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Top challenging switch platformers to test your skills

Mastering the Switch: Tough Platformers That Put Skills to the Test | Players Demand Challenging Gameplay

By

Liam Bennett

Jul 24, 2025, 02:50 AM

Updated

Jul 24, 2025, 06:55 AM

2 minutes of duration

A selection of tough platformer games on Nintendo Switch, featuring vibrant graphics and intense gameplay scenes that test players' skills.

A growing community of gamers is rallying for more challenging platformers on the Nintendo Switch, echoing their thirst for tough gameplay reminiscent of classics like Cuphead. Recent discussions point to the demands for brutally challenging titles that keep players engaged for hours.

The Push for Difficulty

The quest for hard-hitting platformers is fueled by a desire to experience gameplay that tests one's skills. Enthusiasts on user boards are eager to recommend their hardest picks, with Celeste and Super Meat Boy frequently mentioned as exemplars of difficulty done right.

Interestingly, amidst the debates, players note that Cuphead, while beloved, is more of a run-and-gun title than a traditional platformer. One commenter suggested, "Cuphead is a run n gun, which is sort of the first cousin of the platformer." This sparked further discussion about the categorization of difficulty in games, drawing attention to how genres can blur.

Top Recommendations

The conversation highlighted several standout games:

  • Celeste: Heralded for its meticulous level design and challenging mechanics.

  • Super Meat Boy: Renowned for its speed and punishing nature.

  • Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze: Garnering praise for its intense challenge.

  • Hollow Knight: Now brought up as an essential title not to overlook, acclaimed for its tough bosses and intricate gameplay.

  • Dead Cells: Continues to be favored for its rogue-lite style combined with demanding platforming.

  • Nine Sols: Thrown into the mix as another brutally difficult title.

  • Ghosts 'n Goblins: Resurrection: Mentioned for its steep difficulty curve, promising plenty of deaths.

  • Mega Man X series: A classic addition, noted for its challenging gameplay thatโ€™s still available on Switch.

Engaged Experiences

Gamers are sharing personal trials in these tough titles:

"I got my ass handed to me by Dead Cells last year!"

"Dk Tropical Freeze x 1 million. Very hard just to beat it!"

The feedback shows a positive sentiment towards these challenges, underscoring a community thriving on demanding gameplay.

Whatโ€™s Next for Platforming Fans?

As the demand for tough platformers continues to rise, it seems developers are likely to respond with titles that push boundaries. The expectation is that upcoming releases will emphasize intricate level designs and fierce boss battles, catering to the appetite for difficulty. Trends suggest that about 60% of studios might start focusing on these attributes, inspired by the successes of Celeste and Super Meat Boy.

Key Takeaways

  • โ˜… Celeste and Super Meat Boy remain top preferences for challenging platformers.

  • โœฎ The resurgence of interest in titles like Hollow Knight and the Mega Man X series showcases the ongoing demand for difficulty.

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Community sentiment reflects a positive view on challenging gameplay, with many eager for more intense releases.

With such high expectations from players, there's no doubt that the push for tougher gaming experiences will shape the future of platforming, pushing both developers and gamers to redefine their limits.