Top 3D Platformers On Nintendo Switch

Hey guys! If you're anything like me, you love a good 3D platformer. And if you own a Nintendo Switch, you're in luck because there are some amazing titles available. So, let’s dive into the best 3D platformers you can play right now on your Nintendo Switch. Get ready for a nostalgic trip and some new adventures!

Super Mario Odyssey

When we talk about best 3D platformers, we absolutely have to start with Super Mario Odyssey. This game isn't just good; it's a masterpiece. Seriously, it's the kind of game that reminds you why you fell in love with video games in the first place. The gameplay mechanics are incredibly polished, and the sheer creativity on display is mind-blowing.

Super Mario Odyssey takes the classic Mario formula and injects it with a massive dose of innovation. Mario's new ability to capture enemies and objects using his trusty hat, Cappy, opens up a world of possibilities. Want to control a T-Rex? Go for it! How about possessing a Goomba and stacking it on top of other Goombas? You can do that too! This mechanic isn't just a gimmick; it fundamentally changes how you approach each level and puzzle.

The level design in Super Mario Odyssey is top-notch. Each kingdom is a vibrant, self-contained world filled with secrets, challenges, and unique characters. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the serene landscapes of the Cascade Kingdom, every location feels distinct and memorable. The game encourages exploration, rewarding you for venturing off the beaten path with hidden Power Moons and collectibles. Trust me, you'll want to scour every nook and cranny to find them all.

But what really sets Super Mario Odyssey apart is its sheer sense of joy and wonder. The game is bursting with charm and personality, from the catchy music to the delightful animations. It's impossible to play this game without a smile on your face. Whether you're a longtime Mario fan or a newcomer to the series, Super Mario Odyssey is an absolute must-play.

The replay value is insane, too. Once you beat the main story, there's still so much to discover. Collecting all the Power Moons, finding every hidden area, and completing all the challenges will keep you busy for hours on end. Plus, the game is constantly throwing new surprises your way, even after you think you've seen it all.

So, if you're looking for a 3D platformer that's fun, creative, and endlessly replayable, look no further than Super Mario Odyssey. It's a true gem on the Nintendo Switch and a shining example of what makes the Mario series so beloved.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Alright, let’s jump into some classic nostalgia with the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. This collection brings together the first three Crash Bandicoot games, completely remastered from the ground up. If you grew up playing these games on the PlayStation, get ready for a serious blast from the past. And if you're new to the series, prepare to experience some of the most challenging and rewarding platforming action ever created.

The Crash Bandicoot games are known for their fast-paced, linear level design. You'll be spinning, jumping, and sliding your way through a variety of colorful and treacherous environments. From the lush jungles of N. Sanity Island to the perilous ruins of ancient temples, each level is packed with obstacles, enemies, and secrets. The N. Sane Trilogy does a fantastic job of preserving the original games' look and feel while adding a fresh coat of paint.

The updated graphics are stunning, bringing the world of Crash Bandicoot to life in vibrant detail. The character models are expressive, the environments are lush and detailed, and the animations are smooth and fluid. It's like seeing these games for the first time all over again. But it's not just the visuals that have been improved. The trilogy also features remastered audio, with updated sound effects and music that enhance the overall experience.

However, be warned: these games are tough. Crash Bandicoot is notorious for its unforgiving difficulty, and the N. Sane Trilogy doesn't pull any punches. You'll need precise timing, quick reflexes, and a whole lot of patience to make it through some of the more challenging levels. But don't let that scare you away. The sense of accomplishment you'll feel after finally beating a tough level is incredibly satisfying.

Each of the three games in the trilogy offers a unique experience. The first Crash Bandicoot is a challenging but straightforward platformer that introduces you to the world and characters. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back expands on the gameplay with new moves and more varied level design. And Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped takes things to a whole new level with time-traveling themes and even more diverse gameplay mechanics.

Whether you're a longtime Crash Bandicoot fan or a newcomer to the series, the N. Sane Trilogy is a must-have for your Nintendo Switch collection. It's a fantastic package that offers hours of challenging and rewarding platforming action. Just be prepared to die a lot. You've been warned!

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

Speaking of remasters, let's not forget about the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. This collection brings together the first three Spyro the Dragon games, completely rebuilt from the ground up. Like the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a love letter to the original games, preserving their charm and appeal while adding a fresh coat of paint. If you're a fan of collect-a-thon platformers, you're going to love this one.

The Spyro games are known for their open-ended levels, colorful characters, and focus on exploration. You play as Spyro, a young dragon tasked with saving the Dragon Realms from various threats. Along the way, you'll glide, charge, and flame your way through a variety of environments, collecting gems, rescuing dragons, and defeating enemies.

The Reignited Trilogy does a fantastic job of capturing the spirit of the original games. The graphics are gorgeous, bringing the world of Spyro to life in vibrant detail. The character models are expressive, the environments are lush and detailed, and the animations are smooth and fluid. It's like stepping into a playable cartoon.

But it's not just the visuals that have been improved. The trilogy also features remastered audio, with updated sound effects and music that enhance the overall experience. The controls have also been tweaked to feel more modern, making the game easier to pick up and play. However, like the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is not without its challenges. Some of the levels can be quite tricky, and you'll need to use all of Spyro's abilities to overcome them.

Each of the three games in the trilogy offers a unique experience. The first Spyro the Dragon is a charming and straightforward adventure that introduces you to the world and characters. Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! expands on the gameplay with new abilities and more varied level design. And Spyro: Year of the Dragon takes things to a whole new level with even more playable characters and diverse gameplay mechanics.

If you're looking for a 3D platformer that's fun, charming, and endlessly replayable, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a great choice. It's a fantastic package that offers hours of exploration, collection, and dragon-y goodness. Plus, it's a great way to introduce younger gamers to the world of 3D platformers.

A Hat in Time

Now, let's talk about A Hat in Time. This game is a love letter to the 3D platformers of the Nintendo 64 era, with a heavy dose of charm and personality. If you're a fan of games like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, you're going to feel right at home with A Hat in Time.

You play as Hat Kid, a tiny space-traveling girl with a giant top hat. When her spaceship is damaged, she crash-lands on a mysterious planet and must collect Time Pieces to repair her ship and return home. Along the way, she'll explore a variety of colorful and whimsical worlds, each with its own unique challenges and characters.

A Hat in Time is all about exploration and collection. You'll need to scour each level for Time Pieces, yarn balls (which you can use to create new hats with special abilities), and other collectibles. The level design is fantastic, with plenty of hidden areas and secrets to discover. And the game is bursting with charm and personality, from the quirky characters to the catchy music.

What really sets A Hat in Time apart is its sense of humor. The game is constantly poking fun at itself and the platformer genre as a whole. The dialogue is witty, the characters are hilarious, and the situations are often absurd. It's a game that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's part of its charm.

The gameplay in A Hat in Time is smooth and satisfying. Hat Kid can jump, double-jump, wall-jump, and even throw her hat to attack enemies or reach new areas. The controls are tight and responsive, making it easy to navigate the game's challenging levels. And the hat abilities add a whole new layer of depth to the gameplay. Whether you're using the Sprint Hat to run faster or the Ice Hat to freeze enemies, there's always something new to discover.

If you're looking for a 3D platformer that's fun, charming, and full of personality, A Hat in Time is a great choice. It's a love letter to the classics of the genre, with a fresh and modern twist. Plus, it's a great way to support indie game development. Definitely worth checking out!

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair

Okay, folks, let's switch gears a bit and chat about Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. While the first Yooka-Laylee aimed to be a 3D collect-a-thon in the style of Banjo-Kazooie, this sequel takes a different approach. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is primarily a 2.5D platformer with an overworld map to explore. Don't let that fool you, though, because this game is packed with charm, challenge, and plenty of 3D elements.

The game's main gimmick is the Impossible Lair itself. You can attempt to beat the final boss right from the start, but it's incredibly difficult without collecting Beettalions (bees) from the game's various levels. These bees act as a shield, allowing you to take more hits before dying in the final battle. This unique mechanic encourages you to explore every nook and cranny of the game's overworld and levels.

The levels in Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair are ingeniously designed. Each level has a regular state and an altered state, which you can unlock by completing a challenge in the overworld. For example, you might flood a level with water, causing new platforms to appear and changing the way you navigate the environment. This adds a ton of replay value, as you'll want to revisit each level to see what its altered state has to offer.

The gameplay in Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is tight and responsive. Yooka and Laylee have a variety of moves at their disposal, including jumping, rolling, and gliding. The controls are easy to pick up, but mastering the game's more challenging platforming sections will require practice and precision. And trust me, there are plenty of challenging sections to be found.

What really makes Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair stand out is its sense of humor. The game is filled with witty dialogue, quirky characters, and self-aware jokes. It's a game that knows exactly what it is, and it's not afraid to poke fun at itself. If you're looking for a platformer that's both challenging and hilarious, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a great choice.

So, there you have it, guys! Those are just a few of the best 3D platformers you can play on the Nintendo Switch right now. Whether you're a fan of classic franchises like Mario, Crash Bandicoot, and Spyro, or you're looking for something new and unique, there's a 3D platformer out there for you. So grab your Switch, get gaming, and have a blast!