10 of the Best Metroidvania Games for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

The Metroidvania genre, named for its blend of Metroid’s exploration and Castlevania’s action, has found a perfect home on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. With sprawling maps, rewarding secrets, and evolving abilities, these games offer endless hours of adventure that fit Nintendo's portables perfectly. Whether you’re playing in handheld mode or on the big screen, here are the 10 best Metroidvania games for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, curated by GameMinr.com.

1. Hollow Knight

Developer: Team Cherry | Release: June 12, 2018 | Price: $14.99

Hollow Knight is perhaps the gold standard of Metroidvanias. It pulls you in with its hauntingly beautiful 2D world of Hallownest, and keeps you there with constant discovery and challenge that just won't let go. This indie masterpiece offers tight combat, challenging bosses, and a massive map packed with secrets. Its Souls-like difficulty and intricate lore make every discovery rewarding, and it is definitely not one to miss.

Where to Buy: Physical Version on Amazon or Digital Version on the Nintendo eShop

2. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Developer: Team Cherry | Release: September 4, 2025 | Price: $19.99

Hollow Knight: Silksong is the long awaited sequel to Team Cherry's Hollow Knight, and it does not disappoint. Silksong elevates the genre with its breathtaking hand-drawn art, fluid combat, and sprawling interconnected world. As Hornet, you’ll master acrobatic combat moves and use new silk-based abilities to navigate the world of Pharloom and try to uncover its secrets. If you have somehow gotten here without playing this masterpiece, you need to get started right now.

Where to Buy: Nintendo eShop

3. Metroid Dread

Developer: MercurySteam | Release: October 8, 2021 | Price: $59.99

After almost 20 years since the last 2D installment, Nintendo’s Metroid Dread was a triumphant return for Samus Aran, delivering tense exploration and fluid platforming. It shook up the Metroid formula by introducing E.M.M.I. robots that chase you the through the labyrinthine map, and perhaps more than any other Metroid, this game leans into the horror of being trapped and hunted by a foe you can't overcome. Even beyond that, everything about Metroid Dread is top-notch, as we have come to expect from Nintendo and MercurySteam.

Where to Buy: Physical Version on Amazon or Digital on the Nintendo eShop

4. Castlevania Dominus Collection

Developer: Konami | Release: August 27, 2024 | Price: $24.99

Okay this one might be cheating a little bit because this collection brings together three incredible adventures from the Nintendo DS era of Castlevania. Each game in the collection features different characters with their own abilities and ways to play. With hundreds of enemies, dozens of powers, and hours upon hours of gameplay; you'll be hard pressed to find a better collection of Metroidvanias anywhere.

Where to Buy: Physical Version on Amazon or Digital on the Nintendo eShop

5. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Developer: Moon Studios | Release: September 17, 2020 | Price: $29.99

A visual and emotional masterpiece, Ori and the Will of the Wisps combines fluid platforming with a heartfelt story. Its lush environments and tight controls make it a standout. It is full of lovable characters and the excellent soundtrack will stick with you long after you put down your controller. Definitely a welcome addition to the genre.

Where to Buy: Nintendo eShop

6. Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Edition

Developer: Motion Twin | Release: August 7, 2018 | Price: $24.99

Blending Metroidvania exploration with roguelite randomness, Dead Cells offers fast-paced combat and ever-changing runs. Its pixel-art style and slick movement are addictive, and it will keep you coming back for just one more try. The Return to Castlevania Edition comes with all the DLC released for the game, including the ability to fight your way through Dracula's castle itself!

Where to Buy: Physical Edition at Amazon or Digital Version on the Nintendo eShop

7. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier | Release: January 18, 2024 | Price: $29.99

This 2D revival brings Prince of Persia into the Metroidvania genre with flair. Sargon’s nimble moves and a massive Citadel map make it a joy to explore. The 3D environments and graphics fit perfectly on the Switch's screen, and it just feels right to pull off those perfect parkour moves with the Prince.

Where to Buy: Physical version at Amazon or Digital edition on the Nintendo eShop

8. Axiom Verge

Developer: Thomas Happ Games | Release: May 4, 2017 | Price: $19.99

A retro-inspired gem, Axiom Verge directly channels Metroid with its look and sci-fi world, but adds in strange glitch-based mechanics to keep the gameplay fresh. Its interconnected map and secrets are a love letter to the genre, and they will keep you guessing, right up until the final credits.

Where to Buy: Nintendo eShop

9. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Developer: 505 Games | Release: June 25, 2019 | Price: $9.99

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night delivers a near-perfect blend of exploration, combat, and gothic atmosphere that shines in both handheld and docked modes. With lead developer Koji Igarashi at the helm, this spiritual successor to Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow offers a sprawling demonic castle packed with secrets, challenging bosses, and a deep shard system that lets you customize Miriam’s abilities with over 100 magical powers. You definitely don't want to miss this one.

Where to Buy: Nintendo eShop

10. Gato Roboto

Developer: Doinksoft | Release: May 30, 2019 | Price: $7.99

Don’t let its monochrome pixel art fool you—Gato Roboto is a compact Metroidvania gem where you control a cat in a mech suit. Its tight gameplay and budget price shine. If you're looking for something you can pick up and play for short bursts, this is the one.

Where to Buy: Nintendo eShop

Metroidvanias Are the Perfect Fit for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch’s portability makes it ideal for Metroidvanias’ exploration-heavy gameplay, and the Switch 2’s performance boosts (faster load times, smoother framerates, and enhanced visuals) elevate many of these titles even further. Whether you want to dive into indie gems or AAA adventures, these games showcase some of the genre’s best.

We hope you found something new to try. As always, keep it locked here at Gameminr.com and follow us at GameMinr on X for all the latest gaming news and updates.

Here's to your next adventure!