Cozy gaming is a delightful escape into virtual worlds that offer relaxation, immersion, and a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
When it comes to finding the perfect cozy gaming experience, the Nintendo Switch provides a treasure trove of titles suited for all tastes and preferences. Its portability will let you enjoy from about any place, whether it’s sofa, bed, or even during commuting.
What Makes a Game Cozy?
Cozy games are characterized by their ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages players to unwind and enjoy themselves. These games often feature serene environments, charming characters, and gameplay mechanics designed to promote relaxation and exploration.
People might not all share the same view for what is cozy and what isn’t : and it’s perfectly okay ! Some game might be cozy for me, and not so much for you. It’s very personal.
The Appeal of Cozy Gaming on the Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch’s unique blend of portability and versatility makes it an ideal platform for cozy gaming. Whether you’re curled up on the couch at home or on the go, the Switch offers a wide range of gaming experiences to suit any mood or setting.
12 Cozy Games to Get for Your Switch
Okay so on to my list of the top 12 cozy games for the Nintendo Switch (to date)! If you have any suggestion, don’t hesitate to make them. I’d be happy to try.
1. Stardew Valley
I think by now nearly all cozy gamers know about Stardew Valley. It’s probably the most known farming game amongst cozy gamers.
It combines farming simulation with exploration and social interactions, allowing players to escape to a quaint rural community where they can grow crops, raise animals, and forge friendships. It has a bit of a dark side that you can discover as you play, making it even more interesting.
In my opinion, if you’ve never played any cozy games, this is the go-to.
You can spend a lot of time time on Stardew Valley, even after the storyline ends.
Stardew Valley on the Nintendo Store
2. A Short Hike
A Short Hike is a charming exploration game that follows the journey of a young bird as they hike, glide, and climb their way to the summit of a picturesque mountain, meeting quirky characters and discovering hidden treasures along the way.
The pixel art is super attractive and feels different from usual games. The atmosphere of the game is also really nice. I played it when I was having a hard time feeling stressed because of work, and it helped me unwind. The game’s lifespan is really short, you will be done within a couple of hours. If you’ve never played it and require some way to unwind, I highly recommend it.
A Short Hike on the Nintendo Store
3. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles invites players to explore the beautiful and vibrant world of Gemea, where they can farm, fish, craft, and befriend adorable creatures known as Sprites.
Yonder is basically a really cozy journey of a farming game. The art style is nice and it makes it super easy to relax.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles on the Nintendo Store
4. Fae Farm
Fae Farm is a farm sim RPG in which you craft, cultivate, and decorate. You’ll meet charming characters, build relationships, and live your little life in the town. Additionally, get ready to brew potions and do everything a perfect fae would do.
The game is full of promises, and it makes the list because I think it can go far. I would wait for a discount if you want to buy it for yourself though. Because even though it’s a game I really enjoyed, it has many flaws and isn’t totally worth its full price, in my opinion.
Fae Farm on the Nintendo Store
5. Lemon Cake
Just the name of this game screams “cozy”. Lemon Cake is a cafe management / cooking(baking) game. You will definitely spend a nice time on this game if you’ve lpayed and liked Cooking Mama, or similar.
Lemon Cake is a bit more focused on cafe management than baking. The color scheme of the game and its atmosphere make it really cozy already, and the art style just adds more coziness to it.
Lemon Cake on the Nintendo Store
6. Littlewood
Littlewood is a cozy townbuilding game. There is no clock in the game, which will allow you to not rush things and explore freely. Decorate your town, the houses, the paths, and basically everything in the game.
Littlewood on the Nintendo Store
7. The Legend Of Zelda : Breath of the Wild
Okay so you might not think of Zelda as a cozy game, but I do. Actually, to be very honest, I have yet to complete the main story. I just spent my time completing side quests, finding myself the best horse, cooking recipes and exploring the breathtaking landscape.
The world is just so beautiful. There is a lot of fight to go through if you’re willing to go through the main story route, so get ready for it!
The Legend Of Zelda : Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Store
8. New Pokemon Snap
I’ve played Pokémon during most of my childhood. Pokémon will always have a special spot in my heart, if I’m honest. Even though most of the Pokémon games cannot really be considered cozy, this one definitely is.
In this game, you will mainly take pictures of wild pokémons, and I highly recommend it if you like that type of experience. You will just relax, watch cute Pokémons and take pictures. It has a fair amount of content and you will spend a nice time on it.
New Pokemon Snap on the Nintendo Store
9. Wytchwood
Wytchwood is a crafting adventure game that is set in a land of fables and fairytales. You will play the old witch of the woods. And as you can imagine, you will collect magical ingredients and brew potions.
The game will take you for around 12 hours of relaxing gameplay, on which you’ll spend a very good time.
Wytchwood on the Nintendo Store
10. GRIS
Gris is an artistic masterpiece. The art style is breathtaking and and storyline is just amazing.
You play Gris, a young woman facing grief. You will dive into the story and get hooked really fast. You will bring colors back into her world by playing the game and unwind. During a couple of hours, play the game and let go of the daily stress that’s piling up.
11. Potion Permit
Okay so, if you know the game, you might be wondering why it made the cut. Potion Permit is a mix of adventure game, life sim, and a bit of puzzle in the same game. It is full of promises and potential. You’re taking on the role of a chemist in Moonbury. You’ll basically heal the wounded/sick citizens as time goes by. At the beginning, the citizens don’t trust you, and you have to earn their trust.
It really had a strong impact on me at the beginning, because I truly enjoyed. But as I played, I really enjoyed the first hours. Then, it gets a bit too repetitive and grindy. Nonetheless, it makes it to this list because I believe my perfect game would have a lot of what Potion Permit offers.
Potion Permit on the Nintendo Store
12. Spiritfarer
Spiritfarer is a game I received as a gift, when I didn’t know anything about it and nobody was talking about it.
The game then gained a lot of popularity, for a reason. The storytelling is just amazing. You get attached to the characters. In the game, you’re Stella, a spiritfarer. The person who guides spirits who are stuck and can’t join the light. You have a connection to these spirits, and you get to know more about them and yourself as the story unfolds.
It really is emotional and beautiful.
Spiritfarer on the Nintendo Store
Wrap up
With this list, I believe you have a nice entry into some nice cozy games on your Nintendo Switch. With its diverse library of cozy gaming titles, the Nintendo Switch offers something for everyone looking to unwind and escape into virtual worlds filled with charm, beauty, and relaxation. And if you know them all already, I’d suggest you check the “similar games” to the titles I’ve listed! It will lead you to many more.
So grab your Joy-Cons, kick back, and enjoy the cozy comforts of gaming on the Nintendo Switch. 🙂
Oh, and if you don’t have a Switch or if you’re looking for cozy games on your IOS device, check this article ! You’ll definitely find your happiness.
