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Top 10 best retro-inspired games for Nintendo Switch

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Top 10 best retro-inspired games for Nintendo Switch

If you are a fan of retro games you need to try these on Switch!

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Nintendo themselves have been making games since consoles were a thing. So it’s no surprise that there are tons of retro games for the Nintendo Switch. Many game developers talk about playing on Nintendo devices when they were younger and talk about their dream of getting their games onto the Nintendo Switch.

With so many lovely games to choose from, we have put together a list of the top 10 best retro-inspired games for your Nintendo Switch that you can play right now. These games will feature your favourite characters or be inspired by games that you’ve probably played if you have been gaming for quite some time!

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1
Sonic Mania

Sonic Mania is inspired by Sonic games, coming straight from SEGA onto the best retro games for the Nintendo Switch list. Though this game is true to form, there are new areas, new boss encounters, and an entire second act that is brought to the Nintendo Switch. The game itself is polished to fit on this newer console, but still brings back all of the nostalgia a giant blue hedgehog has!

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2
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town

Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is a farming simulation game that is inspired by Harvest Moon - where you could do a lot of similar activities. You can explore a cute world, make friends with the various villagers, raise animals, and more - like an expanded version of Harvest Moon. It’s a cute game that’s well worth picking up, especially if you like growing your own farm and exploring small towns

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3
Cuphead

Cuphead is a tough as nails, run and gun game inspired by Contra and Mega Man, with a bit of Mickey Mouse thrown in to create the perfect potion of nostalgia. You can play as Cuphead, trying to run, fire, and dodge your way through various levels. It’s a challenging, unforgiving game wrapped in cute, cartoony graphics. Cuphead is not a retro games itself, but rather retro-inspired.

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4
Wargroove

Wargroove is a strategic, turn-based game that takes inspiration from Advanced Wars. This game is beautiful, pixelated, and just a fun time - even if you aren't into strategy games. There are options to have super deep and diverse strategies or options to get through on an easier mode, lucking your way through it and learning as you go. Also, there are adorable doggos. That’s a big plus.

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5
Megaman 11

It’s pretty clear what game Mega Man 11 is inspired by. This game sticks to classic gameplay but enhances the game itself with new ideas and expansions on concepts that you could find in Blue Bomer. Mega Man 11 is an action platformer, with tight controls, lovely visuals, and a lot of replayability, if you are looking for something that can be enjoyed again and again.

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6
Horizon Chase Turbo

Horizon Chase Turbo is inspired by the likes of Out Run and Top Gear, providing an arcade racing game with bright cars! Horizon Chase Turbo does feel like Top Gear games but modernised from their SNES roots. It’s quite a fun game, driving around town, under the sun, and enjoying your fast ride. It's radiating that '90s vibe, certainly deserves its spot on our retro games for Nintendo Switch list.

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7
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a colourful and quirky adventure game inspired by the Donkey Kong Country series. It’s full of adventure, platforming, and has a 2.5D view, bringing some new life into this style of game. It’s a fun platformer that does do a solid nod to adventure games of the past.

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8
Tetris 99

Tetris 99 is basically a sequel to Tetris, where you can play Tetris, but also challenge other players in online multiplayer. Tetris 99 has a lot of community around it, so you will always find someone up for the challenge and who can probably kick your butt at the game. There are a few different modes and some polished graphics too.

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9
Hotline Miami

Hotline Miami is inspired by Grand Theft Auto and Drive - addictive, 80’s games that were super violent and quite humorous. This game has pixel graphics, synthwave soundtracks, and does well as a nod towards games of the 80s without bringing anything super new to the platform either. The big plus is that you can take the game out and about with you.

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10
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom

Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom takes inspiration from the Wonder Boy series. It’s a platforming adventure that takes wonder Boy mechanics but brings in an amazing soundtrack, sharper visuals, and a slightly new experience while still keeping the old-school gaming heart within it. A lovely retro game for Nintendo Switch that will give you that "blast from the past" vibe.

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Jupiter Hadley
Jupiter Hadley
Jupiter is a prolific indie game journalist with a focus on smaller indie gems. She covers thousands of game jams and indie games on her YouTube channel, letting every game have a moment in the spotlight. She runs indiegamejams.com, a calendar of all of the game jams going on in the world, and judges many jams and events. You can find her on Twitter as @Jupiter_Hadley