Highlights
- The Nintendo Switch is struggling to run most games, but it is still considered an innovative and beloved console.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons was a hit during the pandemic, providing a great way for players to socialize and enjoy a cute and satisfying gameplay experience.
- Games like A Short Hike, Stardew Valley, Haven, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town offer charming and heartwarming experiences with engaging gameplay and lovable characters.
The Nintendo Switch is easily one of the most innovative consoles of all time, even if some people feel that the device is on its last legs right now. The advent of a Switch 2 can't come sooner, with this console struggling to run most games despite these titles not really being all that graphically intensive. However, despite all these issues, there's no denying that the Nintendo Switch is still an absolute gem of a console.
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Nintendo has always created some great party games, and the Switch is home to some of the best.
The platform is loaded with many wholesome experiences that fans will have a great time with. These games encompass a wide range of genres and feature calm and relaxing gameplay along with a charming vibe that will lead to many players feeling all fuzzy inside as they play these heartwarming titles.
6 Animal Crossing: New Horizons
The release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons couldn't have come at a better time. The pandemic was in full swing during the launch of this title, turning it into a massive sales hit as players finally had a great way to socialize with their friends without exposing them. While the post-launch support of this title has been pretty miserable, New Horizons is still a great game that fans of Animal Crossing absolutely adore.
The game is pretty cute and lets players interact with a wide range of colorful characters. Their diverse personalities and friendly natures make them a joy to speak with, and players will definitely have wide smiles on their faces as they transform their island into something magical. It takes some time, but turning a desolate island into a beautiful resort is incredibly satisfying.
5 A Short Hike
Most people associate open-world gaming with serious stories, boundless action, and infinite freedom of choice. So, it's nice to see games like A Short Hike take this genre and tone down the scale a bit, allowing players to explore a relaxing world where there are no high stakes. In fact, the main goal of the protagonist is to reach a high point in the mountains to get cellphone reception!
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As the title suggests, this game is a brief but engaging romp as players interact with a host of colorful anthropomorphic characters in their quest. It's a simple, charming game where players need to collect feathers to soar higher and for longer, with the relaxing exploration in this title being the best part of the experience.
4 Stardew Valley
There's a reason why Stardew Valley has become an indie darling that fans simply can't get enough of. The farming game features a retro art style that is extremely detailed and colorful, with the cast of characters in this title being quite lovable in their own right. Players can genuinely get lost in this game for hours on end as they try to restore the farm they've inherited and turn it into a bustling haven for quality crops and livestock.
The townsfolk all have unique and distinct personalities, making them quite entertaining to talk to. In fact, players can foster a relationship with certain characters before marrying and having kids, too, adding to the allure of this title! It's easy to see why Stardew Valley is unputdownable, with the myriad of gameplay loops being executed with great finesse.
3 Haven
Haven focuses on the story of a couple who have escaped a regime that wanted to split them apart and pair them off with people who they simply weren't interested in. The story of Haven is a great one, with the couple's chemistry being truly scintillating as they engage in some meaningful discussions while living in exile.
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While Yu and Kay are pretty cute, and the early parts of the game can allow for some really heartwarming moments, the story does get a bit serious later on. However, the inherent charm of this title is still quite evident and makes Haven a great game to check out, especially with its co-op mechanics allowing two players or a couple to enjoy the story together.
2 Kirby And The Forgotten Land
It takes one look at Kirby to see why his games are so heartwarming. This pink blob is easily one of the cutest protagonists in gaming history, and his ability to inhale enemies and gain their powers is an indisputable bonus. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the first game in the series to take place in a fully 3D environment and definitely makes the most of this shift.
The title's imaginative gameplay and charming aesthetic make it one of the best Kirby games of all time and a great title to check out for players who haven't tried out a Kirby game yet. It is simply oozing with charm and love, with players definitely feeling a warm, fuzzy feeling in their chest whenever they boot it up to experience its quirky gameplay
1 Story Of Seasons: Friends Of Mineral Town
Previously known as Harvest Moon, Story of Seasons has continued the trend of developing charming farming titles where players manage a farm and interact with the townsfolk. Socializing is a huge part of these games, and the characters in most of them have great personalities and are a joy to interact with.
Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town is no exception to this golden rule, serving as a remake of the Game Boy Advance title that fans had a great time with. Playing this title on the Switch with updated graphics and gameplay is alluring for obvious reasons, with the calm, zen gameplay of the series making this remake a great title for fans of the genre to get into!
