2024. It was a bit of an odd one for Switch, with the impending announcement of Nintendo’s follow-up console. It never materialised, but its shadow has been looming over the entire year. Still, if there hasn’t been an absolute avalanche of games to dig into!
Nintendo had many first-party releases — some weird and surprising, others long-time-coming remakes or new series entries — but it’s also been an outstanding year for smaller, independent games. And with the sheer variety, there’s bound to be many some you’ve missed.
So, put aside your Balatros and your Zeldas and make some room on your SD card, we’re bringing you a list of the games — presented in alphabetical order — that came out on Switch in 2024 that we think have flown under the radar.
Originally sponsored by Nintendo back when it was released as a flash game in 2006, Mission in Snowdriftland came to Switch in December this year, but may have slipped under your radar.
This really is a perfect holiday platformer, with 24 short levels (like an advent calendar), cute visuals, and retro charm. Static screenshots give off a Flash vibe which may be offputting, but this is a charming — and challenging — little platform game with some fun narrative wrapping that displays affection for gaming’s classics.
Given its unique place in Nintendo history, it’s well worth checking out, even if you save it for next year.
Have we missed one of your favourite games? Seen something that’s caught your eye? Share your favourite hidden gems from 2024 in the comments, and spread the holiday cheer!
What was your hidden Switch gem of choice for 2024? (76 votes)
Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure (Switch eShop)7%
Angel at Dusk (Switch eShop)4%
Berserk Boy (Switch eShop)1%
Beyond Galaxyland (Switch eShop)1%
Bloomtown: A Different Story (Switch eShop)8%
Can of Wormholes (Switch eShop)0%
Carpathian Night Starring Bela Lugosi (Switch eShop)3%
Cavern of Dreams (Switch eShop)5%
Crypt Custodian (Switch eShop)20%
El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD Remaster (Switch eShop)8%
Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines (Switch eShop)0%
Inkulinati (Switch eShop)5%
Megaton Musashi W: Wired (Switch eShop)5%
Mission in Snowdriftland (Switch eShop)5%
Paper Trail (Switch eShop)3%
Toree’s Panic Pack (Switch eShop)1%
Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon- (Switch)3%
Something else (comment below!)21%
You can also check out our Games We Missed series for reader recommendations of games we weren’t able to review.
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