Along with its convenient seamless TV-handheld swapping, Switch is renowned for its vast, and ever-growing library spanning greatly in genre, notoriety, and studio budgets. With this range of diverse, imaginative games comes a slew of rich, visually interesting box art designs as well. The array of memorable box art is especially welcomed given Switch's stressing of physical releases compared to other modern consoles.
However, with such variance in quality, and so many games being churned out, it can be easy to miss or neglect some of these artistic greats. In some cases, the artwork might ironically stand out more than the game it advertises. But when ruling out iconic series and major triple-A games, there are numerous hidden gems to be discovered in this gaming gallery. Below, readers can find some of the best examples on Nintendo's hybrid console.
8 Has Been Heroes
A launch title by indie studio Frozenbyte, this action roguelike fell off the radar for many despite its thrilling, quasi-turn-based combat and rewarding, tactical gameplay. The game entices players with seemingly endless randomized events and a plethora of goodies to earn. With this replayability comes some truly grueling trials and punishing, precise strategy elements, along with cool new heroes to unlock (some of which can take dozens of hours to earn).
The box art is fairly simple, yet effective in showing the varied, distinct cast of antiheroes; featuring Tam the Rogue, Crux the Warrior, and Metacles the Monk in intense action poses. Set atop a stylized, sword-laden title, and a fiery backdrop, Has Been Heroes has would-be players rearing to dive into this epic showdown, and reclaim former glories.
7 Dragon: Marked For Death
The Switch thrives when it comes to colorful RPGs and fun co-op romps—and this 2D ARPG nails both aspects. Up to four players can take charge as fighters that range from an axe-wielding warrior to a spell-casting Witch, seeking vengeance on a malicious empire. The game encourages multiplayer with its complimentary heroes and swift, often-tough combat.
The Switch game comes loaded with all existing character packs, along with added DLC quests and a Striker Gear Pack (DLC weapons). This is made all the more awesome with a physical edition featuring well crafted sketchings. Both the vivid title card and detailed, action-packed character visuals do well in conveying the hectic, dark fantasy nature of this indie.
6 Super Bomberman R
Bomberman has long been an esteemed video game icon, though the explosive hero hasn't been quite as prominent of late. This is the case when it comes to this Switch launch game, which was soon buried amongst a slew of stronger multiplayer games on the system. While the game's regarded for its intense competitive showdowns, Super Bomberman R garnered mixed reviews for its lack of new features and sometimes spotty online bouts.
Yet its cover art is anything but spotty. In keeping with the style of game artist Junichi Morita, the visuals are rife with vibrant color, stylistic graphics, and segmented cells that fittingly resemble action comics. Like the content within, the artwork keeps with the cartoony spirit old-school Bomberman, while adding its own twist. The robust, chaotic nature of the visuals may in fact overstate the explosive nature of this game...
5 Celeste (Limited Run Edition)
Along with its addictive platforming, the breakthrough hit by Extremely OK Games shines its emotional experience. This is true whether it's the somber-yet-inspiring plot and themes, or the maddeningly tough, frantic gameplay—which serves as symbols of anxiety and depression for the heroine. Celeste channels that retro NES vibe with its charming pixel art style, and relentless trials that demand razor-sharp timing and precision.
While the game's main box art is visually pleasing and nicely sums up Celeste's nature, Limited Run's physical release equally succeeds despite being minimal. With just a few key details, and the warm color scheme, the gorgeous sketchings radiate the game's essence. They convey the atmospheric locales, the duality of darkness and light, and the dreamlike ride of Madeline's quest to ascend Mount Celeste.
4 Collection Of Mana
Often forgotten among many Square Enix icons is the hidden gem that is the ARPG Mana franchise. Branching from Game Boy's Final Fantasy Adventure spinoff, the series has since blossomed into its own, with the charming Secret of Mana on SNES.
Following this cult hit was the lesser-known Trials of Mana, whose reach was restricted on account of being a Japan-only release. But the dynamic sequel has seen a renaissance, both with a Switch remake and a first-ever Western release of the original. 2019's Collection of Mana allows franchise vets and newcomers to enjoy the magic of Mana as they never have before, with wondrous locales, lovely music, and addictive real-time combat.
The game's lavish cover art nicely illustrates the dense, majestic nature of this RPG with its vibrant color and awesome detail. It channels the styles of artists and designers Shinichi Kameoka and Hiroo Isono, with visuals akin to those of an epic fantasy novel. It boldly portrays the series' whimsical heroes, including the lovable and ever-helpful dragon Flammie.
3 Tiny Barbarian DX
What's old is new again—and what's seemingly small can be dynamic and strong. These are concepts that developers StarQuail and box artist Susumu Matsushita seemingly look to convey with Tiny Barbarian DX. This action sidescroller has players assume the role of—not surprisingly—a miniscule barbarian that hacks at foes with his sword. Ample combat is balanced with bouts of vine swinging and other platforming staples like leaping across spikes.
Complimenting the rewarding gameplay is the fun cover art, which proves imaginative and robust. The cover art has the small-but-stout hero front and center, while cramming in several other images of menacing baddies to set the prehistoric scene. Veteran of Japanese game magazine Famitsu and creator of its mascot, Necky the Fox, Matsushita's craftsmanship is clear when viewing this delightful artwork. This is the case with both the original box art, as well as the cartoony reversible version—which fittingly invokes that retro feel.
2 Ys VIII: Lacrimosa Of Dana
While fairly prominent in Japan, this lush APRG series has scarcely ventured beyond cult status elsewhere. Still, this 2016 release brought some added attention, with its unique quasi-survival gameplay and self-contained island setting. The game's vast campaign and ample dialogue are balanced by intense, fast-paced combat—which stays fairly accessible while continuing to expand.
The box art does its part to entice players with its refined detail and fantastical imagery, punctuated by a bold, tasteful logo design. But this one goes a step further, offering even more gorgeous hand-drawn visuals on the back. These include a lush forest scene and a dark, atmospheric landscape illuminated by a vast city. What's even more impressive is that these pieces were submitted by fans and chosen by publisher NIS America.
1 Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap
Lizardcube revitalizes a rather obscure Master System game with this delightful rework from 2017. The game retains the charming fantasy style and deep exploration while smoothing out the rough edges—namely dated visuals and slippery controls.
The standard cover is impressive in its own right, with lovely hand-drawn sketchings of various characters and critters in the game; representative of the in-game art design. But what really shines here is the cool reversible artwork. The visuals uniquely stand out for their (literal depth) and stylistic design, with chiseled 3D figures that resemble a fun claymation romp that never was. It's a neat little bonus, to say the least.
