If there’s one thing the Nintendo Switch absolutely nails, it’s being the cozy home for indie games. Whether you’re playing docked on the big screen or curled up in handheld mode in the train, the Switch is where hidden gems truly shine.

Here at GameLikeADutchie, we live for those under-the-radar hits. Thereforehere’s our handpicked list of the best indie games on Nintendo Switch in 2025 that you need to play ASAP. You can thank us later!

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1. Hades

Developer: Supergiant Games

This rogue-like dungeon crawler blends fast-paced combat with Greek mythology and striking art. Because of this combination it’s on the top of our list. You play as Zagreus, son of Hades, trying to escape the Underworld—and it’s as addictive as it is gorgeous.

2. Hollow Knight

Developer: Team Cherry

A beautifully haunting Metroidvania filled with mysterious lore and hand-drawn visuals. If you love exploration, challenge, and atmosphere, Hollow Knight is your jam. Therefore a must play game overall.

3. Celeste

Developer: Maddy Makes Games

Celeste is more than a platformer because it’s an emotional journey wrapped in pixel-perfect gameplay. Climb the mountain, battle your inner demons, and vibe to a stunning soundtrack.

4. Stardew Valley

Developer: ConcernedApe

Grow crops, romance villagers, fish for days, or chill with your chickens. Stardew Valley is the cozy escape you didn’t even know you needed.

5. Dead Cells

Developer: Motion Twin

Dead Cells is fast, punishing, and seriously satisfying. It’s part rogue-like, part Metroidvania, and all action-packed brilliance.

6. Undertale

Developer: Toby Fox

This offbeat RPG is charming, funny, emotional—and wildly original. Spare your enemies or obliterate them. Your choices matter, BIG TIME!

7. Cuphead

Developer: Studio MDHR

Old-school animation meets insane boss fights. Cuphead is tough, gorgeous, and unforgettable. It has almost costs us some controllers, but we could never stay mad really long.

8. Slay the Spire

Developer: MegaCrit

A unique blend of card game and rogue-like dungeon crawler. Highly addictive and endlessly replayable.

9. A Short Hike

Developer: Adamgryu

Play as a little bird exploring a peaceful island. It’s wholesome, adorable, and exactly the kind of game you can finish (and love) in one sitting.

10. Spiritfarer

Developer: Thunder Lotus Games

Guide spirits to the afterlife while building and caring for your floating home. A beautifully animated management sim that’ll tug at your heart.

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Honorable Mentions

• Katana ZERO – sleek, stylish, time-bending action;
• INSIDE – dark, atmospheric puzzle platformer;
• Oxenfree – supernatural teen mystery with branching dialogue;
• Tunic – Zelda-inspired exploration with a cute fox twist;

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Why Indies Shine on the Switch

The Switch’s portability, performance, and growing indie catalog make it the perfect place to experience creative storytelling and innovative gameplay. Something that AAA titles can’t always match. Even with the Switch 2 around the corner, there is still enough indie titles to explore right now on the Switch (1).

So the next time you open up the eShop, don’t skip over those little titles with pixel art and poetic names. There’s magic in there—trust us.

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What’s Your Favorite Indie?

Got a favorite indie game that we missed? Let us know in the comments or tag us on Twitter via GLAD_NL. We’re always up for discovering the next hidden gem!

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