on the indie puzzle genre, allowing you to reassemble parts of the environment that were previously impossible. It is a pretty short title, you can complete it in a few hours.

The island environments are bursting with detail, too; from flood-soaked rocks to falling autumnal leaves, the visuals are vibrant, beautiful, and storybook-like. With simple controls and a calm, ambient soundtrack, this is a world you'll love to get lost in.

15 Tetris 99

How do you make Tetris even better? You make it super competitive.

In this version of Tetris, you are not just competing against yourself, but you go up against 98 other players. That's right, it's Tetris meets Fortnite. Who knew the puzzle genre could work as a battle royale? You take part in large-scale online battles and defeat your opponents one by one in order to be the last player standing!

On top of being very entertaining, it's also totally free for Nintendo Switch Online members, making it a fantastic reason to join the service (in addition to everything else it offers, of course). If that was not enough to convince you to try the game, feel free to read our Tetris 99 review , and after that, destroy your opponents on Tetris battlefield!

16 Death Squared

Most puzzle games are single-player, but not Death Squared. This is a co-op puzzler, and even though it can be played solo, it was clearly made to be played by a group of people. Each player takes control of a robot, which they need to guide to a colour-coded goal. But, there's a catch. The path is full of deadly traps and hazards. For a team to survive, close observation and communication are key.

This is great to play at parties, but just don't blame us if you lose a few friendships or relationships along the way. Also, we're totally not advocating for sabotaging your friends. You won't clear the level that way... but it'll be really, really funny. And before you move to the next game on the list, make sure to check out our Death Squared review for more detailed information.

17 World of Goo

World of Goo is a physics-based puzzler where the player must use balls of goo to create bridges and various other large structures, in order to help other goo balls reach the endpoint of each stage.

You will have to overcome not only gravity but also various types of terrain. The challenge is to use as few balls as possible each time. Its strange, surreal levels and quirky designs just make this one even better. Indeed, the level design here is pretty interesting and unique, and on top of that, World of Goo has a simple but, at the same time, beautiful art style. Throughout the game, you will find many new goo balls that have various abilities that you should use wisely to beat the level. For detailed info, check out our review for World of Goo .

18 Super Bomberman R 2

Older players remember Super Bomberman as one of the first battle royale games, even before the genre existed officially. It was just known as a PVP game. Well, many years later, you can rejoice, as Bomberman 2 is out!

The essence of the game is rather simple, you have a limited ring where you need to blow up all other players in order to win. The gameplay is incredibly frenetic, as each player needs to destroy as many obstacles as possible and collect as many boosts as possible before going into a fight with another player. It's a combo between puzzle solving and quick reflexes, and it's fun as hell! Bomberman 2 brought a new Castle mode, where a player will have to defend his treasure against the rest of the team. We still think that the original gameplay is much more fun, as it will bring so much laughter.

19 Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is an enhanced port of the action-puzzle game that was released for the Nintendo Wii U originally, and then ported to Nintendo Switch. Toad has never quite been the star of his own game quite like this. Take control of Toad and try to safely navigate through various obstacles to reach the endpoint of each level, rotating the levels to reveal hidden paths and avoid enemies. Even better, this port includes additional extra levels, and it also supports multiplayer gameplay.

We have a pretty detailed Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker review for those who want to learn more about the title.

20 Lumines Remastered

Lumines Remastered might initially look like a Tetris clone, but make no mistake: this title is its own addictive beast. Lumines has you dropping square blocks consisting of four smaller blocks and (often) two different colours. Match as many colours as possible before the timeline bar sweeps across the screen from left to right. When the bar touches your matched blocks, the combination will be counted and you'll be awarded your score. Then, rinse and repeat.

It's simple to explain, but fiendishly addictive in its execution. Couple that with the game's sleek design, colourful visuals, and pumping electronic tunes by Mondo Grosso, Lumines is hard to put down. When the song changes, the stage changes. You'll be returning to this one again, and again, tapping your foot to the rhythm of the bass.

21 Best Nintendo Switch Puzzle Games

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T he Nintendo Switch’s success paved the way for developers to enhance its library with some amazing titles covering all genres. The Switch offers a wide variety of puzzle games, from classic favorites to new innovative titles there is something to enjoy here for all kinds of gamers.

Today we are here to offer you a list of the best Puzzle games on the system, whether you’re looking for a relaxing game to pass the time or some hardcore challenge, we got you covered. From the deep and complex to the light and cheerful, the Switch has it all. 

L umines Remastered brings back a classic title to modern consoles with enhanced visuals and audio. The game offers a classic block-based puzzle where the goal is to match colored blocks of different shapes. The player must line up four or more blocks of the same color to clear them from the board. Players must use their strategy and skill to create combos and earn points. 

The game also offers a wide selection of unique music tracks that match the challenge and atmosphere of the game. The visuals also feature classic Lumines art and designs, as well as all-new designs. Additionally, the game features competitive and cooperative modes, as well as Challenge and Skin modes, which allow players to customize the look and feel of the game. Overall, the game is an addicting experience, and owning it on the Switch is a big plus since you can play it on the go anywhere.

C aptain Toad: Treasure Track was originally a mini-game on the well-known Super Mario 3D World game, developers took the idea and expanded it to a full-blown action puzzle-platformer video game. The game follows the tale of Toad and his companion Toadette, together they venture into the mushroom kingdom looking for Power Stars.

The game put a huge emphasis on the 3D perspective, manipulating the camera will help the player to solve the puzzles and move around the environment. Players must guide Captain Toad and Toadette through various levels, collecting Power Stars to progress. Along the way, they must avoid enemies and traps, and solve puzzles to reach their destination. Overall, this is a fun puzzle platformer for all age, the game offer hours of fun gameplay and some additional content and DLC exclusively on the Nintendo Switch port.

P uyo Puyo Tetris offers a well-balanced mix of classic Tetris and unique Puyo Puyo puzzle elements. Aside from the classic arcade elements the game features a full-blown story mode. The story follows the adventure of O and her friends as they travel to a different world in search of the mysterious Tetra.

The objective of Puyo Puyo Tetris is to score as many points as possible by forming chains of Puyos or clearing lines of tetrominoes. The player can choose from various game modes including Versus, Swap, Fusion, and Big Bang. Versus mode is a traditional head-to-head match, while Swap mode requires players to switch between Puyo and tetrominoes every few seconds. Fusion mode combines both Puyos and tetrominoes, while Big Bang is a race to clear the board as quickly as possible.

W orld of Goo is an outstanding puzzle game that features creative gameplay and a well-put mix of challenge and humor. The game takes place in a surreal world inhabited by the mysterious Goo creatures. These unique creatures have the ability to build structures out of their own bodies. The player is tasked to guide these creatures in order to construct different architectures to reach the exit on each level.

While this might sound simple there is a lot of depth to the idea. For example, each level requires a certain amount of Goo to be able to succeed, reaching the exit while not meeting the minimum requirement of Goo will result in failure. Also, every shape you build is heavily based on physics so you need to be careful when constructing anything on the level. Further up in the game developers made sure to spice things up with more challenges and many new elements including different Goo species with unique abilities. Overall, this is an amazing little gem that might have gone under the radar of many gamers, whether you enjoy puzzle games or you like some short gaming sessions this is definitely worth a try.

T he Gardens Between is another unique indie puzzle game, the game combines gorgeous visuals with an amazing story and even greater gameplay. The game offers a story-driven adventure game that takes players on a journey through time. Players take control of two best friends, Arina and Frendt, as they traverse a mysterious garden, solving puzzles and unlocking memories from the past. 

Each level offers a memory fragment from the past, the goal of each level is to manipulate time to reach a portal at the center of each one. The main gimmick of the game is that you don’t really control your characters, instead, you maintain the world around you while manipulating time. The player must focus on every detail on the level and every change when moving time back and forth to be able to solve the puzzles. The game also features a unique and charming art style, with a vibrant and colorful world that is full of life.

G orogoa is another outstanding puzzle game on this list, I mean I can’t praise this enough. The game follows the story of a young boy as he travels through a mysterious world. Players must use their puzzle-solving skills to progress through the game and uncover its secrets. The main goal of each puzzle is to arrange and combine several hand-drawn panels to create interactions that progress the story. The game’s visuals are stunning, with hand-painted artwork and animations that bring the mysterious world to life. 

S nipperclips Cut it out, together is a casual puzzle game with a huge emphasis on co-op multiplayer. The game was a Nintendo Switch launch title acting as a tech demo of the unique Switch hardware and gimmicks. The game has two main characters, Snip and Clip, who are paper-like figures that must work together to solve puzzles.

While the game can be played solo controlling both characters at the same time, the co-op mode is where this game shines. Each level offers a task to be done, for example, moving an object to a specific area or even activating a switch. This task can be done by tagging with the other players to cut each other into the right shape to complete the chore. The game features 45 different puzzles that range from easy to difficult and are a great way to enjoy a fun and challenging experience with friends or family.

C atherine: Full Body is an enhanced port of the successful 2011 puzzle video game, the new port offers new characters and additional gameplay elements with enhanced controls and graphics. The game follows the story of Vincent, a man in his mid-30s, who is struggling with the decision between his current girlfriend Catherine, and a new love interest, Katherine.

Players must solve puzzles while navigating Vincent’s relationships and making decisions that will affect the game’s outcome. The gameplay offers some unique stages where the player must push and interact with blocks in order to climb a wall of blocks all while avoiding traps and hazards. While this might be on the simple side developers made sure to pick up the pace and challenge once the player gets a hold of the puzzle mechanics. Overall, the game is well worth it for what it is, offering a good mix of puzzle and visual novel elements all while adding new content and endings for players who have already experienced the original game.

L ayton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaire’s Conspiracy is a follow-up to the famous Layton series, the game put you in the shoes of the daughter of Professor Layton as she investigates a new conspiracy. The game’s story follows Katrielle as she investigates a series of mysterious cases, each of which is connected to a group of seven millionaires who are known as the Millionaire’s Conspiracy.

Just like the previous games in the series, the player must solve a series of logical puzzle mini-games in order to progress through the story. The puzzle range from casual to challenging ones depending on how far you got into the game. The player must use all the clues and information they uncover in order to solve the mystery at hand. The Switch deluxe edition was revamped to use the unique console hardware while upgrading the visuals to crisp HD  visuals.

U ntitled Goose Game is a unique laugh-out-loud sandbox puzzle game. The player controls a goose who has been let into a small village, the goal is to cause as much chaos as possible bullying residents and causing havoc.

Players must use trickery and strategy to complete objectives. They must avoid being caught by the villagers, steal items, and generally cause as much chaos as possible. While many tasks are stealth-based, many others are puzzle based and require some logical thinking to complete. Visually developers choose a cartoonish look that fits perfectly with the humourous approach of the game offering a colorful whimsical world.

R eturn of the Obra Dinn is an outstanding puzzle adventure game offering some hardcore mystery and a unique yet beautiful art style. The player takes the role of an insurance adjuster as he investigates the mystery of the Obra Dinn disappearance. The game is played from a first-person perspective where the player must look for clues and hints to solve the ship’s mystery.

The gameplay revolves around using a pocket watch to freeze time and examine the final moments of the crew members before the ship’s mysterious disappearance. As the player explores the ship, they are presented with a series of clues and must use critical thinking to piece the clues together leading to a new scene and so forth. The game also offers a unique art style combining pixel art with 3D and adding a unique color palette similar to the original Game Boy.

B aba is You is another unique indie puzzle game. The game’s main mechanic is the manipulation of words, the player can manipulate the level by pushing written words to form new sentences changing the whole level. For example, if the player places the blocks “baba” and “push” next to each other, Baba can now push objects in the level. Of course, the game starts off simple to let the player get a hold of the gameplay mechanics and picks up later with more challenges and head-scratching puzzles.

U nravel Two continue the legacy of the first game with new gameplay elements and a new co-op mode for couples and friends. The game’s story focuses on two Yarnys, who are connected by a single strand of yarn. The player can control both Yarnies or add a new player and work together to overcome many of the game’s obstacles.

The game is a hardcore side-scrolling puzzle platformer putting a huge emphasis on physics and environments. Players must use the abilities of both characters to progress through levels, complete puzzles, and traverse obstacles. The Yarnys can interact with the environment by swinging, grappling, and climbing. Players must carefully consider their actions as the thread connecting the two Yarnys is limited and needs to be managed carefully. The visuals are cute and cartoony offering a casual and warm feel despite the challenging gameplay.

I nside is a dark puzzle platformer that combines a gritty atmosphere with challenging puzzles. The game follows a mysterious nameless boy as he ventures into a dystopian world. The player must use the environment and the game’s simple mechanics to solve various puzzles and progress through the game. Along the way, the player must navigate a variety of enemies, as well as outsmart the game’s many traps and obstacles. The Switch version is well worth it since it’s the only official way to experience the game on the go.

C arto is a unique adventure puzzle game, the game follows the tale of Carto, a young girl who ventures into a vast world looking for her late grandmother. As she travels through a strange world, she must use her ability to rearrange the land and its pieces to progress forward.

The game is played from a top-down perspective, with the player controlling Carto as she moves around the world. The main objective is to rearrange the pieces of the map by placing them on top of one another in order to progress. Carto must complete various puzzles and challenges in order to progress, such as collecting items, solving puzzles, and navigating traps. The visuals are stunning offering a 2d hand-drawn graphic style inspired by classic Japanese animation like studio ghibli’s work and such.

S uperliminal throws you into a weird dream world where you must solve puzzles paying attention to every detail in your environment. The game is set in a surreal dream world where players must solve puzzles by manipulating objects and the environment around them, using perspective and optical illusions to progress. Players must solve puzzles by manipulating the size and scale of objects in their environment, as well as creating illusions to progress.

D onut County is a witty physics-based puzzle game with a huge yet interesting cast and a cutesy and casual art style. The game is set in a fictional village called Donut County, the main game protagonist a raccoon finds a magical phone app that allows him to create holes in the city swallowing everything that comes in the way.

During each level, the player controls a hole in the ground, which grows larger as it swallows objects. As the hole grows, it can swallow larger and more complex objects, eventually leading to the total destruction of Donut County. In addition to the captivating art style, the game offers a funny story with witty dialogue and a loveable cast.

T he last Campfire offers a touching story about hope, loss, and meaning while adding some amazing puzzle elements to the formula. The game is set in a mysterious world filled with lost souls. Your goal is to guide these souls by completing various objectives and solving numerous puzzles.

Gameplay in The Last Campfire focuses on solving puzzles, exploring the world, and uncovering secrets. Players use Ember’s torch and singing voice to solve puzzles, traverse the environment, and light up dark areas. Ember can also interact with various creatures, build objects, and collect items to help them on their journey. The switch offers a solid port with crisp visuals a decent framerate and the choice to enjoy the game on the go.

M anifold Garden is a unique and captivating exploration game that combines challenging puzzles with outstanding and surreal art style. The game is set in a mysterious world filled with geometric shapes that form a repeating pattern. The player takes control of a nameless hero who must bring balance back to this mysterious world.  Mostly the goal is to manipulate the environment to reach specific areas and move forward to the next part. Reaching these areas requires manipulating gravity, space, and time. Overall, the game offers a unique experience with a trippy art style and some challenging puzzles for veteran players.

S hovel Knight Pocket Dungeon is a spin-off of the well-known action platformer Shovel Knight. The game brilliantly combines elements of match puzzling, action RPG and rogue-like, offering some fun gameplay and an interesting side story. The player controls Shovel Knight on an 8×8 grid defeating monsters that fall on the screen eventually just like any classic puzzle game.

In addition, to the simple puzzle elements, the game adds more to the mix with rogue-like elements, an HP bar for the playable character as well as the enemies, and the ability to use items and potions. While this might seem a bit complicated and it is, the game gives the player full time to learn the gimmicks and main gameplay mechanics before throwing some real challenges. Overall, the Switch port is almost identical to the consoles and PC offering solid visuals and framerate and of course, exclusive portability.

G rindstone is a fun and challenging action puzzle game, players take on the role of a warrior who must battle monsters to collect grindstones. The goal of the game is to collect as many grindstones as possible while completing various objectives.

The game offers gameplay similar to your typical match-three puzzle games. The player has a square board where monsters fill the space in a row, the goal is to connect a string of the same monster types together in order to kill them in one swing. While the gameplay might be on the simple side, the challenge picks up later with more powerful monsters that can and will attack you. As players progress in the game, they can upgrade their weapons and armor and gain new abilities. The game also features a variety of bosses and secret areas.

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The 10 best puzzle games on Nintendo Switch

With the essential feature of handheld gameplay, the Nintendo Switch is a fitting platform to casually play puzzle games on. And the Switch has plenty to offer across a number of different puzzle subgenres, from falling block puzzle games, mysteries to solve, cooperative problem solving , and other general brainteasers. There are some obvious Nintendo-published standouts in the larger genre, including Snipperclips and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, but there are plenty of third-party gems to explore as well. These are 10 of just some of the best puzzle games for Nintendo Switch, in alphabetical order.

Baba Is You

Puzzle games are nothing without a sense of accomplishment and triumph once you solve them at the end, and Baba Is You is full of complicated puzzles that will make you feel like the smartest person around for cracking them. Starring a bunny-like creature named Baba, this indie game will have you moving around tiles that act as conditionals, changing the properties of objects on the field to get you into a winning state. It’s almost like a visual representation of programming, and like programming, it will surely lead to frustrating dead ends. The rules are yours to manipulate — you just have to know how to bend them.

BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL!

The latest entry of the BoxBoy series adds a second player, with both Qbby and Qucy forming strings of boxes together to traverse levels. They’ll help each other out by creating platforms and bridges, all with a limited number of boxes that can be used at once for each stage. Even with a minimalist mostly black-and-white and square art style, the titular BoxBoy and BoxGirl elevate the charm of this puzzle platformer from Kirby developer HAL Laboratory.

The Gardens Between

Adventure game The Gardens Between is single player and has a focus on story, following the young duo of Arina and Frendt. The journey they take through a dreamlike garden is both an examination and a metaphor for their friendship, as they manipulate time, relive memories, and unlock secrets. With vibrant colors, lively animations, and a heartfelt story, The Gardens Between stands out for its hybrid of emotion and surrealism.

Originally a standout at the launch of Apple Arcade, Grindstone is a puzzle-battler game with over 200 levels and a distinct cartoon aesthetic. You’ll be slashing through monsters on a grid, using color matching and strategic movements to pull off combos. There are plenty of bosses to fight, resources to loot, and attempt to conquer leaderboards.

Lumines Remastered

Long before designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi fulfilled a career dream by producing Tetris Effect, Lumines was the music-based falling block puzzle game that he made, lacking the Tetris license at the time. But as its own original puzzle game, Lumines made a strong impression when it debuted on the PSP — Lumines requires you to create squares of the same color from 2×2 pieces, all with stunning visuals and addicting electronic music in the background. Lumines Remastered ended up being a perfect fit on the handheld Switch, with improved visual effects and even HD Rumble feedback to the rhythm of the music.

Anyone with an appreciation for both puzzle games and especially public transit systems will certainly take an interest in Mini Metro from Dinosaur Polo Club. The premise is simple, but Mini Metro certainly presents a challenge, as players create transit maps in real time and attempt to juggle the needs of commuters. The levels are loosely based on real cities, but the stations and passengers themselves, represented by shapes, are procedurally generated. The Switch version features an exclusive multiplayer mode, for transportation enthusiasts who want to try their hand at handling the needs of simulated metro communities.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2

Following up from Sega’s hybrid of Tetris and their tile-matching Puyo Puyo series is Puyo Puyo Tetris 2, a sequel that expands on the original in several ways. Players can face off against each other, regardless of which falling block puzzle game they’re playing, or even compete in a combination Fusion mode that challenges everything they know about either game. Like the first game, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 has a fully voice acted single player story mode, with quirky characters and dialogue helping to justify the unexpected marriage of these two game modes. Skill Battles add an unexpected RPG element to the game, with characters offering skills for players to use on the board. And Sega being Sega, Sonic the Hedgehog himself is playable as a character after a post-launch update.

Return of the Obra Dinn

Papers, Please developer Lucas Pope eventually brought Return of the Obra Dinn to Nintendo Switch — this mystery game is one based entirely on observation and deduction. You play as an insurance agent investigating the reappearance of an abandoned ship, and using a special pocket watch called the Memento Mortem, you are able to observe the deaths of the crew members and passengers at a limited capacity. The devil is in the details, and you’ll use the limited dialogue and frozen images in time to determine the identity of all on board, who (or what) killed them, and what everyone’s final fate was. Return of the Obra Dinn sports a monochromatic Macintosh art style, and is rounded out by its excellent audio design.

Tangle Tower

Snipperclips developers SFB Games brought back a legacy character of theirs, Detective Grimoire, for this cartoony murder mystery. Grimoire and his assistant Sally are on the case of Freya Fellow, a young girl found seemingly murdered while painting. Players will observe rooms to search for clues and evidence, and they will have to uncover the secrets of Tangle Tower by solving Professor Layton-like puzzles. Additionally, you as Grimoire will interrogate the eccentric family members at this tower, putting pieces of evidence together to come up with some far-fetched answers behind this bizarre killing.

Tricky Towers

In this twisted fantasy take on Tetris, Tricky Towers has players stacking up falling blocks, but not to clear lines — instead, players are competing to build the tallest and most stable towers. Players can also cast spells on each other to alter the situation to their advantage, with powers either helping yourself or hindering others by altering physics. At some point, Tricky Towers looks less like Tetris and more like Jenga.

The Best Problem-solving Games for Nintendo Switch

• Fortress Building Puzzle - Galaxy Cube Tower Simulator Game
• Release date: New first
• Review score: Best first
• IOS (iPhone / iPad)
• PS4 (Playstation 4)
• PS5 (Playstation 5)
• Xbox Series X
• Oculus Rift

qomp2 (2024)

An artful reimagining of Pong. Control a Pong ball aching to break free of its life stuck between two paddles. Explore a dangerous, minimalist world, armed with simple two button controls.

• problem-solving
• experimental
• exploration

Fortress Building Puzzle - Galaxy Cube Tower Simulator Game (2023)

Fortress Building Puzzle is a puzzle game where you need to strategically remove all the cubes to bring your castle to the ground. You must carefully consider which cubes to remove and in what order, as the structure must maintain its balance or else it will topple over prematurely.

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Ranking The Best Puzzle Games On Nintendo Switch

• January 2, 2023
• Seb Santabarbara

Get ready to work those little grey cells as we check out the best puzzle games on Nintendo Switch!

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than kicking back with a puzzle game and patting yourself on the back for completing a really hard challenge.

Who am I kidding; I live for this stuff. It’s why I’ve always been obsessed with the best Zelda games , after all.

Now that the DS is no longer in production, the Switch is the perfect handheld for players to get their puzzle fix on the go.

And when you’re back home, you can continue the action on your TV.

From famous series that dropped on the DS through to new and exciting titles to the Switch, here’s 10 of the best puzzle games in 2022 for you to work your brain muscles and give yourself a better IQ.

That last sentence isn’t guaranteed, but it sounds pretty convincing, right?

Table of Contents

1. Gorogoa (2017)

We’ve puzzled our way to Number 1, and Gorogoa is officially the best puzzle game for the Nintendo Switch!

Seriously, this game is beautiful. That word isn’t used enough to describe video games, but it’s well and truly meant here.

All the artwork in this title is hand drawn by an artist called Jason Roberts. It’s truly unique and utterly original, combining tricky puzzles that will make your brain hurt with stunning visuals that will fill you with wonder.

What a review, eh!

Just look at those stills above! It’s like flicking through an actual picture book, utilising incredible illustrations to drive the narrative forward and keep the action flowing.

I think as a fan of fantasy novels with a huge imagination swimming around my massive head, this game appeals to me on so many levels.

Puzzles galore with a wholly original way of looking at a computer game, all perfectly packaged on the Nintendo Switch.

What more could a person want?

2. The Gardens Between (2018)

The Gardens Between takes the 2nd spot in our list of the best puzzle games on Nintendo Switch!

Looking and feeling like a cross between Brothers and The Curse Of Monkey Island, this game sees two characters moving through beautiful garden islands.

The weird thing about this game that makes it instantly shoot to second place, however, is the fact that the players don’t control the characters.

They manipulate time!

I love the direction of this game and how different it is from others in the genre. It’s both a testament to the power of friendship and also a game that makes you think about the effects that time has on all of us.

Mess with memories Harry Potter-style and contend with worlds where time flows in all directions.

Each puzzle you solve contributes to an interesting and immersive plot line that will have you well and truly hooked. It’s a game with many levels and branches, one that’s a true work of art.

3. World Of Goo (2017)

World of Goo might not have received a physical release on the Wii, but you can grab a copy of it for the Switch and stick it on your shelf with pride.

This is one of the most addictive games I’ve ever played. It’s like one of those iPhone games that did the rounds back in the day like Flappy Bird or Cut the Rope, except it’s actually stood the test of time.

And the best but is that it’s not only cleverly made but also really eye-catching too!

Some of the best Indie games on Switch are just as good as the main titles from the major developers, and while World of Goo isn’t ever going to beat BotW in good looks, it’s definitely a title that everyone needs to play.

So what is all the fuss about?

Well, players need to build blob structures over chasms and create towers to reach heights. You need to head to the goo pipe at one point in the level so your little guys can escape.

The fewer blobs you use, the more points you get. If you need a game to keep your brain healthy, then give this one a go!

4. Tetris Effect: Connected (2021)

Tetris Effect: Connected reimagines Tetris in a whole new way. Gone are the blocky visuals of the NES days (though it’s still about blocks) or the slow-building wonders of the N64 title.

If you’ve ever played Lumines or Rez, then it won’t come as a surprise to know that the same developers made this game.

With epic tunes and special effects, it’s like Tetris fell into a rave and never wanted to come out!

The iconic tumbling puzzler now feels like an audio-visual sensory experience that messes with and enriches the mind in equal measure.

Everything moves in time with how you’re playing, making all the stages wholly unique every time you play.

It’s Tetris at the core with tonnes of bells and whistles, a nice change for anyone looking to up their game from the DMG days.

5. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (2018)

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker takes the 5th spot in this list of the best puzzle games on Nintendo Switch!

It’s the first game where Toad has been put in the limelight and not as a supporting character, and he makes a real good job of it too!

Searching for treasure, this little ‘fun-guy’ works his way through a Yoshi’s story-style comic book while solving treasure and uncovering gold.

Exploration and puzzle-solving are perfectly combined in this game. Find collectables, defeat enemies, and find the golden star normally saved for Mario to collect.

That backpack of Toads has a lot of exciting weapons and items in it too; he’s not messing about!

The Wii U made this game look super swish, but it’s even more impressive on the Switch. Kicking back with my OLED Switch while collecting mushrooms and dodging bad guys never fails to make me smile.

Does Toad eating mushrooms make him a cannibal? Is he eating his own family members?

6. Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy (2019)

Professor Layton is one of the best detectives of our time. But when he goes missing in Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy, his daughter has to solve the mystery of his disappearance.

Don’t worry though; Katrielle is just as sharp as her dad and more than capable of cracking the case.

If you miss the days of clicking for puzzle coins on the DS, then playing this game in handheld mode will definitely scratch your puzzle itch.

Or, see all the action on the big screen with the Switch docked and use the Joycon motion controls to help uncover clues and complete puzzles.

This looks and feels like Professor Layton 2.0. If you enjoyed the Curious Village, then this mind-bending puzzlefest will keep you smiling for days on end.

7. Sushi Striker: The Way Of The Sushido (2018)

Sushi Striker: The Way Of The Sushido takes the 7th spot on our list of the best puzzle games on Nintendo Switch!

Any game that has the tagline ‘Eat to Defeat’ is always going to be a winner in my book. That’s even more so when Sushi is involved too.

Control a character with an appetite as big as their bravery as you defend your land from an evil empire.

Oh, and it takes place in a time period called ‘The Sushi Struggles’… how cool is that!

If you’ve ever played the mini games in Mario Party, then you’ll be all over this plate-matching game.

I know I’m used to eating sushi, but it’s also used as a weapon here.

Maybe the fish is a little off?

Build the biggest plate stack and finish off your opponent in true Sushido-style!

8. Mr. Driller: DrillLand (2020)

Want to travel to a secret amusement park under the ground? Mr. Driller: DrillLand can take you there in a heartbeat!

With 5 attractions to drill your way through, there’s plenty for Mr Driller fans to sink their teeth into in this game.

And of course, there are tough bosses to beat along the way too. Because no attraction is complete without a gnarly enemy to destroy!

This is the very first Mr Driller game on the console too. This is one of the games that I usually only play handheld too; I don’t know why, but it feels like a feet-up, close-up type of game to me!

Play with up to four friends once you do get off the sofa and dock your Switch, or just dig to your heart’s content in the Easy mode.

That’s definitely the best thing to do on a lazy Sunday.

9. Snipperclips Plus (2017)

Snipperclips Plus is one of the niftiest games on the planet. It’s so simple to play and a real cute title to have a bash at with a friend or partner.

But don’t be fooled by its colourful graphics. This is a real tough cookie to crack at times and requires a lot of brain power.

It’s also easy to just be super annoying destroy your partner’s little character… which I’ve done a lot!

The main premise behind Snipperclips is working together to reach a certain goal or make a specific shape.

You’ll need to carefully snip your partners character in the right way, often combining together to create weird and wacky shaped or push objects towards a goal.

If you’re looking for a game that isn’t high-octane and easy to play no matter what your gaming level, then give Snipperclips Plus a go!

10. Art Of Balance (2018)

Art Of Balance finished off our list of the best puzzle games on Nintendo Switch, bringing 200 levels of addictive goodness to Nintendo’s handheld hero.

A game where you build a stack of shapes might not sound that addictive, but trust me… it is!

Any fans of the tension created while playing Wario Ware on the GameCube will instantly connect with this. Watch out for shapes breaking and some pieces even reversing gravity!

Online play is a nice touch in this game, but the local split screen will always be my favourite. Nothing says stress like having your friends poking and goading you while trying to stack objects.

If it wasn’t for the tranquil sounds of this game and amazing music, then I think I might have pulled my beard out a long time ago.

This is one that people of any gaming ability can play easily. Practice makes perfect, and you will find it incredibly tough to put down!

This article may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to purchase an item we may earn a commission.

Seb Santabarbara has bought every Nintendo console that has ever been released in his 34 years on Planet Earth. His favourite game franchise is Zelda, and he’s patiently waiting for Banjo-Kazooie to come back to the fold. When he’s not playing games, he’s travelling the world in his self-converted camper van.

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Best Switch Puzzle Games

It's time to leave the crossword and word search books at home. Playing brain-teasing puzzle games on the go, has never been more stimulatingly fun and addicting.

From falling block and adventure puzzles, to challenging physics-based and cooperative problem solving puzzles, these games are the perfect brain teasers for a handheld console. Here's a list of some of the best Switch puzzle games.

Mario's Super Picross

What would a list of Nintendo games be without a Super Mario Bros. cameo? This puzzle game of logic is like a cross between the games, Paint by Numbers and Crossword. Players must use a rock-hammer and chisel to dig up and reveal pictures. Uncovered pictures reveal number clues to show the amount of squares that should go in each column or row. Mario's Super Picross draws players in slowly with its simplicity , then ultimately challenges them, as each level progresses and grows more complex .

Tricky Towers

Tricky Towers feels like a tricky take on Tetris and Jenga. Stack up falling blocks to build the tallest and strongest tower, while competing against others. Players can cast spells on their opponents, or on themselves ; by choosing to use these powers to either hinder their enemies or to help change the physics of each round and alter the game in their favor. Tricky Towers is great to play with friends, and can become a very competitive and addicting game!

Boxboy! + Boxgirl!

This cute and charming strategy puzzle game allows players to create platforms and bridges with Qbby and Qucy, by forming strings of boxes in order to traverse levels. Boxboy! + Boxgirl! is a puzzle game with a minimalist square-art style feel, that's just perfect for passing time.

Related: Best Switch Exclusives

Lumines Remastered

Made by the creator of Tetris, before Tetris; Lumines Remastered is new and improved, making it a perfect fit for the Switch . Create squares with the falling blocks of the same color, from 2x2 pieces. With stunning visuals and HD rumble feedback to the rhythm of some very addicting music, Lumines Remastered is a great puzzle game, that's easy for players to get lost in while playing.

The Gardens Between

The Gardens Between is an adventure puzzle game , with a metaphoric take on friendship, that's teeming with surreal heartfelt emotion. Players will journey as Arina and Frendt through a surreal dreamlike garden; unlocking secrets, reliving past memories, and manipulating time to solve puzzles . This single player puzzle game tests logic and observation , with lively animations and strikingly vibrant color visuals.

Think classic Tetris , with a Battle Royale twist . Somehow, it just works. Tetris 99 requires problem solving , concentration, and training in order to defeat 98 players in its multiplayer battle mode. The tetriminos cleared by players will transfer to their opponents at random, or players can manually select which enemy will get their left overs. Tetris 99 also has a variety of solo challenges , reviving this classic puzzle game to its ultimate potential.

World of Goo

World of Goo is a multi award winning, physics-based , puzzle/ construction game. As millions of delicious Goo Balls curiously explore, completely oblivious to the fact that they are in a video game; players must drag and drop these lively globs of goo to build structures , bridges, cannonballs, and giant tongues. Each level is dangerously enchanting and introduces new areas and puzzle challenges to overcome. World of Goo oozes a fairytale of love, conspiracy, and discovery of dangerous beauty in the third dimension.

Related: Nintendo Switch Error Codes List — And How to Fix Them

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Filled with a series of charmingly smart puzzles and brilliantly designed mazes , this adventure puzzle game allows players to cheerfully hunt for treasures as Toad and Toadette. Waddle through traditional 3D Super Mario Bros. themed levels to collect the golden star and discover buried objects, hidden inside dense challenging mazes along the way. With more than 70 aesthetically themed levels , that establish their own unique schemes overtime; Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is perfect some classic Super Mario Bros. fun, with a brain-teasing twist.

Snipperclips: Cut It Out Together!

One of the best strategy puzzle games on the Switch, is Snipperclips . Cut the paper characters, Snip and Clip into the correct shapes, in order to solve compelling puzzles in colorful challenges. Explore a variety of activities in an addicting world, full of creativity and imagination. This simple, yet artful puzzle game was designed with a strikingly balanced visual approach, that is meant to be experienced socially . Requiring two or more players, Snipperclips is the ultimate puzzler to play with friends.

Puyo Puyo 2

Sega's crossbreed of its Puyo Puyo series, and Tetris; a falling block puzzle game containing skill battles, that gives a Role Playing feel to the fun. Compete against other players, no matter which falling block game they are currently playing. This not only challenge the players knowledge of the block game they are playing, but it will test the knowledge of the block games their opponents are playing . Puyo Puyo 2 is another classic puzzle game, successfully revived and transformed for the new age gamers.

Need more Switch games to play and connect with friends on? Take a look at this list of the Best Switch Multiplayer Games.

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The 21 Best Mystery Games For The Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is home to plenty of great games, some of which deliver a thrilling sense of mystery.

The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console for all sorts of gaming sessions, including action games, lengthy RPGs, and even first-person shooters. Being such a portable device, it's a versatile console built for many experiences. Given the success of the Switch, it's no surprise that the system offers a variety of games for fans of mystery and puzzle games.

The Best Nintendo Switch Games Of All Time

These games span a variety of subjects, themes, and tones, but they all have one thing in common: getting to the bottom of a twisting mystery. Here are some of the best mystery games available on the Switch, ideal for curling up with and immersing yourself in.

Updated January 16, 2024 by Jacqueline Zalace: Playing through mystery games can be quite a rewarding experience, especially when all the pieces begin to click into place. We've updated this guide with a few more mystery games on the Nintendo Switch for you to sink your teeth in to.

21 AI: The Somnium Files

AI: The Somnium Files is a mystery visual novel that's also a point-and-click adventure game with branching paths and great characters. In the game, you control Kaname Date, a detective with a unique power tasked with solving a series of grueling murders.

If you are a fan of this game, be sure to check out the sequel AI: The Somnium Files - Nirvana Initiative .

This game features great music and excellent writing, with fully voiced dialogue and cutscenes, making it an immersive experience. There's also a flow chart in the menu that lets you jump back in time to complete story paths that you haven't seen yet, making it easier to reach the game's multiple endings.

20 Famicom Detective Club

The Famicom Detective Club series is actually a set of two games, both available on the Nintendo Switch. These were originally launched on Nintendo's older systems, the Famicom Disk System and the SNES, as well as the Game Boy Advance. Remade and given a modernized look for the Switch, this was also the first time these detective games were available worldwide.

In these games, you control a young man who solves mysteries by scouring for clues and asking characters various questions. They offer splendid soundtracks and Japanese voice acting, as well as mysteries loaded with twists and turns at every corner.

19 Steins;Gate Series

This is not all of the Steins;Gate games out there, just a sampling to show how much content each one includes!

The Steins;Gate franchise has spawned visual novels, anime adaptations, movies, comics, and more. It's a franchise loved by many, and the games are available on the Switch for anyone curious or looking for a mystery to sink their teeth into.

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Steins;Gate is a visual novel with branching paths and a science fiction backdrop, following eccentric college student Okabe and his friends as they acquire the means to travel through time and change the past. You can alter the course of the story using Okabe's cell phone in-game, along with various decisions you'll be forced to make.

Bursting with stylish designs and color, Gnosia is a unique mystery visual novel game where you interact with NPCs aboard a spaceship. In Gnosia, you must find out which of the crew is an alien, known as the Gnosia, that will kill the rest of them.

Gnosia uses a unique time-loop structure that shakes up who the Gnosia is in each iteration. You can also become the Gnosia and work to keep suspicion off of yourself. As the rounds go on, you learn more and more about the characters involved and their backstories.

17 L.A. Noire

Coming from legendary publisher Rockstar Games, L.A. Noire is a detective game set in Los Angeles during the 1940s. You can explore this game's unique and vast open world by walking around in it or even driving to get places.

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The story of L.A. Noire takes place over multiple chapters throughout which you control Detective Cole, looking for evidence and following leads to uncover a twisting conspiracy. The game also features a branching storyline, adding to its replay value.

16 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy

When it comes to mystery games, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is one of those series that many people have heard of. The first three games of the series are available on multiple platforms, including the Switch, as a combined collection. These titles combine elements of mystery-solving with logic puzzles, visual novel elements, and point-and-click adventure games.

Each game in the Ace Attorney Trilogy offers around five cases to solve. These games are loved for their over-the-top antics, quirky characters, and hilarious writing. Despite the comedy, however, they offer somber moments when the plot calls for it.

15 Thimbleweed Park

Inspired by the adventure games that came before it, Thimbleweed Park is a point-and-click adventure that lets you play as five characters to uncover some bizarre mysteries within the park.

Aside from collecting evidence and key items, you also get to interact with various suspects and key players in the crime, uncovering clues as you put the truth together.

14 Layton's Mystery Journey

The Professor Layton series is well known for its charming stories, interesting characters, and fantastic puzzles. Professor Layton's adventures span many titles . However, Layton's Mystery Journey is a bit different in that it follows the adventures of Layton's daughter, Katrielle Layton.

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In this game, you will solve mysteries and puzzles in order to find Katrielle's father, who has gone missing. This game is distinct from the Professor Layton games in part because instead of having a continuous story, the game features twelve cases that you must work through, similar to chapters.

13 Return of the Obra Dinn

If you haven't heard of Return of the Obra Dinn , then you may have heard of Papers, Please , which was developed by the same person. This game follows the story of a ship, the Obra Dinn, that went missing for five years and has suddenly reappeared. You are tasked with investigating the ghost ship to piece together the mystery of its disappearance.

The game offers a unique style with its monochromatic color scheme, reminiscent of older, classic video games. You're also given a unique item that lets you witness the moments before a passenger's death, aiding you in your journey to crack the case.

12 The Darkside Detective

Another fantastic point-and-click adventure game, The Darkside Detective takes place in a city with a supernatural twist. The city has a reflection of itself, called the Darkside, where ghosts reside. In the game, you control a detective in charge of investigating the Darkside, and must solve the mysterious cases linked to it.

Aside from being a great mystery game, The Darkside Detective is full of pop culture references and sharp, hilarious writing. It offers thrilling mysteries to sink your teeth into while keeping you laughing with its fantastic humor.

11 Danganronpa Series

Danganronpa is an iconic series involving murder and trials. There are three games in this series, following three different groups of students who must face each other in a murderous game. The game is separated by trials, where you must decide exactly who the killer is, as well as how they did it.

This isn't a typical detective mystery, but each trial will leave you thinking hard about what is going on. In addition to the mystery of each trial, you will need to uncover the mystery behind the murder game that you are playing.

10 Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium is an RPG that places you in the shoes of a detective who has no memory of who he is. Over the course of the game, you will need to figure out your own identity, while solving a case with your partner, Kim Kitsuragi.

This game does not follow a linear path like other mystery games. You will be able to explore and encounter a wide variety of characters that you can talk with. There are complex dialogue trees that make each playthrough a unique experience.

9 Paradise Killer

Don't let the colorful graphics of Paradise Killer fool you, this is a complex game involving an island that 'regenerates every few millennia'.

The game focuses on a murder that took place, and as Lady Love Dies, you will need to gather evidence and figure out what is going on. Paradise Island is vast, and the open-world gameplay lets you explore to your heart's content.

8 Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo

Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo is quite a mouthful, but it's well worth it. Published by Square Enix , Paranormasight is a visual novel that tasks you with learning the mystery behind 'curses' that afflict people in Tokyo.

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Like many other mystery visual novels, Paranormasight involves a branching timeline with different actions resulting in new paths to take. You aren't the only person trying to get to the root of the mystery though, so who will get the truth first?

7 Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse

Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is a bit on the scarier side. If you can handle the fright, then Fatal Frame is an excellent mystery game that requires you to use your photography skills.

While exploring Rougetsu Island, you will need to take images of ghosts. This essentially deals damage, sealing them away. As this is a remake of a 2008 game, you can expect to see improved graphics, as well as unique costumes.

6 Life Is Strange Series

Life is Strange is an incredibly popular mystery adventure game series, with tons of content to play through. In each game, you will play from a third-person perspective, exploring the world around you, completing quests, and solving puzzles.

The original Life is Strange game was split into five different episodes, but you can purchase the Life is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection to get access to them all. Don't forget to also check out Life is Strange 2 and Life is Strange: True Colors .

5 Detective Pikachu

Detective Pikachu and Detective Pikachu Returns are two adorable mystery games where you play as Tim Goodman along with your partner Pikachu. Together, of course, the two of you must solve crime!

These games are a bit more lighthearted than the others on our list. While there is no brutal murder, the story is still quite captivating. Although these games originally started as a spin-off of mainline Pokemon games, they definitely stand by themselves, making them a great addition to your Switch library.

4 Master Detective Archives: Rain Code

If Master Detective Archives: Rain Code looks familiar to you, it's for a good reason. This game was created by many who worked on Danganronpa. As such, you can see a similar art style, as well as mechanics that are reminiscent of Danganronpa's class trials.

As with Danganronpa, Rain Code takes place over several chapters, with six in total. Playing as Yuma (naturally, an amnesiac detective), your ultimate goal is to solve mysteries within the Kanai Ward, and 'conquer the Mystery Labyrinth'.

3 The Sinking City

The Sinking City combines the mystery genre with Lovecraftian horror. Set in the 1920s, you play as a PI in a city that is literally sinking into the water. In this watery city, you will need to solve what is going on with the citizens, as it seems their minds are being corrupted.

This is a story-heavy game, so you can expect to see some fantastic dialogue, as well as a great interpretation of Lovecraftian lore. The game isn't too in-your-face with its fright, but the mood and atmosphere create a mysterious world that begs to you keep exploring.

2 What Remains of Edith Finch

What Remains of Edith Finch is essentially a walking simulator anthology. In the game, you play as Edith, exploring her ancestral home to learn the mysterious secrets of her family.

This game is rather short, but the story feels well put together with good pacing. Overall, What Remains of Edith Finch feels like a movie, especially since the average time players take to finish is around two hours. If this game captures your heart, be sure to check out The Unfinished Swan, which was developed by the same studio (Giant Sparrow).

Screen Rant

Every free puzzle game on nintendo switch, ranked.

From unique redesigns of classics to relaxing color-matching puzzles, here are the best and worst free-to-play puzzle games on the Nintendo eShop.

The puzzle genre has become popular on the Nintendo Switch, with massive hits like the Untitled Goose Game and Donut County keeping players busy solving entertaining levels. Switch owners who want to test their skills and try out a puzzle game don’t have to spend a single penny as there are quite a few of them available on the eShop for free.

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Out of over 70 free-to-play and free-to-start titles to choose from, there are seven free puzzle games that players can download at any time. Some of these games have great mechanics, complex puzzles, and entertaining levels that make them worth checking out.

Angry Bunnies: Colossal Carrot Crusade

Angry Bunnies: Colossal Carrot Crusade is a bunny-flinging puzzle game where players have to figure out the best ways to demolish structures and crush foxes in each level. The physics-based demolition game has over 150 levels, designed to become increasingly complex as the player progresses.

Angry Bunnies is a funny game for the Switch , but it’s an obvious revamp of the more popular and humorous Angry Birds games. It doesn’t really add anything new to the formula as it mostly just replaces birds and pigs with bunnies and foxes. The puzzles aren’t too challenging to figure out, and the bunnies’ special abilities do little to add excitement to the gameplay. It might be fun for players who have never tried anything from the genre before, but the game's uninspired levels are a pale imitation of the original, which is also free to download on any smartphone.

Lost Lands: Dark Overlord

After Susan takes a phone call and turns away from her son for a split second, Jimmy is suddenly pulled into a mysterious portal, which closes before his mother could reach him. Lost Lands: Dark Overlord follows Susan through this magical dark world, where she must solve puzzles and look for clues to figure out how to get her son back.

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The game has beautiful hand-drawn visuals, which is pleasantly surprising for a free title. Its soundtrack adds to the magical atmosphere of the hidden world. The puzzles aren’t too exciting, as they’re nothing players haven’t seen before. For instance, there are puzzles where players have to turn over tiles to match images and others that require them to light up bulbs to form constellations. On the other hand, the clue-finding aspect is fun, as there are a ton of overstuffed rooms for players to sift through. It’s worth checking out for players who want an easy puzzle game with stunning visuals.

Gems Of War

Gems of War is a fun puzzle game on the Switch that tasks players with matching gems and skulls to power their characters and defeat their enemies. It incorporates RPG elements, as players have to level up troops and equip them with armor and weapons, while also discovering new attacks and spells along the way. There are also various quests, guild activities, fight modes, and events for players to enjoy.

Gems of War is an interesting take on the genre, as it combines all the fun elements of RPGs but combines them with puzzles. It requires players to be strategic about using their mana, as it’s easy to run out of it after enough matches against other skilled players. The biggest issue with this game is that it’s extremely difficult to level up characters without buying better gear or upgrading abilities through microtransactions. If players are willing to grind for hours to gain a few ingots in the game, Gems of War can be a rewarding experience with a good number of quests and other entertaining activities to do.

Hexceed is a challenging but also relaxing Switch game that puts a spin on the classic title it’s based on ( Minesweeper ). Instead of a dull gray grid, it features creatively designed levels filled with hexagons for players to uncover. Like the classic game, each hexagon will reveal how many dangers are hidden around, allowing players to strategize about their next move.

The game has some fun level designs, with one of them even made to look like a map. Hexceed doesn’t try to innovate on Minesweeper ’s core elements, but it does improve them by making the gameplay more exciting through brilliant design. The pastel color palette and relaxing soundtrack are an added bonus.

The most relaxing game that’s free on the eShop is undoubtedly Color Zen . The objective given to the player is simple – just keep combining shapes with the same color until only one fills the screen. The level designs become increasingly complex, eventually forcing the player to strategize (at least a little bit) to clear each one.

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Even on the hardest levels, this game never becomes frustrating. It’s almost impossible to get annoyed when there’s a meditative soundtrack and relaxing sound effects that accompany every move. The simplicity of the shapes and the overall gameplay make it a charming game for players who want to relax for a few hours.

Nintendo’s Tetris 99 is another  classic game made with better graphics with a multiplayer twist. Just like its name suggests, players are pitted against 98 other users in a thrilling Tetris battle that ends with only one winner. During the battle royale-style matches, players can send out Garbage Blocks to opponents, which will slightly obscure their screen.

Having 99 Tetris games all at once is an ambitious concept for a game, but it works amazingly well. Players have to be strategic not just about their own game, but about who to target next. The excitement and tension are only intensified as more and more players are knocked out. It’s also ridiculously difficult to win against so many other players, but the thrill of trying makes it worth playing over and over again.

Pokémon Café Mix

Pokémon Café Mix is a feel-good game that tasks players with running a café with an adorable staff. Familiar Pokémon like Charmander and Togepi help the player churn out tasty-looking treats like Eevee cakes and Diglett sandwiches. The more puzzles players complete, the more food and drinks they can serve – the café can even be expanded to attract more customers.

One of the most thrilling parts of the game is the Pokémon customers that come to dine in the café. Minccino can just walk in and order decaf – if it’s good enough, he might even join the staff! The actual puzzles aren’t difficult at all, as it’s easy enough to link Pokémon faces together to clear the levels. This isn’t surprising, as the playful art style and relaxed café environment suggest that the game isn’t mean to be hard. It’s a fun and easy puzzle game for players who aren't really looking for anything challenging.

NEXT:  15 Best First Person Shooter Games Ported To Switch

14 Best Educational Games for Nintendo Switch

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As we all know, education is not exclusive to the classroom. We spend our lives learning new skills and acquiring more information until we gather enough wisdom to be as intelligent as the smartest people on the plane — Mom and Dad.

Gone are the days when video games were seen as corrupting our youth; now, they can teach us valuable math, sports, problem-solving and social skills. No other console promotes these types of games more than the Nintendo Switch . With their bright, colorful, fun releases, they have given us games that educate and entertain.

It’s crucial that screen time is used productively; that’s why these games are perfect for players of all ages. Most of the time, players don’t even realize they are learning.

So whatever educational game you’re looking for, you should be able to find it here.

The Top 3 Educational Games for Nintendo Switch

Those are my top three picks, but check out the rest of the list to find the perfect educational game for yourself or as a gift.

1. Best for Creativity: Minecraft

If you like your creativity mixed in with some action, we have the perfect educational game for you. Minecraft became an instant hit when it was released in 2011 and has solidified itself as a classic in the gaming world. Combining fun characters and vast worlds to build and explore, Minecraft’s longevity, creativity and educational value know no bounds.

What We Love:

❤️ You can build pretty much anything you want ❤️ You have to protect your environment from enemies ❤️ Building your own community with other players

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Building can take a while to get used to

2. Best for Problem-Solving: Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

When it comes to problem-solving, I believe it’s a lot more fun to battle against others, brain vs. brain. With this academic accolade, up to four players can pit their brain power against each other, testing memory, math and motor skills in various games involving speed and accuracy. 

Developing and training memory skills are essential in childhood as they lead to other skills they will learn. Studies have shown that a good memory takes you back to previous experiences and allows kids to retain information such as language, follow directions, learn routines and solve problems. It also has a big part in developing imaginative play. 

❤️ Each player can set their own difficulty level  ❤️ You can test yourself against scores from other players around the world ❤️ The use of split-screen mode when connected to a monitor

💔 It’s more fun in multiplayer mode than solo play

3. Best for Sports Education: Nintendo Switch Sports

Following on from the success of Wii Sports , Switch Sports features new games and some of the classics of its predecessor. Grow your skills while staying active as you play Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton, Chambara and (my favorite) Golf. You navigate your character by swinging, kicking, spiking and putting your way to victory and maybe, if you’re successful, take those skills to the field in real life.

Taking part in sporting activities is not solely about fitness and fun; it can also promote academic success in children . Team sports can teach social skills, teamwork, discipline and leadership capabilities.

❤️ You can play against people at home or across the world online  ❤️ Includes a leg strap for soccer ❤️ Adjust the difficulty as your skills develop

💔 You need plenty of room to play

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Not all education is about arithmetic and spelling; humans must also learn about the community. One of the best games to promote social skills on the Switch is Animal Crossing, which focuses on building your home, decorating it and creating a community with other players. You can fish, hunt for fossils and plant your own garden, but most importantly, you must learn how to exist peacefully in your society.

There are plenty of activities in Animal Crossing that promote social-emotional learning that can develop skills such as personal responsibility, decision-making, generosity, money management and altruism — all critical life skills that, when taught at a young age, can benefit a person significantly.

❤️ The colors and animations are very child friendly ❤️ There is a vast land to explore ❤️ The seasons change over time

💔 Can become addictive, so you may need to limit screen time

5. My Friend Peppa Pig Complete Edition

This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed at home, but this little Peppa Piggy has taken the world by storm with books, movies, theme parks and now, her very own video game. A new friend has come to play with Peppa, a character you have created. Explore the landscape, tidy up the home and sing songs with your new best friend as you learn and play.

Peppa Pig is bright, colorful, fun, and offers great educational value to younger kids. Peppa, as a character, is kind, thoughtful, polite and friendly, teaching social-emotional learning like learning to share, giving thanks, compassion and making new friends.

❤️ It’s fun to see your creation interact with Peppa ❤️ It’s incredibly bright and colorful ❤️ Learn new activities and songs

💔 It is more story than gameplay

6. Super Mario Maker 2

Have you ever imagined designing your very own video game? With Super Mario Maker 2 you can start by making custom Mario levels of your design. You can choose which blocks go where, add enemies to your liking and plot out brand new courses for Mario to navigate through.

We all know how important creativity is in a child’s development. Dr. Sandra Russ , a creativity and play expert, described creativity as “the ability to come up with original ideas; to put ideas or images or experiences together in new ways.” Super Mario Maker 2 promotes creativity and helps build valuable STEM skills as kids better understand basic video game coding .

❤️ You can choose which era in the Mario Saga you want to design ❤️ Learn which designs work and which don’t ❤️ The possibilities are endless

💔 It takes a lot of patience to design a level

7. My Universe – Pet Clinic: Cats & Dogs

Another important lesson is how to look after those around us, including our pets. This game allows you to run your own pet clinic, where you must learn how to care for animals and nurse them back to health. First comes the diagnosis; when you know what is wrong with each animal, you can treat them to make them better.

Although much is still to be learned about the educational values of simulation games, studies have shown that these types of games off great real-world experiences for children in a risk-free environment. Pet Clinic, in particular, teaches kids valuable lessons in compassion and empathy and developing their business skills.

❤️ Make a diagnosis by solving the puzzle of their symptoms ❤️ As you progress, you can upgrade your clinic ❤️ Treatments include; x-rays, bandages and preparing medicine

💔 You need a good grasp of reading to play

8. Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

What better way to spend some downtime than to play a classic game with your friends/family? This release includes 51 classic games all in one place for you to develop your problem-solving and strategy skills and learn that important lesson; how to win and lose graciously. Including Chess, Checkers, Dominos, Darts, Bowling, Backgammon and solitaire, there is tons of fun to be had.

Problem-solving games such as these are a great tool in a child’s education. They encourage critical thinking, promote collaboration and competitiveness and provide opportunities to apply concepts they’ve already learned and learn new ones.

❤️ It’s ideal for long journeys ❤️ You can connect several Switchs’ together for multiplayer games ❤️ You can change difficulty settings

💔 You have to learn the rules for 51 games

9. Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training

If there’s any game in this list that exemplifies the expansion of your brain, it’s this. Test your existing skills and grow your brain power with this set of classic and new exercises. You can play alone or train with friends or family in the same room or online.

It may sound obvious, but studies show that brain training games can play a major role in improving cognitive functions in both children and adults. Benefits from these types of games can include; improved memory and recognition, increased attention span and enhanced cognition.

❤️ You can use the touchscreen or the controllers ❤️ It comes with a stylus  ❤️ Improves your memory

💔 If you’ve played the DS version, you may already know most of the puzzles

10. Snipper Clips Plus: Cut it out Together!

Snipper Clips Plus is pretty out there when it comes to solving puzzles in video games, but that’s what makes it so fun. Most of the time, you don’t realize that you are developing your problem-solving skills when playing. You don’t win “Family Game of the Year” at the 21st Annual D.I.C.E. Awards for being boring.

The benefits of these types of games are well-studied, and evidence shows how much of an asset they can be to our educational growth and development. As well as improving motor skills and promoting creativity, recent studies have shown that kids who play puzzle-solving video games show higher brain activity associated with memory and attention.

❤️ The main characters are adorable ❤️ Up to four players for co-op play ❤️ Each level is a different challenge

💔 The harder puzzles can get frustrating to solve

11. Game Builder Garage

Computer programming may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be with Game Builder Garage. Take your first steps into a new world by building your own video game using the step-by-step lessons. Not only will you learn new skills, but you can also let your imagination run wild with different designs.

No matter how you feel about computers, they’re here to stay, so learning coding early can have enormous benefits to a child’s development. The University of Texas states that learning coding at a young age can boost problem-solving skills, advance computational thinking and digital literacy, encourage persistence and improve confidence and communication skills.

❤️ You can test your skills between each lesson ❤️ You can share your games with others online  ❤️ You can play games created by others

💔 You need plenty of patience

12. Professor Rubik’s Brain Fitness

The Rubik’s cube has puzzled us for 50 years, flipping the colors around to make them match up. With this brain fitness video game, you test your speed, memory and logic skills in its twelve mini-games involving the famous cube.

The Rubik’s Cube is the ultimate brain teaser, but sticking with it (and not throwing it out the window in frustration) can lead to great benefits in our development. Enhancing problem-solving skills is the most obvious asset, but it also boosts cognitive power, improves memory, enhances brain-hand-eye coordination and instills confidence.

❤️ It tracks your activity to show your progress  ❤️ The difficulty heightens as you progress ❤️ It’s challenging and stimulating

💔 It encourages you to play everyday

13. Taiko No Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun! Bundle

They say music is the food of love, but it’s also food for your brain. This Drum ‘n’ Fun bundle keeps your mind active by memorizing patterns and following rhythms to over seventy iconic video game songs. Playing video games that involve rhythm and music can be an excellent way for kids to dance, sing and have fun, but they can also promote some key developmental skills.

The prestigious Kaufman Music Center in New York states that music training can strengthen a child’s decision-making network, encourage the ability to take instructions and improve focus and concentration.

❤️ Connect your Switch consoles together for multiplayer mode ❤️ Play as characters from the Nintendo universe like Kirby and Splatoon 2’s Squid ❤️ The drum is a fun accessory

💔 Banging the drum can be loud

14. Colors Live

One of my favorite classes in school was Art, so I had to include this colorful, creative title in our list. Colors Live lets your imagination run free with realistic painting and design. It features a pressure-sensitive painting to give it a real-life feel and lets you record your process to see how it all came together.

Art and creativity are an integral part of our social and emotional development . As well as the satisfaction and pride you get from creating something, it allows us to share our perspectives and learn to express ourselves. What makes art so special is that it can be used as an expression of our imaginations and feelings or as a fun activity to enjoy as a group.

❤️ Complete challenges to advance your skill ❤️ You can display your work online for all to see  ❤️ Comes with a Sonar Pen to draw and paint with

💔 The lessons are more for beginners

Frequently Asked Questions About Educational Games for Nintendo Switch

🤔 are educational switch games good for kids’ development.

Simple answer. Yes.

Video games are a fantastic way to carry on a child’s education outside the classroom. As we see it, they will want to play video games anyway, so why not sneak in some lessons to screen time while they do?

Nintendo has an MO of releasing bright, colorful, fun games for all the family, making their latest handheld console, the Switch, the ideal platform to bring educational games into the hands of younger players.

With so many titles on offer, the key is to find a suitable game that kids will engage with to get the most out of the lessons they’re learning while having fun.

🤔 How can video games contribute to kids’ education?  

Gaming has become a huge part of our society, and while some games are mindless fun, others can stimulate and expand key learning skills in a child’s development. 

Don’t just take my word for it; check out the results of this study into Children’s Motivations for Video Game Play in the Context of Normal Development from Harvard student Cheryl K. Olson.

The right educational video game can:

• Teach problem-solving skills
• Inspire interest in history and culture
• Develop social and competition skills
• Encourage exercise
• Spark creativity

So… What Educational Game Should I Get?

The great thing about kids is that they all have various interests, but sometimes they find it hard to engage with anything other than what they enjoy. The surefire way to find the right game is to discover their interests and what kind of games they enjoy playing.

If they’re big into sports, then Nintendo Switch Sports is the obvious choice. If they are a budding artist, you can’t go wrong with Colors Live . And for the academics out there, you can nurture their thirst for problem-solving with Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain .

If you’ve seen a Switch game that I haven’t included in this list and you think it should be, PLEASE send me a message so I can update and include it.

More from TheToyZone

Best Games That Reward Creative Problem-Solving

• As video game technology advances, puzzles have become more open-ended, allowing for creative solutions and multiple outcomes.
• Games like Portal 2 and Baldur's Gate 3 reward players for thinking creatively and finding unique ways to solve problems.
• Undertale and Scribblenauts Unlimited offer players the freedom to approach puzzles in their own way, showcasing the importance of player choice.

In the early days of video games, puzzles and their solutions were pretty cut and dry. Get from Point A to Point B, and accomplish A, B, and C using a very specific method. There was only one way to beat the game; players just needed to find it. Part of this was due to hardware and scripting limitations. Consoles had such limited memory that there simply wasn't room for more creative solutions.

11 Best Puzzle Games On Steam That Deserve More Attention

But as video games and consoles become more advanced, puzzle-solving in games has become more open-ended. Developers are now usually more than happy to hand players the reins and let them run wild with their creativity. All the pieces are there; players just need to put them together. There are no right or wrong answers, just what works and what doesn't, and for those looking to flex their creative puzzle-solving muscles and get rewarded for doing so , there are plenty of gaming options available.

Peace is Always An Option

Platform(s) PS Vita, Switch, PS4, PC, Xbox One

Released September 15, 2015

Developer(s) Toby Fox

Genre(s) RPG

This 2015 smash hit revolutionized puzzle-solving and story progression in RPG adventure games, being one of the first where players could complete the entire game without killing a single enemy. Instead, they could choose the Pacifist route and befriend NPCs instead (or go from killing a single enemy to all of them in the notorious Genocide route ).

Beyond the multiple endings, Undertale is filled with puzzles to overcome, not all of which have a single solution. Is a dastardly skeleton placing a maze trap before the fallen human? They might be able to solve it, or they can opt to simply walk around it. New dialogue options and story branches open and close based on who the player chooses to spare and how. The reward for creative puzzle-solving is that players get to explore more of this colorful world and iconic characters.

Scribblenauts Unlimited

The noun's the limit.

Platform(s) Wii U, Switch, PS4, PC, iOS, Android, 3DS, Xbox One

Released November 13, 2012

Developer(s) 5th Cell

Genre(s) Puzzle, Sandbox

Scribblenauts proves that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword. No, seriously. The titular heroes in this popular puzzle RPG series use the power of words to solve all their problems. Players can write down a noun and watch it appear in the world. Giving it an adjective results in the object or creature transforming to match its new description. Giving a pig wings will allow it to fly, and manifesting some glue out of the ether will permit players to stick things together. The possibilities are literally endless.

Scribblenauts Unlimited builds on its predecessors with an expansive list of nouns, adjectives, and adverbs that players can use and provides multiple ways to solve each puzzle. The game doesn't care how players accomplish their goals, so long as they clear the level's main objective. The only real limit is the player's imagination (and their vocabulary).

Aperture Science Tests One's Creativity

Platform(s) PS3, Switch, Xbox 360, PC

Released April 18, 2011

Developer(s) Valve

Genre(s) Puzzle, Platformer

The Portal games make no secret that they want to test players' problem-solving abilities. The game's central antagonist, GLaDOS , makes that abundantly clear. In fact, the entire plot is to use those same skills to escape the testing facility once and for all. Each test follows the same simple premise: get to the end of the testing chamber in one piece. How the player does it is up to them - and the game's physics engine. Jump through portals, avoid deadly turrets and bottomless pits, propel through the air -- it doesn't matter. As the saying goes, "If it's stupid and it works, it isn't stupid."

Portal 2 takes this engaging premise and amps it up to eleven. Puzzles are bigger, deadlier, and more complicated than ever before. While some answers are laid out more obviously than others, players are free to ignore those options and think outside the box as much as they want. So long as they reach the final door, GLaDOS doesn't mind how they did it. After all, data is data.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Zonai devices help players reinvent the wheel.

Platform(s) Switch

Released May 12, 2023

Developer(s) Nintendo

Genre(s) Adventure

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a massive breath of fresh air for the franchise. Linear adventures with clear-cut solutions were swapped out for a massive open world and a fun new physics engine that led to infinitely creative gameplay. Many fans of the series felt the game essentially reinvented the wheel of a franchise that had started to get a bit formulaic. However, its direct sequel, Tears of the Kingdom , didn't just reinvent the wheel; it allowed players to invent their own.

8 Hardest Zelda Games To 100% Complete

On top of the many new mechanics introduced in Breath of the Wild , Tears of the Kingdom introduced several new mechanics for players to tinker around with. The best by far is the introduction of Zonai devices, allowing players to use various moving mechanical parts in endless combinations to solve puzzles. Gamers can build siege engines that breathe fire, gliders powered by fans, or massive catapaults to launch enemies (or themselves) off into the horizon.

Baldur's Gate 3

Any solution is just a dice roll away.

Platform(s) Xbox Series X, PS5, PC, macOS, Stadia

Released August 3, 2023

Developer(s) Larian Studios

This award-winning RPG action-adventure game from 2023 famously adapted the core rules of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition into a video game format. But the game didn't just take the basic stats and mechanics; it went above and beyond to allow players to think just as creatively as they would while playing real D&D . Any D&D campaign can go off the rails at any moment. One bad dice roll or truly chaotic player choice, and there will be consequences. That's what makes the game so fun, and Baldur's Gate 3 understands this.

No two playthroughs of Baldur's Gate 3 are the same, thanks to the infinite array of choices , dice checks, and consequences. Players are rewarded for seeing just how many different ways they can solve the same problem. Do they exterminate the goblin camp or side with them? Can they pickpocket the vendor for powerful items to avoid paying? Can they talk their way out of being arrested, either through smooth-talking or saber-rattling? Every decision opens doors and closes others. Each interaction can forge new allies or enemies. Every quest has multiple endings, good or bad. Players can play the campaign however they want and will be rewarded for their creative thinking along the way.

Puzzle Games You Have To Be A Genius To Complete

17 Best Escape Room Games for Nintendo Switch

• by Adeleke Adewale
• May 29, 2022

If you love puzzle games, this article on the best escape room games for Nintendo Switch is for you. We all enjoy a good mystery, whether solving riddles or trying to figure out whodunnit.

There are many games to tickle the itch for individuals who enjoy a game of wits and conundrums.

Those who enjoy visiting escape rooms are in luck. As there has been a slew of new releases based on you being trapped inside a room, building, Or even a weird new planet where solving riddles.

And unlocking the mystery is your only way out. Here are some of the best for individuals looking for their next epic escape that will have you screaming frantically in anger or clawing at the door in terror.

Escape room puzzle games are excellent for strengthening your mental muscles and increasing your memory, logical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

Some escape room games have a story to make them feel more like first-person adventure games. While others include movement-based puzzles to make them feel like puzzle platformers.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best escape room puzzle games for Nintendo Switch to play.

1. Tiny Room Stories: Town Mystery

Tiny Room Stories: Town Mystery is another one-of-a-kind point-and-click escape game in which players must journey through a rural town blocked by puzzles.

Furthermore, to proceed, you must examine every structure and each of its rooms. Finding hidden objects and secrets about the enigmatic ghost town.

Furthermore, the game distinguishes itself from others in the genre by allowing players to explore the entire area and attack each room in the order they see fit.

Between Time is an escape room puzzle game in which your character travels through space and time to recover rare artifacts from unknown locales throughout history.

After stealing a time machine, you’re taken to one of five chambers depicting various periods in human history. You must solve logic-based puzzles to receive your reward and escape.

The challenges range from deciphering secret codes to finding hidden objects spread around the landscape.

Oneiros is a classic adventure game with colorful aesthetics that combines escape room action with weird puzzle ideas and crafting features.

Players assume the character of Liam, who wakes up to find his room fully shut, his laptop hacked, his phone damaged, and other strange occurrences.

As you strive to understand the mystery behind the game’s tale. You’ll encounter fully voiced characters, vivid environments, and several escape room puzzles to complete.

3. Monument Valley

Monument Valley is a beautiful mobile indie puzzle game in which players control protagonist Ida as she attempts to solve bizarre mazes and riddles to reach the level’s exit.

Furthermore, Monument Valley has grown in popularity since its recent sequel. Now giving short one-off escape-room style puzzles on the go and breathtaking graphics that adapt wonderfully to the mobile gaming market. Also, this is one of the best escape room games for Nintendo switch.

4. I Expect You To Die

I Expect You To Die casts you as a secret spy who finds himself in perilous scenarios that will demand quick thinking to escape.

You are stationary in these virtual reality games , but you can interact with most elements in the surroundings to solve the problem of your imminent fate.

There is only one correct method to complete each assignment, although there are numerous ways to perish. 

After all, it’s what they’re used to. Once you’ve been ripped to ribbons by lasers or triggered by deadly gas. You’re expected to avoid whatever caused it and discover the next step on your route to success.

You’ll succeed and escape your almost certain death through trial and error. Some superb espionage work, and maybe a little luck.

5. The Witness

Outside of the riddles, you must solve to go from one region to the next. The Witness is an enjoyable and relaxing game. The game is particularly good at concealing puzzles. Half of the game’s difficulty comes from locating the riddles.

However, the puzzles’ general scope remains constant. It’s a game of connecting the dots gone wrong. When you solve the riddles correctly.

You’ll usually be able to open a door, start a generator, or get the equipment you need to keep on. Also, it’s more of an escaping atmosphere than an escape room, though the fantastic art style is worth investigating.

6. Superliminal

Look no further than Superliminal if you’re looking for a puzzle game that will mess with your head and make you rethink the fundamental rules of the universe.

In it, you’re faced with clearing a series of test rooms that demand you to modify things by changing their size, distance, and orientation using the power of perspective.

The puzzles become more profound and intricate as you progress, forcing you to mix multiple actions, and use physics. And do a little platforming. This is one of the best escape room games for Nintendo Switch.

The Saw series features the most brutal and lethal gameplay in the escape room genre. You’ll be spending your time-solving Jigsaw’s masochistic puzzles. Whether you’re escaping traps and rooms yourself or assisting others in their quest for freedom.

Moreover, you can be found bashing up other Jigsaw victims, avoiding shotgun-infested doorways. And wondering until you find the next trip when you’re not sticking your arm into unclean. Needle-infested toilet water to retrieve keys. If you like the previous film, you’ll enjoy Saw 2: Flesh & Blood.

8. Amnesia: The Dark Crescent

Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a well-known first-person survival horror game . The protagonist, Daniel, wakes up stuck in a lonely castle with no knowledge of how he got there and is plagued by unsettling recollections of what he has done despite having no memory of it.

Furthermore, This game is regarded as one of the most challenging horror games available. To arrange your escape, you’ll need to explore the castle’s spooky halls and rooms.

Avoid adversaries at all costs by fleeing and using your wits to hide and survive. Find clues, solve puzzles, and explore the castle to uncover your own terrible memories and, hopefully, a way out of this nightmare. This is one of the best escape room games for Nintendo Switch.

9. Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors

If you’re looking for something darker, try the original DS game 999 . A tense and scary game in which nine players wake up after being kidnapped by the mysterious ‘Zero’ and abandoned together in an unknown place.

When you’re forced to play a life-or-death game, you have to decide who you can trust with your life. Also, tensions rise as you try to solve riddles, and uncover clues. And escape with your life while trying to understand the secrets of your location.

10. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

Consider picking up Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc if you want a little visual novel presentation with your escape room gameplay.

It depicts a group of kids trapped and forced to engage in a frightening game at the behest of an evil pink bear. Also, it is considered one of the best entries in the detective puzzle series.

Before you can flee, you’ll need to gather evidence, interview crucial witnesses, and create a case against your main suspects.

11. Portal 2

Even though the Portal games are puzzle platformers with room-based levels rather than full-fledged escape room experiences, they are worth including on this list.

With humorous dialogue, and dramatic landscapes. And hard puzzles that You can handle solo or with a companion in co-op. Portal 2 does a fantastic job of demonstrating Valve’s creative abilities.

If you haven’t played Portal before and have a Nintendo Switch. We recommend picking up the Portal: Companion Collection, which includes both games. In addition, this is one of the best escape room games for Nintendo Switch.

12. Tick-Tock: A Tale For Two

Tick Tock: A Tale for Two is an escape room game built exclusively for two players. In which both players must work together to solve the mystery and escape simultaneously.

You’ve both awoken in an unsettling universe created by renowned clockmaker Amalie Ravn. And your objective is to find a way out.

Also, you must explore several locations within a spooky village while solving tricky riddles and uncovering clues. With a story and design influenced by Scandinavian folk tales.

Also, it contains easy-to-learn gaming mechanics and a one-off plot that You can quickly turn into an evening for you and a companion.

13. Silent Hill 4: The Room

Silent Hill 4: The Room was a spin-off for the game. Including a shift in the storyline to one of isolation. With protagonist Henry Townsend finds himself trapped in his locked-in apartment, which he tries to escape.

Henry must figure out why he’s been trapped and the identities of the ominous and perplexing presences he continues confronting inside the flat, except for a jump through the wall to an alternate reality.

14. We Were Here

The We Were Here series is a thriller-escape series in which you and a partner are separated from each other. And your only means of communication is a walkie-talkie.

However, you must work together to solve riddles and locate information that will let you meet up and arrange your escape from the building you’ve been confined in.

Amnesia: The Dark Descent and real-life escape rooms were both strongly influenced. This is one of the best escape room games for Nintendo Switch.

15. The Room

The Room is a series of games where you must work out and unlock a succession of intricate and interconnected puzzle boxes to escape. It is one of the greatest mobile escape-room games on the market.

Also, you’ll be invited to an abandoned attic in the first game before being greeted with a massive iron safe with enigmatic writings.

If you can pry it open, a note on top promises something ancient and incredible. It’s a simple escape-room puzzle game that has spawned a critically acclaimed virtual reality game.

Furthermore, the Room is one of the most popular and well-known escape room series. Spanning numerous volumes in which you solve puzzles utilizing innovative contraptions and clues.

There’s a greater emphasis on playing with mechanical artifacts like clocks, and music boxes. And projectors then merge objects throughout an entire space.

In addition, as the series went on, the locations grew more atmospheric and scary, to the point that you felt like you were trapped in a classic horror film.

16. The House Of Da Vinci

Another notable escape room puzzle series with beautiful architecture and beautifully crafted puzzle rooms is The House of Da Vinci.

In it, you play Leonardo Da Vinci’s top apprentice as they try to find their mentor after he inexplicably disappears.

Also, by sleuthing out secret clues and notes left behind in Da Vinci’s workshop. You’ll be able to unlock additional chambers and get closer to discovering the truth.

17. Resident Evil

Resident Evil is the first game in the award-winning Resident Evil genre. In which you must work your way out of a decaying mansion full of terrifying horrors and eerie mysteries.

Furthermore, the first part takes place almost entirely within the mansion’s walls as you search for clues and make some blood-curdling discoveries in your attempt to escape the premises and figure out what is going on with the Umbrella Corporation.

Adeleke Adewale

Hi. I am Adeleke Abd-Rahman Adewale, a graduate of Ladoke Akintola university of technology, Nigeria. I am a content writer that writes on a wide range of topics, including sports, tech, fashion, health, Garden, games, and many more. I am a content writer @ Krafty Sprouts Media, LLC.

Why more than half of this list doent exist on nintendo switch? Also you talk about then as if they are available there… tsc

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Nintendo Switch Games, Reviews & Interviews

• March 13, 2023

Best Games Featuring Cleaning & Organizing on Nintendo Switch

Love cleaning and organizing? Want to chill out and make a space zen without distractions? Check out these Nintendo Switch games.

Playing games about organizing spaces can be a fun and rewarding experience for many people. These games often tap into our innate desire for order and structure, allowing us to exercise our problem-solving skills in a low-pressure environment. The sense of satisfaction that comes with successfully organizing a cluttered virtual space can be incredibly satisfying, providing a sense of accomplishment and accomplishment that can boost our mood and motivation.

Additionally, these games often provide a sense of control that can be particularly appealing in chaotic or stressful times, allowing us to create a sense of order in a world that often feels overwhelming. Playing games about organizing spaces can provide a sense of accomplishment, control, and relaxation that just can’t be found elsewhere.

House Flipper

House Flipper is a game that has taken the world by storm, and for good reason – it’s an incredibly fun and addictive game. The game allows you to live out your HGTV dreams, flipping houses and turning them into stunning living spaces. The game’s mechanics are easy to understand, but it’s challenging enough to keep you engaged for hours on end.

From painting walls and laying flooring to knocking down walls and completely redesigning the layout, House Flipper lets you unleash your creativity and turn a rundown house into a beautiful home. The sense of satisfaction you get when you finally sell a property for a huge profit after all your hard work is unparalleled. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer, House Flipper is a must-try game that is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons + Happy Home Paradise DLC

For fans of cleaning and organization, the Happy Home Paradise DLC for Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers an exciting new world to explore. This expansion pack allows players to take on the role of a vacation home designer, creating stunning and functional living spaces for animal residents on a tropical island.

With endless customization options, from furniture placement to wallpaper selection, the DLC provides the perfect outlet for those who enjoy tidying up and creating order in their virtual worlds. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy cabin or a luxurious beachfront villa, Happy Home Paradise offers a satisfying and rewarding experience for fans of designing homes and spaces for others.

A Little to the Left

A Little To The Left is a captivating indie game that is perfect for individuals who enjoy organizing things. The game revolves around organizing furniture and other household items in a limited amount of space. The gameplay is challenging and engaging, requiring players to think strategically about how to place objects in a way that maximizes the available space.

Additionally, the game’s art style is charming, and the background music is soothing, making it an excellent game to play when looking to relax and unwind. A Little To The Left’s gameplay mechanics, combined with its visually pleasing aesthetics, make it a must-play for anyone who enjoys organizing and tidying up spaces. If you’ve never owned a cat before, this is an accurate cat ownership simulator.

Serial Cleaner

Serial Cleaners is an unconventional game about cleaning up after crimes because it takes a unique approach to the typical crime genre. In most crime games, players take on the role of a detective or a criminal trying to get away with their crimes. However, in Serial Cleaners, players assume the role of a cleaner, someone who is hired to clean up the mess left behind by criminals.

This premise alone makes Serial Cleaners unique, as it forces players to think about the aftermath of a crime rather than the crime itself. The game challenges players to carefully navigate crime scenes and remove all evidence, including bloodstains, bullet holes, and other incriminating items. The gameplay requires a great deal of strategy and skill, as players must avoid detection by the police and other authorities while cleaning up the crime scenes.

In addition to its unique gameplay, Serial Cleaners also features a distinctive art style that adds to its overall quirkiness. The game takes place in the 1990s and features retro-inspired graphics and music that give it a nostalgic feel. The characters are also designed in a quirky, cartoonish style that adds to the game’s offbeat charm.

Wilmot’s Warehouse

Wilmot’s Warehouse is a game that appeals to those who have a natural inclination towards efficiency and optimization. Players take on the role of a warehouse worker who must sort and deliver various items to customers.

One of the reasons this game is enjoyable for those who appreciate organization is the sense of satisfaction that comes from creating an efficient system. As players sort and categorize the items in the warehouse, they are constantly evaluating and adjusting their strategies to find the most effective way to complete their tasks. This process requires not only organizational skills but also problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.

In addition, Wilmot’s Warehouse offers a sense of accomplishment as players progress through the levels. As they successfully complete tasks, they unlock new challenges and rewards, which provide motivation to continue playing.

The game also offers a sense of creativity as players come up with unique ways to sort and categorize the items in the warehouse. They can experiment with different approaches to find the best way to manage the inventory, and this freedom to explore and experiment can be incredibly satisfying.

Finally, Wilmot’s Warehouse is a game that encourages mindfulness and focus. As players sort through the items, they must pay close attention to the details and stay alert to changes in the environment. This level of concentration can be rewarding in and of itself and can help players develop valuable skills that can be applied to other areas of life.

Well, have you ever tried to renovate a house with your friends? It’s a recipe for disaster! One friend will be hammering away at the walls, while another is frantically trying to measure the space for new furniture, and a third is just standing there holding a paintbrush, wondering what to do next. But with Tools Up on Switch, all of that chaos is contained within the virtual world! Your friends can smash walls, measure rooms, and paint to their heart’s content, without actually causing any damage to your real-life living space.

Plus, you can all laugh at each other’s fumbling attempts to complete tasks, without anyone getting hurt (except for maybe your in-game characters). It’s the perfect way to bond with your friends over home renovation, without the stress of actual home renovation.

Moving Out — Best Co-op Cleaning Games for Switch

Moving Out is a game that will sweep you off your feet – and that’s not just because you’ll be moving furniture around like a cleaning tornado! This game is a real gem, and it’s not just because you’ll be picking up and carrying heavy objects like they’re nothing (which is good practice for when you eventually have to move your own furniture, by the way). Looking for great cleaning games on Switch to play with friends? Tools Up and Moving Out are both great options.

The cooperative gameplay is the real shining star here – it’s like having a cleaning crew at your fingertips! Your friends will be your trusty dustpan and broom, helping you sweep up the messes of moving day. And let’s not forget the satisfaction of finally getting everything packed up and moved out – it’s like giving your living space a deep clean!

PowerWash Simulator

Powerwash Simulator is more than just a cleaning game – it’s a zen experience that washes away the stresses of the day. With its soothing soundtrack and satisfying pressure-washing mechanics, it’s no wonder that players find themselves in a state of serenity as they blast away grime and dirt from every nook and cranny. This is probably one of the most in-depth cleaning games on Switch for fans of powerwashing.

There’s just something deeply satisfying about seeing a dirty surface become spotless with just the power of water, and as you scrub away at virtual surfaces, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that will leave you feeling like a true cleaning pro. So if you’re looking for a game that will help you clean up your act, give Powerwash Simulator a run through the spin cycle.

Unpacking — Best Cleaning Games on Switch

Unpacking is a game that revolves around the simple yet satisfying act of unpacking boxes and organizing their contents. But what sets this game apart is the clever concept of using each unpacking session to tell a story about the person who owns the items in the boxes.

As the player progresses through the game, they unpack boxes in various locations, such as a college dorm room, a new apartment, and a family home. Each location is filled with different objects and personal items that provide clues about the person’s life, interests, and personality. It’s one of the most zen cleaning games on Switch, thanks to its presentation.

For example, unpacking a box in the college dorm room might reveal textbooks, posters of favorite bands, and a collection of ramen noodles – all items that suggest the person is a student who enjoys music and quick and easy meals. Unpacking a box in the family home might reveal photos, holiday decorations, and keepsakes – all items that suggest the person is sentimental and values family traditions.

What’s more, the game uses clever puns and wordplay to add an extra layer of humor and enjoyment. For example, when organizing the bathroom, the player is prompted to “toothpaste the toothbrush holder” and “lotion the lotion” – fun and memorable instructions that make the act of cleaning and organizing even more engaging.

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The 15 Best Interactive Story Games on Nintendo Switch

Em is an RPG fanatic from the UK with a love for all things cute, witchy, and spooky. Their favorite games include World of Warcraft, Animal Crossing, and Pokémon.

As much as some folk may turn up their nose at the idea of games being considered art, you can experience some of the best stories to date in the form of a video game.

Interactive story games are powerful mediums for telling vivid tales, and there’s a mountain of them to pick from. Both indie developers and big corporations have tried their hand at story-driven games, and the amount of choice can be quite overwhelming.

In this article, I’ve picked out the 15 best interactive story games on Nintendo Switch. A lot of them follow a visual novel format or focus predominantly on the story, but some contain more RPG and action elements too.

Please note that some of these games contain dark and upsetting themes. I’d recommend looking up trigger warnings where needed.

Night in the Woods

Night in the Woods is a sombre yet charming visual novel styled game with adventure elements and an intriguing storyline.

It has a coming-of-age theme, following the main character Mae Borowski as she returns to her hometown after dropping out of college. The game encourages you to explore and get to grips with Mae’s story, looking at why she left college and what happened in her past.

One of my biggest concerns when writing this article was keeping it spoiler free, and I’m not going to dive into the story any further as I implore you to try this game out for yourself.

It’s clear that a lot of love went into this game.The story is creative, with likeable characters and interesting environments. The game looks beautiful, and has a solid performance on the Nintendo Switch with no notable issues.

There’s plenty of hidden elements to explore in this game, with mini games like a top-down rougelite game on Mae’s laptop and a rhythm game where Mae tries to remember how to play songs from her old band.

Night in the Woods is a must play for anyone who enjoys slice of life content and wants a game that feels fresh yet familiarly comforting to play through.

What Remains of Edith Finch

This game is dark, intriguing and truly emotional.

What Remains of Edith Finch is an eerie story that takes place in the Finch family home, cobbled together in the midst of a dark and foreboding forest. The game follows the melancholic story of the Finch family, peppered with gruesome deaths and dark secrets.

The house in this game is the predominant location for the entire story, which works wonderfully. The house feels alive , with each room telling a different story and meshing together with the others to tell its tragic tale.

The overarching feeling in this game is sorrow, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Some scenes are deeply upsetting and unsettling. In amidst the tragedy, there’s horror and some dark, unforgettably beautiful moments as well.

It’s worth noting that this is the style of game affectionately dubbed a ‘walking simulator’, so if you’re looking for anything other than a story, it’s not for you. Aside from a few technical quirks here and there, this game looks beautiful and plays decently.

This is one of the most memorable ‘walking simulator’ games and it’s absolutely worth taking a look at.

In Firewatch, you play as Henry, who has just taken a job as a fire lookout in Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming. It’s a simple but emotional game that follows Henry as he tries to make peace with his demons and untangle the mysterious side of the forest.

There isn’t an overwhelming amount of interaction with other characters in this game, but the majority of the dialogue is had between Henry and another lookout, Delilah. They’re connected via walkie-talkies, and the acting performances are incredible to witness.

Visually, Firewatch looks great on the Nintendo Switch. It has certainly lost a little clarity on the console, but it plays well on the whole and creates a very immersive experience. There are no technical quirks or glitches, and the controls are intuitive too.

If you’re looking for an engaging adventure and story to lose yourself in, Firewatch is one of the best picks for you. The story is powerful, with a potentially divisive ending.

Thimbleweed Park

Reminiscent of shows like The X-Files and Twin Peaks, Thimbleweed Park is a quirky, eerie title with lots to offer.

This retro themed point-and-click game is a murder mystery title at its core, with plenty of twists and turns. You can play through as 5 different characters, with different levels of difficulty, and can even access the HintTron 3000 telephone service if you’re struggling.

I’ve included this game in this list as the story is vivid, detailed and quite confusing in places. The world is vibrant and the characters feel lifelike, with creative writing and plenty of silly quotes. The aesthetic matches the game perfectly, and it performs well on the Nintendo Switch.

If you’re looking for a linear, straight forward story, this is not the pick for you. It’s a twisty-turny game with a healthy dose of silliness. I’m a big fan of Thimbleweed Park and highly encourage you to check it out if you like mystery games and puzzles.

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

This game is hard to categorize, but the intriguing story made it a must-have for this list. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is often put in the category of a horror game , but I’d also put it as a mystery and a drama game, too.

You play through as Paul Prospero, a psychic detective who is on the hunt for the titular character Ethan Carter, a boy who reportedly has the same powers as him. You’ll need to piece the story together, finding clues and getting to know the world around you in more depth.

I’d describe this as a slow-burning game, and would even consider it more of a visual novel in places. It’s not an easy game by any means, but it does have a slower pace and feel to it.

Despite this being a port of an older game, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter looks beautiful and plays impeccably in both handheld or docked mode. The world feels alive and beautifully melancholic, with thoughtful environments and set pieces.

The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe

The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is one of the most unique games on this list, and it’s one of the main games that I recommend to people no matter their preference in genre.

You play the game as Stanley, an office worker who spends his days inputting commands into a computer.

One day, the commands stop showing up and Stanley’s world flips upside down. Accompanied by a sarcastic narrator, you’re tasked with unravelling the mystery that is Stanley’s existence.

It’s a game with a lot of depth, with 40 potential endings. The game is very meta with its humor, poking fun at game design, gamers and the world as a whole. The writing is smart, and the dry delivery of each line from the narrator makes this game a unique experience.

If you enjoy movies like the Truman Show, you’ll love this game. It throws up a lot of existential questions and intriguing concepts, all while delivering funny lines and puzzles for the player to solve.

This short but sweet game is one of the most interesting indie titles on Switch right now, offering up bite-sized chunks of a beautiful and intriguing world.

In Valley, you play as an archaeologist who is heading into the Canadian Rockies via canoe, in order to find something called the Lifeseed.

Predictably, the canoe crashes and strands the player.

The story unfolds from there, introducing a narrative that features World War 2 experiments and local myths. Featuring an interesting combat exoskeleton suit called the L.E.A.F suit, the game picks up from there with plenty of puzzles and lore.

Valley is an intriguing game with a fascinating story and charming world. It’s certainly a lot deeper than it looks at first, and contains just enough challenge to keep things interesting as you progress through it.

Visual novels/interactive story games can raise a few questions about what defines an ‘actual game’ – and if you’re someone who scoffs at the idea of a purely story-based experience, Florence is not the game for you.

However, if you want a deeply beautiful and emotional experience akin to an indie movie that you’d see at a local festival, Florence is the game for you. It’s a very short game, but plays impeccably on the Switch with fantastic graphics and an entrancing soundtrack.

In Florence, you follow the aptly named Florence as she settles into her own skin, so to speak. It’s a coming of age story, complete with the joy and anxiety of new relationships and fresh starts, and the tangled mess that comes with figuring out where to go next in life.

There’s some incredibly clever mechanics in Florence, as with a lot of indie games that fit this style. It was originally a mobile game, and it suits the console nicely.

It’s a game that’s been made with a lot of love and attention to detail, and I implore you to take a chance on it. It’s a truly memorable experience.

The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season

There are tons of great zombie games on Switch , but they don’t all contain an engaging story. The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season is a shining example of how the gritty zombie genre can meet deeply powerful, emotive writing.

In this game, you play as Lee, a former professor. He starts off in the back of a cop car on his way to jail for murder. As he’s being transported, the zombie apocalypse breaks out around him. He ends up caring for a girl named Clementine who has lost her parents, and the story unfolds from there.

The story in this game is intriguing, and it pairs perfectly with the high quality voice acting and graphics. This game is a visual delight, and it plays very well on the Nintendo Switch as well.

Even if you’re not usually a fan of zombies or horror games, I would still suggest trying this game out. It’s powerful and emotional, with intuitive controls and a great user experience. It’s one of my favorites on this list.

Return of the Obra Dinn

If you’re interested in mystery, Return of the Obra Dinn is one of the most interesting story-centric titles that you need to check out today.

Taking place in the 1800s, this game follows the story of a merchant ship which vanished at sea for 6 months before returning to port with a horde of corpses and a rich mystery to unravel. You play as an insurance agent, and you’re tasked with figuring out what happened on the Obra Dinn.

This game requires more thought and problem-solving than the majority of games on this list, and it’s ideal for seasoned mystery fans. There’s certainly a steep level of difficulty here, so if you’re looking for something more laidback then this is not the title for you.

Return of the Obra Dinn is a truly beautiful game, with 1-bit graphics and an interesting visual layout. It plays well on the Switch and the story is utterly compelling. It’s one of the first mystery games I ever played, and it’s stuck with me ever since. I highly recommend checking it out.

Famicom Detective Club: The Girl Who Stands Behind

If you’re somewhat of a Nintendo geek or a fan of horror-themed visual novels, chances are that you’ve heard of the Famicon Detective Club games before.

Famicon Detective Club: The Girl Who Stands Behind is a chilling, intriguing addition to the world of horror games on the Nintendo Switch. It follows the story of a supernatural school rumour, including everything from murder to blood-soaked ghost girls.

This game is heavily tied to another title, called Famicon Detective Club: The Missing Heir and I considered adding that one into this list as well. This game won out, though, for the creative writing style and interesting characters that you meet throughout the story.

With simple controls and decent graphics, this game plays well on the Nintendo Switch and presents an enjoyable user experience. If you’re a fan of solving mysteries and playing through visual novel games, this is the pick for you.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles

The Ace Attorney games are charming and intriguing, with a style of play that falls in between a visual novel, point-and-click game and an adventure title.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles takes place in Meji-era Japan and Victorian England. The game follows Ryunosuke Naruhodo, the ancestor of fan favorite Phoenix Wright, and puts the player in charge of unravelling mysteries, solving crimes and working with Herlock Sholmes.

This title is a mystery game at its core, and some of the solutions to mysteries in a case can be a little frustrating in places. It’s incredibly satisfying to find the right answers, though, and there’s a real sense of progression to this game.

It’s clear that a lot of work went into The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, with heaps of historical research and smart puzzles to sink your teeth into.

The game looks great on the Switch and performs well too, and I’d suggest checking it out if you’re looking for a mystery game to get to the bottom of.

Tales from the Borderlands

Borderlands is a legendary franchise with a handful of truly iconic games that are worth sitting down and playing through. This game is simply one of the best in terms of writing, creativity and character development.

In this game, you follow con artist Fiona and arrogant Hyperion rep Rhys as they chase after a vault key that will help them get their hands on a legendary treasure known as the Vault of the Traveller. This vault has the tendency to teleport around the world at will, which as you can imagine, makes it difficult to find.

Split up into episodes like the aforementioned Walking Dead game, this title is a delight to sit through. The writing is creative and each choice that you make feels impactful. The overall aesthetic is great, and there are no notable performance issues or quirks either.

Complete with some fantastic voice acting and a heap of groan-inducing puns, this is a title that I highly recommend checking out. It’s more hands-on than a lot of the games featured in this list, but still accessible and enjoyable for gamers of all skill levels.

Life is Strange: True Colors

Life is Strange is a series that has developed a reputation for thoughtful writing, interesting characters and beautiful environments. This game continues that trend perfectly, presenting a well made and beautiful experience for gamers to sit through.

You play through as Alex, who discovers that she’s got a unique ability to sense intense emotions in others. Alex has just left the foster care system and arrives in the sleepy town of Haven Springs to spend time with her brother. The story unfolds from there, involving everything from a murder mystery to potential romance.

This is a relaxing and well-written game where your choices as a player feel impactful. Alex’s powers to sense emotions, take them on and read minds are very interesting, and they add to the overall story nicely.

While the character design and environments are great, they don’t look very polished and the gameplay isn’t always smooth. There are no game-breaking issues, but it’s worth noting regardless. Other than that, the controls are intuitive and there’s a fantastic soundtrack to go along with the game.

If you can look past the slightly clunky visuals, this is a game that’s really worth experiencing for yourself. It’s immersive and enjoyable, with thoughtful writing and a host of vibrant characters dotted throughout the story.

Sumire is a beautiful yet tragic game. It deals with grief, which seems to be a common theme for interactive story games on the Nintendo Switch, and it handles the topic in a sensitive and relatable manner.

In this title, you play as Sumire who is dealing with her parents getting a divorce and her Grandmother dying. After her Grandmother’s death, Sumire experiences odd dreams and ends up finding a mysterious glowing seed that then, naturally, turns into a talking flower.

From there, the world unfolds around Sumire and she can talk to the objects and people around her to gain interesting quests and bits of lore. The game is simple but the inner world is very beautiful, and there’s plenty of interesting puzzles to keep you busy.

Sumire’s charm comes from the intricate artwork and the beautiful soundtrack. No matter if you’re playing in docked or handheld mode, this is a game that performs very well and looks fantastic on the Nintendo Switch.

The music is particularly beautiful, and fits the aesthetic well.

Other than a few minor quirks like spelling mistakes, this game is a gem and is worth experiencing for yourself.

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Pocket-lint

My favorite two-player nintendo switch games for date nights.

Video games and romance can go hand in hand with these two-player Switch games that I love to play with my partner.

Key Takeaways

• Rediscover gaming joy by starting Nintendo Switch date-nights with your partner.
• Recommended must-try two-player Nintendo Switch games: It Takes Two, Overcooked! All You Can Eat, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
• I've tried all these games with my partner, and highly suggest you do too, for some quality time and fun together.

Who said video games can't be romantic? I started weekly Nintendo Switch OLED date-nights with my partner, beginning this past New Year, and haven't had this much fun gaming in over a decade. I went through my biggest gaming eras when N64 was all the rage , Roller Coaster Tycoon was the only reason to use my family's shared computer, and when Dance Dance Revolution took over the at-home gaming mats in the 2000s. I hadn't felt a pull or that the industry was really all that interested in women playing new games since then.

As hindsight is 20/20, I'll admit that I was ignorant of more modern gaming, and once I started talking to friends about my renewed interest, nearly all of them came out of the woodwork (regardless of gender) to recommend their favorite games. Based on what I used to enjoy with gaming, I aimed to test out games with world-building, movement, and problem-solving. The most important baseline was -- does it have two-player or online multi-player options ? I enjoy the community chatter between long-distant friends and quality time spent with family that video games can enhance.

I spent the last three months playing, problem-solving, and laughing with my partner over tons of Nintendo Switch games, but five co-op (two-player) games rose to the top as my favorite date-night games. If you're interested in getting back or jumping into gaming for the first time, these two-player games are the ones that hooked me, a practical beginner, into kicking my partner off the breakout PS5 Helldivers 2 game, and (kindly) demanding we turn on the Switch.

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1 it takes two (2021), did we accidentally sign up for extreme-comedy-couples-therapy, it takes two.

A married couple with one daughter on the brink of divorce, are changed into dolls of themselves after their young daughter cries over them. Cody and May have to work together, with each character having specific skills needed to collaborate to get back to their daughter, and their bodies. The visuals and world-building are awesome, the plot is genuinely funny, and I can't say enough about how well the game scaffolds skills for new gamers to learn as they go.

While it is based around a married couple as the two players, I think it could be just as fun if I played with some friends too. We worked on a level a couple of times a week for a month to beat the game and had a blast working together to solve the problems, enjoying the stylized characters, and chatting through some real-life conversations these scenarios prompted.

I wish they went in a different direction with the Book of Love character, which feels tokenized, and I would love to see greater inclusion in the married couple options. While they slightly buck traditional roles with May as a full-time engineer and Cody as a stay-at-home dad, I would have loved to see a character selection screen at the beginning in which you could choose gender, to be more inclusive to LGBTQ+ players to play as a married couple too. This would make it a bit more of a 'choose your own adventure' style story and would need more development to succeed, but if Hazelight Studios is listening -- that's my biggest feedback.

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2 overcooked all you can eat (2020), yes, chef -- no, chef. oh my god, why chef, overcooked all you can eat.

I played this with my partner and online with friends and I get why Overcooked! is all the rage. It's fun, fast-paced, low steaks (har-har), and simply a fun way to dip your toes into gaming. You work to complete orders in a themed kitchen, where there are various tasks to complete in order to get the food out the window.

We beat the game only after we made sure to fully max out points/stars on each level, and it felt like I was truly mastering a game for the first time. Working through gaming communication, juggling tasks, and figuring out the steps to crush a level had us gleefully giggling and kicking our feet.

However, if you work or have worked in the food service industry, it might hit too close to home. You'll see memes and videos of couples and friends absolutely losing it playing Overcooked! comparing them to the characters in Hulu's The Bear. So my advice is to remember it's for fun. You're not running a kitchen in Chicago, but then again, when someone comes into your side of the prep station kitchen when they should obviously be washing dishes, I understand why you might let the profanity fly.

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3 mario kart 8 deluxe (2017), i beg you to watch the highlight videos, mario kart 8 deluxe.

It's a classic for a reason. Mario Kart holds up, and with some fun additions in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, it's even better than ever. Another game that's great for local two-players and for online multiplayer, so like Overcooked!, you're getting more bang for your buck. Tons of the courses are pulled from older Mario Kart versions, making things fresh but still nostalgic for players who haven't been hitting the blue shell trigger in decades.

When playing at home on the same system, our favorite part of local play is that you can watch the highlights from a race. If you're able to laugh at yourself, this is the game for you. My partner and I have been in stiches on multiple nights, rewatching in slow motion as I fly into a wall, drift off the path, then immediately hit a banana. I never knew that with the tap of a button, Baby Bowser would turn around and drum on his little belly and smack his butt in midair until I saw my partner's game slowed-down, and I was in tears laughing.

When playing on local, not online, after each course you have the option to watch highlight reel and even change up the video to focus on specific characters, change the video length, and specify content such as drifts, action, and items. I can't recommend bringing this classic back into your rotation enough.

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4 unravel two (2018), weave a magical story together, unravel two.

Unravel Two was recommended by friends who loved playing this two-player problem-solving-based game. It hits a lot of the same areas that It Takes Two did for me but with a different and less strict storyline for the married couple characters. You play as Yarnys, magical beings made of yarn that are attached in the two-player version. Like It Takes Two, you'll be doing problem-solving scenarios and puzzles together to explore a world and move along to new areas.

As a fantasy and science-fiction fan, I adored the visuals, which bring an imaginative, child-like wonder to the storytelling. This is another game that I recommend playing one chapter per night and enjoying it as you go.

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5 just dance (2024), two can tango, shimmy, and shake.

For the nights you're looking to stretch your legs and move around, Just Dance is still the best on the market, especially during the winter months when doing something active together gets a bit more difficult. The song selections, dance styles, goofy moves, and sometimes buckets of sweat from this game make for a fun way to mix up your time at home and can lead to a hilarious or spicy date-night -- depending on how good your dance moves are.

If you have a few friends over, it's also one of the best party games, giving you more uses and excuses to break out Just Dance and break it down for the entertainment of your friends and family.

Texas A&M, University Of Colorado Research Collaboration Wins Federal Grant To Help Turn Off ‘Breast Cancer Switch’

Researchers at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) and the University of Colorado Cancer Center have received a $3.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study how a pair of molecules that regulate certain types of metastatic breast cancer interact with a new drug therapy.

One molecule — semaphorin 7A, or SEMA7A — appears to grant drug therapy resistance to some breast cancers; the other — single-minded two, or SIM2 — helps determine whether SEMA7A is switched on or off.

Over the next five years, the researchers hope to combine knowledge of SEMA7A and SIM2 with a new drug to help women with metastatic cancer receive more effective treatment that will prolong their lives.

How Two Molecules Make The ‘Breast Cancer Switch’

“SEMA7A is a unique gene,” said  Dr. Weston Porter , a professor in the VMBS’  Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology  and co-primary investigator on the project. “My colleague at the University of Colorado and lead PI on the grant, Dr. Traci Lyons, discovered that it’s associated with increased metastasis — or cancer spread — especially in postpartum breast cancers, which do not respond to therapy.

“We found that invasive breast cancers are associated with a loss of SIM2, which leads to an increase in the expression of SEMA7A,” he said. “So we started asking whether we could use these molecules to identify patients with metastatic breast cancer and determine the best treatment regimen to use.

“We’ve found that certain cancer drug therapies are less effective when SIM2 is lost and SEMA7A is present. However, we have identified a new drug that we believe can be used instead, and so Dr. Lyons and I are working with Dr. Virginia Borges, a professor of medical oncology at Colorado, to look at patient samples and see how this new drug might be more effective,” he said.

Postpartum breast cancers like the ones affected by SEMA7A and SIM2 are often estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancers, which represent about three-quarters of all breast cancer cases. The name means that the cancer cells have receptors — proteins on the cells — that can respond to estrogen hormones, which tell the cell to grow.

According to Lyons, there are targeted therapies for ER+ breast cancers, yet more than two-thirds of breast cancer deaths are attributed to metastatic ER+ disease, partly because of the therapy resistance promoted by SEMA7A.

“SEMA7A promotes pretty much every hallmark of cancer. It increases cell growth, cell migration, cell invasion, the ability to survive in harsh conditions — such as what a cancer cell will encounter while traveling from one site in the body to the other — and ultimately it promotes metastasis,” she said.

“When SEMA7A is on, it promotes all the things that are advantageous for the tumor and bad for the patient,” she said. “And SIM2s turns it off by preventing SEMA from being made in the first place. So, we’re looking at how we can use the switch to turn SEMA7A off.”

Getting To The Heart Of The Problem

To find out how the two molecules react to the new drug and whether it will be helpful to breast cancer patients, the team will perform laboratory tests to uncover the mechanism behind SEMA7A and SIM2’s interactions in patient samples. Then, they can correlate their findings with data showing how each patient responded to therapy and what the outcome was.

“When someone has ER+ metastatic breast cancer, they are often given a drug that targets one of the mutated proteins caused by the cancer. However, we found that a significant number of women have cancer that isn’t affected by the primary drugs used for this purpose. We wanted to know why,” Porter said.

“What we found when we looked into the details, all the way to the protein level, was that there are actually different variants of this mutated protein, and there are other drugs out there that can target these other variants,” he explained. “The new drug that we’re testing is actually already approved by the FDA for treatment of lymphomas and leukemias, and it can be used for breast cancer treatment.”

The mutated protein targeted by the drug therapies is deeply connected to SEMA7A and SIM2.

“Theoretically, if we can look at a patient’s samples and see their levels for both of these molecules, we would know what kind of treatment that they need much sooner, possibly giving them more time,” Porter said.

Media contact: Jennifer Gauntt, [email protected],   979-862-4216

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How Tesla Planted the Seeds for Its Own Potential Downfall

Elon musk’s factory in china saved his company and made him ultrarich. now, it may backfire..

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