We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and itspublishingpartners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Replace your Animal Crossing burnout with one of these equally relaxing and charming Nintendo Switch titles.
1. Stardew Valleytakes all the community and home building you love about Animal Crossing and ramps it up to 1,000. Farm, fish, collect crafting materials, make friends, get married, and SO MUCH MORE in this slam dunk of a cozy game you've probably already heard of, but absolutely need to try if you haven't.
Amazon
Promising review: "I was a huge animal crossing fan, now I play this game! I love the character stories and all of the secret things I’m figuring out how to do! There are endless quests and things to be done each day in the game, the days are not real-time like animal crossing, and I really enjoy the seasons! I play on my switch." —K_miller
Get it from Amazon for $37.49 or get a digital download code for $14.99.
2. Spiritfarerties together heavy themes of grief and loss with stunning visuals, unforgettable characters, and charming gameplay. Ferry souls to the other side in what is essentially a floating bed and breakfast that you customize, while farming, fishing, hugging, cooking, and crafting your way across mystical seas.
Amazon
Promising review: "Reintroducing myself to games with a switch, I wanted easy games to relax with. This game was perfect. Beautiful and charming it captured my heart and I found myself sitting up late to play. It does pull at the heart strings but it a fun game to play if you want to de-stress." —Bridgette Carter
Get it from Amazon for $29.60(also available for PS4) or get a digital download code for $29.99.
3. A Short Hikewill remind you to stop and smell the roses without ever stepping foot outside (perfect for a rainy day). It's a bite-sized experience that will fill you with all the warm and fuzzy feelings as you explore the island's lush surroundings, chat with other hikers, and collect hidden treasures as you make your way toward the mountain's peak.
Nintendo
Yes, this game is short — as the title suggests — but this well-curated, but not too curated, experience is easily worth every penny. The environments and the characters on this little island are teeming with beauty and charm. A group of friends and myself all played this game during peak COVID lockdown and we all agreed it captured a certain social spontaneity that we were all sorely missing at the time. If you're cooped up on a rainy day, this is THE game to turn to.
Get a digital download from the Nintendo Store for $7.99.
4. New Pokemon Snapreignites loads of nostalgia for fans of the original N64 version, but you certainly don't need to have played the original (or really know anything about Pokemon, for that matter) to fully enjoy this virtual safari of a game. Throw apples, take pictures, and explore colorful realms populated with wildPokemon!
Amazon
Promising review: "Like many others, I loved the original N64 game. This game is absolutely giving me the same excitement and joy that the original did. Levels are diverse, pokemon are plentiful, and the world is full of the little challenges and puzzles that are so satisfying to figure out.!" —dljuly3
Get it from Amazon for $54.70or get a digital download code for $39.
5. Unpackingbrings players into someone else's home and asks you to unpack their belongings at different life stages in a zen puzzle game with no timers or scores. It's the best parts of moving with zero of the stress, and you'll gradually uncover the character's backstory through the items they bring along and leave behind.
GameStop
6. Cozy Groveplops players on a haunted island filled with stunning hand-drawn landscapes that gradually come alive as you — a Spirit Scout — explore the camp grounds, helping spirits in need. Similar to Animal Crossing, this game is synced with real world time, metering out new quest content each day.
Amazon
Promising review: "I'm loving everything about this game! The pace is slow and measured, there's so much to do without the pressure of fighting or losing hearts. There are a lot of different things to do: fishing, cooking, catching critters all while doing tasks. It's got very nice, very mellow music that fits the mood so perfectly." —Ellen
Get a digital download code from Amazon for $14.99.
7. Life is Strange: True Colorsbrings players into the life ofAlex Chen, a young woman with supernatural abilities working to solve the mystery of her brother's death. You'll explore the town, get to know its inhabitants, and make tough choices that impact the story.
Amazon
Promising review: "So beautiful and so charming. Everything is so well thought out. The music fits perfectly and you really start to feel for the characters. The story had a lot of twists and turns that I did not see coming. 100% recommend this game. It wasn't just a bunch of story lines and click A or B to move the story forward. You got to explore the town a bit, help different people on side tasks, and get feedback on random items in each scene (that changed constantly). And I like how I can play it again to see how my choices affect the end results. Again highly recommend." —Newcattitude
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+(available in six editions).
8. Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasiondelivers on its impeccable title by having players take on the role of a mischievous turnip who's recently been evicted after failing to pay their taxes. Now you must embark on a journey to pay back Mayor Onion, solving puzzles, battling foes, and meeting other garden folk, whileuncovering the corruption behind this vegetable government.
Amazon
Promising review: "This game is absolutely hilarious! Imagine if Link from Legend of Zelda had a vegetable garden, and all the crops got really inspired by his journey and decided to have their own, but also decided to fill it with horrible memes and puns. That's basically what this game is. My only complaint is that it's not longer. I could have kept playing this forever. A sequel is coming out sometime this year I believe and I can't wait!" —Amy
Get it from Amazon for $29.97.
9. Night in the Woodshighlights a cast of colorful animal characters as you take on the role of Mae, a college dropout returning to their hometown looking to reconnect with friends. But (SURPRISE) things aren't the same as when she left. Explore the sleepy town ofPossum Springs, mingle with its inhabitants, and likely discover more than a few dark secrets along the way
Amazon
Promising review: "This is a beautiful game that was very enjoyable. Thematically, it addresses depression and loss, and that specific nostalgia for childhood that young adults experience. It is slightly darkish in places, but the snarky, loopy humor keeps it from ever being too dark. It's a story-driven game with a nice amount of character development. It doesn't require much coordination to get through the mini-games or required activities. Most of the gameplay is spent moving around and talking to other characters. I highly recommend it." —Jupiter
Get a digital download code from Amazon for $19.99.
10. Kirby and the Forgotten Landreunites players with their favorite powerful puffball in a 3D platforming adventure where you inhale enemies and objects to copy their powers — all with a player two, if you want!
Amazon
Promising review: "It's so cute, sometimes overwhelmingly so, that I have to put it down, it's just too much. The way Kirby mouth-ifies random objects makes me giggle. The graphics are great and the gameplay is smooth, just like you'd expect from a premier Nintendo title. I've never been into the series before myself, but deffo recommend" —Amy Lockwood
Get it from Amazon for $49.99or get a digital download code for $59.88.
11. Grisfollows a young girl lost in her own dreamy, watercolor world while she works through a painful experience from her past. In this game there is no danger or death, just light puzzles to solve as you make your way through beautifully designed environments and gain dress powers that aid your exploration. Sidebar — the soundtrack is absolutely stellar!
Amazon
Promising review: "This game is gorgeous. Absolutely recommended for...anyone. It's emotionally heavy without being depressing, it's puzzle-challenging without making you want to scream. Seamless cutscene transitions, beautiful artistic styling, and music that matches perfectly. This is easily one of my favorite games." —T. Byrnes
Get a digital download code from Amazonfor $16.99.
12. Coffee Talktakes place in an alternative Seattle where elves, orcs, and other fantasy races live together with humans in a modern world. In this talk simulator, you'll brew coffee while immersing yourself in the lives of customers. This game also gets cozy bonus points for it's too-cute, anime-inspired pixel art and jazzy, lo-fi soundtrack.
Nintendo
Get a digital download from the Nintendo Store for $12.99.
13. Spirit of The Northfeatures no speaking or strict plot, making for a peaceful adventure game where you play as a red fox roaming Icelandic landscapes. Rooted in Nordic folklore, you'll discover ruins, solve puzzles, and speculate on the fate of a lost civilization.
Amazon
Promising review: "I enjoyed this game a lot. It was short, but if you take the time to really explore and try to get all of the collectables, you will get many more hours out of it. I enjoyed the music. You only really have one character, the fox, but even though there is not any speaking in the entire game, your character has a lot of personality. I didn't find the game too difficult to navigate. Some of the puzzles were frustrating, but over all I found it very relaxing and an easygoing storyline that I absolutely loved." —Krystal Clifton
Get it from Amazon for $27.95.
14. Townscaperbrings all the fun of building blocks to your Switch. More of a digital toy than a game, you'll select color palettes and build scenic islands, block by block, without any strict goals or objectives. Just a bit of mess-free creativity!
Amazon
Get a digital download code from Amazon for $5.99.
15. Wytchwoodpositions you as the mysterious witch of the woods in a vibrant land of gothic fairytales. In this crafting adventure game, you'll explore the countryside, collect loads of magical ingredients, and whip up enchantments as you interact with a moody mix of characters and creatures.
Nintendo
Get a digital download from the Nintendo Store for $19.99.
16. Firewatchtakes players back to the distant past (1989) where you play as Henry, a man retreating from his messy lifeto work as a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness. Drawn from your tower by mysterious happenings, you'll explore stunning environments and make impactful choices as you solve this edge-of-your-seat mystery.
Nintendo
Get a digital download from the Nintendo Store for $19.99.
17. Mini Motorwaystaps into your inner city planner (we all have one of those, right?) as you draw ever-expanding road networks to meet the changing needs of your bustling metropolis. Maps are inspired by cities around the world, and you can even compete against other players in daily and weekly challenges!
Nintendo
Get a digital download from the Nintendo Store for $14.99.
18. Lemon Cake channels your inner baker by helping you repair your bakery with the help of a friendly ghost. In addition to growing your own fruit, you can also mix recipes and serve customers coffee.
Nintendo
Get a digital download from the Nintendo Store for $29.99.
19. Paleo Pines: The Dino Valley gives you the power to build your own cozy dino sanctuary and befriend dinosaurs with the help of quirky townspeople.
20. Little Friends: Dogs & Cats lets you play with three pets at once and own up to 12... because dreams really do come true.
21. Disney Dreamlight Valley (Cozy Edition) because, well, the vibes are in the name. While you still have objectives in this game (such as freeing the Dream Castle from a group of Forgettings) you'll also have the opportunity to make friends with all your fave Disney characters as well as create your very own character with special outfits and home decorations.
Curling up with your Switch for some serious cozy gaming:
Warner Bros. Pictures
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
