10 Relaxing & Cozy Games on Nintendo Switch

10 Relaxing & Cozy Games on Nintendo Switch


Relaxation Above All with Cozy Gaming

It's not just about retro gaming, there's also cozy gaming! You know, those games that offer us a moment of relaxation, without the stress of fighting a boss, time limits, repeated game overs, or specific competition. Here, we take our time, we stroll, we chat with cute characters, we complete missions of trading, gardening, or small services, we cooperate, we support each other, and this, with friends online or quietly solo.

And as all roads lead to (neo) retro, many of these games adopt a regressive aesthetic that reminds us of the games of our childhood, like Stardew Valley which looks like it came straight out of a Super Nintendo.

If you are looking for a comfortable game to play on Switch, but also on other platforms except for Nintendo exclusives, here are 10 recommendations of relaxing and soothing games among the most appreciated. Prepare your tea and escape.

Animal Crossing: New Horizon

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the latest title in Nintendo's cult franchise. In this life simulator, you are transported to a deserted island where you can build your own house, grow fruits and vegetables, and interact with adorable animals.

It's a perfect title to relax after a long day of work. Its release in spring 2020, at a time when the world was facing an unprecedented pandemic, made it a game inseparable from the lockdown period, hence its success with millions of players who could escape virtually.

 

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a farm life simulator inspired by the Harvest Moon series. You inherit a run-down farm and must restore it to produce crops and raise animals.

Your days are filled with farming tasks, a wide variety of characters to meet, and quests to complete. The game is a huge success and has helped popularize indie games from small studios.

Yoshi's Crafted World

Yoshi's Crafted World is a colorful platform game that takes you into a world with an original graphic rendering, with all elements seemingly handmade. You play as Yoshi and must save the stolen eggs while exploring creative levels.

The artistic direction cleverly surfs the DIY wave, making it one of the most charming Yoshi games since the first Yoshi's Island.

 

 

Spiritfarer

Spiritfarer is a life and death management game, or more poetically, an emotional journey where you play as a guide for the souls of the dead. You build and manage your own ship, meet unique characters, and help lost souls find peace.

Despite the subject, the game is surprisingly comforting in practice and offers real moments of joy.

 

Gris

Gris is a platform game that follows a young girl going through a difficult time in her life. The title uses a graphic style close to watercolor painting to best express the protagonist's emotions. The artistic direction by artist Conrad Roset is simply stunning, probably one of the most beautiful 2D games ever designed.

The adventure is short but offers a journey between beauty and sadness that will shake you long after you finish it. Its presence in this top may surprise because under its pretty colors lies a rather dark story, but it is so beautiful that simply evolving in such a universe is enough to relax and disconnect your mind from everyday intrusive thoughts.


A Short Hike

A Short Hike is a third-person hiking game where you play as a bird trying to reach the top of a mountain. It is characterized by its natural beauty and simple game mechanics.

A charming title that rewards curiosity and exploration.


The Last Campfire

The Last Campfire is an adventure game developed by Hello Games, the creators of No Man's Sky. It follows the story of a small spirit trying to find its family in a wild world.

The game has been praised for its moving story and memorable soundtrack.

Unpacking

Unpacking starts from a seemingly rather boring idea, as the concept is to unpack and organize your belongings after a move. However, with simple but satisfying gameplay, Unpacking is a perfect game to relax.

The soothing soundtrack and soft graphics make it an excellent option for anyone looking for calming entertainment.

Coffee Talk

Coffee Talk puts you in the shoes of a barista in a café. Your mission is to serve drinks and engage in conversation with customers to uncover their secrets and help solve their problems.

The pixel art design and lounge soundtrack make it an excellent option for anyone looking to relax with an original adventure, who enjoys both graphic and textual adventures, and who is terrible at latte art in real life. A sequel has been released: Coffee Talk Episode 2.



Cozy Grove

Cozy Grove is a life simulator on a haunted island. The idea is to explore forests and other mysterious places to discover secrets and help local ghosts find peace. Your campsite and the surrounding landscapes are constantly evolving. 

The player thus develops their ability to build relationships in a community, in a chill and relaxed atmosphere.

These games are all great choices for having a good time on your Nintendo Switch, whether you're looking to relax, escape, or be moved. It's your turn to play!

Thanks to our friends at dockandplay.fr for the nice contribution to this article.

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