Looking for a quick adventure to play on the go or to curl up on the couch with? Thankfully, the Nintendo Switch has you covered with a plethora of games that can be completed in under 10 hours or less. Let’s dive in and find out some of the best games on the eShop that can be finished throughout a weekend, and find plenty of new adventures to lose ourselves in.
Best Short Games on Nintendo Switch
No matter if you’re looking for a new side-scrolling adventure, or just something silly with animals that cause property damage, the Nintendo Switch has a variety of unique titles that can keep you occupied for just a few hours, all without putting major strain on your pocketbook. Here are our choices for some of the best short games on the system.
8. Untitled Goose Game
- How Long To Beat: 3 Hours
While the runtime of Untitled Goose Game may be only around three hours or so, you’ll find that this is a game that sticks around in your memory for far longer. You take control of the titular Goose, and it’s your goal to cause as much havoc and mayhem around the neighborhood as possible. It’s a very charming game with an endearing art style that will have you laughing for years to come. It’s also very replayable, even if the objectives are always the same.
7. Lil Gator Game
- How Long To Beat: 4.5 Hours
Taking plenty of inspiration from games like The Legend of Zelda, Lil’ Gator Game puts you in the shoes of a lil’ gator who goes on a big adventure. It’s very cute, and it’s just as much fun to watch as it is to play. The sense of adventure is unparalleled and can invoke plenty of nostalgia for players who miss the era of games it’s designed after. Plus, witty dialogue keeps every encounter interesting, and a cast of characters that can’t be beaten makes Lil’ Gator Game the perfect weekend warrior.
6. Gravity Circuit
- How Long To Beat: 4.5 Hours
It seems that its graphical style and gameplay aren’t the only things Gravity Circuit borrows from its inspiration, since this game can be completed in nearly the same amount of time as Mega Man X. However, while its runtime may only be 4.5 hours, it’s very replayable, especially if you’re hoping to tear through these rogue Circuits in record time. With tight controls and an incredible soundtrack, Gravity Circuit is just the game you’re looking for if you’re craving the days of SNES goodness on your new console.
5. A Short Hike
- How Long To Beat: 1.5 Hours
A Short Hike definitely lives up to its name and has to be one of the shortest games available on this particular list. However, the story told within this timeframe is one that you’ll remember for years to come. An emotional coming-of-age story, you’ll step into the shoes of Claire as you set off on a big adventure at Hawk Peak Provincial Park. It’s a unique game and one that offers plenty of collectibles if you’re hoping to extend your playtime by a few extra hours.
4. Firewatch
- How Long To Beat: 4 Hours
Have you ever dreamed about leaving your life behind to live life in the desolate wilds? Firewatch may be the game for you, then. Taking place in the late 1980’s, you’ll find yourself in the shoes of Henry, after he has left behind his previous life to take watch as a Fire lookout in Wyoming. However, the story that unravels before you is unlike anything you may have experienced before, and is something unique and beautiful, leading to a wild narrative adventure that keeps you on your toes.
3. Sky: Children of Light
- How Long To Beat: 5 Hours
From the studio behind games like Flower and Journey, Sky: Children of Light offers a single or multiplayer experience unlike anything else available on the market. While thatgamecompany has been known to deliver highly emotional and impactful stories for years now, know that Sky: Children of Light is no different, as you race toward your objective on your own or with your friends. It’s also free to play, so you won’t need to worry about dropping a dime while you play through this one, and thanks to its narrative and gameplay style, its short playtime can be extended for years to come.
2. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- How Long To Beat: 11 Hours
While this may just skirt the 10-hour limit, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is just too charming not to include here. Published by Nintendo originally on the Wii U, it saw a new chance at life on the Nintendo Switch and also included a variety of new levels exclusively for the console. While not too challenging, Captain Toad offers plenty of eye candy with cutesy visuals and a soundtrack that will be buzzing in your ears for the foreseeable future. Don’t miss out on this particular puzzler, as it’s a diamond in the rough.
1. Night in the Woods
- How Long To Beat: 9 Hours
If you’re looking for a deep, story-driven game with plenty of unique characters unlike anything you’ve played before, Night in the Woods may be your new muse. Featuring a cast of characters all fighting their own fight, some of the most well-written dialogue in any game on the market, and a variety of choices that can completely change the outcome of the game, you’ve found the right game to play. While it’s on the shorter side, it does feature two separate endings, so make sure you choose the right choices.
No matter if you’re looking for a bite-sized adventure or something you can experience multiple times over the years, this list should provide you with some excellent additions to your Switch library. Make sure you know what free-to-play games you should be adding alongside this particular lineup, and you’ll be ready to roll.
