Passpartout 2: The Lost Artist is a fun, creative game, just maybe not for the Switch. It's engaging and playable, but budding artists likely won't enjoy the accommodations made for Joy-Con controls. If your goal in this adventure sim is to create artistic masterpieces, playing on a computer or with a drawing tablet is the best way to enjoy this unique game.
Fashion Dreamer is an open-world fashion game in which you can dress up yourself, other players, and NPCs with the aim to grow your brand and following. If you like choosing outfits, creating your own clothes, or styling hair and makeup, this game delivers that. While it lacks a story and any real challenge, Fashion Dreamer holds up as a good fashion game.
In Astrologaster you play as an unlicensed doctor who helps his patients by seeking guidance from the stars. This visual novel is full of fun choices, characters, and songs, as well as cool spiritual aspects that will keep you somewhat entertained.
Looking Up I See Only A Ceiling is a short, point-and-click adventure game that tells the story of a young girl whose stress leads her down some strange paths. The game can be played in as little as 30 minutes, but it does a great job conveying its message while remaining fun and haunting.
PAW Patrol World provides a 3D adventure meant for preschool kids who enjoy the franchise or just want a simple game to play. Though it can be repetitive and won't pose a challenge to even younger gamers, its open world mechanics and side missions-not to mention all the collectables-still leave room for plenty of enjoyment.
Chasing Static is a psychological horror game in which you play a character who stumbles upon a failed research facility. These always mean trouble, this time caused by a surrounding energy field that can make a person slowly lose their mind. Recovering the equipment to fix the field and discovering what happened won't take the player more than a few hours, but it's a mostly fun, constantly creepy time while it lasts.
A Little to the Left is a cute puzzle game in which you organize everyday household items. There's even a cat who shows up every once in a while, which is always nice (even if he's always making a bigger mess for you to clean). With a very cozy and relaxing vibe, this game is perfect for those who like to wind down and play something easy, but also a bit challenging.
Best Month Ever is a touching adventure game about a mother trying to set her son up with a good life as she faces a terminal illness. The game tackles serious subjects such as racism, sexism, and violence, and the choices you make along the way will affect Mitch and shape the man he grows up to be.
Cat Cafe Manager is a cafe management sim in which you adopt cats and run your very own store. Serve your customers, build bonds with your regulars, adopt your choice of cats, and just generally enjoy life in a cute and friendly town.
Considering the limitations of the Switch's small screen and physical setup, Colors Live offers a pretty good range of tools and functionality for a low-cost painting game. It doesn't have the capabilities serious artists will want, but its accessibility and daily challenges provide a fun way to get some drawing practice in and stay creative.
With no alternative endings (again, there are no decisions to make, so no way to split off the narrative), it's one-and-done with the visual novel Cross the Moon. But it's priced accordingly, and should be an interesting read for fans of mysteries and the supernatural.
Sumire is a visual novel adventure that should appeal to anyone who has experienced loss or just ever felt disconnected from the world. It's perhaps over too quickly for the price, but it's an enjoyable, fulfilling adventure while it lasts.
Filament is a clever puzzle game that will challenge even the most ardent fans of the genre. The relaxing atmosphere helps to ease the frustration, but the complexity of later levels may put off casual gamers.
Don't let its children's book aesthetic and promise of being "jump scare free" fool you. Clea is an effectively creepy survival horror game that requires plenty of patience and courage when you'd rather just run.
Lost Ember provides players with an open world to explore through the viewpoint of various animals. And although it can be effective, its high price and downgraded graphics mean the Nintendo Switch may not be the best way to play it.
Over the Alps is more for those who enjoy reading and watching a story unfold than those seeking good mystery gameplay. Go in with that in mind, and its fun interface, quality writing, and unique art will carry you through.
Brain Show is a snarky trivia game (aren't they all these days?) in which up to eight (local) players face challenges involving questions centered around pretty much any category you can think of. Hosted like a TV game show, Brain Show has a fun sense of humor that keeps things enjoyable and challenging.
Flutter Away is a very peaceful and relaxing collection game in which you explore the rainforest, capture new butterfly species on camera, and befriend capybaras. Though it is a very simple and quick playthrough, Flutter Away provides a warm and fun environment to explore while it lasts.
Homebody is a horror puzzle/adventure in which you must escape a house filled not only with old friends and awkward conversations, but also a murderer. The combination of puzzle solving and detection avoidance combine for a tense but accessible-and surprisingly emotional-experience.
To the Rescue! is a cute management sim in which you run a dog shelter that houses and helps dogs find their new homes. Taking care of the dogs, the building, and the finances makes for a fun and highly interactive experience.