We all know how rich the Switch’s library is across most genres, but a few stand out more than others. Life simulation games, cozy games, farming simulation games, and hybrids of all three seem to do amazing on the system, but that isn’t surprising since the Switch is the “coziest" console of all time right? When I started playing Nintendo’s Endless Ocean Luminous, I realized just how much I enjoyed booting it up for a short session to unwind before moving to some RPG or the other. There are loads of games like that on Switch where I keep them installed in a dedicated folder to just have as a way to relax. That got me thinking of what I would consider the best cozy games on Switch in 2024, and here we are. As usual, this list is in no particular order.
Best Cozy Games on Switch
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action ($14.99)
Wait, VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action again? Didn’t I just include it in the best indies list? Well, this is in my top 10 games of all time, and one I go to regularly when I just want to relax and soak in the vibes, so how would it not be in this article? The Switch version of VA-11 Hall-A is my favorite, and it perfectly fits the game’s pick up and play gameplay style. If you’ve not played this yet, it is a world that will stay with you long after finishing it thanks to the characters, aesthetic, music, and narrative. Go ahead and mix drinks and then change some lives.
My Time at Sandrock ($39.99)
For My Time at Sandrock, I specifically wanted to include that video above and not an image because the game has dramatically improved on Nintendo Switch since launch. I loved the PC build I played, but I like having games like this on both Switch and Steam Deck. I play different save files across platforms, and was glad to see the team work to fix the issues the Switch version had to make it feel like a worthy purchase. With that out of the way, My Time at Sandrock is basically My Time at Portia, but bigger and improved in just about every way. I already love My Time at Portia, but this one is superb. You get a lot of freedom, and I always love soaking in the worlds in these games and just doing my own thing while all the other NPCs are on their routines. My Time at Sandrock is an easy recommendation on Switch now, and I can’t wait to check out the DLC soon.
Unpacking ($19.99)
Unpacking has you unpacking and arranging various objects as you experience someone’s life through different stages with a narrative that slowly unfolds through objects, locations, and puzzles. I already loved the storytelling, relaxing gameplay, gorgeous visuals, and soundtrack in Unpacking when I first played it, but revisiting it through the mobile release really hit home about it being one of the best indie games in a while. Despite some aspects stressing me out, Unpacking is a superb relaxing game that I recommend everyone check out on whatever device. The Switch and iPad versions are my favorite.
Stardew Valley ($14.99)
Stardew Valley is another one of the “ultimate" cozy games with how you can basically play it as you want and just chill while managing your farm or even fishing and interacting with the various and lovely characters. Stardew Valley was already amazing at launch, but in its current state, it is a steal at its asking price. I also recommend Stardew Valley on Switch above the other consoles because it feels great to play on the go. Hopefully the 1.6 update hits consoles soon.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons ($59.99)
For a little while, I was one of those people with 100+ hours in Animal Crossing: New Horizons that got tired of some aspects of the game and dropped it. I still think it is lacking compared to Animal Crossing: New Leaf, but revisiting Animal Crossing: New Horizons lately has made me realize that I actually enjoy coming back to it once in a while to just unwind or go visit a friend’s island. Speaking of visiting islands, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is also great in multiplayer once you deal with the Dodos. Jokes aside, Animal Crossing: New Horizons even without the DLC is well worth your time.
Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life ($39.99)
Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a remake of a GameCube game that a lot of people told me was one of the best entries in the series. I never played the original, but I adored Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life on Switch. It is one of the best life simulation games despite some aspects making it feel older mechanically, and it happens to not struggle on Switch like Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town does. If you’re new to the amazing Story of Seasons franchise, Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is an easy recommendation for one of the best cozy games on Switch.
Dorfromantik ($14.99)
When I first saw Dorfromantik, I thought it would be a nice puzzler. I didn’t think it would be a lovely blend of building strategy, puzzles, great music, and more together. If you’ve ever wanted a great zen-like puzzle game that punches above its weight with the mechanics, Dorfromantik is for you. It also perfectly suits portable play making it a great game to play on Switch, especially on the OLED model.
A Little to the Left ($14.99)
A Little to the Left, like Dorfromantik, is a relaxing puzzle game about organizing, tidying up, and soaking in the lovely visuals. It feels like a great game for fans of Unpacking as well. Your aim here is to move household objects into the right spots across various puzzles that have unique solutions. It also has gotten a great Switch conversion that uses the system’s features well with both HD Rumble and full touchscreen support.
Townscaper ($5.99)
Townscaper is more an interactive toy than a full game, but it is yet another release I recommend for those looking to grab something to unwind with. You “play" or interact with it to express your creativity as you immediately get lovely visual feedback building your own little colorful town. Every little thing you tap on is accompanied by a satisfying pop and click. The low asking price makes this an easy recommendation for Switch, though I think it is best on your phone if you have that option available.
Coffee Talk 1+2 ($12.99 + $14.99)
It only feels right to end an article that started at VA-11 Hall-a with Coffee Talk. A reductive way of describing Coffee Talk would be VA-11 Hall-A but coffee instead of drinks, but it is unique enough in other areas to be its own thing. Brew different beverages for folks, listen to their problems, soak in the lovely coffee shop ambience with lo-fi music, do latte art, and more in both Coffee Talk games. I’m cheating here by including both games instead of just one, but there’s a physical Switch bundle that has both so let’s just say I’m featuring that. Coffee Talk and Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly are two of my favorite chill games in years, and they shine on Switch in handheld mode.
Bonus:
Endless Ocean Luminous
Endless Ocean Luminous has been a nice surprise, and one game I absolutely would not enjoy if I spent more than 30 minutes on daily. I love the aesthetic and the excellent music, but mostly just enjoy jumping in and exploring to find something new. It is a great example of a game that’s best enjoyed in smaller chunks, and I also think it isn’t going to be for everyone. I was curious about it after the mixed reviews, but a friend who I trust with games said I would enjoy it. I’m glad I took that chance because I look forward to diving into Endless Ocean Luminous daily for a while in addition to playing online. I included this as a bonus because it isn’t something I can recommend without caveats. I wish it had a demo so people could immediately judge whether it was for them or not.
I’ve played and enjoyed every single game featured here on Switch in addition to other platforms when applicable, and can recommend the Switch versions if you like playing games there. I know there are some games most people talk about that I may or may not have included here, but this is what I consider the best. If you think there are some games I missed out on that others should try, please let me know in the comments below. Hopefully you find something you end up playing and enjoying from this feature on the best cozy games on Switch including the bonus. As usual, thanks for reading.
