Underrated Simulation Games For Switch

Simulation games have been on a massive spike lately, especially with games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Microsoft Flight Simulator becoming major hits over the last few years. These games have ways of putting players in positions of living their lives as if they were living someone else's. And there are plenty of simulation games out there for people to experience.

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By  Megan Smith

One of the best platforms for simulation games is Nintendo Switch, which has embraced the simulation genre more than any other console. Because there are so many, it's important to look deep into the Switch's library, as some of the best ones out there are not getting people's attention.

Updated on April 6, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra: The Nintendo Switch is one of the best video game consoles of all time, serving as a major comeback for the company after the bombastic failure of the Wii U. The combination of home and portable console technology was a major hit, with the Switch serving as a hub for some of Nintendo's best games. There is a wealth of games from different genres on the Switch that are a blast to check out, including the simulation genre that has seen major waves on the hybrid console.

23 Harvest Moon: The Winds Of Anthos

The Overabundance Of Games In This Genre Reduced The Attention This Game Got

The controversy surrounding the very name Harvest Moon itself has caused many hardcore sim fans to shun any new games made under this IP. While this hatred is understandable, it shouldn't take away anything from the fun players can have while playing Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos.

There are some annoyances that players have to deal with while playing this game, but the simulation gameplay is pretty solid otherwise. As long as players are willing to ignore the ever-present controversy, The Winds of Anthos is a perfectly serviceable game for players to spend their time on.

22 Harvestella

Lost In The Sea Of Farming Sims With RPG Elements

Square Enix's deluge of releases has proven to be a bit too overwhelming for most players. As a result, many of their games have been overlooked before they could make a major splash, with Harvestella being one of them.

The combination of farming and RPG elements is something fans have seen over and over again, but Harvestella does just enough to do justice to these concepts. It may not be the most innovative game around, but it's worth checking out for players who want to enjoy a polished version of the farming sim/RPG hybrid gameplay.

21 Bee Simulator

Playing As A Bee Is More Interesting Than Players Would Assume

A lot of modern simulation games on Switch and other platforms sell themselves almost entirely on their gimmicks which can often leave players feeling disappointed once they realize just how shallow their shiny new game really is. While this scenario can be incredibly common when dealing with simulation games surrounding insects, animals, or objects, it is not at all the case when it comes to Bee Simulator. The humble bumblebee serves as the perfect vessel to transport players far far away from the problems of everyday life.

It's surprisingly easy to become lost while exploring the game's world, just as it is to find oneself fretting over the troubles of their furry little friends. The team over at Varsav Game Studios did a fantastic job fleshing out the game's mechanics and concepts far beyond the standard 'you are a bee' theming that lesser developers would have settled for. When all's said and done, the game provides players with a chance to see the world from a different perspective that will likely be incredibly different than anything they've experienced before.

20 Story Of Seasons: Friends Of Mineral Town

The Lack Of The Harvest Moon Name Does Nothing To Take Away From This Game's Soul

It may no longer bear the Harvest Moon name, but the heart and soul of the series can still be found throughout Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town. This 3D remake of the 2003 GBA classic looks and plays great and serves as a great example of how classic franchises can reinvent themselves for the modern era without needing to start from scratch.

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By  Patrick Long

Friends of Mineral Town was always one of the better Harvest Moon titles and so it should come as little surprise that the remake is one of the best simulation games on the Switch. A few harsh reviews prevented it from attaining the kind of average rating it deserves, but it's not a game that needs to rely on critical acclaim or past reputations to make its point. It is a game that can provide hours of content to anybody willing to give it a chance. Those who do might find it difficult to put it down again afterward.

19 Do Not Feed The Monkeys

Spying On Unsuspecting People Makes For A Surprisingly Engaging Time

Nothing screams simulation than watching life play out and being told not to interact with it. But Do Not Feed The Monkeys explores the morality of being able to watch people through security footage without them realizing it and investigating their every move.

The ability to spy also comes with the ability to interact with the people who are being spied on, but there is a risk in assisting people as it could expose the exclusive club the player is in. Plus, players will need to worry about having enough money to pay rent and take care of their hunger/sleep situation as well.

18 Fae Farm

A Hidden Gem In The Vastly Populated Farming Simulator Genre

The farming simulator has gotten a lot of legs over recent years, with tons of indies coming out that fit under the label. However, there is something incredibly unique about Fae Farm, a game that is about settling in the beautiful and magical world of Azoria.

Featuring co-op with up to three other players, players can set up their new home in the town, get to know the residents, and explore to discover all the secrets that are hiding around the island. Magic is a key part of the gameplay, such as making potions and casting spells when fighting enemies.

17 Arcade Paradise

It's A Lot Of Fun To Make An Old-School Arcade, Even If The Game's Presentation Could Use Some Work

Needing to run a business is a common trope in some of the best sim games on Switch, but what if the business that the player is assigned can turn into something both completely different and really cool? That's the general premise of Arcade Paradise.

Players own a laundry mat and must complete tasks to keep the business running. However, as time progresses, players can slowly turn the business into a full-blown arcade with 35 cabinets that are playable. Each of these cabinets can be played alone or with local multiplayer, with players being able to chase high scores.

16 Spiritfarer

A Cozy Game Focused On Letting Spirits Peacefully Pass On To The Afterlife

Similar to Stardew Valley, Spiritfarer is an indie simulation game that got a lot of love when it debuted in 2020. But Thunder Lotus Games stopped adding updates to the game by the end of 2021, thus not committing to supporting the game long-term. Because of this, it is easy to forget how special Spiritfarer was at its launch.

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As Stella the ferrymaster, players will manage a boat that carries spirits to their afterlife. Just like other simulation games, players will collect resources through various means and use them in crafting to improve the sailing experience. But the game stands out for the various characters Stella meets along the way and for learning to deal with parting ways with them.

15 Speaking Simulator

Moving A Robot's Mouth To Emulate Speech Is Surprisingly Fun

Sometimes, it's just hard to get the right words out. It's even harder to speak when one is a robot trying to pose as a human being. In Speaking Simulator, the player takes on the role of a robot that looks very human-like. The goal of the game is to take on scenarios that require a lot of talking.

The mechanics revolve around the player moving the mouth and tongue in ways so they can perfectly sound out the words the robot is trying to say. It will be important to try to get it as exact as possible or there is a risk the robot's face will blow up.

14 Beat Cop

An Underappreciated Game Where Players Take On The Role Of A Disgraced Cop Who Must Clear His Name

It may be more of an adventure game, but Beat Cop simulates the life of a detective who is looking to dig deep into the secrets around him. This pixel-art game set in the 1980s follows a former cop who was framed for murder.

The goal of the game is to explore the nonlinear story structure by walking around the city and finding clues. Interrogate people who may know a thing or two to help get to the bottom of what really happened. Along the way, there will be people standing in the detective's way to prevent the investigation from proceeding.