Best 3D Platformer Games On Nintendo Switch

Alright, fellow gamers, let's talk about some seriously awesome Nintendo Switch 3D platformer games! If you're anything like me, you love jumping, collecting shiny things, and exploring vibrant worlds from a third-person perspective. The Switch has absolutely killed it when it comes to this genre, offering a fantastic mix of classic throwbacks and innovative new adventures. We're talking about games that are not just fun, but also masterpieces of game design, with tight controls, engaging stories (sometimes!), and soundtracks that'll get stuck in your head for days. So, grab your Joy-Cons, settle in, and let's dive deep into the absolute cream of the crop. We'll explore why these titles stand out, what makes them so replayable, and why they deserve a spot in your digital or physical collection. Get ready to experience some of the most imaginative and joy-filled gaming experiences available today. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the genre or new to the block-jumping scene, there's something here for everyone. We've scoured the eShop and beyond to bring you the definitive list of the best 3D platformer games that the Nintendo Switch has to offer. This isn't just about nostalgia; it's about celebrating games that push the boundaries of what a platformer can be, offering depth, challenge, and sheer, unadulterated fun. So, let's get this party started and discover your next favorite obsession. You won't want to miss out on these incredible adventures that are guaranteed to provide hours upon hours of entertainment. The vibrant worlds, the challenging levels, and the sheer joy of mastering each game's unique mechanics make these titles truly special. Get ready to embark on journeys that will test your reflexes, your problem-solving skills, and your ability to just have a blast. The Nintendo Switch is a treasure trove for platformer fans, and we're here to guide you through the glittering gems.

Super Mario Odyssey: The King of 3D Platformers

When we talk about Nintendo Switch 3D platformer games, it's practically a crime not to start with Super Mario Odyssey. Seriously, guys, this game is a masterpiece, plain and simple. Nintendo took everything we love about Mario – the iconic jumping, the colorful worlds, the secret collectibles – and cranked it up to eleven. What makes Odyssey so special? It's all about Cappy, Mario's sentient hat companion. This mechanic completely revolutionizes how you interact with the game world. You can throw Cappy to capture enemies, objects, and even certain NPCs, essentially borrowing their abilities and perspectives. Imagine controlling a Chain Chomp to smash through obstacles, or taking over a Goomba to sneak past guards. It’s pure genius and leads to some incredibly inventive puzzle-solving and traversal challenges. The sheer scale of the kingdoms is breathtaking, each one a unique sandbox filled with secrets, challenges, and quirky characters. From the bustling New Donk City, where Mario rubs shoulders with humans, to the vast, desert expanse of Tostarena, there's always something new to discover. The game doesn't hold your hand; it encourages exploration and experimentation. Finding all 999 Power Moons scattered across the diverse landscapes is a monumental, yet incredibly rewarding, task. The controls are buttery smooth, the visuals are stunningly vibrant, and the soundtrack is an absolute banger, with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the spirit of each kingdom. Super Mario Odyssey isn't just a game; it's an experience that celebrates the joy of discovery and the thrill of movement. It’s a must-play for any Switch owner, whether you’re a lifelong Mario fan or completely new to the series. It sets a ridiculously high bar for 3D platformers and has truly earned its spot at the top of the list. The sheer variety of gameplay mechanics introduced by Cappy keeps the experience fresh and exciting from start to finish. You're constantly discovering new ways to traverse the environments and overcome challenges, which is a testament to the brilliant design. It's a game that respects your intelligence and rewards your curiosity, making every moment spent playing feel meaningful and fun. The replayability is through the roof, too, thanks to the sheer abundance of collectibles and post-game content. You'll be sinking dozens, if not hundreds, of hours into this gem, and you'll love every second of it. The pure, unadulterated fun factor is off the charts. It’s the kind of game that makes you remember why you fell in love with video games in the first place.

A Hat in Time: A Charming Indie Gem

Now, let's shift gears and talk about an indie darling that absolutely stole our hearts: A Hat in Time. If you're looking for a Nintendo Switch 3D platformer game with a heaping dose of charm, quirky humor, and incredibly tight gameplay, this is it, guys! Developed by Gears for Breakfast, this game is a beautiful love letter to the N64 and GameCube era of 3D platformers, drawing heavy inspiration from classics like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie. You play as Hat Kid, a little girl stranded in space who needs to collect Time Pieces to fuel her spaceship and get home. Simple premise, right? But the execution is anything but. The game world is divided into several distinct, vibrant chapters, each with its own unique theme, characters, and challenges. You'll explore a bustling town, a spooky spaceship graveyard, a mafia-run island, and even a whimsical fairytale land. What really sets A Hat in Time apart is its fantastic level design and the sheer variety of objectives. Each chapter isn't just about collecting a set number of items; it's about completing unique story missions that often involve creative platforming sequences, engaging mini-games, and even some light combat. The controls are incredibly responsive, giving you precise control over Hat Kid's jumps, dashes, and her various hats, which grant her different abilities like a sprint, a ground pound, or a powerful projectile. The game is also packed with personality. The characters you meet are bizarre and hilarious, from the grumpy mustache-twirling villain to the overly dramatic penguin chef. The writing is witty, and the overall tone is lighthearted and fun, making it a joy to explore every nook and cranny. Plus, the game has received tons of free DLC and paid expansions, adding even more content, levels, and hats to collect, significantly increasing its value. For an indie title, the amount of polish and content here is astounding. A Hat in Time is a testament to how passion and creativity can result in truly exceptional games. It's a must-play for anyone who misses the golden age of 3D platformers or is simply looking for a delightful and challenging adventure on their Switch. Its vibrant art style, catchy music, and engaging gameplay loop make it an unforgettable experience. The developers clearly poured their hearts into this game, and it shows in every aspect, from the detailed environments to the charming animations. It’s a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it takes its platforming mechanics very seriously, delivering a challenge that is both fair and satisfying. The variety in missions and the sheer inventiveness on display are truly commendable, ensuring that you're always engaged and eager to see what comes next. It's a game that will make you smile, laugh, and perhaps even shed a tear or two with its heartfelt moments.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: Double the Fun!

Alright guys, let's talk about another absolute titan in the Nintendo Switch 3D platformer games arena: Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. This package offers two incredible Mario experiences, and honestly, it's hard to know where to begin! Super Mario 3D World itself is a brilliant evolution of the 3D platforming concept. It masterfully blends the linear, goal-oriented design of classic Mario games with the open-ended exploration of 3D titles. You'll navigate a series of intricately designed levels, each with its own unique theme and set of challenges, aiming to reach the flagpole at the end. But it's not just about reaching the end; it's about collecting those elusive Green Stars and stamps scattered throughout each stage, adding a significant layer of replayability and challenge. The game supports up to four players locally or online, which turns the already fun experience into absolute chaos and hilarity. Coordinating jumps, competing for power-ups, and trying not to fall off the screen with your friends is an experience like no other. The variety of power-ups, from the classic Fire Flower to the iconic Super Bell that turns Mario into a cat, adds so much depth to the gameplay, allowing for different approaches to tackling obstacles. Then there's Bowser's Fury. Oh man, this is where things get wild. It's a completely new, open-world adventure where Mario teams up with Bowser Jr. to take down a gigantic, enraged Bowser. The scale of this experience is insane. You're in a massive, interconnected world called the Lake Lapcat, where you can roam freely, tackling objectives at your own pace. The game introduces the Super Lion, a kaiju-sized power-up that lets Mario face off against Fury Bowser in epic, screen-filling boss battles. It’s a more experimental, sandbox-style Mario game that feels like a glimpse into the future of the series. The combination of Super Mario 3D World's polished level design and Bowser's Fury's ambitious open-world exploration makes this collection an absolute must-have. It offers incredible value, providing hours upon hours of top-tier platforming fun for solo players and groups alike. The graphics have been updated for the Switch, looking crisp and vibrant, and the performance is smooth as butter. It truly is a celebration of all things Mario, offering both familiar joys and exciting new frontiers. Don't sleep on this one, guys; it's a phenomenal package that showcases Nintendo's unparalleled mastery of the platforming genre. The sheer creativity on display in both titles is remarkable, ensuring that players are constantly engaged and entertained by new mechanics, challenges, and visually stunning environments. It’s a game that appeals to a broad audience, from casual players looking for a fun time with friends to hardcore completionists seeking to unlock every secret.

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair: A Fresh Spin on the Genre

Let's keep the good times rolling with another fantastic contender for the Nintendo Switch 3D platformer games crown, though this one offers a bit of a twist: Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. Now, while the original Yooka-Laylee was a 3D platformer in the vein of Banjo-Kazooie, this sequel takes a fascinating turn. It’s primarily a 2.5D platformer, but the overarching world map is fully 3D, and the way the two blend together is nothing short of brilliant. You play as Yooka (the chameleon) and Laylee (the bat), who must work together to defeat the evil Capital B and save Queen Phoebee. The core gameplay loop involves navigating the vibrant, sprawling 3D overworld to find entrances to various 2D levels, known as