All the best cozy games, particularly those from indie developers, seem to be on Steam. But my preferred gaming platform of choice is the Nintendo Switch. While I also love my ROG laptop and PlayStation 5, there is something extra cozy about being able to play your games on-the-go or in bed. To help others who are in the same position as me, I’ve put together this handy list of cozy games on Nintendo Switch.
Let’s Get the Obvious Ones Out of the Way First
You have probably heard of these titles. You have probably played these titles. But they are cozy, and they are on Switch. So here they are!
1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a beloved life simulation video game developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. In this charming and tranquil game, players assume the role of a customizable character who relocates to a deserted island, where they engage in various activities like fishing, bug catching, fossil hunting, and crafting.
The game follows a real-time clock and seasons, creating a dynamic and immersive world where players can build and decorate their dream island, befriend anthropomorphic animal villagers, and participate in seasonal events. With its relaxing gameplay, adorable characters, and endless opportunities for creativity, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a delightful and therapeutic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
2. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a captivating indie farming simulation game created by ConcernedApe. In this pixel-art masterpiece, players inherit a run-down farm and are tasked with restoring it to its former glory. Beyond tending to crops and livestock, the game offers a rich tapestry of activities, including mining, fishing, and forging relationships with the town’s diverse residents.
The game’s open-ended nature allows players to shape their farming experience, whether it’s pursuing profitable crops, exploring mysterious caves, or finding love in the charming Pelican Town. With its heartwarming storytelling, addictive gameplay, and a deep sense of community, Stardew Valley has won the hearts of gamers worldwide and remains a beloved modern classic in the farming simulation genre.
3. New Pokemon Snap
New Pokémon Snap is a delightful photography adventure game developed by Bandai Namco Studios for the Nintendo Switch. A sequel to the classic 1999 title Pokémon Snap, this game immerses players in the world of Pokémon, where they take on the role of a budding Pokémon photographer exploring various lush and diverse environments. Armed with a camera, players embark on research expeditions to capture captivating photos of Pokémon in their natural habitats, exhibiting their behaviors and interactions.
As they progress, players uncover mysteries about the Pokémon ecosystem and work to complete their Photodex. With its charming visuals, nostalgic nods to the Pokémon franchise, and the thrill of capturing magical moments, New Pokémon Snap offers a refreshing and enchanting gaming experience for fans of all ages.
4. Disney Dreamlight Valley
Disney Dreamlight Valley is a captivating game that immerses players in a magical world inspired by beloved Disney characters and stories. Set within a picturesque valley, the game combines simulation and adventure elements, allowing players to build and customize their dream Disney park, complete with iconic attractions, characters, and decorations.
As they interact with familiar Disney personalities, complete quests, and engage in enchanting activities, players embark on a heartwarming journey to restore the valley’s light and bring happiness to its inhabitants. With stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and the timeless charm of Disney, Dreamlight Valley offers a delightful experience for fans of all ages, celebrating the enchanting spirit of Disney in the palm of your hand.
+ More Cozy Games on Switch I Recommend
You have probably heard of some of these cozy games on Switch, too, but I hope I can enlighten you to some new favorites. I’ve featured the most recent game by each developer but also listed any of their earlier works that also appear on Switch (so long as they are cozy).
5. Ooblets
Ooblets is an adorable and quirky life simulation game developed by Glumberland. Set in the whimsical world of Oob, players take on the role of a character who arrives in the town of Badgetown, where they embark on a journey to cultivate their own farm, collect charming creatures called Ooblets, and participate in dance battles with these creatures.
The game’s delightful art style, colorful characters, and blend of farming, creature collecting, and dance-offs create a unique and captivating experience that has drawn comparisons to beloved titles like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley. Ooblets offers a cheerful and lighthearted gaming adventure that appeals to fans of both farming and creature-capturing genres.
6. Rune Factory 5
Rune Factory 5 is an engaging role-playing simulation game developed by Marvelous Inc. and published by XSEED Games. Set in the enchanting world of Rigbarth, players take on the role of a character who has lost their memory and must navigate the challenges of a rural town while also defending it from nefarious threats.
What sets Rune Factory 5 apart is its unique blend of farming, monster taming, and action RPG elements. Players can cultivate crops, raise monsters to aid them in battles, build relationships with townsfolk, and explore dungeons filled with creatures and treasures. With its charming characters, rich gameplay mechanics, and a captivating storyline, Rune Factory 5 offers a delightful and immersive experience for fans of the fantasy and farming simulation genres.
Also by the developer:
7. My Time at Portia
My Time at Portia is a delightful sandbox simulation game developed by Pathea Games. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players assume the role of a builder who inherits a workshop and embarks on a journey to restore and expand it. The game combines elements of farming, crafting, exploration, and social interaction as players gather resources, complete quests for the colorful inhabitants of Portia, and develop their workshop into a thriving business.
With its charming art style, whimsical characters, and a wide range of activities, from farming and mining to raising animals and uncovering ancient secrets, My Time at Portia offers a captivating and immersive experience for fans of life simulation and open-world games.
Also by the developer:
8. Summer in Mara
Summer in Mara is a heartwarming and vibrant adventure game developed by Chibig. Set in a lush and inviting tropical world, players step into the shoes of a young girl named Koa who sets out on a journey to explore her idyllic island home, Mara. The game beautifully blends farming, crafting, exploration, and storytelling as players farm, fish, mine, and befriend the island’s inhabitants while uncovering the mysteries of Mara’s past.
With its whimsical art style, soothing atmosphere, and a touching narrative about the importance of nature and community, Summer in Mara offers a charming and peaceful gaming experience that resonates with those who enjoy laid-back, life-simulation adventures. I recommend this game for fans of cozy games who also like One Piece or Legend of Zelda: Windwaker. (Pirates and sailing are major themes here!)
Also by the developer:
9. Littlewood
I LOVE Littlewood and it doesn’t get talked about enough. Littlewood is an enchanting indie simulation game developed by Sean Young. Players find themselves in the role of the hero who has just defeated the dark wizard, saved the world, and now must rebuild the village of Littlewood from scratch. The game combines elements of town management, farming, crafting, and social interaction as players gather resources, build and customize their town, and form bonds with the endearing residents.
What sets Littlewood apart is its gentle, non-linear approach and the absence of time constraints, allowing players to create and nurture their dream town at their own pace. With its charming pixel art, relaxed gameplay, and a sense of wonder, Littlewood offers a soothing and heartwarming experience for fans of life simulation and town-building games.
PS. Bubsy supremacy!!
10. Wylde Flowers
Step into the role of Tara, a newcomer to a picturesque rural island, as she embarks on a heartfelt journey to aid her grandmother and oversee the family farm. Immerse yourself in the lives of a lively cast of characters, all expertly voiced and each harboring intriguing pasts—fostering deep friendships and the potential for romance throughout your adventure. Embrace the serene rhythms of country life as you nurture crops, care for animals, partake in fishing, crafting, and other daytime activities.
As the night descends, tap into your inner witch, honing skills such as broomstick flight, potion concoction, weather manipulation, seasonal influence, and even the enchanting ability to shapeshift into a cat! This game holds a special place in my heart, especially due to the joyous potion-mixing element it introduces.
11. Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life
Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a heartwarming and nostalgic farming simulation game developed by Marvelous Interactive. Players assume the role of a young farmer who inherits a run-down farm in Forget-Me-Not Valley, embarking on a journey to restore it to its former glory. The game focuses on the passage of time, as players experience the joys and challenges of rural life over multiple in-game years.
Beyond farming, players can raise animals, build relationships with townsfolk, and even start a family. With its gentle pace, serene countryside setting, and a profound emphasis on the seasons of life, Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life offers a reflective and enchanting gaming experience for fans of the genre.
Also by the developer:
- Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town
- Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town
- Doraemon: Story of Seasons
12. Grow: Song of the Evertree
Grow: Song of the Evertree is a captivating life simulation game developed by Prideful Sloth. In this enchanting world, players take on the role of a Grove Guardian tasked with restoring a barren land to its former lush and thriving state. To achieve this, players cultivate a magical tree called the Evertree by collecting and nurturing unique seeds from different biomes.
As they explore the diverse environments, they interact with whimsical characters, solve puzzles, and uncover the mysteries of the world. With its mesmerizing art style, a blend of farming, exploration, and world-building, Grow: Song of the Evertree offers a relaxing and immersive experience that celebrates the power of nature and growth.
Also by the developer:
13. Potion Permit
Potion Permit is a charming and whimsical indie game developed by Schine, where players assume the role of a novice witch working in an enchanting potion shop. Set in a captivating fantasy world, the game revolves around brewing a wide variety of magical concoctions to fulfill customer orders, each with its unique recipe and ingredients. Players must manage their time, gather resources, and experiment with combinations to create the perfect potions.
As they progress, they uncover the stories of the quirky townspeople and uncover hidden secrets in a magical town. With its delightful pixel art, clever puzzles, and a dash of humor, Potion Permit offers a delightful and engaging experience for fans of potion crafting and simulation games.
14. Moonlighter
Moonlighter is an engaging action RPG with a unique twist developed by Digital Sun. Players step into the shoes of Will, an adventurous shopkeeper, who splits his time between running a traditional store and exploring mysterious dungeons right next door. In this captivating game, you’ll gather precious loot from your dungeon crawls, then carefully price and display your finds in your shop to attract customers.
Balancing the demands of both roles is key, as you build relationships with townsfolk, upgrade your shop, and delve deeper into increasingly challenging dungeons filled with monsters and treasures. With its charming pixel art style, addictive gameplay loop, and a perfect blend of action, exploration, and commerce, Moonlighter offers a fresh and engaging gaming experience that appeals to a wide range of players.
15. Bear and Breakfast
Bear and Breakfast is an adorable and whimsical simulation game developed by Gummy Cat. In this charming adventure, players assume the role of a bear named Hank, who stumbles upon an abandoned shack in the woods. Inspired to turn it into a cozy bed and breakfast, Hank embarks on a journey to renovate the place, welcome guests, and discover the mysteries of the surrounding forest.
The game combines elements of management, exploration, and storytelling as players cater to the needs of quirky animal guests, expand their inn, and uncover secrets hidden in the wilderness. With its endearing art style, humorous characters, and a delightful mix of simulation and exploration, Bear and Breakfast promises an enchanting and heartwarming gaming experience for players of all ages.
16. Half Past Fate
Half Past Fate is a charming and narrative-driven indie game developed by Serenity Forge. This endearing title weaves together the stories of multiple characters whose lives intertwine through a series of chance encounters, romance, and humorous situations. The game’s pixel art style and retro aesthetics evoke nostalgia, while its character-driven storytelling unfolds across different timelines and settings, from a coffee shop to a secret laboratory.
Players guide these characters’ destinies, making choices that shape their fates and ultimately lead to heartwarming, funny, and often unexpected outcomes. With its relatable characters and engaging narratives, Half Past Fate offers a delightful and emotionally resonant gaming experience that explores the serendipity of life and love.
I wrote a full review for Half Past Fate for Bonus Stage back in 2020.
17. Necrobarista
Necrobarista is a visually stunning visual novel and cinematic adventure game developed by Route 59. Set in a supernatural café in Melbourne, Australia, the game introduces players to a unique blend of storytelling, café management, and the afterlife. As the café’s new barista, you’ll meet a diverse cast of intriguing characters, both living and dead, and experience their stories in a dynamic, time-limited narrative.
With its captivating 3D cel-shaded visuals, deep character development, and an immersive story that explores themes of life, death, and the connections we forge, Necrobarista offers a fresh and thought-provoking gaming experience for those seeking a narrative-rich journey.
18. Cattails
Cattails is an adorable and relaxing indie game developed by Falcon Development. In this charming title, players take on the role of a customizable cat living in a peaceful open world filled with various environments like forests, meadows, and snowy tundras. As a cat, you’ll explore the world, befriend other animals, and embark on adventures that include fishing, bug catching, and more.
The game’s focus on social interaction and relationship-building with other animals, as well as its delightful pixel art style and calming atmosphere, makes Cattails a delightful and endearing experience for those who enjoy laid-back and animal-themed simulation games.
19. Harvestella
Harvestella is SquareEnix’s answer to a farming sim game. Harvestella offers a captivating blend of farming, intricate storylines, side-quests, and engaging cooking and crafting mechanics. It draws strong parallels to the Rune Factory series, incorporating combat and adventure as essential elements for advancing the main narrative. While the game’s deep and immersive storyline will occupy a significant portion of your gameplay, farming plays a crucial role in supporting your progress by generating income for upgrades and preparing nourishing dishes for stamina and power enhancements.
Personally, I really enjoyed Harvestella, especially if you’re a fan of the Rune Factory series; it’s a title I wholeheartedly recommend.
For more, read my Harvestella review.
20. Kaichu: The Kaiju Dating Sim
Kaichu: The Kaiju Dating Sim is a unique and charming indie game that combines the unexpected elements of dating simulation and giant monster battles. In this imaginative world, players assume the role of a customizable protagonist navigating a city inhabited by colossal kaiju creatures.
The goal is to form romantic connections with these towering beings, each with its own personality and quirks, while also managing the chaos and destruction they inadvertently cause. With its clever blend of humor, choice-driven narrative, and epic monster showdowns, Kaichu offers a delightful and whimsical experience that caters to both dating sim enthusiasts and fans of unconventional gaming adventures.
Conclusion
As I was knee-deep in writing this, I started to realize that it might one day be wise to break out my cozy games on Switch list by genre. I can think of a dozen visual novels or farming sims alone that I want to mention. I tried to pick a few of each, but the list got much longer than I meant it too. Let me know if you found this useful and maybe I’ll write some companion pieces that list cozy Nintendo Switch games by genre later.
Stay cozy, gamers!