Top 3D Platformers On Nintendo Switch: Must-Play Games

Hey there, fellow Nintendo Switch enthusiasts! If you're anything like me, you absolutely love a good 3D platformer. The Switch is home to some truly amazing titles that will have you jumping, exploring, and collecting to your heart's content. So, let's dive into the best 3D platformer games you can play right now on your Nintendo Switch. Get ready for a wild ride filled with adventure, fun, and maybe just a little bit of frustration (we've all been there, right?).

Super Mario Odyssey: A Must-Have for Every Switch Owner

When talking about 3D platformers on the Switch, we absolutely have to start with Super Mario Odyssey. This game isn't just good; it's a masterpiece. Seriously, if you own a Switch and haven't played this yet, you're missing out big time. Super Mario Odyssey takes everything we love about Mario games and cranks it up to eleven. The gameplay is incredibly polished, the worlds are vibrant and full of secrets, and the sheer joy of exploration is unmatched. One of the standout features of Super Mario Odyssey is Cappy, Mario's new companion. Cappy allows Mario to "capture" enemies and objects, giving him their abilities. This mechanic opens up a whole new world of possibilities, letting you control everything from Goombas and Bullet Bills to T-Rexes! Imagine soaring through the air as a Bullet Bill, stomping around as a massive T-Rex, or stacking Goombas to reach new heights. The creativity is off the charts, and it keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting throughout the entire adventure. What makes Super Mario Odyssey a standout title is its level design. Each kingdom is packed with unique challenges, hidden Power Moons, and quirky characters. Whether you're exploring the bustling Metro Kingdom, the sandy dunes of the Sand Kingdom, or the lush forests of the Wooded Kingdom, there's always something new to discover. The game rewards curiosity and encourages you to explore every nook and cranny. And let's not forget about the boss battles! Each boss is unique and requires you to use Cappy's abilities in creative ways. Defeating these bosses is not only satisfying but also visually spectacular. It's a true testament to Nintendo's ability to create memorable and engaging encounters. The story is simple but effective, with Mario setting out to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser, who plans to marry her. Along the way, Mario teams up with Cappy, whose sister Tiara has also been kidnapped by Bowser. Together, they travel to various kingdoms, collecting Power Moons to fuel the Odyssey, their airship. The narrative provides a charming backdrop for the gameplay, and the interactions between Mario and Cappy are genuinely heartwarming. Super Mario Odyssey isn't just a game; it's an experience. It's a celebration of everything that makes Mario games great, with innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and a sense of wonder that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. If you're looking for a 3D platformer that will put a smile on your face, look no further. This is a must-have title for your Nintendo Switch library.

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair: A 2.5D Platforming Gem

Okay, so maybe Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair isn't strictly a 3D platformer, but hear me out! While it primarily features 2.5D gameplay, the overworld is fully 3D and adds a unique twist to the experience. Plus, it's just so darn good that I had to include it on this list. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a spiritual successor to the classic Donkey Kong Country games. Developed by Playtonic Games, a studio made up of former Rare developers, this game captures the charm and challenge of those beloved titles. You play as Yooka, a chameleon, and Laylee, a bat, as they set out to stop the evil Capital B and his dastardly plans. The game's main hook is the Impossible Lair, a final level that you can attempt at any time. However, it's incredibly difficult, and you'll likely need to complete the other levels to collect bees, which act as a shield, protecting you from hits in the Impossible Lair. The 2.5D levels are brilliantly designed, with a wide variety of themes and challenges. From lush jungles and underwater caves to fiery factories and icy mountains, each level is visually stunning and packed with secrets to discover. The gameplay is tight and responsive, making it a joy to navigate the intricate level designs. What sets Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair apart from other 2.5D platformers is its overworld. The overworld is a fully 3D map that connects the various levels. You can explore the overworld to find secrets, solve puzzles, and unlock new pathways. The overworld also changes based on your actions in the levels, adding a dynamic element to the gameplay. For example, if you flood a level, the water might spill out into the overworld, creating new areas to explore. The game's difficulty is another aspect that makes it stand out. While it's not as brutally difficult as some other platformers, it does offer a significant challenge. The levels are designed to test your platforming skills, and you'll need to master your jumps, rolls, and other abilities to survive. The Impossible Lair is particularly challenging, requiring you to execute perfect jumps and avoid countless obstacles. Despite the difficulty, the game is always fair and rewarding. Completing a level feels like a genuine accomplishment, and the sense of satisfaction is immense. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a fantastic platformer that offers a unique blend of 2.5D gameplay and 3D exploration. With its charming characters, brilliant level design, and challenging gameplay, it's a must-play for any fan of the genre. While it may not be a traditional 3D platformer, its innovative approach and sheer quality make it a worthy addition to this list.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy: Relive a Classic

Alright, let's take a trip down memory lane with the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. This collection brings together the first three Crash Bandicoot games – Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, and Crash Bandicoot: Warped – all fully remastered for the Nintendo Switch. If you grew up playing these games on the PlayStation, then you're in for a treat. The N. Sane Trilogy not only preserves the classic gameplay but also enhances it with updated graphics, sound, and controls. The visuals are stunning, with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and smoother animations. The character models have been completely redone, giving Crash and his friends a fresh new look while still retaining their original charm. But it's not just about the looks. The gameplay has also been refined, with tighter controls and improved hitboxes. This makes the game more responsive and less frustrating, although it still retains its signature challenge. Crash Bandicoot is known for its punishing difficulty, and the N. Sane Trilogy doesn't hold back. The levels are filled with obstacles, enemies, and traps that will test your reflexes and patience. You'll need to master Crash's various moves, including his spin attack, slide, and double jump, to survive. Each of the three games offers a unique experience. The original Crash Bandicoot is a more linear platformer, with a focus on precision jumping and obstacle avoidance. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back introduces more open levels and new abilities, such as the slide jump and belly flop. Crash Bandicoot: Warped is the most diverse of the three, with levels that take place in a variety of settings, from ancient Egypt to futuristic cities. It also introduces new vehicles, such as motorcycles and jet skis, adding even more variety to the gameplay. What makes the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy so special is its ability to capture the spirit of the original games while also making them more accessible to modern players. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, you'll find something to love in this collection. The games are challenging but rewarding, and the sense of satisfaction you get from completing a level is immense. The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a must-have for any 3D platformer fan on the Nintendo Switch. It's a loving tribute to a classic series that deserves to be experienced by a new generation of players.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy: Another Nostalgic Gem

Speaking of bringing back classics, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is another fantastic collection that deserves a spot on this list. Just like the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, this collection remasters the first three Spyro the Dragon games – Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!, and Spyro: Year of the Dragon – with stunning new graphics and improved gameplay. If you loved exploring the Dragon Realms as a kid, then you're going to adore this collection. The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a visual feast. The environments are vibrant and detailed, with lush forests, towering castles, and sparkling caves. Spyro himself looks fantastic, with expressive animations and a charming personality. The character models have been completely redone, giving each character a unique and memorable appearance. But it's not just about the looks. The gameplay has also been tweaked to make it more accessible to modern players. The controls are tighter and more responsive, and the camera has been improved to make it easier to navigate the environments. The game still retains its signature charm and sense of exploration, but it feels more polished and refined. Each of the three games offers a unique experience. Spyro the Dragon is a more straightforward platformer, with a focus on collecting gems and rescuing dragons. Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! introduces more complex levels and new abilities, such as swimming and climbing. Spyro: Year of the Dragon is the most diverse of the three, with levels that take place in a variety of settings and new characters to play as. What makes the Spyro Reignited Trilogy so special is its ability to transport you back to your childhood. The games are filled with nostalgia, and the sense of wonder and exploration is just as strong as it was when you first played them. Whether you're gliding through the air, charging through enemies, or collecting gems, there's always something fun to do. The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a must-have for any 3D platformer fan on the Nintendo Switch. It's a loving tribute to a classic series that deserves to be experienced by a new generation of players.

A Hat in Time: A Modern Classic

Now, let's talk about a 3D platformer that's a bit more recent but just as deserving of praise: A Hat in Time. This game is a love letter to the classic 3D platformers of the Nintendo 64 era, such as Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie. It's charming, whimsical, and packed with personality. In A Hat in Time, you play as Hat Kid, a space-traveling girl who loses her Time Pieces, which are the fuel for her spaceship. To get back home, she must travel to various worlds and collect the Time Pieces, which are scattered throughout the levels. The game's levels are incredibly diverse and creative. From a Mafia Town to a haunted forest to a movie studio, each world is filled with unique challenges, quirky characters, and plenty of secrets to discover. The gameplay is smooth and responsive, with Hat Kid able to jump, climb, and use various hats to gain new abilities. Each hat grants Hat Kid a different power, such as the Sprint Hat, which allows her to run faster, or the Brewing Hat, which allows her to create potions. These hats add a layer of strategy to the gameplay, as you'll need to use them creatively to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. What makes A Hat in Time so special is its charm and personality. The characters are all memorable and endearing, and the game's sense of humor is spot-on. The dialogue is witty and clever, and the game never takes itself too seriously. The game's visuals are also stunning, with a colorful and cartoonish art style that's reminiscent of classic animated films. The environments are detailed and vibrant, and the character animations are fluid and expressive. A Hat in Time is a must-play for any fan of 3D platformers. It's a loving tribute to the classics that also manages to carve out its own unique identity. With its charming characters, creative levels, and engaging gameplay, it's a game that will put a smile on your face from beginning to end.

So there you have it, folks! My picks for the best 3D platformer games on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you're a seasoned platformer veteran or a newcomer to the genre, there's something on this list for everyone. So grab your Switch, get ready to jump, and start exploring these amazing worlds today!