8 Cozy Games on Nintendo Switch that are probably classics now
I’ve reached the grand old age of… old. I’m not saying I’ve got a bad back and a favourite mug, but if I did, they’d both be vintage. And now I catch myself saying things like, “Ooh, that one’s a classic” about games that came out, what, six years ago?
But let’s be real—your definition of “classic” might involve pixel art and a cartridge. Mine? It’s the cozy gems I first fell for on the Switch, back when everyone else was still playing shooters and pretending Animal Crossing wasn’t a personality trait.
Cozy gaming as a thing really took off around 2020 (thanks, spicy flu). But I was already knee-deep in farming sims and wholesome indies before it was cool. These days I’ve got less time, less patience, and a weird craving for the familiar. So I keep circling back to the games that feel like a soft reboot for my brain.
They’re short. They’re sweet. And if you’re anything like me, they probably helped shape your taste in cozy games too.
My Fav Classic Cozy Games on Switch
So in today’s post I wanted to share with you 8 Nostalgic Cozy Games on Nintendo Switch I keep picking back up. Pour yourself a drink because I’m going to take you on a trip down memory lane… even if it was just half a decade back.
1
Cities: Skylines
Cities: Skylines is a modern take on the classic city simulation. The game introduces new game play elements to realize the thrill and hardships of creating and maintaining a real city whilst expanding on some well-established tropes of the city building experience.
I’ve played Cities: Skylines on Steam, Xbox and Switch and although it is best played on Steam because of the extra add-on packs, I’ve played it so much more on Switch. I tend to hop into a fresh new sandbox with infinite money each time I play. I keep progression on, but I do like the freedom of building anything.
Released on Nintendo Switch – 14/09/2018
2
GRIS
Gris is the unforgettable story of a young woman navigating grief. As you progress through the levels you begin to reveal new paths to explore using her newly acquired abilities. It’s a work of art that will move you to your core.
It’s an atmospheric puzzle platformer and when I first played it I was sceptical. Having mostly played management simulators and life sims I didn’t expect to like something so artsy. But Gris pulled on my heart and helped me understand my own grief better.
Released on Nintendo Switch – 13/12/2018
3
Paper Mario: The Origami King
Paper Mario: The Origami King is a cute and charming adventure. The devious King Olly has transformed Princess Peach into origami, uprooted her castle and sealed it shut with magical paper streamers. Mario needs to team up with Olivia, a origami princess, to stop the kingdom being folded into chaos.
This happened to be my first experience of a Paper Mario game. I even bought the physical game which came with fridge magnets as a pre-order special (I still have them!). I loved everything about this game except the ring battles because they pulled me out of the world. I preferred exploring the levels over battles.
Released on Nintendo Switch – 17/07/2020
4
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Shape the future of a continent on the verge of war in Fire Emblem: Three Houses for Nintendo Switch. Lead the students of one of three prestigious houses through their academic lives and in tactical, turn-based battles filled with new, strategic twists to overcome.
Okay, hear me out. I know Fire Emblem isn’t cozy. It’s a JRPG with turn-based battles. But something about it kept me hooked. I’d never touched a Fire Emblem game before this one, but Three Houses has plenty of cozy elements like slow days at the monastery, bonding with my students, gardening, cooking, mini-games… all very ‘me’. I don’t just play wholesome games, I play what feels right. And the students of the Officers Academy definitely earned their place on this list.
Released on Nintendo Switch – 26/07/2019
A visual novel set in 2020 fantasy Seattle. Coffee Talk is a game about listening to people’s problems and helping them by serving up a warm drink out of the ingredients you have in stock. It is a game that depicts lives as humanly as possible, while having a cast that is more than just humans.
Coffee Talk became my obsession! It was the first ever visual novel I played and I had my reservations for sure. I think having been a barista in the past I was drawn to this game because of the latte art. But, if I’m honest, that ended up being only a small part of why I loved this game so much. I just wanted to know what happened to Freya.
Released on Nintendo Switch – 29/01/2020
In Spiritfarer you play Stella, ferrymaster to the deceased. Build a boat to explore the world, then befriend and care for spirits before finally releasing them into the afterlife. Farm, mine, fish, harvest, cook, and craft your way across mystical seas.
This game teaches us how to say goodbye to our loved ones. It’s beautiful, poetic and heartbreaking. The characters felt so real and full of life that it was hard for me to let any of them go. I heartily gush about this game to anyone who’s never played it but loves exploration games.
Released on Nintendo Switch – 18/08/2020
7
A Short Hike
Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park as you make your way to the summit. Talk to the other hikers to discover the secrets of the mountain, gain feathers to fly for longer and enjoy a short stroll through nature.
A Short Hike is an open world cozy birb simulator just as wholesome as it sounds. As an avid hiker myself I appreciated the autumnal colours, nature sounds and passing conversations. When I can’t get out and about I often pick this game back up to help me relax.
Released on Nintendo Switch – 18/08/2020
8
ABZÛ
From the artistic mind behind Journey and Flower, ABZÛ is a beautiful underwater adventure that evokes the dream of diving. Immerse yourself in a vibrant ocean world full of mystery and bursting with colour and life. Perform fluid acrobatics as the Diver, using graceful swimming controls.
It’s a peaceful diving experience with one or two areas that felt a bit intense, but this added to the game atmosphere. I spent more time meditating in-game while I watched the fishies swimming around my character than I probably did exploring.
Released on Nintendo Switch – 29/11/2018
Do you have any classic cozy games that you can’t stop picking up? Let the community know in the comments. Have a great day!
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Just for the record, the title image is Wytchwood, which isn’t mentioned anywhere in the article.
Thank you for your comment. I’ve updated the article now to include the game in the photo 🙂
Thank you so much for the article.. I have been playing strong of seasons for awhile and wanted another cozy game.. Overwhelmed with the amazing options out there.. What would be the top 3 shortlisted games?
Gaming is such a personal pursuit it would be impossible to narrow down the TOP 3 games in any genre. For me personally, I’d say my Top 3 (to play right now) are Spiritfarer, GRIS, and Journey. However, my Top 3 Games of all time would be very different. What would you say yours are?