It’s no secret that the Nintendo Switch has opened up its arms to third-party indie game developers. Unfortunately, only one developer, Suda51, made mention of the indie game scene during the Nintendo Switch Presentation.
While only a handful of these games are console exclusives, their presence nevertheless beefs up the list of games you can play on the Nintendo Switch during the first two quarters of its release.
So, without further ado, here’s a current list of the confirmed Nintendo Switch indie game lineup!
Yooka-Laylee
Yes, you will indeed be able to play Yooka-Laylee on the Nintendo Switch. The multi-platform (PC, Xbox One, PS4) release date is set for April 11th, and rumors have already begun to circulate that the Switch date coincides with this, though Playtonic has yet to confirm the precise Switch release date.
Overall, Yooka-Laylee feels like it will fit in well alongside Nintendo’s bright, family-oriented games like Mario and Zelda. Plus, if the game looks a bit like a Banjo-Kazooie throwback, that’s because the developers over at Playtonic Games are former members of RARE!
Snipperclips
Snipperclips is currently being developed by London-based indie studio, SFB Games alongside Nintendo. The game will be a console exclusive, and features an intriguing multiplayer strategy setup. The game was tucked away somewhat during the Nintendo Treehouse Event.
Despite this, those who've played it have a lot of positive things to say about the game. In terms of a fun game to play on-the-go, Snipperclips should definitely be on your radar. It will presumably launch alongside the Nintendo Switch on March 3rd.
Stardew Valley
With Stardew Valley’s Wii U port canceled, developer Eric Barone confirmed that Stardew Valley would be coming to the Nintendo Switch instead. At the moment, there’s no concrete release date for Stardew Valley on the Nintendo Switch. Though the game will likely release later on this year, possibly as soon as early summer.
This is because Barone made it clear that after canceling the Wii U port of Stardew Valley, he intends to give fans the option of grabbing the game for the Nintendo Switch instead. However, it's worth mentioning that quicker exchanges can be made for the Xbox One, PS4, or PC as well.
Seasons of Heaven
The developers at Any Arts Production expressed that their upcoming game, Seasons of Heaven, will be a Nintendo Switch exclusive. Though details are currently scarce, Any Arts recently shared a conspicuous image on Twitter confirming Seasons of Heaven as part of the Nintendo Switch indie lineup.
The list definitely feels legitimate in that all of the titles on the list have already been confirmed for release to the Nintendo Switch this year.
The Sacred Hero
Not too much is known about The Sacred Hero from UK developer SiMPLiSTiC other than the fact that it will indeed be released to the Nintendo Switch.
In the teaser, the developer noted that Zelda’s sword is there merely as a placeholder, so the footage shown isn’t exactly a reliable indicator as to what gamers can expect once The Sacred Hero launches on the Switch.
Snake Pass
Similar in style to Yooka-Laylee, Snake Pass by developer Sumo Digital is a retro-inspired puzzle platformer where players control Noodle the Snake and Doodle the Hummingbird. Using these two adorable characters, players will have to navigate through over 15 different levels and 4 unique worlds by slithering, curling, and twisting through obstacles.
Set to release sometime on March 29th, Snake Pass promises to be an adorable entry to the Nintendo Switch indie game lineup.
Riverside
Originally announced for Nintendo’s newest console as far back as June of 2016, Riverside was indeed confirmed for the Nintendo Switch. Aside from its design aesthetic, not much is known about Riverside.
Overall, Riverside appears to be more of an exploration-based game, and we're eager to see more as development continues to progress.
Rime
Fans of Journey and Ico will love the upcoming indie game Rime by developer Tequila Works. After Sony pulled Rime’s publishing deal, Tequila Works took the rights back for release on other platforms. We’re excited that the Nintendo Switch is one of them.
Releasing in May of 2017 (two months following the console’s release), Rime features some of the same gorgeous art stylings as Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and promises to be an engaging puzzle/adventure title for Switch owners.
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth +
The Binding of Isaac has become synonymous with indie game success following the original title’s release in 2011. If you’ve dreamed of playing The Binding of Isaac on the go, we have good news! You will be able to play the game’s latest iteration, Afterbirth Plus, on the Nintendo Switch this spring.
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
If the indie continuation of Wonder Boy doesn't satiate your hunger, Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom just might! Also confirmed for the Nintendo Switch, this game is vaguely reminiscent of a mobile title, while also feeling like a spiritual successor of Wonder Boy.
It has definitely caught the attention of Wonder Boy fans, who look forward to seeing what the game has to offer on the Switch. As of right now, there's no confirmed release date.
Has-Been Heroes
Has-Been Heroes comes courtesy of the creators of popular indie title Trine, and has received a fair bit of attention following its Nintendo Switch confirmation. The game will release a few short weeks after the console on March 28th, offering fans of roguelike strategy games an engaging, whimsical experience.
Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap
Although the newest Wonder Boy installment is cited as an indie property this time around, it received the official thumbs-up from SEGA, so we're eager to see how it turns out. The game follows a protagonist who's been turned into a half-lizard by a dragon.
He can also fully transform himself into a lizard, mouse, piranha, lion, and hawk, if he so chooses. This sounds like a blast! Look forward to the game's release from developer Lizardcube later this year.
Shovel Knight
Shovel Knight creators Yacht Club Games excitedly shared the game’s journey to the Nintendo Switch on their website recently. In addition to Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment coming to the Switch, fans of the game will also get a new experience via Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove. Look for the game sometime this spring, with some predicting that Shovel Knight will release as early as March.
Terraria
With Terraria’s long-standing popularity, along with its presence on mobile platforms, it makes sense that Terraria would be coming to the Nintendo Switch.
While no official announcement has been made, the game’s presence on Any Arts Production’s leaked image and the fact that the game is available on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U mean that you can just about guarantee the game’s presence on the Switch as well. Keep your eyes peeled for Terraria on the Nintendo Switch as early as March of this year.
Redout
While F-Zero may not be coming to the Nintendo Switch (as far as we know) there’s a similar game that may placate hungry racing fans… Redout.
Redout is indeed coming to the Nintendo Switch early this spring. So, if you’re not content with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, know that another solid racing game will be up for grabs on the console.
Other indies coming to the Nintendo Switch include:
- Dungeon of Zaar
- Cube Life: Island Survival
- Fast RMX
- Sunu Ikkibu
- Rise: Race the Future
- Oceanhorn: Monster of the Uncharted Seas
- Constructor HD
- Siberia III
- Tank It!
For more coverage on the Nintendo Switch here at Indie Obscura, be sure to check out a complete recap of the Nintendo Switch Treehouse Event, review the official Nintendo Switch specs, and learn more about Suda51's major Nintendo Switch announcement!
We will update this list as more titles are announced, however, this is the complete list of confirmed indie games for the Nintendo Switch.
