Summary
- Delve into the world of Nintendo Switch 3D platformers, from retro-inspired titles like Cavern of Dreams to brand-new concepts like It Takes Two.
- The Nintendo Switch offers a diverse library of 3D platforming games, including everything from Souslike platformers to collect-a-thons.
Nintendo fans have always been spoiled when it comes to platforming games. From the original Donkey Kong and Super Mario games to the 3D gems of Banjo-Kazooie and Conker's Bad Fur Day, each game of the past carried the torch further for what success looks like within the genre.
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PostsThe Nintendo Switch is no different. It offers a plethora of incredible titles ready for you to climb, run, and jump your way through. Each level acts as a playground for you to showcase your platforming skills, and there's something undeniably charming about them, too. Whether you're a fan of 3D platformers or a newcomer looking to dive into the genre, there are some wonderful games waiting for you on the Nintendo Switch.
Updated on March 5, 2025, by PJ Molloy: 3D platformers may not be as common as they used to be, but there are still plenty of excellent ones out there if you know where to look. We've updated the list with some of the very best titles you might have missed.
24 Super Kiwi 64
A Blast From The Past
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LikeSuper Kiwi 64
Platformer Systems Released December 2, 2022 ESRB e Developer(s) Siactro Publisher(s) Siactro Engine unityWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALIn many ways, Super Kiwi 64 feels like the N64 collect-a-thon that never was. Take control of a tiny kiwi bird who must explore eight sandbox worlds in search of collectibles. You can fly, dash, and climb walls as you scan every nook and cranny.
The charming, low-poly visuals nail the style of the late '90s, and the controls and camera couldn't be better. It's a short adventure, but there are many well-hidden secrets, time trials, and game-breaking cheat codes to keep you thoroughly entertained. You can even play the worlds in any order.
23 Smushi Come Home
An Adorable, Stress-Free Adventure
Looking for something cozy? Smushi Come Home is a delightful adventure about a little mushroom who's lost in the forest. You must explore semi-open areas, chat with the charming woodland creatures, and solve puzzles to help the tiny hero return home. You'll even learn facts about real-life mushrooms.
Gameplay-wise, it's similar to Breath of the Wild but with an emphasis on platforming. Like Link, you can swim, glide, and climb as you adventure around the woods. Thankfully, there's no danger or time limit in your way. Feel free to go at your own pace, relax, and take in the sights.
22 New Super Lucky's Tale
Switch Owners Are Lucky To Have It
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3D Platformer Systems 4.0/5 Released November 8, 2019 ESRB E For Everyone Due To Mild Cartoon Violence Developer(s) Playful Corp Publisher(s) Playful Corp Engine UnityWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONInitially exclusive to Xbox and PC, New Super Lucky's Tale leaped onto Nintendo Switch in 2019, and it feels perfect on the hybrid console. During a battle against the evil sorcerer Jinx, a young fox named Lucky is sucked into a portal to another realm. From there, he must run, jump, and dig his way through a slew of linear levels to make it back home.
Everything from the gameplay to the aesthetics evokes a late '90s vibe, similar to titles like Crash Bandicoot or Donkey Kong Country. For example, every stage is brimming with collectibles and bonus rooms. There are even rewards for fully completing each level.
21 Penny's Big Breakaway
A Silly Platformer From The Sonic Mania Team
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Like Follow FollowedPenny's Big Breakaway
Platformer Action Systems 4.0/5 Released February 21, 2024 ESRB E for Everyone Developer(s) Evening Star Publisher(s) Private Division Engine Retro Engine, Star EngineWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALDeveloped by the team behind Sonic Mania, Penny's Big Breakaway is a colorful, momentum-based platformer that hearkens back to the GameCube era. Take control of a fugitive named Penny, who must evade an army of penguins after accidentally disrobing the Emperor. If that sounds like your type of humor, this game is right up your alley.
The gameplay revolves around the yo-yo mechanic, which can be used to attack, swing across gaps, and grab items. You can even ride it for an instant burst of speed, similar to Sonic's spin dash. If you like classic 3D platformers, this one is definitely worth a shot.
20 Sonic X Shadow Generations
Revisit The Blue Blur's Best Adventure
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Like Follow FollowedSonic X Shadow Generations
Platformer Systems 4.0/5 9.2/10 Released October 25, 2024 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Sonic Team Publisher(s) Sega Engine Hedgehog Engine 2 Franchise Sonic the Hedgehog Steam Deck Compatibility VerifiedWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALSonic X Shadow Generations is a must-play for any fans of the blue hedgehog. Not only does it remaster one of the best games in the series, but it also delivers a brand-new campaign starring Shadow. The plot follows the two hedgehogs as they travel through time to revisit past adventures and face off against old villains.
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Posts 2The game truly feels like a celebration of the series' history. The most iconic levels and bosses are back and better than ever, with exciting new twists to keep you engaged from start to finish. Plus, Shadow's new Doom Powers are an absolute blast to use.
19 Frogun Encore
A Cozy Love Letter To The Classics
If you want a multiplayer title, Frogun Encore is an excellent choice. In this PS1-inspired collect-a-thon, you and a buddy control adventurers Renata and Jake, who travel around the world in search of treasure while stopping a few evil deities along the way.
The main mechanic is the titular Frogun, which you can use to grab enemies and cling to walls, each of which feels very satisfying. Overall, it's an incredibly cozy platformer with charming low-poly graphics, excellent level design, and superb co-op gameplay.
18 Another Crab's Treasure
A Colorful Yet Challenging Soulslike
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Adventure Soulslike RPG Systems Released April 25, 2024 ESRB T For Teen Due To Blood, Crude Humor, Language, Use of Tobacco, Violence Developer(s) Aggro Crab Publisher(s) Aggro Crab Engine UnityWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONIf you're new to Soulslikes, Another Crab's Treasure is an excellent way to start. Take control of Kril, a hermit crab who must survive a harsh ocean and its many violent creatures. The entire sea is yours to explore as you search for trash you can use as either a weapon or a protective shell.
The gameplay offers a nice mix of platforming, exploration, and sword-based combat. True to the Soulslike genre, the difficulty curve is steep. However, the comedic tone, colorful presentation, and intuitive tutorial system provide more than enough incentive to entice newcomers.
17 Cavern Of Dreams
A Nostalgic Dream Come True
Those who love N64 collect-a-thons will feel right at home with Cavern of Dreams. The adventure follows a tiny dragon named Fynn, who explores a series of sandbox worlds in search of his lost siblings. Everything from the visuals to the level design feels like it could have launched right alongside Banjo-Kazooie or Donkey Kong 64.
What makes Cavern of Dreams unique is its heavier focus on puzzles. Each world has a handful of clever brain teasers that require observation, exploration, or a tight grasp on Fynn's moveset. The game doesn't hold your hand, allowing you to figure out the answers at your own pace. Give it a try if you miss '90s platformers.
16 Demon Turf
Get Ready To Conquer The Underworld
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Like Follow FollowedDemon Turf
3D Platformer Systems 4.0/5 Released November 4, 2021 ESRB t Developer(s) Fabraz Engine UnityWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALDemon Turf takes you on a journey to become Queen of the Underworld. The demon Beebz is tired of how Hell is being run, so she sets out to take over the realm one section at a time. While the concept may sound intense, everything is presented in a comical, lighthearted tone.
As for the gameplay, the moveset feels similar to Super Mario 64, complete with a long jump, triple jump, wall jump, etc. Some unique features include a system that lets you place your own checkpoints and a charming art style that combines 2D sprites and 3D environments. It's a nice mix of old and new mechanics, ensuring the adventure feels fresh yet comfortably familiar.
15 Lunistice
Low-Poly Perfection
Arguably one of the most underrated games in the genre, Lunistice is a high-speed platformer reminiscent of the PS1 and Sega Saturn era. When Hana the Tanuki wakes up in a dreamlike realm, she must platform through a series of levels based on her memories. The more you play, the more you discover what this place is and why you're here.
The gameplay blends fast-paced platforming with more precise, exploration-based collect-a-thon elements. The two styles complement each other shockingly well and are enhanced by a satisfying moveset similar to Mario's Tanooki Suit. It's a short game but well worth it if you like retro platformers.
