Nintendo Switch 2 is a natural home for platformers, pairing a larger, sharper handheld screen with a dock that pushes 3D worlds and 2D art to higher resolutions. Its library mixes new Nintendo exclusives with upgraded Switch classics, indie metroidvanias and cooperative adventures, all built around precise jumping and movement.
1. Donkey Kong Bananza#
Nintendo EPD released Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2 in July 2025, and it is the first 3D Donkey Kong platformer in a quarter century. Almost every surface can be punched, tunneled and torn apart, turning the level itself into a tool for climbing, smashing and collecting. Transformations and a bouncy, playful tone keep the pace high, and the game is built around the new hardware. Its camera can struggle in tight tunnels, and collecting everything asks for patience. It is the clearest showcase of what the console can do.
2. Super Mario Odyssey#
Nintendo EPD launched Super Mario Odyssey in October 2017, and its capture mechanic lets Mario take over enemies and objects to cross sprawling kingdoms. It plays on Switch 2 with an update that improves resolution, adds HDR and supports GameShare. Movement is superb, with a huge moveset and a generous supply of Power Moons behind every corner. The main story is short and easy, and the real challenge sits in the post-game. It remains one of the most joyful 3D platformers ever made.
3. Hollow Knight: Silksong#
Team Cherry released Hollow Knight: Silksong in September 2025, with a dedicated Switch 2 Edition running at a higher resolution and smoother frame rate. You play Hornet, a faster and more acrobatic hero than the original knight, crossing a hostile kingdom of bugs with a needle, silk abilities and tools. The hand-drawn art and score are exceptional. It is notably hard, with punishing bosses and long runs back after a death, so it is not for anyone wanting a relaxed adventure.
4. Hollow Knight#
Team Cherry's Hollow Knight arrived in 2017 and set the template for the modern metroidvania. A silent, insect knight explores the interconnected caverns of Hallownest, fighting bosses, finding charms and slowly unlocking new movement abilities. A dedicated Switch 2 Edition arrived in February 2026 with higher resolutions and frame rates, and the huge map, atmospheric music and hand-drawn visuals still feel fresh. It asks a lot, with easy-to-lose currency on death and a map that can be confusing, so newcomers may find the early hours demanding.
5. Bowser's Fury#
Bowser's Fury was released in February 2021 as part of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, and Nintendo has since optimized the package for Switch 2 with sharper visuals, HDR and improved frame rates. The add-on turns Mario into an open-world explorer on a lake of islands that a giant Bowser periodically attacks. It blends 3D Mario platforming with a Cat Suit and Giga Bell transformation. It is short, and the game lacks the variety of a full Mario release, but the fresh structure makes it a pleasure.
6. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD#
Retro Studios' 2010 Wii classic returned in January 2025 as an HD version, made by Forever Entertainment. Donkey and Diddy Kong run, roll and blast through demanding side-scrolling levels filled with secrets, barrel cannons and mine cart rides. The pack includes the 3DS levels and offers a Modern Mode with extra hearts, plus two-player co-op. A free Switch 2 update adds sharper visuals, GameShare, Dixie Kong as a helper and a Turbo Attack mode. Its difficulty is steep in later worlds, but it is a tight, charming platformer that rewards patience.
7. Braid: Anniversary Edition#
Braid, made by Jonathan Blow's Thekla, redefined the puzzle-platformer when it debuted in 2008. Time manipulation is central: rewind your mistakes, and each world changes how time behaves, producing clever puzzles that build on each other. The Anniversary Edition brings repainted graphics and developer commentary, and a Switch 2 Edition arrived in February 2026 with higher resolution and refresh rates. It is brief and more about thinking than reflexes, so action fans may find it slow.
8. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance#
Lizardcube, the studio behind the Streets of Rage 4 look, developed Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, which Sega released in August 2025, with a Switch 2 version following in September 2026. Joe Musashi returns as a fast 2D action-platformer, slicing through ninja enemies with combos, kunai and powerful ninjutsu, all set against gorgeous hand-drawn art. Movement is crisp and stages are packed with variety and memorable bosses. It is fairly short, and button-mashing works too often on regular enemies, but it is a stylish pick for action fans on Switch 2.
9. MIO: Memories in Orbit#
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a metroidvania from French studio Douze Dixièmes, launched on Switch and Switch 2 in January 2026. You control a small robot exploring a failing space ark, using wall jumps, dashes and abilities as you find new paths. The watercolor-style environments are striking and the movement feels graceful. It is tough in places, and the story is told quietly, so players who want hand-holding or plenty of dialogue should look elsewhere.
10. Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf#
Wishfully's Planet of Lana II launched day-and-date on Switch and Switch 2 in March 2026. It continues Lana's cinematic adventure with her companion Mui, with simple puzzles, stealth and platforming across painterly alien landscapes. It is gentle and atmospheric, with a lovely score, and works well as an evening game. The challenge is light and the running time short, so those looking for demanding platforming may find it too easy.
11. LEGO Voyagers#
Light Brick Studio, the team behind LEGO Builder's Journey, released LEGO Voyagers in September 2025 on Switch 2 alongside other platforms. Two players, local or online, control a pair of builders restoring a ship through puzzle-platforming and whimsical LEGO constructions. It is a warm, friendly co-op game that suits family play. The puzzles are straightforward and the adventure is short, but it is a calm, charming co-op pick without harsh penalties.
12. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe#
Nintendo EPD's New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe landed in January 2019 and bundles the Wii U game with New Super Luigi U and extras such as Toadette and Nabbit. It is classic 2D Mario with sharp controls, up to four-player local co-op and plenty of secrets. It is playable on Switch 2. The look is more conservative than other Mario games and the music is forgettable, but as a polished couch co-op platformer it still holds up.
13. Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac#
Bandai Namco's Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac arrived on Switch 2 and Switch in September 2025. This remake of the 2002 original rebuilds it with fresh visuals, new mechanics and expanded levels as Pac-Man rescues his hometown from ghosts. It is a cheerful, colorful 3D platformer with straightforward, fair challenge. Level design is uneven, and the camera and combat feel dated, but it is an easy recommendation for younger players and fans of retro mascot platformers.