The right Nintendo Switch 3D platformer depends on what you want to do: explore and collect alone, play courses together, choose your challenge level, or roam at speed with combat. Super Mario Odyssey is the strongest match for solo exploration; Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury offers the most varied group package; Kirby and the Forgotten Land pairs guided stages with selectable difficulty and two-player co-op; and Sonic Frontiers is the open-zone, action-heavy alternative. These recommendations compare officially described features, not hands-on performance or review scores.
At a glance: which game fits your play style?
| If you want… | Start with… | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Solo exploration, movement experiments, and collectibles | Super Mario Odyssey | Nintendo describes sandbox-style kingdoms, Cappy’s capture abilities, and Power Moons that advance the adventure. |
| Local group play and two different adventure formats | Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury | 3D World has courses for up to four on one system; Bowser’s Fury is a separate free-roaming adventure with optional second-player help. |
| Guided stages, a choice of challenge, and two-player co-op | Kirby and the Forgotten Land | It has two named difficulty settings and same-system co-op for two players. |
| Speed, open exploration, combat, and platforming challenges | Sonic Frontiers | Its open zones combine exploration and combat with focused platforming stages reached through portals. |
The games are not built around the same kind of 3D platforming. Odyssey and Kirby lean into distinct adventure and stage structures; 3D World adds multiplayer courses and a second mode; Sonic Frontiers gives more room to explore and puts greater emphasis on action.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury - US Version | $53.67 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Super Meat Boy 3D - Nintendo Switch 2 | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
SOUTH PARK - SNOW DAY! - Nintendo Switch | $22.93 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Super Mario 3D All-Stars - Nintendo Switch | $114.45 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo Switch) (EU Version) | $46.99 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Super Mario Odyssey: best for solo exploration
Nintendo describes Super Mario Odyssey as a sandbox-style adventure across kingdoms. Its central mechanic is Cappy: Mario can throw his cap, use it for cap jumps, and capture objects, animals, and enemies. Power Moons help the Odyssey airship progress.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Choose it if you want to experiment with movement and abilities while exploring for collectibles, primarily on your own. The game supports one or two players on one system; a second player can control Cappy. That is a different kind of co-op from sharing a course as one of several playable characters.
#1 Best Overall
- Enjoy two Mario adventures solo or with friends
- In Super Mario 3D World, choose a character each with distinct playstyles as you dash and climb through dozens of colorful courses, collecting Green Stars and power-ups along the way
- Cooperate (and compete) with friends locally or online to reach each stage’s goal. A crown is awarded to the highest-scoring player, making for a friendly frenzy
- In addition to added multiplayer options, the Nintendo Switch version of the Super Mario 3D World game has been improved with faster character speeds and more
- Explore a seamless feline world in Lake Lapcat, complete objectives to collect Cat Shines, and defeat a giant Bowser in the new Bowser’s Fury adventure
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury: best for shared play and variety
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a package with two distinct adventures. In 3D World, players tackle courses, collect items, and use power-ups. The playable cast includes Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, and later Rosalina. Nintendo lists one to four players on one system, local wireless play for two to four, and online play for two to four.
Bowser’s Fury changes the structure: Mario explores Lake Lapcat and collects Cat Shines, with a second player able to help by controlling Bowser Jr. The combination makes this the best fit if your household wants same-screen course play as well as a separate free-roaming adventure. Some multiplayer configurations may require additional games, systems, or accessories.
Rank #2
- Tough-as-nails precision platforming action. Brutal, but fair levels designed to break you.
- Boss. Fights. Dark World levels so tough, you'll scream in the rain at a bus stop.
- A soundtrack that was once described by a Guitar Center employee as “hey, either buy the guitars or get out. We’re seriously going to call the cops!”
- n-game text languages: English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish (Spain).
- 3D!
Online play requires a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online membership, and availability varies by country. Those requirements apply to the online option, not the local co-op recommendation.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land: best for adjustable challenge and two-player co-op
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a 3D platforming adventure built around rescuing Waddle Dees, using copy abilities, and transforming through Mouthful Mode. Its stages offer two difficulty settings: Spring-Breeze, with more health and easier enemies, and Wild, with tougher enemies and more rewards.
Rank #3
- Battle your way through the snow-covered town of South Park in this all-new 3D co-op game.
- A blizzard of epic proportions has blanketed the town of South Park and it’s up to Cartman, Stan, Kenny, Kyle, and you, as the New Kid, to save the town from an endless winter.
- Experience cooperative gameplay for the first time ever in a South Park game with up to three friends or ally bots - unleashing powerful, coordinated attacks on your foes.
- Equip and upgrade devastating melee and ranged weapons. Deploy special abilities and powers that will bring hordes of enemies and epic bosses to their knees.
- Use a wide range of iconic cosmetics and customize your New Kid with endless possible combinations from beanies to Cheesy Poof T-shirts to chin balls.
A second player can join on the same system as Bandana Waddle Dee. Pick Kirby if you want a guided stage-based structure, a lighter presentation, and a way to adjust the challenge. Its local co-op is for two players, not four. Nintendo’s U.S. store page also offers a free three-stage demo.
Sonic Frontiers: best for open-zone speed and action
Sonic Frontiers is the most action-oriented choice here. Nintendo describes high-speed open-zone exploration across five Starfall Islands. Sonic explores, solves puzzles, climbs structures, completes side quests, and fights enemies; portals lead to Cyber Space levels with more focused 3D platforming challenges. Combat systems and skill upgrades are a prominent part of the experience.
Rank #4
- Discover (or rediscover) three of Mario’s most memorable adventures all in one package—available on the Nintendo Switch system
- Take these three adventures on the go with the Nintendo Switch system’s handheld or tabletop mode
- Jump into paintings to collect Power Stars and save Princess Peach in the Super Mario 64 game
- Spray away paint-like goop with the help of your water-spouting friend, FLUDD, in the Super Mario Sunshine game
- Travel from planet to planet and power up Rosalina’s Comet Observatory in the Super Mario Galaxy game—motion controls and a two-player Co-Star mode included
Choose it if speed, open exploration, and combat appeal as much as jumping between platforms. Its open-zone structure is not the same as a sequence of conventional courses or guided stages.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What to check before buying
- Edition and format: Nintendo’s U.S. store pages list physical editions for Odyssey, 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land. The reviewed Sonic page establishes a Switch product but not a physical edition; confirm the format on the listing you plan to buy.
- Price and stock: Retail prices, bundles, and physical availability change. Check the current retailer listing; no current price comparison is established here.
- Console mode: Nintendo lists TV, tabletop, and handheld modes for Odyssey, 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, and Kirby. Its pages warn that the experience may differ on Nintendo Switch Lite, so check the specific hardware requirements if you play on Lite.
- Switch 2 listings: Nintendo’s pages now include some Switch 2 compatibility or update information. This comparison is about the Nintendo Switch games; a Switch 2-specific edition or enhancement is separate from the original Switch release.
- Online versus local play: Only the online multiplayer option for 3D World + Bowser’s Fury carries the stated Nintendo Switch Online and account requirements. Local play is a separate option.
Nintendo’s U.S. product pages describe the features and listed specifications cited here. They do not establish which game is objectively best, how long each takes to finish, or how performance compares in play. The four titles are useful alternatives, not an exhaustive list of Switch 3D platformers.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Take control of Donkey Kong and his buddies as they try to get back their stolen bananas from invaders from the polar regions
- Travel through a variety of environments, including Jungles, Deserts and Forests spread over 7 worlds
- Play through the entire game with a buddy in local co-op
- This version adds Funky Mode and a new playable character, Funky Kong (only available in Funky Mode) these additions are aimed at making the game more accessible for inexperienced players
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
