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The Nintendo Switch is home to some of the biggest names in gaming. From Zelda and Mario to Kirby and Fire Emblem, the platform is absolutely brimming with high-profile releases. But the Switch is also home to a sprawling library of budget games that are worth checking out. We combed through the chaotic mess that is the Switch eShop to put together a list of the best cheap games under $5 on Switch. If you’ve spent any time browsing the eShop, you probably know that it’s not the most user friendly, so hopefully this list will help you find some gems that are up for grabs for less than the price of a cup of coffee.
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From classics like Dragon Quest to quirky indies like Dojoran, there are plenty of eShop games under $5 that are worth downloading. Keep in mind that we only included games with list prices of $5 or less–and we didn’t consider free games for this list (but check out our best free Switch games roundup). Some of these games are under-the-radar gems, while others are ports of notable classic titles. Whether you’re looking for a hilarious side-scroller or a fun football sim, here are the best cheap Switch games under five bucks.
If you’re looking for an affordable, visceral game that’ll get your adrenaline pumping, Akane should fit the bill perfectly. The so-called «brutal arena arcade slasher» sees you roaming around the map while slaying a variety of unique enemies. Unlockable weapons and gear keep things interesting, and its pixelized graphics make sure the action always looks eye-catching.
Apple Slash goes the Sin City route for its graphics–offering a black-and-white aesthetic with red accents for certain dangerous creatures. The top-down adventure sees you accumulating new skills the more you play, and you’re given free reign to traverse its swampy map as you see fit.
A bizarre competitive and cooperative experience, Astro Bears is a bit like a 3D version of Snake. You run around a small, spherical planet as you try to outmaneuver your opponents. Several playable characters are included, giving you the chance to tweak your gameplay style and gain the upper hand.
Don’t let its charming graphics fool you–Barry the Bunny is no walk in the park. The challenging platformer stars a bunny who explores four unique biomes to rebuild bridges so the rest of your four-legged friends can get home. There’s also a catchy chiptune soundtrack to keep your ears entertained during the tense 2D platforming segments.
Step into the shoes of a playing card as you fight through more than 100 levels and solve a variety of puzzles. Four different abilities will help you overcome the odds, and three game modes ensure there are plenty of reasons to return once the credits roll.
Navigate a minimalistic, retro world in Dojoran–a 2D platformer with 28 levels of 1-bit graphics. If you’re looking for a challenging (but short) indie game, look no further than Dojoran and its quirky, froggy world. It’s a delightful little platformer that will appeal to fans of Celeste and Super Meat Boy.
Doom 64 is one of the most high-profile games you can buy for five bucks. Originally launched on N64 in 1997, this Switch version is an authentic recreation of the classic. The action looks great on the modern console, although the ability to take Doom 64 wherever you go is arguably the biggest selling point.
Not only is it cheap, but Downwell is widely praised as an incredible platformer. Our review called it a «gripping, fast-paced action game that thrives by pushing you into taking huge, exciting risks.» It’s essentially a vertical platformer, where you’re tasked with descending increasingly difficult maps–earning useful upgrades as you go. Thanks to its randomly generated level design, each run is unique.
A challenging 2D platformer, Dr. Oil is influenced by the fairy tales of your youth. Its off-the-walls narrative follows the conflict between Butter Boy and a seagull (seriously), which sees you taking control of Dr. Oil on his quest to slay Captain Seagull. It’s quite strange, and its absurdity alone is worth the price of admission.
Check out the game that launched one of the best JRPG franchises of all time. The classic RPG has you chasing after the Dragonlord–a mysterious being that’s brought darkness to the sleepy land of Alefgard. This is about as «old-school» as it gets, and long-time fans of the series owe it to themselves to check out this piece of history.
With 100 levels, more than 20 types of traps, and a variety of collectibles, Duck Souls+ is a robust action platformer. It’s also incredibly difficult, but thankfully the checkpoint system is fairly forgiving.
Dumpy and Bumpy is a clever puzzle game packed with fun content. You’ll work through 80 levels across eight different worlds as you try to solve some mind-bending puzzles. There’s also a competitive mode that lets you face off against a friend.
Adorable graphics, lots of collectibles, and plenty of platforming action. What else could you want from a cheap 2D game? FoxyLand also boasts a fun chiptune soundtrack that backs all the foxy shenanigans.
Golf Peaks is more a puzzle game than a sports game. You’ll make your way to the hole at the end of each course by playing action cards–which let you move your ball along a set path. Add in some relaxing music and clean graphics, and you’ve got a chill way to spend the weekend.
Gunman Clive HD Collection lets you channel your inner cowboy and save the world from what seems like an endless supply of bandits. Both Gunman Clive and Gunman Clive 2 are included in this bundle, offering plenty of stylized action for just five bucks. Both of these games were standout 3DS eShop titles originally, and they are definitely worth checking out on Switch. With gorgeous hand-drawn visuals and gunplay that is cleverly designed to feel like a puzzle game, Gunman Clive HD Collection is an absolute gem.
Islanders is a low-key strategy game that offers minimalistic graphics and a simple gameplay experience. You’ll explore procedurally generated locations as you build a bustling metropolis from scratch–and it’s approachable enough for players of all skill levels.
This top-down arcade action title has you fighting your way to Torii–gates that have been sealed shut by some sort of evil magic. It’ll be up to you to break the seal and slay any beasts lurking in the land, a task made more enjoyable by engaging combat mechanics and upgradable skills.
Help Kid Tripp find his way off a strange island infested with dangerous animals. You’ll be running and jumping through 20 challenges level, along with some auxiliary challenges that’ll push your platforming prowess to the limit. Best of all, Kid Tripp runs at 60fps for a smooth experience.
Solve 2D puzzles in this charming game about «two elemental friends.» Each of the two characters comes with a unique skillset, meaning you’ll need to carefully coordinate your actions if you want to successfully complete each mission. Kinduo can be played as both a solo or cooperative experience.
Luciform puts a fun twist on the platforming format by only letting you interact with objects the same color as the character. There’s also a boss fight against the «Red-Eyed Gorila.» Casual and Hardcore modes make the game approachable for all skill levels, and a random level generation means you can keep playing as long as your heart desires.
Play as a sugar-free marshmallow as you run and jump through 40 side-scrolling levels. There are also no loading times and a retro art style that keeps everything simple.
If you’re looking for a game with a hilarious premise and low-key gameplay, Mom Hid My Game might be a perfect fit. The hybrid adventure, escape room game has you scouring different locations for your gaming console–which has been craftily hidden by your mom.
There’s a lot of mini-golfing content packed into this affordable game. You’ll step onto 50 different greens as you putt your way to victory–avoiding water, magnets, and other hazards as you go. There’s also a robust multiplayer mode that lets four people play the game on a single Switch console.
An odd marriage between billiards and puzzle games, Pool Puzzles tasks you with completing 150 different challenges. Each table is different from the last, and overcoming its obstacles will reward you with cash that can be used to buy new gear.
Play as Ravva, an apprentice summoner, as they embark on a journey to stop the evil Cyclops Lord. The game was based on old 8-bit platformers, so you can expect a retro art style, challenging puzzles, and more than a few power-ups to help you on your quest.
It’s not Madden, but it might be the next best thing. Retro Bowl is a football game played from a 2D perspective with an old-school art style. When you’re not on the field, you’ll be tasked with hiring coaches, drafting new players, and improving all the team’s facilities. Retro Bowl is great as a pick-up-and-play sports game, and it features clever passing mechanics that make the football gameplay constantly exciting.
Jump your way through a variety of levels as you race against the clock. Great for bite-sized game sessions, Rotund Zero puts a five-minute cap on the action, tasking you with getting as far into its world as you can in the short timeframe. Adding to its charm is the Game Boy-inspired graphics, which is a perfect fit for Nintendo’s hybrid console.
Shephy is a card game with a simple goal–raise your sheep count to 1,000. The single-player game gives you plenty of ways to accomplish the task by playing event cards, although the game ends when the deck has been emptied three times. It’s a quirky game, but there aren’t many titles on eShop like it… especially at this price point.
Super Onion Boy 2 has more than a great name going for it. Slick 2D graphics, engaging platforming mechanics, chiptune music, and challenging boss fights keep things interesting until the final credits roll.
If you’re looking for a lengthy adventure, Toki Tori and its 80+ levels are a great option. The 2D platformer throws a wrench in the usual formula, as your main character can’t jump. Instead, you have to rely on a bunch of gadgets (such as the Telewarp and InstantRock) to navigate each level.
The west is a wild and puzzling place in Virtuous Western, which sees you tracking down your horse that’s been stolen by a local gang. The platforming action is filled with unique puzzles and outlaws around every corner, and it’ll be up to you and your revolver to set things right.
