My Recommendations for Cozy Fall Switch Games (in 2024)

If it’s an evening of nostalgia and retro arcade games you’re in need of, 198X hits the spot.

This coming of age story follows Kid, a teenager stuck between the limitations of youth and the obligations of inevitable adulthood. One evening Kid stumbles upon a local arcade where every game uncovered, every move mastered, every demon defeated – Kid grows stronger. And the lines between reality and game start to blur…

198X has beautiful pixel art, atmospheric music, and a considered story. It does have some fighting and difficult levels to master but it’s done so beautifully that even beating demons feels cozy.

I played 198X back in late-2020 on Nintendo Switch and it still makes an appearance every autumn on my playlist. I’m recommending this for the nostalgic vibes that I know millennial cozy gamers will appreciate. It’s one of the few pixel-art style games I have thoroughly enjoyed playing.

I don’t understand why folks don’t like HARVESTELLA.

Square Enix certainly tried to add too many elements into one game BUT there’s something about this life-sim/RPG that continues to compel me to play it. I recently picked this game up and as someone who wishes Final Fantasy had more cozy elements Harvestella just hits for me.

HARVESTELLA is set in a world where four giant crystals called “Seaslight” create a stable change between the four seasons. The adventure begins as abnormalities in the Seaslight begin to appear, creating the “Quietus,” a season of death. During the Quietus the crops wither and people cannot venture outside.

You can grow and tend to crops, use ingredients to cook and craft items, and venture into the overworld, which vibrantly changes based on the season, to visit different towns, interact with townsfolk, go fishing and more. 

Fabledom is a laid-back City builder that was released in May of this year and is now coming to Nintendo Switch.

Set in a wholesome fairytale world, Fabledom is a laid-back City builder. Enjoy the growth of your
settlement, interact with your neighbors, and defend your kingdom from magical creatures. All to
find true love and live happily ever after!

With flying pigs, giants, gnomes, and witchy sisters, I feel this will be a hit with cozy gamers who love management with a dash of romance and whimsy.

The Garden Path is a slice-of-life gardening sim that let’s you live your granny life.

Celebrate the small moments, meet an endearing cast of travelers, and potter about. It’s so low pressure in fact that you may find yourself nodding off to sleep. The Garden Path is like a beautiful lullaby.

Some might say that not exactly the hallmark of a great game, but if a game can lull me into a deep slumber after a long day dealing with people then that’s a win in my book.

No matter how you decide to play, the garden is a tender world of familiar sights and sounds, mysteries, and friendly faces. A space to call your own, to curate, and to reflect.

I don’t care what anyone says, Palia is so much better in handheld.

Sure the graphics aren’t as good on Switch but I think when the Switch 2 comes out Palia is gonna be AMAZING on it!

Palia is a cozy community-driven MMO where you craft, hunt, cook, fish, and farm with friends. You play as a human who reappeared after a long long time and you need to help the local Majiri if you want to find out why.

Build your own street in this cozy, casual management sim. Unlock and customize buildings, manage your shops, and maximize the happiness of your villagers.

Build homes to add villagers to your street, then improve their happiness by beautifying every inch and building a variety of shops & attractions! These include ramen shops, boba cafes, bookstores and more, each with unique inventories and effects.

The sandbox mode focuses on creativity and relaxation, allowing you to immerse yourself in the peaceful, cozy world without the stress of objectives.

I will never stop recommending this witchy journey. The vibes are top tier cozy season!

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood is a multi-faceted narrative that unfolds over decades, following Fortuna’s journey of self-discovery and the profound repercussions her choices hold for both her Coven and the wider world.

As a tarot girly, I need more games like this in my collection. You get to forge one-of-a-kind divination cards from hundreds of options and shape the destinies of the characters you cross paths with.

If you pick up one game this autumn, make it The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood.