10 Hidden Gems On Nintendo Switch That Released In 2021 (So Far)

Nintendo has never really been one to compete with the likes of Microsoft and Sony. Whereas the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are near-identical consoles reliant on exclusives to stand apart, the Nintendo Switch is its own beast entirely. Nintendo has always produced consoles that stood apart from the pack, including the Wii and Wii U.

The Nintendo Switch houses a large variety of great games, some famous, some little-known. Despite not being very popular, these games are still well worth playing and range greatly in style, from open-world action adventures to visual novels to independent roguelike games and side-scrollers. What are the Switch’s best hidden gems?

10 The House In Fata Morgana: Dreams Of The Revenants Edition

The House in Fata Morgana is a visual novel game involving an amnesic spirit traveling to different time periods to uncover the truth about a mysterious, abandoned mansion. The game was originally released for Windows in 2016 before it was ported to the Vita and PS4 in 2019.

Luckily, a Nintendo Switch version followed in April 2021, and it proves one of the best video game releases of the year. Gamers who missed out on this thrilling experience back in 2016 or 2019 should be sure to pick it up on the Switch.

9 Monster Hunter Rise

The Monster Hunter series, while certainly popular within the gaming community, never really broke into the mainstream. Serving as the sixth main installment in the series, Monster Hunter Rise was released for the Switch in March 2021.

The game contains many elements introduced in the previous title, Monster Hunter: World, while also introducing a few new ones, including an animal companion and the ability to vertically traverse the map.

8 Dead Cells: Fatal Falls

Released for all major consoles in 2018, Dead Cells is a Metroidvania game that sees players traversing procedurally-generated levels as a mass of cells inhabiting the body of a deceased prisoner.

It has often been compared to Dark Souls, owing to the incredible difficulty and the fundamental gameplay aspect of dying, reviving, and learning from past mistakes. Fatal Falls serves as the game’s second piece of DLC, containing new enemies, levels, and weapons, not to mention a unique boss.

7 UnderMine

Another roguelike title, UnderMine sees players exploring dungeons, collecting gold, and battling various enemies. The game also includes various role-playing mechanics, like the ability to collect items and upgrade the character in various unique ways.

It sounds derivative, but UnderMine is an easy recommendation that proves one of the brightest examples of the roguelike genre. It’s the very definition of a hidden gem — much like the treasures found within the game’s setting.

6 Little Nightmares II

Little Nightmares proved to be one of 2017’s most surprising successes. Developed by Tarsier Studios (the developers behind the famous LittleBigPlanet games), Little Nightmares was a wonderfully unique concoction, blending elements of puzzle, adventure, platformer, and horror game.

Four years later, the long-awaited prequel was released for all major consoles, including the Switch. A new playable character named Mono was introduced for this game, with Six returning as an NPC.

5 Cyber Shadow

Cyber Shadow was single-handedly developed by a Finnish man Aarne Hunziker, who developed the game under Mechanical Head Studios. The game is a nostalgic side-scroller that harkens back to the glory days of the genre, complete with a beautiful 8-bit aesthetic.

Players control Shadow, a cybernetic ninja who traverses the dystopic Mekacity to save his clan from deadly machines. A glorious mix between Mega Men, Ninja Gaiden, and Castlevania, Cyber Shadow is a great piece of work from a singular creative vision.

4 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel IV

Nihon Falcom has been making role-playing video games for decades and has become popular for creating various franchises, including Ys and The Legend of Heroes. The Legend of Heroes began its life all the way back in 1989 and now spans 14 main entries.

It also contains various spinoffs, including the Trails series that began in 2004 with The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky.In April 2021, The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel IV was released for the Nintendo Switch to great acclaim, with particular praise for its soundtrack and narrative.

3 Genesis Noir

Genesis Noir is a weird but brilliant point-and-click adventure game that tells a richly complex story blending elements of film noir with metaphor. It’s very difficult to explain in text — one simply needs to play the game to experience its glorious weirdness.

The point-and-click gameplay is simplistic but intuitive, but most of the praise is centered around the game’s story and mesmerizing atmosphere. Genesis Noir furthers the argument that video games can indeed be art.

2 Capcom Arcade Stadium

It doesn’t get much more nostalgic than Capcom Arcade Stadium. As the title suggests, Capcom Arcade Stadium compiles various beloved arcade games made by the developer. The titles span the golden age of arcades, with every game having been released between 1984 and 2001.

The brilliant and comforting compilation includes the likes of Ghosts ‘n Goblins, Bionic Commando, Street Fighter II, and 1943: The Battle of Midway.

1 Dry Drowning

Dry Drowning is a visual novel combining elements of cyberpunk, point-and-click adventure, and detective game. Players control a private investigator named Mordred Foley as he uncovers clues and interrogates various characters.

The game contains over 150 unique story branches and three distinct endings, and the gameplay is highly reminiscent of Team Bondi’s L.A. Noire. For those hopelessly wishing for a sequel that has yet to materialize, Dry Drowning will certainly scratch the itch.

About The Author

Nathan Sharp
(852 Articles Published)

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Nathan Sharp is a writer from outside Toronto, Ontario. He has a love of movies and television, having enjoyed them for more than twenty years. His preferences include drama, action, and horror, with the former being a particular point of interest and fascination.

He also has a love of video games, particularly those of Rockstar.

Whether it be about film, television, or video games, Nathan loves a good discussion and has written hundreds of articles for Screen Rant.

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