The 10 Best Switch Games under $20 in 2024
Over the past 6 years, the Nintendo Switch has proven a powerhouse for the Big N. With over 132 million consoles sold, it’s arguably their greatest-ever console to date.
Whilst first-party games can be particularly pricey, the Switch has a host of excellent games in the cheaper range. Below are ten of the best that can be picked up for under $20.
10. Hollow Knight
Widely regarded as the best modern take on the Metroidvania genre, Hollow Knight is nothing short of a masterpiece. You take control of the Knight, a small bug-like warrior, exploring Hallownest, a huge underground labrynth kingdom with myseteries and danger at every turn.
What Hollow Knight does so well is provide that addictive Metroidvania loop that will keep you hooked for weeks. It’ll tease you with an area that you cant quite reach, later provide you with the tool or skill to reach that area, and you’ll unlock a new path by going back and reaching it. The game’s interlocking map unveils itself via this loop, becoming more and more intriguing as it goes on. And of course the movement, combat, design and aesthetic are all expertly done.
Buy it on the Nintendo eShop.
9. Celeste
In recent years, the 2D platformer has seen a ressurgence in popularity. From Super Meat Boy to Super Mario Wonder, there’s no shortage of titles in the genre on Switch, but perhaps the best of the lot is also one of the cheapest, and that’s Celeste.
You play as Madeline as she ascends the seemingly infinitely-tall mountain. The gameplay is broken down into single-screen levels, which feature increasingly more challenging platforming. You’ll have to air-dash and wall-jump your way up, and as you do you’ll meet some colourful characters, unlocking the mystery of the mountain. Platforming purism.
Buy it here.
8. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is one of those games that feels like it was custom-made for the Switch. You take command of a farm in Stardew Valley, and really the rest is up to you – grow crops, raise animals, and interact with the townsfolk as you nurture your farm and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle.
It’s the perfect game for playing in short bursts, particularly in handheld mode. Stardew Valley perfects the Harvest Moon formula and delivers a wonderfully relaxing experience on Switch.
Buy it now on the Nintendo eShop
7. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
The idea of Mario teaming up with Ubisoft’s Raving Rabbids was already a quirky choice, but to mesh them together in an XCOM-esque tactical squad shooter makes me wonder what exactly is in the water at Ubisoft Montreal. But against all odds, it works really, really well. The combinaiton of the tow franchises is truly a charm-offensive, and in Sparks of Hope the tactics formula from the first game is iterated upon and refined providing a lovely experience.
Sparks of Hope contains all the polish and quirkiness you’d expect, and a robust single-player campaign will keep you busy for weeks.
Buy it here.
6. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
The Switch isn’t exactly over-encumbered with quality racing titles, lacking a powerhouse like a Forza or a Gran Turismo that bless rivals Sony and Microsoft’s machines. But in remastering one of the best titles form the previous generaiton in Hot Pursiuit, EA and Exient Entertianment have gone some way to fill that void.
Hot Pursuit was where the NFS series executed a much needed bounce-back from where it was headed, and represented a return to form to stand alongside former classics like the Underground series. This remaster is a pulsating arcade-y joyride akin to the Burnout games, and should scratch the itch for Switch owning racing fans
Buy it here.
5. Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was the only Kart racer on the Switch, considering how many units it’s sold over the years. But don’t sleep on the remake of cult-classic Crash Team Racing – it’s a brilliant alternative to Nintendo’s mascot racer, with beautiful visuals and tight controls.
There are a ridiculous 56 characters to choose from while racing, including every character form every other Crash racing game. Unlocking all of them will keep you busy for quite a while.
Grab it here from Amazon.
4. Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition
If there’s one platformer I’ll always champion, it’s Rayman Legends. Originally destined for the Wii U as an exclusive to Nintendo’s ill-fated platform, Legends saw a multi-platofrm release and has since appeared on basically every format imaginable.
There’s good reason for this though – Legends is considered by some to be the greatest 2D platformer ever made. Combining trademark tight Rayman gameplay with brilliant musical numbers, flowing through Legends’ levels is a uniquely satisfying experience. The Switch version contains bonus content, and brings back the excellent Wii U touchpad contextual controls that the game was originally designed around. A no-brainer for Switch owners.
Check it out here on Amazon.
3. Sonic Origins Plus
Sonic has had more than his fair share of game compilations over the years, but Origins Plus represents the most generous and substantial of the bunch. 16 games across the Game-Gear and Mega-Drive eras, these are the best the blue hedgehog has to offer.
What’s more, each game has had additions and improvements applied, including new stages, playable characters and modes. Haven’t we all wanted to play as Amy in Sonic 2? And how about Knuckles in Sonic CD? Good times.
Check it out here from Amazon.
2. Untitled Goose Game
One of the cult classics of the past decade, Untitled Goose Game was a welcome breath of fresh air upon release, omitting all the microstransaction infested bloat that plagued the rest of the contemporary gaming landscape.
Simply put, you control a goose who runs amok through various levels. That’s about all there is to it, but it’s a game greater than the sum of its parts. Just get it.
Grab it from Amazon here.
1. Minecraft
What is there to say about Minecraft that hasn’t already been said? Mojang Studios’ all-time classic fits snugly on the Switch, providing a version of the game that’s as complete as any other. Minecraft is whatever you want it to be – you’re only really limited by what your imagination can cook up. If you’ve young children, this is essentially the LEGO of their generation.
Grab it here from Amazon.
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