Not convinced by the Switch 2 yet? You can also play 10 of my favorite titles with the current generation.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is just around the corner, but many of you are still skeptical. I’ll tell you which games you can continue to enjoy with the first generation.

The Nintendo Switch 2 has made a really great impression on me so far! Unfortunately, as is so often the case, there’s a big elephant in the room: the price tag of the console and especially the games. In economically uncertain times like these, you have to have the necessary cash available.

Fortunately, the Switch 1 also has tons of great games. So many, in fact, that numerous masterpieces have flown under the radar. That’s why I’ve picked out ten of my favorite Switch titles that you may not have heard of yet.

The best part: The Switch 2 is backward compatible. This means that you can take all of the titles listed here with you to the next console generation at no additional cost when you eventually purchase the Switch 2.

Table of contents:

• SteamWorld Heist
• The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+
• Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
• Forager
• The Legend of Bum-bo
• Salt and Sanctuary
• Cult of the Lamb
• Saints Row: The Third
• Coromon
• Knights of Pen and Paper 1 and 2

SteamWorld Heist

SteamWorld Heist combines tactical skill with perfect aiming to create a unique strategy experience that I’ve played through at least eight times, and not for nothing. A clear recommendation for any fan of tactics and anyone who wants to become one.

You control the robot pirate Piper Faraday and her colorful Steambot crew as you raid alien spaceships. In doing so, you’ll not only take on the government, but also the high-tech Vectron. I know it doesn’t sound like it, but you’re actually controlling the good guys in the story!

The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+

The Binding of Isaac can definitely be called the mother of all modern roguelikes and is without a doubt my absolute favorite game to this day. It has given me over 600 wonderful hours on the Switch.

You control the sad little boy Isaac, who is fleeing from his insane mother and fighting his way through endless labyrinths and grotesque monsters.

As is typical for this genre, you have countless itemsto choose from, which create unique synergies and keep the gaming experience fresh. And if you’ve seen everything after hundreds of hours, the dreamlike expansion Repentance awaits you, which will easily double your playing time.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

There was a time when I played almost exclusively platformers on the Nintendo Switch. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is pretty much the best you can play in this genre. This is a collection of the four excellent Shovel Knight main games and the mediocre Smash Bros. knockoff Showdown.

Never before have I experienced such a lively, funny, and adventurous fantasy game world in a platformer. And then the developers at Yacht Club Games achieve the seemingly impossible and top it off with nearly perfect gameplay

In each game, you take on the role of either the noble hero Shovel Knight or the evil knight of the Order of No Mercy. Depending on the character, you have completely different abilities, but the gameplay is always outstanding – and sometimes really tough!

Forager

The idle survival mix Forager is a really simple game, but it’s incredibly difficult to describe.

You start on a small colorful island and have to collect resources to earn money Once you’ve saved enough, you can expand your empire and collect additional resources in the new areas. So much for the basic principle.

At the same time, however, you also complete missions, solve puzzles, and explore dungeons to obtain particularly powerful items and abilities.

The Legend of Bum-bo

Similar to Isaac, you navigate dark rooms and fight grotesque enemies. However, this game uses a turn-based puzzle combat system that is somewhat reminiscent of Candy Crush. You have to line up different symbols using sliding puzzles to trigger attacks and abilities.

I’m not really a fan of puzzle games, but the mix of tough combat, persistent thinking, and skillful sliding drew me in despite my initial skepticism.

Salt and Sanctuary

Salt and Sanctuary – Announcement trailer for the brutal Soulslike

For me personally, Salt and Sanctuary is the Soulslike that best translates the proven Dark Souls formula into 2D. Yes, the visuals may take some getting used to. But behind the 2D facade lies an excellent action role-playing game.

As a sailor, you are stranded on a mysterious, gloomy island. There you collect countless weapons and fight nasty creatures and the unspeakable evil By the way, this does not refer to Harry Potter’s arch-nemesis Lord Voldemort – even though both characters are distinguished by their missing noses.

Cult of the Lamb

In a unique blend ofbuilding, management, and roguelite, you found your own cult and challenge powerful gods in battle. Meanwhile, you have to take care of your camp. You collect the resources you need in procedurally generated dungeons.

Don’t lose sight of your loyal followers They don’t just want to eat and sleep, they also want to share in your wisdom and rituals. Of course, there are also renegades, but luckily you can often bring them back into your ranks. And if not, then they’ll just be eaten!

Saints Row: The Third

If you can do without the story in GTA and mainly enjoy the gameplay, you should definitely check out Saints Row: The Third. It takes Rockstar’s flagship formula and adds a generous helping of chaos and two pinches of freedom.

Since 2004, only two consoles have been released that don’t run Saints Row: The Third. We’re talking about the Nintendo Wii and the Wii U. So why should you go for the Switch version?

The answer is handheld mode! With its many mini-games and challenges , Saints Row is perfect forshort sessions in bed or on the couch. And since you don’t have to boot up the Switch like a PC, you can start playing right away.

Coromon

I find all the newer Pokémon games so childish and unimaginative that I just don’t enjoy them anymore.

Since then, I’ve been looking for a suitable replacement to fill the bleeding hole in my fan heart. I’ve tried almost all the monster collecting alternatives, and as a lover of the Pokémon GBA games, I liked Coromon the best.

Not only does it look strikingly similar to Pokémon, the monster designs are incredibly creative, the battles are exciting and challenging, there are secrets to discover, and the difficulty level can be adjusted.

Knights of Pen and Paper 1 and 2

Imagine you’re playing a fantasy pen-and-paper game and you break it down to its simplest components. And voilà, you’ve got Knights of Pen and Paper!

You control a group of players and experience light-hearted stories with exciting battles, enjoyable grinding, and no pressure whatsoever. One advantage of the Switch version is the touch controls, which allow you to navigate through the numerous menus at lightning speed.

In the second part, the game gets a stylish graphics upgrade and added depth. The strengths remain, which is why I recommend both spin-offs.