The Nintendo Switch is perfect for casual gamers, but what about casual games? Well, the best casual Switch games happen to be some of the best on the platform overall.
While the Switch is well suited to casual gaming, not every game is super chill. While some Switch games can be tense and complex affairs, others are perfect for relaxing to, or using to destress.
There are a whole host of awesome casual games on the Nintendo Switch, and some fall into the ‘casual’ category from almost every genre. There are unique indies, big releases from Nintendo, and some creative titles only possible with the Switch’s controllers.
The Switch has a huge library for casual gamers. The games highlighted in this article should have a bit of something for everyone.
Below are some of the top picks for the best casual games on Nintendo Switch.
10. Picross
The Picross series of games date back to the Game Boy. These are casual friendly puzzle games, each has a different theme. Although, the core simple but addicting gameplay has remained the same across the years.
Picross games are divided into many challenges, each is a grid with numbers along each of the rows. These numbers indicate how many filled-in blocks are in each row. The goal is to uncover a hidden picture within the grid. You do this by chipping away at the slots which don’t have a picture in them.
Picross gets more complicated the larger the puzzle gets. It works similarly to Minesweeper. The player has to use logic to deduct which blocks form the picture and complete the puzzle.
Picross on the Switch is primarily represented by Picross S. There are seven in total, with some adding new modes and twists larger puzzles made up of smaller ones. However, more retro versions of the title are available through Switch online too.
Picross is a simple puzzle game, but it can be a lot of fun. This is one of the best casual Switch games if you want basic puzzles that don’t take an afternoon to solve.
9. Clubhouse Games
Clubhouse Games was a surprise hit on the Switch. It’s something that’s so simple but a lot of fun in execution. Clubhouse Games is a collection of 51 different classic games.
This title features recreations of 50 different classic-styled games. The options here range from card games through to basic minigames like four-in-a-row, checkers, dominoes, and then games like Battle Tanks.
Each of these games are playable solo or co-op. Some even have extensive online multiplayer.
A game that just comes with chess and other simple games might not jump out immediately, but they’re presented very well here. You’re getting a much better experience than just downloading a free version of chess. There’s a polish and level of care in recreating the atmosphere of playing.
The multiplayer for this title can also be surprisingly addictive. Going up against other skilled players at things like normally in-person games is a great way to challenge yourself.
These quick games can be played without anyone needing an explanation on how to play. This makes it great for busting out on a long journey, or among friends who might not be hardcore gamers.
Clubhouse Games is one of the best casual Switch games. It’s instantly playable by even non-gamers, and there’s a level of polish that makes it a special experience.
8. Yoshi’s Crafted World
The Yoshi game series has long been known for combining casual friendly gameplay with a deeper side to reward more committed players. The latest installment in the series, Yoshi’s Craft World, lives up to that.
Yoshi’s Crafted World on the surface is a platformer that lets casual players get through at their own pace. The title has tricky collectibles, but also a few features that make it more casual friendly.
Yoshi’s moves are forgiving. His floaty movements mean you don’t have to worry about exact jumps. The levels are also designed for you to bypass the really tough areas if you need to. This can make it a frustration-free platformer.
The visual theme of Yoshi’s Crafted World is one of the cutest Nintendo Switch games. Yoshi now inhabits a world that’s made out of various crafts. It isn’t just a cutesy look either, this comes into play in gameplay.
Crafted World is a 2.5D platformer with some limited 3D environments. The background made of crafting materials isn’t just to look cute, it lets you move to the flip side of levels.
As an overall package, Yoshi’s Crafted World is one of the most casual-friendly platformers around at the moment. The whole game can be played without too much stress or breaking a sweat.
7. Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee
The Pokémon games are great, but they’ve gotten complicated. There are over 900 Pokémon, gigantamax, mega evolution, and more mechanics now complicate the mainline games.
Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee strip all of this back, making it one of the best casual Switch games.
Whilst it’s probably not the best Pokémon remake, Let’s Go is a back-to-basics approach to the franchise that is perfect for casual players. These are two remakes of the first generation of games. They also bring in elements from the popular Pokémon Go mobile game.Â
Players head out on a quest to catch them all, become champion of the Pokémon League, and even take down a crime syndicate.
Pokémon Lets Go returns to the franchise to its original 151 Pokémon. This makes it a lot more manageable for players to keep track of which Pokémon are effective against what. It makes the battles a lot easier for a casual player.
Grinding to increase your Pokémon’s level and catch wild monsters are easier here too. Wild battles have been replaced with the ball throwing from Pokémon Go. It makes the game much more friendly to those who don’t like to grind at RPGs.
Pokémon Let’s Go revisits a familiar part of the franchise, but with a new level of polish and charm. It’s a great starting point for the franchise.
6. Untitled Goose Game
Untitled Goose Game is a casual Nintendo Switch title that has a simple premise, you are a goose.
The titular goose is known for causing chaos. He hangs around a small village and finds various ways to annoy the residents. The game consists of a few larger areas, with each one having objectives for the ghost to complete along with more chances for mischief.
The entire game is just about causing light mischief. The only real goal is to lightly annoy people and provoke them. The end goal is to steal their stuff and ruin their day.
Untitled Goose Game is simple in its setup. The main inputs are just to honk, duck, flap wings, and grab stuff. That’s how simple this title is.
Untitled Goose Game is on the short side of the best casual Switch games. This makes it perfect for playing in shorter sessions, without the need to marathon through things.
Goose Game is a title that doesn’t have a very big premise or much to explain. It’s just fun. This is one of the most surprising and fun titles available on the Switch for casual gamers.
5. Animal Crossing New Horizons
Animal Crossing New Horizons is one of the most brilliant simulation games of all time and is extremely laid back.
The title is a new take on the familiar Animal Crossing gameplay. You find yourself on a newly established paradise island. Along with the other animal villagers, you’ll grow the island into a perfect little society.
The gameplay cycle of Animal Crossing is pretty calming and casual. You wake up, visit your friends and neighbors, then go exploring. You can look for bugs and fossils, fish, or try your hand at decorating.
Outside of socializing with the colorful cast of characters, the entire game is open and up to you. You can decide what you want to do with your life here.
You can spend your time building and designing the island to carry out a certain theme. You could also just hang out and get to know the residents though.
Animal Crossing is a low-stress game and it’s perfect for casual players. Whether you want a short session or a long, chilled bit of exploration, this would no doubt be many players’ favorite casual game.
4. Mario Party Superstars
Super Mario Party is the second game of the series on the Switch and a nice introduction. This is a great title to play casually, with lots of fun minigames and easy-to-learn strategy.
Mario Party is a party game that’s a mix of mini-games and a board game. Players roll a dice to move around a dynamic board, trying to get enough coins to purchase stars. The player at the end with the most stars is crowned the winner.
At least in theory that’s how the game works. Although, each board has twists and turns that keep you on your toes. Even at the end of every game, extra stars are distributed for random achievements that shake things up.
It’s a simple set-up, but the board game element has the space for basic gameplay to be compelling. The game has varied and fun minigames.
Players need to strategize their route around the board. It’s fun to play casually, and a great party game that doesn’t need a lot of commitment to get into.
While there’s another Mario Party on the Switch, this one is a more fully-formed package. The boards are remakes of some of the series’ best ones, with new and updated minigames. These are some of the highlights of the franchise and it’s a perfect introduction.
3. Donut County
In Donut County, you play as a sinkhole. It’s a basic setup but one that becomes a lot more than the sum of its parts. The basic gameplay is controlling a sinkhole. You journey through the town, sucking things up to make the hole bigger.
This title isn’t just moving a hole around though. It has a deep story that explains why you’re piloting a sinkhole and causing all of this.
The gameplay in Donut County is simple but a lot of fun. You’ll need to swallow up everything on each screen. However, there are a few puzzles along the way. You’ll need to figure out what order everything needs to be eaten in to clear each stage with the biggest sinkhole.
Cutscenes between the various stages let you get to know the residents of Donut County and think about how the changes in the town have affected them.
The game has a simple style of gameplay but one that’s really effective. The amount of story and meaning It fits into a short time is impressive.
Donut Country is a perfect pick for casual games on Nintendo Switch if you’re looking for something with a unique approach.
2. Snipperclips
Snipperclips is a multiplayer game with a unique control scheme that can only happen on the Switch. It’s for two players who have to work together using the unique features of the Joy-Cons to progress.
In the main mode, players have to snip at the body of the title characters, Snip and Clip. This changes the shape of the character. This can allow them to solve problems and progress through missions.
Each of the levels has a different puzzle and objective. You cut each other out to change your shapes. You use the motion controls here to creatively get through each of the levels.
Snipperclips is based mainly around cooperation with each other. Only the other player can snip your character! This makes it perfect for casual players to play in groups.
Up to four players can play together, and it’s also great for couples.
Snipperclips is one of my favorite casual Switch games, and if you fall in love with its unique gameplay, there’s an expanded edition or DLC with more levels and modes available now too.
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 is the premier kart racing series, and the 8th installment might be the definitive work in the series so far. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features the most tracks in a game across the series, loads of game modes, and it’s very casual too.
The beauty of this game is that it works for racing fans and even for children new to the platform.
Mario Kart can be technical if you’re trying to really nail the time trials or the new fastest speed, but this version of the title also boats more features to make it easy to pick up and play in a non-competitive way.
With the DLC included, this version of Mario Kart has just a few tracks short of 100. That’s an insane amount of variety and something you’re unlikely to get in the next installment.
The Switch version also has a reworked multiplayer mode. Proper maps have been added to bring in the more fun classic-style battles, fixing one of the few major flaws with the original 8.
Mario Kart 8 is the Switch’s best-selling game. For good reason too, this is a title that works for nearly every type of gamer. This isn’t just one of the best casual Switch games, but also one of the best games on the platform as a whole.
