Top 3D Platformers On Nintendo Switch To Play Now

Hey there, fellow gamers! If you're anything like me, you love a good 3D platformer. And let's be real, the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console for diving into these vibrant and engaging worlds. So, I've compiled a list of the absolute best 3D platformers you can get your hands on for the Switch right now. Get ready to jump, explore, and have a blast!

Super Mario Odyssey: A Must-Have

When you talk about 3D platformers on the Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Odyssey has to be the first game you mention. It's not just good; it's a masterpiece. This game is an absolute joy from start to finish, and here’s why:

Super Mario Odyssey takes everything you love about Mario games and cranks it up to eleven. Remember Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine? Odyssey builds on those legacies with incredible level design, imaginative worlds, and a gameplay mechanic that's both fresh and familiar. The story? Bowser is up to no good (surprise!), and Mario has to travel across the globe to stop him from marrying Princess Peach. But the journey is what makes this game so special.

The game introduces Cappy, a sentient hat that becomes Mario's new best friend. Cappy allows Mario to "capture" enemies and objects, giving him their abilities. Want to be a Goomba? Done. How about a T-Rex? You got it! This capture mechanic opens up a world of possibilities for solving puzzles, traversing environments, and battling bosses. Each kingdom you visit is packed with secrets, collectibles (Power Moons!), and unique challenges. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the sandy dunes of the Sand Kingdom, every location is bursting with creativity and charm.

What truly sets Super Mario Odyssey apart is its sheer sense of fun. The game encourages exploration and experimentation. There's always something new to discover, whether it's a hidden area, a tricky puzzle, or a goofy interaction with the environment. And the controls? They're tight, responsive, and perfectly suited to the Switch. Whether you're playing in handheld mode or on your TV, Mario feels great to control.

And let’s not forget the replay value. Once you beat the main story, there's still plenty to do. You can hunt down every last Power Moon, tackle challenging post-game areas, and unlock new costumes for Mario. Super Mario Odyssey is a game you can keep coming back to for months, even years, and always find something new to enjoy. If you own a Nintendo Switch and haven't played this game yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up. You won't regret it.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: Double the Fun

Next up, we have Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, a fantastic two-in-one package that offers hours of 3D platforming goodness. Originally released on the Wii U, Super Mario 3D World is a multiplayer masterpiece, while Bowser's Fury is a unique, open-world adventure.

Super Mario 3D World is all about classic Mario gameplay with a multiplayer twist. You can play with up to four players locally or online, choosing from Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad (and later, Rosalina). Each character has their own unique abilities, adding to the chaotic fun. The levels are cleverly designed, with plenty of secrets to uncover and challenges to overcome. The power-ups are also fantastic, especially the Super Bell, which turns your character into a cat, allowing you to climb walls and pounce on enemies. The game is bright, colorful, and endlessly charming.

What makes Super Mario 3D World so enjoyable is its accessibility. It's easy to pick up and play, even for newcomers to the genre. But don't let that fool you – the game can get quite challenging, especially in the later levels. Coordinating with your friends (or family) is key to success, and the game encourages teamwork and communication. Sure, there might be some friendly competition along the way (who can grab the most coins?), but that's all part of the fun.

Now, let's talk about Bowser's Fury. This is a completely different experience from Super Mario 3D World. It's an open-world adventure where Mario explores Lake Lapcat, a vast and interconnected world filled with islands, secrets, and a giant, enraged Bowser. Mario teams up with Bowser Jr. to collect Cat Shines and calm Bowser down. The gameplay is similar to Super Mario Odyssey, with Mario exploring, solving puzzles, and battling enemies. But the open-world format gives you a lot more freedom to explore and experiment.

The Bowser's Fury adds an element of tension and excitement. Every few minutes, Bowser awakens and unleashes a fiery onslaught on the world. The weather turns dark and stormy, and Bowser starts shooting lasers and fireballs everywhere. Mario has to avoid Bowser's attacks while continuing his quest to collect Cat Shines. Once you collect enough Cat Shines, you can activate a Giga Bell, which transforms Mario into a giant cat, allowing you to battle Bowser in an epic showdown. It’s a thrilling experience that keeps you on your toes.

Together, Super Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury offer a fantastic package for Nintendo Switch owners. Whether you're looking for a classic multiplayer experience or a unique open-world adventure, this game has something for everyone.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy: A Nostalgic Blast

Ready for some nostalgic goodness? The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy brings back the first three Crash Bandicoot games in glorious HD. If you grew up playing these games on the PlayStation, you're in for a treat. And if you're new to the series, now's your chance to experience a true platforming classic.

The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy includes Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, and Crash Bandicoot: Warped. These games are known for their challenging gameplay, quirky characters, and colorful graphics. You play as Crash Bandicoot, a mutated bandicoot who has to stop the evil Dr. Neo Cortex from taking over the world. Each game has its own unique story and levels, but they all share the same core gameplay: running, jumping, spinning, and smashing crates.

What makes the Crash Bandicoot games so challenging is their precision platforming. You have to time your jumps perfectly, avoid obstacles, and memorize enemy patterns. One wrong move, and you'll fall into a pit or get hit by an enemy. But that's part of the fun. The sense of accomplishment you feel when you finally beat a tough level is incredibly satisfying. And with the updated graphics and controls in the N. Sane Trilogy, the games feel both modern and nostalgic.

Each game in the trilogy offers something different. The first Crash Bandicoot is a pure platforming experience, with linear levels and challenging obstacles. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back introduces more open levels and new abilities for Crash, such as sliding and crouching. Crash Bandicoot: Warped adds even more variety with new vehicles, such as motorcycles and airplanes, and introduces time-traveling themes.

The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a must-have for fans of the series and anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding platforming experience. The games are well-made, visually stunning, and packed with content. Just be prepared to die a lot. But don't give up – the satisfaction of beating these games is well worth the effort.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy: Another Trip Down Memory Lane

If you're in the mood for another dose of nostalgia, check out the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. This collection brings back the first three Spyro the Dragon games in stunning HD. Like the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a faithful recreation of the original games, with updated graphics, controls, and sound.

The Spyro Reignited Trilogy includes Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!, and Spyro: Year of the Dragon. You play as Spyro, a young dragon who has to save the Dragon Realms from various threats. Each game has its own unique story and levels, but they all share the same core gameplay: exploring, collecting gems, and breathing fire.

What makes the Spyro games so enjoyable is their sense of exploration and adventure. The levels are large and open, with plenty of secrets to uncover. You can fly around, glide across gaps, and charge through enemies. The game is also full of collectibles, such as gems, dragons, and eggs. Collecting everything in each level is a rewarding experience, and it encourages you to explore every nook and cranny.

The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a great choice for players of all ages. The games are easy to pick up and play, but they also offer a good challenge for experienced platformer fans. The updated graphics and controls make the games feel fresh and modern, while still retaining the charm and personality of the originals. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a must-have for your Nintendo Switch.

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair: A 2.5D Twist

Okay, so this one is slightly different, but hear me out! While Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair isn't a pure 3D platformer, it blends 3D exploration with 2.5D levels in a way that's incredibly fun and engaging. If you're looking for something a little different, this is definitely worth checking out.

In Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, you play as Yooka and Laylee, a chameleon and bat duo who have to stop the evil Capital B from taking over the Royal Stingdom. The game features a unique overworld where you can explore and solve puzzles to unlock new levels. These levels are presented in a 2.5D perspective, with detailed environments and challenging platforming sections.

What sets Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair apart is its level design. Each level is cleverly designed with multiple paths and secrets to discover. The game also features a unique mechanic where you can change the environment to alter the level layout. For example, you can flood a level to create new platforms or freeze it to create icy surfaces.

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