Summary
The Nintendo Switch is best known for its handheld capabilities, allowing gamers to immerse themselves in diverse worlds and stories wherever they may be - whether that be while commuting or curled up on the couch. Of the many game genres playable on the Nintendo Switch, none lend themselves to handheld gaming more than cozy games.
The convenience and comfort of handheld gamingmakes downtime just that bit more relaxing… unless it happens to be something likeResident Evil. The following games utilize the Switch’s versatility to create a more relaxing gaming experience, allowing players to wind down and switch off from everyday troubles.
Animal Crossingis one of Nintendo’s most popular franchises, and it exemplifies cozy gaming very well. Many of thepreviousAnimal Crossinggameswere designed for Nintendo’s other handheld consoles, making the release ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsfor the Nintendo Switch highly anticipated by fans.
The game’s changing seasons, soothing music, and satisfying mechanics create the ultimate relaxing experience. Players can catch bugs and fish, dig for fossils, and decorate, transforming a deserted island into a five-star getaway destination. Even just walking around in the game is calming - watching time go by and hearing the sounds of rushing water and rustling leaves while exploring.
Stardew Valleyhas proven to be one of the most influential cozy games, inspiring numerous other farming simulator releases. This is for good reason! The pixel art style, addictive music, and charming characters combine beautiful visualswith heartwarming storylinesas players maintain and upgrade their farms.
Without needing an internet connection at any point,Stardew Valleyis perfect for gaming on the go. Additionally, with in-game days only lasting around 14 minutes, it is ideal for gaming in short bursts during free time or to wind down before bed.
Cozy Grovecenters around the natural world and the importance of being present in the moment. The game’s slightly dark premise of the afterlife creates an intimacy well-suited to being played handheld.
The player earns rewards by completing quests for various ghostly bears representing spirits, adding color to the game’s monochromatic landscape. After completing these quests, players gain the bears' trust and uncover more about who they were in their past lives.Cozy Grovedoes not require an internet connection and can be saved at any time, allowing for extra convenience while playing handheld.
It wouldn’t be a Nintendo list without a Mario game!Super Mario RPG, ported to the Switch from the SNES, joins familiar characters with much cuter graphics. Nintendo clearly had handheld mode in mind during the redesign, as newly added quick-time events require more agile button control.
The adventure itself is easy to follow and has very funny moments, with some skill required during battles along the way. Throughcaptivating colors and vivid game spaces,Super Mario RPGmakes for a wonderful escape from everyday life.
Coined as"the award-winning cozy management game about dying,“Spiritfareris just that and more with its beautiful art style and heart-wrenching storyline. LikeCozy Grove, the themes of the game promote an intimate setting that is best experienced through handheld play.
Players take on the role of ferryman to the deceased through Stella and her cat Daffodil, who must ferry spirits to their final resting places. Upgrading the boat, unlocking new areas of the sea map, and finding collectibles arejust some of the requirementsto complete this adventure - there’s always something to do inSpiritfarer.
Fans ofthe Professor Layton serieswill know his shoes are some big ones to fill when it comes to solving London’s mysteries. InLayton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle And The Millionaire’s Conspiracy, Katrielle tries to do just that by teaming up with her assistant Ernst and a talking dog named Sherl.
The game feels equal parts nostalgic and innovative for fans of the Layton series, but it’s also charming enough to capture newcomers with its quirky art style, voice acting, and character encounters. We found that playing the game handheld with the touchscreen feature is particularly useful when finding hint coins and traversing the streets of London.
With a mischievous cat, realistic and satisfying sounds, and a pleasing color palette,A Little To The Leftmakes organization fun! Some levels have multiple solutions, making the game engaging and replayable while maintaining a chilled atmosphere.
There’s also a new puzzle to solve every day with The Daily Tidy Delivery feature, which is perfect for short bursts of gameplay in handheld mode. Furthermore, puzzles have no time limit for completion, meaning each can be solved at leisure without any pressure. Winding down is easy withA Little To The Left.
Oobletsis a charming life simulator where players grow and collect little creatures called Ooblets! The unique dance battle system - yes, dance battle system - is executed througha simple card game. Players can acquire more Ooblet species to unlock additional cards to use in battle.
With a delightful color palette, adorable characters, and a wide variety of Ooblets to collect, this game is guaranteed cozy vibes. Plus,Oobletsis well-suited for on-the-go gaming, as it can be enjoyed handheld without the need for an internet connection.
Garnering its fair share of popularity on the cozy gaming side of TikTok,Minami Lanehas proven itself a short yet sweet addition to the cozy gamers' roster. It’s not hard to see why - with pastel colors and whimsical graphics, the game’s charm is visually undeniable.
It makes sense for this game to be played handheld due to the E rating and the large user interface, allowing for a closer screen to be more apt. Thankfully, the game is quite affordable compared to other options on this list, makingMinami Lanea more accessible gateway into handheld cozy gaming on the Nintendo Switch.
Loddlenaut
Dive Into A New World
Loddlenaututilizes several typical cozy game features while demonstrating an individual and peaceful atmosphere. With its collectible creatures (Loddles), addictive ocean cleanup, and environmentally conscious crafting,Loddlenautis perfect for switching off after a long day.
The premise is quite similar to other underwater games such asSubnauticaandAbzu. But, with simpler graphics and no threat of dying in the game, the experience becomes a lot less stressful for players. Beginning as a Kickstarter project and then showcased at the Wholesome Games Direct,Loddlenautgained recognition within the cozy gaming community and quickly grew in popularity from there.
