But what are the best 3D platformers on Switch? We've compiled the following list showcasing the best platform games on Nintendo's console, from retro-flavoured throwbacks to modern entries in classic platform series from Mario, Sonic, and co.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a great big colourful joyride of an adventure for our little pink pal. This first fully three-dimensional mainline entry in the franchise is bursting at the seams with fun and inventiveness, managing to transpose everything we know and love about past Kirby games to this all-new arena whilst adding plenty of delightful new aspects as it goes.
Mouthful Mode is just as daftly entertaining as it looked in the trailers, each and every level is packed full of secrets and dripping in wonderful detail, and there are enough side activities, collectibles, and co-op fun here to keep you entertained and coming back for more for a good long while. What a grand way to celebrate 30 years of Planet Popstar's finest.
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a ruthlessly faithful recreation of some of the earliest successes in 3D platforming. Levels are slick, gorgeous to look at, and recreate the feel of the originals superbly. Newcomers to the series may be put off by the steep difficulty spikes and little to no explanation of some of the finer mechanics.
All the fun and the foibles of the original three games are here, for better or for worse, and despite some odd design choices it still manages to be a really enjoyable retread of some old classics, warts and all.
This is definitely worth a look if you're a fan of 3D platformers, but just as was the case back in the '90s, Crash isn't in quite the same league as Mario when it comes to playability, inventiveness and entertainment. If you're after a nostalgia trip, though, it's tough to beat.
de Blob 2 keeps many of the same characteristics found in the original Wii game, with both the brilliant - and the not-so-brilliant - features mostly staying intact in this updated Switch version.
The cameras can still be occasionally fiddly, and things can feel a little too easy in places, but brand new 2D sections and a slightly more refined-feeling overall experience put the sequel just above the original in our pecking order. Either game should go down well – especially with a younger audience – but this one just about splashes its way into first place.
Super Mario 3D World is one of the better linear Mario games, and anyone playing it for the first time is in for an absolute treat. Add to that the curious bonus adventure that is Bowser's Fury and you've got a package that provides great value for money.
It isn't without its flaws, but most of these (online multiplayer, repetitive missions in Bowser's Fury) relate to the new additions; the main game itself remains as pure and perfect as it was on Wii U. Had it just been Super Mario 3D World on its own, we'd be thoroughly recommending it anyway; Bowser's Fury is just the cherry on top.
Yooka-Laylee is a worthy modern tribute to the collectathons of yore — coming from many of the developers who created the incomparable Banjo-Kazooie — and it's highly recommended for Switch owners. This feels like a game that belongs in 1996 with all the quality-of-life improvements of a modern game, making for an excellent blend of new and old.
Though it can be a little uneven at times, the game as a whole manages to achieve what developers Playtonic set out to do; to recapture some of that classic Rareware magic and make a fresh game with the same mischievous spirit for fans who have been waiting so long. With compositions from genius ex-Rare musicians David Wise and Grant Kirkhope, you know it makes sense.
Oh, the controversy — a 3D platform game where you can't jump!
Sumo Digital's Snake Pass is a real gem in the Switch library, and is certainly worth a look for anyone looking for a joyous palette cleanser. It's unlike anything else we've played before; a fresh platforming experience that will keep you engaged until the very end.
Solid visuals, unconventional gameplay, a memorable soundtrack (David Wise, again), and a decent amount of replay value make this well worth your time, and we absolutely give it a recommendation. If you're looking to take a chance and play something unique, then Snake Pass is well worth a look.
You've got to feel a little bit sorry for Poi and its developer PolyKid. You spend years making your own 3D platformer, pouring your heart and soul into it, and the universe conspires to have it release the same week as Super Mario Odyssey. Doh!
Poi: Explorer Edition is a great platforming adventure in its own right, though. Anyone who enjoys a good ‘collect-a-thon’ will be in Heaven with this game – the Medallions are great fun to work towards and finding every single extra collectable will take some considerable time and effort. If you enjoy games of this genre, we’d definitely recommend giving Poi a go. It deserves to be played.
'OK,' you're thinking, 'I made an exception for Snake Pass, but now Captain Toad?!'
Well, despite the puzzle angle, this is still a 3D platformer and the lack of a jump button doesn't make it any less of a winner. With beautiful visuals and an upbeat soundtrack, Treasure Tracker is a real gem; a wonderful and gorgeous platform puzzler fit for all ages, and one which you should definitely experience if you're yet to.
Two-player co-op makes this offering even tastier, and there's even a nice little nugget of DLC for once you've polished off the main game.
Poignant and moving in both theme and execution, Fe is one of the most unique platformers on Nintendo Switch. Its platforming can be a little hit and miss, and its stealth feels a little too forgiving at times, but that doesn’t stop its world and the unique vocal premise from bewitching you with a dark and Gothic Nordic fairytale.
While it’s not as groundbreaking as other dialogue-less games such as Journey, it’s still one of the most intriguing worlds to explore on Switch.
A Hat In Time is a hugely enjoyable take on the classic 3D platformer. The tight, familiar controls and varied, innovative levels result in one of the most fascinating and entertaining games out there. The issues with performance and the camera do little to wipe the smile from our faces while playing through this; if you adore the likes of Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, then you'll fall utterly in love with A Hat In Time.
This is only available if you're a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber at the Expansion Pack tier which includes access to N64 games, meaning it's available to play on Nintendo Switch — so having it on this list is technically correct. Yep.
We include it here because it's one of the most colourful, joyful, bountiful 3D platformers ever made. Rareware put out several on Nintendo 64, each with their own pros and cons, but the Twycross team arguably never topped the debut of the bear and bird.
Mario 64 (which is also available on Switch in a couple of forms, and is also pretty good) might have the edge when it comes to prestige, invention and influence — that's the 3D platformer you vote for with your head — but Banjo steals hearts. An absolutely brilliant game, and its underrated sequel is also on NSO.
We ummed and ahhed about putting this one on, but technically it's a 3D platformer with a light dusting of adventure, so here it is.
As you’d expect, LEGO DC Super-Villains doesn’t make many attempts to change up the formula that’s served the LEGO series so well for so long, but with a vast library of well-applied and famous baddies to draw from it offers a far more engaging and memorable story than the stretched-too-thin LEGO The Incredibles. However, with a brilliant cast on hand (can anyone really compare to Hamill’s Joker?), a vast sandbox hub and all the customisation options you could want in Danish brick form, this familiar playground still has bags of charm.
While this is the best of the lot, there are plenty of alternative LEGO titles if DC Villains aren't your bag, each offering similarly accessible gameplay across a variety of worlds. LEGO Harry Potter Collection, The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame and LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 are all solid platforming fare.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a wonderful love letter to a classic series, keeping everything that made the original games what they were, but slapping on a fresh coat of paint for the HD era.
There are a few creaking bones showing their age here and there, but only due to the developers’ desire to keep things as accurate as possible. The Switch version looks absolutely stunning and runs surprisingly well, so if you’re looking for a classic 3D platforming experience, you should definitely give this a look-in.
New Super Lucky’s Tale is a solid port of an underrated platformer with a greatly improved camera. It's a little on the short side and may not provide much of a challenge to more hardened gamers – and if you already own it on Xbox One there really isn't enough new here to warrant a second purchase – but what makes it worth a look is its uncanny ability to make you smile, and this is something that can't be overlooked, especially in modern times.
Considering the long-reaching cultural impact that the SpongeBob cartoon has had on modern pop culture, it’s nice to see that the franchise got at least one solid video game that properly represents the unique draw of SpongeBob and his friends.
Though Battle for Bikini Bottom doesn’t bring anything new to the table as a 3D platformer, its strong level design, lighthearted tone, and gorgeous remastered visuals make this one an easy recommendation. Rampant technical issues hold the game back from true greatness, which is a real shame given the quality in nearly every other area. As a result, this certainly isn’t the game to unseat Mario, but those that love a good collect-a-thon 3D platformer will find plenty to love here.
Pumpkin Jack is an absolute triumph. For a debut title, it’s remarkably confident in its vision, delivering a delightfully spooky experience that feels very familiar to MediEvil without outright copying it; in fact, with MediEvil's controls feeling distinctly dated by modern standards, we’d go so far as to say Pumpkin Jack is superior.
The controls are slick with satisfying combat mechanics, and while the platforming can occasionally feel a bit frustrating, it’s mostly very well done. Visuals in handheld mode can look a little grotty, so we’d recommend playing on the TV if you can, and make sure you crank up that camera sensitivity. Fear not though, folks; the spirit of Halloween lives on year-round thanks to Pumpkin Jack.
Sonic Colors Ultimate is a well-executed revisit of a high point in Sonic’s long career. Most of the quality here stems from the content of the original, rather than the new additions and tweaks for this re-release. Things like the Jade Ghost and extra customization options are welcome, but not game-changing, and the musical and graphical improvements are minimal.
At the end of the day, though, this is still a well-performing, portable version of a classic and that’s arguably all that it needs to be. This is certainly the best and easiest way to try Sonic Colors out, although it definitely isn’t a massive overhaul of what came before.
There's also Sonic Frontiers, of course, although we can't recommend the Switch version of that. You'll also find the hedgehog again further down this list...
Including Super Mario 64, GameCube's Super Mario Sunshine, and Wii's Super Mario Galaxy in one package, we had an absolute blast playing through these three gems all over again, especially now they look sharper than ever.
It’s a shame that the presentation is barebones with no bonus content beyond the soundtracks, but there can still be no denying the quality of the games on offer here. Super Mario 3D All-Stars is the Beatles’ Greatest Hits of the video game world, and is an absolute treat whether you’re reliving it in HD or discovering it for the first time.
Unfortunately, if you didn't grab it before it was delisted on 31st March 2021, you might have to rely on the secondhand market if you want a copy of this triple pack of platforming goodness — you won't find it on the Switch eShop any longer. A physical copy certainly isn't too hard to find, though, and Nintendo manufactured so many that you may still be able to find it on store shelves.
A very pleasant and enjoyable surprise, Blue Fire is an auspicious debut from ROBI Studios. Only the performance issues, mildly sloppy combat and high difficulty are points of contention, and the latter will certainly depend on your point of view.
Developed with passion and skill, this is a world you can lose yourself in that'll reward you the more you play and the better you get. It's uncompromising in its difficulty but doesn't resort to cheap tricks and "gotchas." The graphics are appealing and, crucially, clear as day. This is a fantastic experience overall, even if it isn't made up of the most original pieces. It's gameplay first and once you're traversing the infinite space of the Void stages, everything else basically just falls away.
The Switch version of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is a perfectly passable port of a fantastic platformer that's absolutely rammed with things to do. It may have the lowest frame rate and resolution of all versions of the game, but if the Switch is your main console or you're looking to enjoy some bandicoot-bouncing on the go in handheld mode, it's still an excellent offering when judged on its own merits.
Going in with diminished expectations no-doubt coloured our impressions of Toree 3D, but our brief time with this 99-cent gem was undeniably delightful. For significantly less than the price of a decent cup of coffee, you get an enjoyably bite-sized, colourful 3D platformer with great music and a fun aesthetic that doesn't take itself seriously in the slightest — and it doesn't stick around long enough to get boring.
Can it compete with the scale and depth of the Switch's finest 3D jump-fests? Of course not, but this low-poly PS1-style platforming experience is a joyous breath of fresh air that's more than worth the asking price. A great way to spend those Gold Points, and there's always it's similarly breezy sequel once you've polished this off.
Demon Turf: Neon Splash is a much better game than its predecessor thanks to the complete removal of the underwhelming combat. Not only that, but the experience feels more focused and streamlined without the requirement of a hub world or mandatory collectibles. This is Demon Turf at its best, and we sincerely hope to see more of the same in a true sequel later down the line.
And if you like this, you may want to check out the first Demon Turf — it's a fantastic platformer that’s held back from true greatness by sections of dull and repetitive combat.
Presenting itself modestly as “a simple and short experience”, Lunistice has masses to offer. A first run is maybe a handful of hours, but the thirst to retry is so strong it’s almost hard to move on to each new stage. Add the challenge of finding all the cranes and hidden items, avoiding resets, and setting faster times, plus unlockable characters with different moves, and it's a full and generous package
Launching at $4.99 or your regional equivalent, weighing in at a lean 600MB, and having a demo on the eShop, Lunistice is simply a must-try game.
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is a triumphant and varied 3D platformer that no fan of the series or the genre will want to miss. It’s not the game that’ll change your mind if 3D collectathon-style games aren’t your thing, but it demonstrates at every step that it’s not just some half-hearted cash-in.
Focused level design, lots of gameplay variety, tight controls, and a charming cast voiced by the original voice artists all combine to make this one of the best SpongeBob games yet. Though it’s occasionally let down by performance issues, we’d still give this one a strong recommendation to anyone who likes a 3D platformer and a Krabby Patty.
Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara isn’t a bold reinvention of the genre, but it repeatedly proves that it’s got it where it counts. Smooth controls, decent level variety, and lots of collectibles all make this one a fairly easy recommendation, even if it is a little simplistic looking. If you're after 7-10 hours of solid, colourful 3D platforming, Koa's got you covered.
Penny’s Big Breakaway is a tremendous achievement by Evening Star, expertly combining tight controls, excellent level design, and a raft of creative ideas, all while throwing in a hefty dose of pure speed.
Though the Switch version can feel a little rough around the edges at times, this is still an easy recommendation to make to anyone who considers themselves a fan of Sonic, 3D platformers, or both. Penny’s inaugural adventure has got it where it counts, and if you’re looking for a challenging, yet approachable new 3D platformer to add to your library, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Frogun Encore offers a strong and satisfying sophomore sortie for Renata and her frogun. Much like classic 3D platformer sequels such as Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back or Sly 2: Band of Thieves, it expands upon the foundation laid out by its predecessor in meaningful ways and polishes the ideas that the original release introduced. The level design is tighter, you can play with a friend, the stages are more ambitious, and this overall feels like a more confident and sure-footed adventure.
It may still have some lingering issues with controls, but as far as retro 3D platformers go, Frogun Encore is close to as good as it gets.
We can't say that players raised on the likes of Super Mario Odyssey and other modern platformers will respond the same way, but if you dream in 64-bit and your formative 3D games featured visible polygons, you won't regret exploring Cavern of Dreams. Bynine Studios gets in, delivers its payload of fairytale platforming feels with a hint of darkness, and gets out smartish. If you're a Banjo fan looking to recapture that sense of wonder you first experienced exploring Grunty's Lair, this is probably the closest you'll get without time travel or memory wipes.
If you like this sort of thing, Corn Kidz 64 is another throwback platformer worth checking out.
BAKERU is a sweet, snappy, and satisfying linear 3D platformer that feels like a wonderful callback to a genre that doesn’t get a ton of representation these days. It’s really easy (although the Western version ups the difficulty slightly) and has some performance problems, but the gameplay variety, snappy combat, oodles of collectibles, and gorgeous art style all come together to make for an adventure that you won’t want to miss out on.
In what can only be described as a monumental return to form for both hedgehogs, Sonic X Shadow Generations combines two excellent campaigns to create what just might be the very best 3D Sonic game so far.
The remastered Generations content remains a delight, taking you through some of the series' most iconic stages, but Shadow's new chapter represents the franchise's 3D gameplay at its very best. It introduces a bunch of awesome new abilities while showcasing some of the most creative stages we've ever seen, and we're keen to keep replaying to nail those crucial S-ranks.
Alas, there's still no Chao Garden, but we'll keep hoping and praying for its inclusion in the future. Based on this, the future of 3D Sonic looks bright.
You've surely got this in your collection already, no? Just like Vanessa Williams, we went and saved the best for last. (Google it, kids.) No, this list isn't ranked, but let's not kid ourselves, hmm?
Super Mario Odyssey represents a shift in direction for Mario. For about a decade we had exceptional but tightly structured 3D series entries, but this new arrival’s building blocks go back to Super Mario 64. It’s a very modern take on ‘sandbox Mario’ - Cappy and his abilities are key additions that freshen up the formula, and we have a sizeable and diverse set of lands to explore.
In the second half it takes on a life of its own, showcasing incredible design and development flair. It’s also a wonderful showcase for the Switch itself, and would be a fabulous introduction to the wonders of Mario in three dimensions. For the veterans among us, meanwhile, it’s yet another special release to remind us of why Mario is still gaming’s number one.
More 3D platformers than you were expecting, no? While they may not all reach the incredible heights of the Italian gentlemen’s balloon ship, they certainly offer wonderful platforming experiences once the odyssey’s over.
Here we'll answer a couple of common questions readers have about the platter of 3D platformers on Switch.
Around these parts, we live the Nintendo Life and are naturally inclined towards Mario's endless invention and precise, peerless platforming. However, many of us are also recovering Sega fans and hold the hedgehog in very high regard. At the risk of starting a console war, we'd suggest that the overall quality of Mario's games has been more consistently high over the years.
