Since the Nintendo Switch is ahandheld console, it can be taken anywhere with the players. This portability makes it perfect for situations where there is some time to kill, such as waiting at the dentist’s office or taking a daily bus to work or college. These short time windows aren’t ideal for sprawling RPGs that require players to immerse themselves in them, or story-based titles that cannot be or shouldn’t be paused during a cutscene, lest the impact of the story be lost.
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A new Animal Crossing or a Kid Icarus: Uprising remaster would be perfect on the Switch 2.
An ideal game that can be played in short bursts takes little to no time to throw you into the action, gets saved plenty of times so players can drop them when the time’s up and is often not narrative-focused. All of these ten games fit into this category perfectly and are loads of fun when played in short bursts.
10Townscaper
A Pocket-Sized City that Grows with Every Tap
Townscaper
There are no timers, objectives or fail states in Townscaper; just a blank ocean waiting to be transformed into a colorful, cozy city. Players tap on the grid to place buildings and the game’s algorithm automatically generates structures that seamlessly connect, creating winding streets, towering lighthouses and charming little neighborhoods.
Its simplicity makes it perfect for short bursts of play. There’s no need to remember mechanics or continue from where you left off. All the players have to do is open the game, place a few houses and close it, making Townscaper one of thecoziest games to pass the time on the Switch.
A Reality-Bending Puzzle Box in the Palm of Your Hands
In Fez, perspective is everything. What seems like a simple 2D platformer quickly reveals its secrets when players gain the ability to rotate the world in 90-degree increments, turning flat surfaces into fully explorable 3D environments, but only one 2D plane at a time. This mechanic transforms level design into a puzzle, requiring players to think in multiple dimensions to solve environmental challenges and find hidden collectibles.
Its non-linear progression makes it an ideal game to play in short bursts. There’s no pressure to complete levels in a single sitting and players can explore at their own pace, solving a puzzle or two before setting it down.
8Baba is You
Breaking Brains One Puzzle at a Time
Baba Is You
The bite-sized level structure makes it perfect for quick play sessions. A single puzzle can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes to crack and players can jump in and out without losing progress. It’s the kind of game that sticks in the mind even when not playing, where a eureka moment might strike during an idle moment of the day.
7Fall Guys
A Party Royale of Chaos and Mayhem
Few multiplayer games capture pure, unfiltered chaos as well as Fall Guys. The game pits dozens of jellybean-like contestants against each other in wacky obstacle courses and absurd mini-games where survival is often as much about luck as it is a skill. Each match lasts just a few minutes, making it an easy pick for quick play sessions.
Unlike more traditional battle royales, Fall Guys has a low barrier to entry. There are no load-outs to manage, no complicated mechanics to master and no long-term progression that requires grinding. Players can jump in, get eliminated in a ridiculous fashion and queue up for another match within seconds, making it a perfect game for bursts of quick, hilarious fun.
Slashing Through the Ever-Changing Corridors of Death
Dead Cells
Dead Cells combines the best of roguelikes and Metroidvania games, creating an experience where every run is different, and every death is a chance to grow stronger. Its fluid combat, tight platforming and a vast selection of weapons make every attempt feel fresh, while the procedurally-generated levels keep things unpredictable.
Since each run is self-contained, it’s an excellent game to play in short bursts. A single attempt can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on how far players get and there’s no need to worry about remembering complex story details between sessions. The pick-up-and-play nature of Dead Cells makes it one of the best games to dive into when time is limited.
5Slay the Spire
A Deck-Building Masterpiece That Never Plays the Same Twice
Slay the Spire
There’s a reason Slay the Spire is considered one of the greatestdeck-buildinggames ever made. Every run offers a fresh combination of cards, relics, and encounters, challenging players to adapt their strategy on the fly. With four unique characters, each with their own playstyle, and a deep risk-reward system, no two attempts ever feel the same.
The turn-based nature makes it perfect for short play sessions. A battle can be completed in just a few minutes, and since progress is saved after every fight, there’s no pressure to finish a run in one go. It’s the kind of game that’s easy to pick up, play a few rounds and set aside until the next opportunity arises.
4Rocket League
Cars That Can Fly and a Soccer Ball That’s Twice Your Size. Enough Said.
Rocket League
The moment a match starts, Rocket League is pure, high-energy action. Combining soccer with rocket-powered cars was a stroke of genius. To no one’s surprise, the game is easy to understand but difficult to master. Players boost, flip and aerial their way across the field in an attempt to pull off ridiculous goals, last-second saves and clutch plays.
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One of the reasons why Nintendo Switch stands out from Steam Deck is its exclusive titles, but these ten third-party titles are equally good too.
A standard match lasts only five minutes, making it ideal for quick gaming sessions. There’s no story to keep track of, no lengthy tutorials to revisit and the skill ceiling is high enough that even short play sessions can lead to gradual improvement.
3Splatoon 3
A Multiplayer Ink-Slinging Frenzy
Splatoon 3
Fast-paced, team-based and unlike anything else in the shooter genre, Splatoon 3 turns online multiplayer into an all-out ink war. Matches in the signature Turf War mode last just three minutes, making it one of the fastest online experiences available. Players don’t need to memorize complex maps or strategize, just cover as much ground in their team’s color as possible before time runs out.
Beyond Turf War, the game offers quick-access modes like Salmon Run, a cooperative horde mode that also operates on short, frantic rounds. With its rapid-fire gameplay and instant matchmaking, Splatoon 3 is perfect for squeezing in a match or two between daily tasks.
2Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
We’re Tired of Recommending this Game
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
No racing game is more instantly accessible than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The core mechanics are the same as they’ve been since the SNES days: drift, use items and cross the finish line first. But this newest entry is polished to perfection, with a variety of unique track designs and a character roster that puts past entries to shame.
Each race lasts only a few minutes, making it perfect for short play sessions. Whether playing solo,competing against friendsor online, there’s no need to commit to a lengthy session to enjoy what the game has to offer. Quick to start, easy to play and endlessly entertaining, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains one of the best pick-up-and-play games on Switch.
1Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The Ultimate Brawler, Anytime, Anywhere
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
With a roster of over eighty characters, dozens of modes and some of the best multiplayer action in gaming history, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the definitive fighting game for short bursts of play. Battles can be as quick or as drawn-out as players want, with stock matches sometimes ending in under a minute and timed matches providing fast, chaotic action.
It’s a game that players can jump into at any moment, land a few well-timed hits and walk away satisfied. No game on Switch delivers short bursts of excitement quite like it.
7 Longest Games On Nintendo Switch
If a game is long and enjoyable, then it’s just chef’s kiss, and these titles on the Switch are the best in this regard.
