The Switch is not yet a retro console, but I mainly use it to play “retro style” games in addition to some exclusive titles to system. The following list contains my own selection. When needed, I explained why the Switch version may be more interesting than other versions.
This page may be updated from time to time.
Last edited on : 25.02.2026
Meaning of the columns :
- Ports : if the game is a port, indicates from which plateform
- Exclusive : tells whether the game is exclusive to the plateform
| Name | Type | Port | Exclusive | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80's Overdrive | Racing | 3DS | No | Retro-style racer. The Switch version features improved resolution and more comfortable button controls compared to the original 3DS version. |
| Alex Kidd Miracle World DX | Platformer | Master System | No | A complete remake. Switch version allows for "Retro Mode" toggling and adds new levels and boss fight mechanics. |
| Axiom Verge 2 | Metroidvania | n/a | No | While not exclusive, the Switch version is highly optimized and feels like a natural fit for the system's portable mode. |
| Battle Axe | Arcade / Action | n/a | No | A top-down hack & slash. Features stunning pixel art that pops specifically well on the Switch OLED screen. |
| Bayonetta Origins | Adventure / Puzzle | n/a | Yes | A prequel with a unique storybook aesthetic. Features a dual-character control scheme specifically designed for the Switch Joy-Cons. |
| Beyond the Ice Palace II | Action / Platform | n/a | No | Revival of an 80s classic. The Switch physical version from PixelHeart is a high-quality collector's item. |
| Bladed Fury | Action / 2D | n/a | No | Based on Chinese mythology. Switch version includes all previous updates and runs smoothly in handheld mode. |
| Blasphemous II | Metroidvania | n/a | No | Superior sequel. On Switch, it is one of the best-performing Metroidvanias with very low input lag. |
| Blazing Chrome | Run & Gun | n/a | No | A love letter to Contra. Switch version is ideal for local co-op via tabletop mode. |
| Cannon Dancer: Osman | Action / Arcade | Arcade | No | Produced by the designer of Strider. First time this legendary arcade title has been officially ported to consoles. |
| Celeste | Platformer | n/a | No | Modern masterpiece. Switch is widely considered the best platform for this game due to the "pick-up-and-play" nature of the levels. |
| Cotton Reboot | Shoot 'em up | Sharp X68000 | No | Remaster of Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams. Adds a modern "Arrange" mode with HD graphics not found in the original. |
| Cruis'n Blast | Racing | Arcade | Yes | Console exclusive. Features significantly more content (cars, tracks, upgrades) than the original arcade version. |
| Cuphead | Action / Boss Rush | n/a | No | The physical edition includes the "Delicious Last Course" DLC on the cartridge. |
| Deathsmiles I & II | Shoot 'em up | Arcade | No | Gothic horror shmups. This collection includes the "Gothic wa Mahou Otome" crossover content. |
| Double Dragon Gaiden | Beat 'em up | n/a | No | Roguelite take on the series. Switch version is great for quick sessions thanks to the sleep mode. |
| Final Vendetta | Beat 'em up | n/a | No | Very difficult 90s style brawler. Features a soundtrack by Utah Saints. |
| Formula Retro Racing | Racing | n/a | No | Low-poly racer. The Switch version provides a consistent 60fps experience similar to the arcade originals. |
| G-Darius HD | Shoot 'em up | Arcade | No | Port of the PS1/Arcade classic. Includes "HD" and "Original" versions plus a specialized gadget overlay for stats. |
| Ganryu 2 | Action | n/a | No | Sequel to the Neo Geo cult classic. Switch version received patches to stabilize framerate issues present at launch. |
| Golden Force | Action / Platform | n/a | No | Difficult action game with a focus on combos. Feels very much like a "lost" 16-bit arcade title. |
| Huntdown | Run & Gun | n/a | No | 16-bit aesthetic bounty hunting. The rumble features on the Switch add a great weight to the gunplay. |
| Illusion Island | Metroidvania | n/a | Yes | Mickey Mouse adventure. Features seamless 4-player drop-in/drop-out local co-op. |
| Jitsu Squad | Beat 'em up | n/a | No | High-speed flashy brawler. Supports 4 players and features a Marvel vs Capcom style assist system. |
| Kaze and the Wild Masks | Platformer | n/a | No | Heavily inspired by Donkey Kong Country. Looks and plays identically to other versions but with portability. |
| Luigi's Mansion 3 | Action / Puzzle | n/a | Yes | Incredible lighting and physics engine that pushes the Switch hardware to its absolute limit. |
| Mantis Burn Racing | Racing | n/a | No | Top-down racer. Switch version supports "Cross-Play" and 4-player local split-screen. |
| Max: Curse of Brotherhood | Platformer | Xbox One | No | Physics-based puzzle platformer. Using the Switch touch screen to draw with the Magic Marker is very intuitive. |
| Mayhem Brawler | Beat 'em up | n/a | No | Urban fantasy brawler. Features a comic-book style narrative with branching paths. |
| Mega Man 11 | Platformer | n/a | No | Modernizes the series with the Double Gear system. Amiibo support on Switch unlocks extra challenges/items. |
| Metroid Dread | Metroidvania | n/a | Yes | The return of 2D Metroid. Features some of the smoothest controls and highest-quality animations on the platform. |
| Metroid Prime Remastered | FPS / Adventure | GameCube | Yes | Massive visual overhaul. Adds modern twin-stick controls which completely changes the game's feel compared to the original. |
| MMPR: Rita’s Rewind | Beat 'em up | n/a | No | Retro-inspired Power Rangers game. Includes 90s style "behind the back" 3D driving stages. |
| NEW Joe & Mac | Action | Arcade | No | Remake of the caveman classic. The T-Rex Edition includes physical bonuses like 3D keychains and stickers. |
| Okinawa Rush | Action / RPG | n/a | No | Deep combat system inspired by 90s arcade games. Features a customizable Dojo and RPG-lite stats. |
| Ori: The Collection | Metroidvania | Xbox One | No | Contains both games. A technical marvel on Switch, running at a rock-solid 60fps despite the high visual detail. |
| Owlboy | Metroidvania | n/a | No | Beautiful "Hi-bit" pixel art. The Switch version feels like the natural home for this indie adventure. |
| Pocky & Rocky Reshrined | Shooter | SNES | No | A sequel/reimagining. Features new characters and significantly more detailed pixel art than the SNES original. |
| Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown | Metroidvania | n/a | No | Ubisoft's return to 2D. Runs at 60fps even in handheld mode, providing a very fluid combat experience. |
| Lodoss War: Deedlit | Metroidvania | n/a | No | Very similar gameplay to Castlevania: SotN. Perfect for portable play sessions. |
| River City Girls | Beat 'em up | n/a | No | Modern spin-off. Features an amazing synth-pop soundtrack and RPG leveling elements. |
| River City Girls 2 | Beat 'em up | n/a | No | Expands the roster and the world. Now supports 4-player local co-op. |
| Shadow of the Ninja: R | Action | NES | No | Remake of the Natsume classic. Features high-quality modern pixel art and a new soundtrack by Iku Mizutani. |
| Shing! | Beat 'em up | n/a | No | Features a unique control scheme where you use the right analog stick to perform sword slashes. |
| Shinobi: Art of Vengeance | Action | 3DS | No | Often referred to as Shinobi 3D. The Switch version allows for higher resolution and better button mapping. |
| Signalis | Horror | n/a | No | Classic survival horror throwback. The Switch's "Pixel Perfect" mode looks fantastic on the smaller screen. |
| Sine Mora EX | Shoot 'em up | Arcade | No | Time-manipulation shmup. The EX version adds new stages and local co-op. |
| Star Wars Combo | Action / FPS | N64 / Xbox | No | Includes Racer (N64) and Republic Commando (Xbox). Racer supports motion controls for steering. |
| Starlink: Battle For Atlas | Space Sim | n/a | No | Switch choice: Includes exclusive Star Fox content and the ability to play as Fox McCloud in an Arwing. |
| Super Mario Wonder | Platformer | n/a | Yes | The first 2D Mario with a complete animation overhaul and the "Wonder" gimmick. |
| Super Mario Odyssey | 3D Platformer | n/a | Yes | Landmark title. Use the Joy-Cons for motion-gesture hat throws and spins. |
| Super Zangyura | Action | n/a | No | A remake of a 2004 indie game. Features a maid fighting off monsters with a morning star. |
| Cotton Rock'n Roll | Shoot 'em up | Arcade | No | Modern 3D/2D hybrid Cotton game. Features Guest characters from other franchises like Umihara Kawase. |
| Tanuki Justice | Run & Gun | n/a | No | Extremely fast-paced action. Very difficult, inspired by 8-bit NES games. |
| TMNT: Shredder's Revenge | Beat 'em up | n/a | No | The definitive modern Turtle brawler. Supports up to 6 players simultaneously on Switch. |
| The Messenger | Metroidvania | n/a | No | Starts as an 8-bit platformer and evolves into a 16-bit Metroidvania. Perfect for handheld play. |
| Ninja Saviors | Beat 'em up | Arcade / SNES | No | Remake of the SNES version. Adds 2 new characters and 2-player local co-op. |
| Tiny Thor | Platformer | n/a | No | 16-bit style platformer where you use Mjölnir for physics-based puzzles and combat. |
| Toki | Action | Arcade | No | A complete visual remake with hand-drawn art. The Switch version includes a "Jukebox" mode. |
| Unruly Heroes | Action / Platform | n/a | No | Based on Journey to the West. Features gorgeous art and 4-player co-op. |
| Valfaris | Action / Platform | n/a | No | Heavy-metal inspired 2D action. One of the most visually aggressive and loud games on the system. |
| Vengeful Guardian | Action | n/a | No | A 16-bit Shinobi/Mega Man X hybrid. Plays excellently with the Switch D-pad. |
| WindJammers 2 | Sports | n/a | No | Hand-drawn sequel to the Neo Geo classic. High-speed competitive disc throwing. |
| Wonderboy : Asha in Monster World | Action / RPG | Mega Drive | No | Remake of Monster World IV. Features a choice between modern 3D visuals and the original 2D game. |
| Super Mario 3D World | 3D Platformer | Wii U | Yes | Switch choice: Faster character movement speed and includes the massive "Bowser's Fury" expansion. |
| Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze | Platformer | Wii U | No | Switch choice: Adds "Funky Kong" as a playable character for a more accessible difficulty mode. |