Jump, climb, dodge: games where precise jumps and good timing carve the way forward, from relaxed romps to tough tests of skill.
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How to find games that really suit you:
Select up to 5 games you have played and enjoyed. Playalike compares 50 traits such as combat, story and atmosphere and suggests games that hit exactly the same spot, even across genres.
A playful 3D platformer where Mario uses his living hat Cappy to possess enemies and objects while scouring varied, secret-packed kingdoms for Power Moons. Nearly every corner rewards curiosity with a fresh surprise.
A brutally tough precision platformer with hundreds of bite-sized, sawblade-filled levels where instant respawns keep you hammering away until you nail every jump. Its gross-out humor and replays showing all your failed attempts at once make every victory feel earned.
A playful 3D platformer where Mario uses his living hat Cappy to possess enemies and objects while scouring varied, secret-packed kingdoms for Power Moons. Nearly every corner rewards curiosity with a fresh surprise.
A playful 3D platformer where Mario uses his living hat Cappy to possess enemies and objects while scouring varied, secret-packed kingdoms for Power Moons. Nearly every corner rewards curiosity with a fresh surprise.
A brutally tough precision platformer with hundreds of bite-sized, sawblade-filled levels where instant respawns keep you hammering away until you nail every jump. Its gross-out humor and replays showing all your failed attempts at once make every victory feel earned.
2010PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified13.99 €93 % positive
Very positive, 30,319 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Challenging difficulty
A brutally tough precision platformer with hundreds of bite-sized, sawblade-filled levels where instant respawns keep you hammering away until you nail every jump. Its gross-out humor and replays showing all your failed attempts at once make every victory feel earned.
A lovingly crafted return to classic 2D Sonic, with blazing-fast pixel-art stages, inventive remixes of beloved zones and a cracking soundtrack that nails the Genesis-era feel.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €94 % positive
Very positive, 24,533 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Strong soundtrack
Fast pace
A lovingly crafted return to classic 2D Sonic, with blazing-fast pixel-art stages, inventive remixes of beloved zones and a cracking soundtrack that nails the Genesis-era feel.
A high-speed anniversary platformer where classic 2D Sonic and modern 3D Sonic team up to replay reimagined iconic stages from two decades of the series. Blistering speed, remixed music and heavy nostalgia define the experience.
2011PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified51.79 €93 % positive
Very positive, 20,316 reviews on Steam
Fast pace
Strong soundtrack
Lavish presentation
A high-speed anniversary platformer where classic 2D Sonic and modern 3D Sonic team up to replay reimagined iconic stages from two decades of the series. Blistering speed, remixed music and heavy nostalgia define the experience.
A wordless puzzle-platformer rendered in stark black and white, following a boy through a hostile shadow world full of deadly traps learned through trial and error. Its oppressive atmosphere and minimalist art make it a haunting, memorable experience.
2010PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified11.49 €91 % positive
Very positive, 40,995 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Puzzles and brain teasers
Distinctive, stylised art style
A wordless puzzle-platformer rendered in stark black and white, following a boy through a hostile shadow world full of deadly traps learned through trial and error. Its oppressive atmosphere and minimalist art make it a haunting, memorable experience.
2015PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified93 % positive
A gorgeous hand-painted Metroidvania platformer with tight, demanding movement, tense escape sequences and a heartfelt tale of loss and hope. Its sweeping orchestral score makes the forest of Nibel unforgettable.
2015PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified93 % positive
Very positive, 51,240 reviews on Steam
Interconnected level design
Lavish presentation
Emotional impact
A gorgeous hand-painted Metroidvania platformer with tight, demanding movement, tense escape sequences and a heartfelt tale of loss and hope. Its sweeping orchestral score makes the forest of Nibel unforgettable.
A Mario platformer where you build your own levels and play endless courses made by other players. The editor is approachable and supports co-op building, and a Story Mode adds over 100 handmade courses.
A Mario platformer where you build your own levels and play endless courses made by other players. The editor is approachable and supports co-op building, and a Story Mode adds over 100 handmade courses.
A brutally tough 3D platformer where you play a cube of meat dashing and leaping through short, precise courses to rescue your girlfriend. Instant retries, macabre humor and high difficulty define it.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified24.99 €87 % positive
Very positive, 867 reviews on Steam
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Challenging difficulty
Fast pace
A brutally tough 3D platformer where you play a cube of meat dashing and leaping through short, precise courses to rescue your girlfriend. Instant retries, macabre humor and high difficulty define it.
A tough, precise 3D platformer where Quantum Masks reshape levels on the fly. Multiple playable characters with their own mechanics and a goofy cartoon style keep things fresh.
2020PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified39.99 €86 % positive
Very positive, 4,165 reviews on Steam
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Lavish presentation
Lots of humour
A tough, precise 3D platformer where Quantum Masks reshape levels on the fly. Multiple playable characters with their own mechanics and a goofy cartoon style keep things fresh.
A tight, challenging 2D platformer where you bounce through varied levels as Donkey and Diddy Kong, riding mine carts and rocket barrels along the way. Local two-player co-op makes the trip even more fun.
A tight, challenging 2D platformer where you bounce through varied levels as Donkey and Diddy Kong, riding mine carts and rocket barrels along the way. Local two-player co-op makes the trip even more fun.
A lovingly crafted NES-style platformer where a shovel-wielding knight pogo-bounces through varied stages, digs up treasure and battles a colorful cast of rival knights. Tight controls, charming humor and a superb chiptune soundtrack make it a modern classic.
2014PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified13.99 €93 % positive
Very positive, 935 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Boss fights as highlights
Strong soundtrack
A lovingly crafted NES-style platformer where a shovel-wielding knight pogo-bounces through varied stages, digs up treasure and battles a colorful cast of rival knights. Tight controls, charming humor and a superb chiptune soundtrack make it a modern classic.
2023PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.50 €98 % positive
A frantic, chaotic 2D platformer starring the manic pizza chef Peppino, built around momentum-based movement, score chasing and wildly hand-drawn animation. Its zany humor and driving soundtrack turn every level into a spectacle.
2023PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.50 €98 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 66,816 reviews on Steam
Fast pace
Lots of humour
Action-packed real-time combat
A frantic, chaotic 2D platformer starring the manic pizza chef Peppino, built around momentum-based movement, score chasing and wildly hand-drawn animation. Its zany humor and driving soundtrack turn every level into a spectacle.
A punishing, procedurally generated platformer where every cave brings new hazards, secrets and chaotic system interactions. Mastering bombs, ropes and traps leads to memorable runs, even in co-op.
2020PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified16.79 €93 % positive
Very positive, 19,847 reviews on Steam
Runs that play out differently every time
Challenging difficulty
Lots to discover
A punishing, procedurally generated platformer where every cave brings new hazards, secrets and chaotic system interactions. Mastering bombs, ropes and traps leads to memorable runs, even in co-op.
You jump, slide and spin through varied levels where precise timing decides between success and frustration. The colorful, exaggerated look and playful humor make this remake of the classic especially charming.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified39.99 €92 % positive
Very positive, 16,867 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Distinctive, stylised art style
Lavish presentation
You jump, slide and spin through varied levels where precise timing decides between success and frustration. The colorful, exaggerated look and playful humor make this remake of the classic especially charming.
You spin, jump and sprint through colorful, zany levels of Crash Bandicoot 2, remade for the N. Sane Trilogy. Precise timing and skill are key, while the cartoonish chaos of Cortex's schemes supplies the charm.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified39.99 €92 % positive
Very positive, 16,867 reviews on Steam
Lavish presentation
Lots of humour
Distinctive, stylised art style
You spin, jump and sprint through colorful, zany levels of Crash Bandicoot 2, remade for the N. Sane Trilogy. Precise timing and skill are key, while the cartoonish chaos of Cortex's schemes supplies the charm.
A frantic auto-running platformer where Meat Boy or Bandage Girl race through procedurally assembled stages to rescue their kidnapped daughter. Precise reflexes and dark, slapstick humor define the experience.
2020PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified4.99 €58 % positive
Mixed, 1,935 reviews on Steam
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Fast pace
Lots of humour
A frantic auto-running platformer where Meat Boy or Bandage Girl race through procedurally assembled stages to rescue their kidnapped daughter. Precise reflexes and dark, slapstick humor define the experience.
2019PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.79 €97 % positive
A blistering neo-noir action platformer where one hit kills and each room plays like a puzzle solved with your katana, slow-motion and deflected bullets. It's wrapped in a twisted, fragmented story with dialogue choices and a superb synthwave soundtrack.
2019PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.79 €97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 66,672 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Dark, serious atmosphere
Melee combat with weapons or fists
A blistering neo-noir action platformer where one hit kills and each room plays like a puzzle solved with your katana, slow-motion and deflected bullets. It's wrapped in a twisted, fragmented story with dialogue choices and a superb synthwave soundtrack.
A 3D platformer where DK punches, tears and tunnels through almost entirely destructible underground layers, with hidden bananas rewarding every bit of curiosity. Playful, chaotic and charming, with Pauline's singing and transforming Bananza forms adding flair.
A 3D platformer where DK punches, tears and tunnels through almost entirely destructible underground layers, with hidden bananas rewarding every bit of curiosity. Playful, chaotic and charming, with Pauline's singing and transforming Bananza forms adding flair.
A merciless platformer where you climb a huge tower using only precisely charged jumps, and a single misstep can send you tumbling far back down. Frustration and triumph sit very close together.
2019PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified12.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 12,438 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Challenging difficulty
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
A merciless platformer where you climb a huge tower using only precisely charged jumps, and a single misstep can send you tumbling far back down. Frustration and triumph sit very close together.
A minimalist, razor-precise physics platformer where you momentum-slide a ninja through thousands of short levels filled with mines and robots. Tight controls and punishing difficulty define the experience.
2015PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.99 €95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 2,836 reviews on Steam
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Challenging difficulty
Fast pace
A minimalist, razor-precise physics platformer where you momentum-slide a ninja through thousands of short levels filled with mines and robots. Tight controls and punishing difficulty define the experience.
You guide Crash through colorful, linear levels that play like a classic 90s platformer. Precise jumps and demanding trial-and-error challenges are the heart of it, wrapped in plenty of humor.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified39.99 €92 % positive
Very positive, 16,867 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Lavish presentation
Action-packed real-time combat
You guide Crash through colorful, linear levels that play like a classic 90s platformer. Precise jumps and demanding trial-and-error challenges are the heart of it, wrapped in plenty of humor.
A charming 3D collectathon platformer in the vein of N64 classics, where a tiny girl uses magical hats to bounce through varied, wonderfully weird worlds. Its chapters, from a mafia-run town to dueling bird film studios, overflow with humor and creativity.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified28.99 €97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 43,034 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Dense, handcrafted world
Strong soundtrack
A charming 3D collectathon platformer in the vein of N64 classics, where a tiny girl uses magical hats to bounce through varied, wonderfully weird worlds. Its chapters, from a mafia-run town to dueling bird film studios, overflow with humor and creativity.
A blisteringly fast first-person parkour slasher where one hit kills you and you wall-run, deflect bullets and slice enemies apart as a cyber-ninja. Constant death-and-retry loops set to a pounding synthwave score turn every arena into a precise reflex puzzle.
2020PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable29.99 €91 % positive
Very positive, 47,063 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Melee combat with weapons or fists
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
A blisteringly fast first-person parkour slasher where one hit kills you and you wall-run, deflect bullets and slice enemies apart as a cyber-ninja. Constant death-and-retry loops set to a pounding synthwave score turn every arena into a precise reflex puzzle.
A vibrant 2D Mario where Wonder Flowers suddenly twist levels into surprising, inventive set pieces. With new transformations like the elephant, equippable badges and up to four-player co-op, it is welcoming and brimming with creativity.
A vibrant 2D Mario where Wonder Flowers suddenly twist levels into surprising, inventive set pieces. With new transformations like the elephant, equippable badges and up to four-player co-op, it is welcoming and brimming with creativity.
A Metroidvania where you play a steambot digging through the earth, uncovering treasure and secrets while upgrading your gear. Digging, platforming and puzzles mesh smoothly, making exploration highly compelling.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 5,754 reviews on Steam
Dense, handcrafted world
Lots to discover
Interconnected level design
A Metroidvania where you play a steambot digging through the earth, uncovering treasure and secrets while upgrading your gear. Digging, platforming and puzzles mesh smoothly, making exploration highly compelling.
A ninja platformer that begins as an 8-bit romp and, through time travel, opens up into a 16-bit Metroidvania full of deadpan humor. Precise sword fighting and the satisfying cloudstep mid-air jump make movement a joy.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.50 €92 % positive
Very positive, 10,803 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Lots of humour
Strong soundtrack
A ninja platformer that begins as an 8-bit romp and, through time travel, opens up into a 16-bit Metroidvania full of deadpan humor. Precise sword fighting and the satisfying cloudstep mid-air jump make movement a joy.
2010PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified4.99 €96 % positive
A tough retro platformer where you can't jump but instead flip gravity to switch between floor and ceiling. Brutally precise rooms, generous checkpoints and a pounding chiptune soundtrack make it a cult classic.
2010PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified4.99 €96 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 6,715 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Strong soundtrack
Sci-fi setting
A tough retro platformer where you can't jump but instead flip gravity to switch between floor and ceiling. Brutally precise rooms, generous checkpoints and a pounding chiptune soundtrack make it a cult classic.
A punishing cave-delving platformer with procedurally generated levels where every death is final. Traps, enemies and emergent item interactions make for chaotic, memorable runs.
2012PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.99 €92 % positive
Very positive, 14,703 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Runs that play out differently every time
Challenging difficulty
A punishing cave-delving platformer with procedurally generated levels where every death is final. Traps, enemies and emergent item interactions make for chaotic, memorable runs.
You hop between tiny planets and cosmic levels full of gravity tricks that keep every stage feeling fresh. This re-release adds an Assist Mode and Rosalina's Storybook for easier access and extra backstory.
You hop between tiny planets and cosmic levels full of gravity tricks that keep every stage feeling fresh. This re-release adds an Assist Mode and Rosalina's Storybook for easier access and extra backstory.
2013PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable90 % positive
A brutally demanding platformer whose procedurally generated levels adapt to your skill and your character's abilities. Precise timing and patience are required, wrapped in a humorous, colorful presentation.
2013PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable90 % positive
Very positive, 230 reviews on Steam
Challenging difficulty
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Fast pace
A brutally demanding platformer whose procedurally generated levels adapt to your skill and your character's abilities. Precise timing and patience are required, wrapped in a humorous, colorful presentation.
A fast, polished 2D Metroidvania platformer starring the warrior Sargon in a mythical Persian world. Acrobatic parry-driven combat, time-manipulating powers and clever platforming challenges make for a fluid, stylish adventure.
2024PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified29.99 €83 % positive
Very positive, 7,265 reviews on Steam
Melee combat with weapons or fists
Boss fights as highlights
Action-packed real-time combat
A fast, polished 2D Metroidvania platformer starring the warrior Sargon in a mythical Persian world. Acrobatic parry-driven combat, time-manipulating powers and clever platforming challenges make for a fluid, stylish adventure.
A colorful 3D collectathon platformer in the spirit of Banjo-Kazooie, where the duo Yooka and Laylee explore sprawling worlds packed with collectibles, puzzles and cheeky humor.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €77 % positive
Mostly positive, 2,874 reviews on Steam
Lots to discover
Dense, handcrafted world
Lots of humour
A colorful 3D collectathon platformer in the spirit of Banjo-Kazooie, where the duo Yooka and Laylee explore sprawling worlds packed with collectibles, puzzles and cheeky humor.
2011PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified9.99 €85 % positive
A colorful, humorous platformer where Ms. Splosion Man blasts her way through demanding levels using explosive jumps. Precise timing and quick reflexes matter, and there is a separate co-op campaign.
2011PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified9.99 €85 % positive
Very positive, 260 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Fast pace
A colorful, humorous platformer where Ms. Splosion Man blasts her way through demanding levels using explosive jumps. Precise timing and quick reflexes matter, and there is a separate co-op campaign.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−80 %14.79 € 2.95 € 3 days left94 % positive
A fast-paced multiplayer platformer-racer where up to four players swing, jump and use nasty pick-ups to push rivals off-screen. Tight controls and chaotic head-to-head matches keep every round tense.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−80 %14.79 € 2.95 € 3 days left94 % positive
Very positive, 22,857 reviews on Steam
Co-op or multiplayer
Competing against other players
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
A fast-paced multiplayer platformer-racer where up to four players swing, jump and use nasty pick-ups to push rivals off-screen. Tight controls and chaotic head-to-head matches keep every round tense.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−80 %14.79 € 2.95 € 3 days left93 % positive
A chaotic physics-based platformer where you leap across speeding trucks because the ground is deadly. Quick reflexes, short levels and absurd situations make for equal parts fun and frustration.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−80 %14.79 € 2.95 € 3 days left93 % positive
Very positive, 14,847 reviews on Steam
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Fast pace
A chaotic physics-based platformer where you leap across speeding trucks because the ground is deadly. Quick reflexes, short levels and absurd situations make for equal parts fun and frustration.
A retro 8-bit action platformer in the spirit of classic Castlevania, letting you swap between four characters with distinct abilities at any time. Tough boss fights and multiple endings encourage replays.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable9.99 €93 % positive
Very positive, 3,850 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Fantasy setting
Melee combat with weapons or fists
A retro 8-bit action platformer in the spirit of classic Castlevania, letting you swap between four characters with distinct abilities at any time. Tough boss fights and multiple endings encourage replays.
A battle-royale take on the original Super Mario Bros. where 35 players race through the same stages at once. Defeating enemies buys extra time and sends hindrances to rivals until only one Mario remains.
A battle-royale take on the original Super Mario Bros. where 35 players race through the same stages at once. Defeating enemies buys extra time and sends hindrances to rivals until only one Mario remains.
A snappy 2D platformer where you drill through dirt and leap out of it like a dolphin. Short, inventive levels, a bold look and a driving soundtrack make it stand out.
2024PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.79 €85 % positive
Very positive, 1,137 reviews on Steam
Action-packed real-time combat
Fast pace
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
A snappy 2D platformer where you drill through dirt and leap out of it like a dolphin. Short, inventive levels, a bold look and a driving soundtrack make it stand out.
The classic run-and-gun platformer returns with a fresh 2.5D look: you beat Robot Masters, take their weapons and tackle tight, precise stages. The new Double Gear system lets you slow time or boost your firepower.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified29.99 €89 % positive
Very positive, 4,383 reviews on Steam
Boss fights as highlights
Shooting and gunplay
Action-packed real-time combat
The classic run-and-gun platformer returns with a fresh 2.5D look: you beat Robot Masters, take their weapons and tackle tight, precise stages. The new Double Gear system lets you slow time or boost your firepower.
A charming 2.5D platformer where half-genie Shantae uses her hair whip and dance transformations to move through hand-animated stages. Lots of humor, bright cartoon visuals and ability-gated exploration define the experience.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 1,977 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Lots of humour
Distinctive, stylised art style
A charming 2.5D platformer where half-genie Shantae uses her hair whip and dance transformations to move through hand-animated stages. Lots of humor, bright cartoon visuals and ability-gated exploration define the experience.
A physics-driven platformer where you slither and coil your way through colorful levels as a snake. The believable snake movement turns every obstacle into a tricky dexterity puzzle.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €87 % positive
Very positive, 1,185 reviews on Steam
Puzzles and brain teasers
Distinctive, stylised art style
A physics-driven platformer where you slither and coil your way through colorful levels as a snake. The believable snake movement turns every obstacle into a tricky dexterity puzzle.
The infamous bobcat Bubsy returns in a new 3D platformer, jumping, gliding and rolling across alien planets. It leans on self-aware humor, robotic sheep and heaps of collectible yarn.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €92 % positive
Very positive, 797 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Distinctive, stylised art style
The infamous bobcat Bubsy returns in a new 3D platformer, jumping, gliding and rolling across alien planets. It leans on self-aware humor, robotic sheep and heaps of collectible yarn.
Mega Man 9 deliberately returns to the 8-bit classics: tight run-and-gun platforming, bosses with weaknesses, and a free choice of stage order. It is demanding and rewards precise timing and memorization.
2008PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €86 % positive
Very positive, 1,580 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Boss fights as highlights
Sci-fi setting
Mega Man 9 deliberately returns to the 8-bit classics: tight run-and-gun platforming, bosses with weaknesses, and a free choice of stage order. It is demanding and rewards precise timing and memorization.
A fast roguelite platformer where you play through generations of a hero family, each heir with unique traits and classes. Permanent manor upgrades make every death feed into a stronger next run.
2022PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified24.50 €90 % positive
Very positive, 14,282 reviews on Steam
Strong character progression
Runs that play out differently every time
Build variety
A fast roguelite platformer where you play through generations of a hero family, each heir with unique traits and classes. Permanent manor upgrades make every death feed into a stronger next run.
A new Castlevania Metroidvania set in a burning Paris in 1499, where Trevor Belmont and his daughter Rose wield the Vampire Killer whip against monstrous hordes. It promises gothic horror atmosphere, interconnected exploration and demanding action combat.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable29.99 €77 % positive
Mostly positive, 9,057 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Dark, serious atmosphere
Action-packed real-time combat
A new Castlevania Metroidvania set in a burning Paris in 1499, where Trevor Belmont and his daughter Rose wield the Vampire Killer whip against monstrous hordes. It promises gothic horror atmosphere, interconnected exploration and demanding action combat.
A rhythm-driven auto-runner where you jump, slide and kick in time with the music. Colorful, quirky worlds and a witty narrator add charm while demanding precise timing.
2013PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified13.99 €93 % positive
Very positive, 1,634 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Strong soundtrack
A rhythm-driven auto-runner where you jump, slide and kick in time with the music. Colorful, quirky worlds and a witty narrator add charm while demanding precise timing.
A compact 3D Mario adventure set in a connected island world, where the giant Fury Bowser periodically crashes in to raise tension and pace. Collecting Cat Shines, tight platforming and Bowser Jr. as a helper make it accessible and varied.
A compact 3D Mario adventure set in a connected island world, where the giant Fury Bowser periodically crashes in to raise tension and pace. Collecting Cat Shines, tight platforming and Bowser Jr. as a helper make it accessible and varied.
A chaotic run-and-gun platformer starring parodies of action movie heroes, where nearly everything is destructible and explosions tear levels apart. With up to four friends in co-op, the mayhem becomes gloriously over-the-top fun.
2015PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable14.79 €96 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 49,636 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Shooting and gunplay
Action-packed real-time combat
A chaotic run-and-gun platformer starring parodies of action movie heroes, where nearly everything is destructible and explosions tear levels apart. With up to four friends in co-op, the mayhem becomes gloriously over-the-top fun.
A tough 2D platformer where every death passes the sword to an heir with random, often silly traits like colorblindness or gigantism, who then storms the shifting castle again. Gold you collect upgrades the family manor for good, so each generation gets a little stronger.
2013PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.79 €92 % positive
Very positive, 15,913 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Runs that play out differently every time
Strong character progression
A tough 2D platformer where every death passes the sword to an heir with random, often silly traits like colorblindness or gigantism, who then storms the shifting castle again. Gold you collect upgrades the family manor for good, so each generation gets a little stronger.
2014PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable13.99 €95 % positive
A fast 2D platformer in the Sonic tradition with real combat, where dragon girl Lilac and her friends fight an alien invasion. Each character plays differently, backed by colorful stages, big boss fights and a strong soundtrack.
2014PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable13.99 €95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 3,322 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Action-packed real-time combat
Fast pace
A fast 2D platformer in the Sonic tradition with real combat, where dragon girl Lilac and her friends fight an alien invasion. Each character plays differently, backed by colorful stages, big boss fights and a strong soundtrack.
A fast 2D roguelite platformer that blends acrobatic parkour with snappy melee combat. Every run brings new weapons, upgrades and decisions across a Persian-inspired world full of traps.
2025PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified29.99 €89 % positive
Very positive, 2,586 reviews on Steam
Runs that play out differently every time
Melee combat with weapons or fists
Action-packed real-time combat
A fast 2D roguelite platformer that blends acrobatic parkour with snappy melee combat. Every run brings new weapons, upgrades and decisions across a Persian-inspired world full of traps.
2017PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.79 €93 % positive
A brutally hard precision platformer by Edmund McMillen where you play Ash, hopping through a ruined world and dying countless times in short, tricky screens. Dark humor and a huge map packed with hidden collectibles define the experience.
2017PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.79 €93 % positive
Very positive, 3,327 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Post-apocalyptic setting
Dark, serious atmosphere
A brutally hard precision platformer by Edmund McMillen where you play Ash, hopping through a ruined world and dying countless times in short, tricky screens. Dark humor and a huge map packed with hidden collectibles define the experience.
A colorful 2D platformer with a 3D overworld full of puzzles and secrets, where changes to the overworld transform the levels. It all builds to the notoriously tough Impossible Lair, which you can attempt from the very start.
2019PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified29.99 €83 % positive
Very positive, 880 reviews on Steam
Lots to discover
Lots of humour
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
A colorful 2D platformer with a 3D overworld full of puzzles and secrets, where changes to the overworld transform the levels. It all builds to the notoriously tough Impossible Lair, which you can attempt from the very start.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch9.99 €84 % positive
A lightning-fast platformer where every level must be cleared in ten seconds or less. Precise timing, route planning and endless retries drive the chase for three-star ratings and leaderboard times.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch9.99 €84 % positive
Very positive, 309 reviews on Steam
Fast pace
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Challenging difficulty
A lightning-fast platformer where every level must be cleared in ten seconds or less. Precise timing, route planning and endless retries drive the chase for three-star ratings and leaderboard times.
A deliberately NES-style 8-bit run-and-gun platformer where you pick stages in any order, beat robot bosses and take their weapons. Tight controls and a demanding, old-school difficulty.
2010PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €86 % positive
Very positive, 1,580 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Boss fights as highlights
Sci-fi setting
A deliberately NES-style 8-bit run-and-gun platformer where you pick stages in any order, beat robot bosses and take their weapons. Tight controls and a demanding, old-school difficulty.
A fast rhythm platformer where the hero runs automatically and you jump, slide and kick through obstacles in time with the music. Retro pixel visuals and a driving chiptune soundtrack make it a demanding test of reflexes.
2010PC, Nintendo Switch7.99 €86 % positive
Very positive, 1,830 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Strong soundtrack
A fast rhythm platformer where the hero runs automatically and you jump, slide and kick through obstacles in time with the music. Retro pixel visuals and a driving chiptune soundtrack make it a demanding test of reflexes.
Platformers on Nintendo Switch cover a wide range, from relaxed, inventive adventures to games that expect near-perfect timing. The first thing to decide is how much challenge you want. If you like to explore at your own pace, Super Mario Odyssey is a colorful, exploration-focused pick. If you want a test of skill, Celeste and Super Meat Boy are tagged as precision-heavy and difficult, and both use pixel art.
Next, think about who you are playing with. Super Mario Maker 2 and Sonic Mania both carry co-op tags, and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD does as well, so they suit shared sofa sessions. Mood matters too. Limbo is a dark, atmospheric puzzle platformer, while Ori and the Blind Forest is a hand-drawn Metroidvania with an emotional tone and a great soundtrack.
Finally, check the style of progression. Linear stage-based games like Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time are built around short, difficult levels and a comedic feel. Metroidvanias such as Hollow Knight: Silksong lean on exploration and are tagged difficult, so expect to get lost and to retry boss fights. Pick the structure you enjoy first, then the difficulty.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best platformer on Switch for beginners?
Super Mario Odyssey is a good starting point, since it focuses on colorful exploration rather than punishing difficulty. Super Mario Maker 2 is also approachable and has co-op.
Which Switch platformers are the hardest?
Celeste, Super Meat Boy, Super Meat Boy 3D, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD are all tagged difficult. Hollow Knight: Silksong is a difficult Metroidvania option too.
Are there co-op platformers on Nintendo Switch?
Yes. Sonic Mania, Super Mario Maker 2 and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD all list co-op among their tags, so they are good choices for playing together.
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