Platformer FAQs: Read this before playing platform jumpers on Switch

What exactly is a Platformer?

Platformer, called "platform jumping game" in Chinese, is all about jumping. Jump from one platform to another, avoid pits, stomp enemies, collect coins, and reach the goal. The Switch has a ton of these because Nintendo itself started with platformers. If you ask someone "What game on Switch is the safest bet?", chances are they'll bring up a few classic Nintendo recommendations.

Which Platformers on Switch are worth getting into?

If you only want to play one, Super Mario Odyssey is a must. It's not purely a jump-and-run, but the sandbox exploration combined with smooth action makes it the ceiling of Switch platformers. For something more traditional, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the pinnacle of 2D platforming. These two can stand at the top of any Switch game recommendation list.

Also, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is worth a try. Though the difficulty is low, the controls are buttery smooth, perfect for relaxing. These games consistently top the game rankings and are safe bets.

Are there co-op Platformers?

Yes, quite a few. First up, the most explosive one: It Takes Two. Although it's a cross-platform title, it runs decently on the Switch, with new mechanics in every level—perfect for pulling an all-nighter with a roommate or partner. Also, Luigi's Mansion 3 is a ghost-catching theme but leans toward platform jumping and puzzle observation. In two-player mode, the fun doubles compared to single-player. These are among the most popular two-player Switch games right now, though the latter requires clearing the game first to unlock co-op, so a bit of patience is needed.

Which indie Platformers are masterpieces?

Indie game recommendations are half platform jumpers. Celeste is a pixel-art hardcore jumper—every level demands precise execution, and the story is heartfelt. If you don't want to torture yourself, Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania, but its jumping physics are incredibly solid, and the platforming sections rival many pure platformers. Also, Dead Cells has smooth action controls—while it's a roguelike, the platforming foundation is strong.

These indie games often go on sale in the eShop; you can get dozens of hours for just a few bucks. If you don't know what to buy, flipping through the corresponding tags in a game library like Xingba will mostly keep you from picking a dud.

Is playing Platformers on the Dock vs. handheld very different?

Depends on the game. For high-frame-rate action games like Odyssey, playing on the big screen via the Dock looks better, and precise platforming is clearer. But for pixel-art games like Celeste, handheld mode is perfectly fine—maybe even more immersive due to the smaller screen. One practical pain point: many indie platform jumpers have tiny text in handheld mode. For example, Ender Lilies' story text is hard to read on the handheld; connecting to a TV via Dock makes it much more comfortable.

Another consideration is latency. If you use Bluetooth headphones with Dock mode, some games may feel out of sync with audio, and platforming is especially sensitive to sound feedback. In that case, wired headphones or playing directly on the handheld is recommended.

Are beginners likely to quit Platformers?

Depends on which one you pick. Jumping straight into Celeste or Hollow Knight will likely have you smashing your controller before the first boss. Beginners are advised to start with Nintendo recommendations like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker or Yoshi's Crafted World—no death penalties, high fault tolerance. Get familiar with the platforming rhythm before tackling harder titles.

Also, many players think Platformers are just "bouncing around and easy," but later levels demand precise timing and accuracy. If you've never played this genre, Kirby Star Allies is the best entry point—you'll hardly die, and you can even drag three friends along for a chaotic romp.

How to pick good Platformers on the eShop?

There are too many platformers on the eShop, and plenty of bad ones. A dumb but effective method: check the discount section for indie game recommendation tags with high ratings. Or just search "Platformer" and filter by price low to high, excluding cheap-looking mobile ports. Also, the familiar faces that have long been at the top of game rankings, like Shovel Knight and The Messenger, are player-verified and safe to buy blindly.

If you're lazy, just flip through the platform jumping category in Xingba's game library—what's listed there has basically been discussed by the community and is much more reliable than the eShop homepage's forced recommendations.