Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor most players, Super Mario Odyssey is the best all-around 3D platformer on the original Nintendo Switch: its open-ended kingdoms and Cappy’s abilities make exploration the point, not just the route between levels. If you prefer carefully designed courses, choose Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury; for a colorful, approachable adventure, try Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
This is a play-style-based shortlist, not an official ranking. Nintendo Life’s broader guide is alphabetical, and the three lead picks here are an editorial selection from its descriptions. The recommendations below refer to games playable on the original Switch, not Switch 2-only releases or upgrades.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Super Retro Platformer Collection - For Nintendo Switch | $48.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Cuphead - Nintendo Switch | $31.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
The Messenger - Nintendo Switch | $26.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Best 3D platformers on Switch at a glance
| Game | Best for | World structure |
|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Odyssey | Open-ended exploration | Distinct kingdoms with room to roam and discover |
| Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury | Focused, course-based platforming | Linear stages, plus a separate bonus adventure |
| Kirby and the Forgotten Land | A colorful 3D adventure | 3D stages and exploration |
The table is a guide to fit, not a scorecard: the best choice depends on whether you want to explore freely, clear compact courses, or take a lighter-toned adventure. Nintendo confirms Super Mario Odyssey is a Nintendo Switch game.
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For a sandbox you can explore: Super Mario Odyssey
Odyssey is the strongest starting point if you want to set your own pace. Its varied kingdoms reward looking beyond the obvious path, while Cappy’s abilities give Mario new ways to move through and interact with each place. Nintendo Life’s guide gives it 9.1/10 and links to its 10/10 review; those are the publication’s assessments, not objective measures of quality.
#1 Best Overall
- Game 1: Commander Keen in Keen Dreams: Definitive Edition
- Game 2: Macbat 64: Journey of a Nice Chap
- Game 3: Regina & Mac
- Game 4: Toree 3D
For discrete courses: Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
The main Super Mario 3D World campaign is the pick for players who prefer self-contained, linear levels over a large space to roam. The package also includes Bowser’s Fury, a separate bonus adventure that adds a different style of play. Nintendo Life praises the main game’s course design and the added value of the bonus, while noting online multiplayer and repetitive missions as drawbacks in Bowser’s Fury.
For a colorful adventure: Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a good alternative if you want a bright 3D adventure rather than another Mario game. Keep the editions straight: the original Switch release is distinct from Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World. Nintendo Life’s 8.4/10 score and discussion of added content refer to the 2025 Switch 2 edition, not the original Switch game, so that score should not be applied to the Switch release.
Other Switch 3D platformers worth considering
For speed and momentum
- Sonic X Shadow Generations combines remastered Sonic Generations content with a new Shadow campaign. Nintendo Life highlights its two-campaign structure and creative levels, making it a strong option if you want faster movement and a mix of stages.
- Penny’s Big Breakaway is another fast, inventive choice, with a challenge the guide describes as approachable. Nintendo Life also notes that the Switch version can feel rough around the edges.
For relaxed collecting
Tinykin suits players looking for a more relaxed, collectible-filled platformer. Nintendo Life describes its collectibles as plentiful without making the experience feel cluttered or overwhelming.
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- Experience the classic run and gun action with a pal in 2-player local co-op
- Includes the “Delicious Last Course” expansion filled with new bosses and brand-new character Ms. Chalice
- Includes exclusive “Cuphead Funnies” comic collector cards & vintage-inspired “Cuphead Club Membership”, and a hand-drawn reversible coversheet
For a tougher, more linear challenge
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a faithful collection of the classic trilogy, but its difficulty spikes and limited explanation of mechanics can make it a rough introduction for newcomers. In its 2018 Switch review, Nintendo Life reported a 30 fps lock and no dropped frames during its test; it also reported a 720p image upscaled to 1080p in TV mode, citing confirmation from Digital Foundry. Those are observations from that review, not a fresh test of the game today.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is another content-rich option. Nintendo Life describes the Switch port as passable, while noting lower frame rate and resolution than other versions.
For a classic-style platformer
A Hat in Time offers varied levels and familiar 3D platforming controls. Nintendo Life flags camera and performance issues on Switch, so it is worth considering with those trade-offs in mind.
Rank #3
- Includes the Picnic Panic DLC!
- Dynamic, acrobatic gameplay and ultra tight controls worthy of an epic ninja adventure.
- Character upgrades, new abilities, hidden levels, and branching paths to discover.
- Meticulously designed 8-bit and 16-bit sprites, animations, and backgrounds in the spirit of the classics.
- Original soundtrack by renowned chiptune composer Rainbowdragoneyes, handmade using Famitracker.
For a lighter option
New Super Lucky’s Tale may suit players who want a gentler experience. The guide cautions that it can feel short and may not challenge experienced platformer fans enough.
Keep Switch and Switch 2 recommendations separate
Some current roundups cover both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Donkey Kong Bananza and the Switch 2 edition of Super Meat Boy 3D are not original Switch recommendations, and the Switch 2 upgrade of Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a separate edition. Check the platform label when using a cross-generation list so a newer console release is not mistaken for a game playable on the original Switch.
Quick Recap
Sources and review context
- Nintendo Life’s Best Nintendo Switch 3D Platformers, updated May 22, 2026, covers Switch and Switch 2 and lists games alphabetically rather than ranking them.
- Nintendo’s Super Mario Odyssey page identifies it as a game for the Nintendo Switch home gaming system.
- Nintendo Life’s 2018 Switch review of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy provides the technical observations described above.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
