Between all the big launches, you might be looking for a game that offers you a great experience, but doesn't break the bank all that much. Games under $20 usually fit that bill. However, with so many deals around, you could be left wondering which ones are worth your time and investment. If you've got a Nintendo Switch, these games are worth your $20.
Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly RPG, a Metroidvania that poses a tough challenge, a relaxing farming simulator you can sink hours and hours into, or something else entirely, we've gathered the best Nintendo Switch games under $20 to help you expand your gaming library without hurting your wallet too much too.
Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition - $19.99
An HD remaster of the PS1 RPG, Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition is the ideal way to experience this 1996 classic. Though the graphics and models have been updated for modern consoles, you can switch to the old versions if you wish to experience the game as it initially launched too.
The game's story explores the themes of parallel worlds, and there are plenty of choices to make and over 40 party members to meet and recruit. This edition also includes the prequel story of the Radical Dreamers (hence the name), which was previously unavailable to many fans.
Hollow Knight - $15
Beginning as a humble indie game developed by Team Cherry, Hollow Knight has since become one of the most popular Metroidvanias of all time. The game's gorgeous hand-drawn characters and environments instantly pull you in, and the engaging gameplay and exploration of the decrepit kingdom of Hallownest is what keeps you playing.
Don't let the charming art style fool you, though — Hollow Knight is full of challenging platforming sections and even more challenging bosses. If you're up for testing your skills, it's ultimately a rewarding journey. Just be prepared to die a fair few times, like in other Soulslikes.
Get it on the Nintendo Store here!
Celeste - $19.99
As well as offering a heart-felt story about self growth and acceptance, Celeste is an arduous but enjoyable platformer, where your skills will truly be put to the test. Follow Madeline as she climbs the dangerous terrain of Celeste Mountain, meeting new faces and learning to accept every part of who she is.
By the time you reach the summit of the mountain, you'll have overcome challenges and battles, both physical and emotional. The narrative and gameplay work hand-in-hand in this indie title, and it lends itself well to the Switch's handheld mode as well.
Get it on the Nintendo Store here!
Stardew Valley - $14.99
Stardew Valley has everything you could want from a farming sim — charming locals to befriend and romance, an abandoned farm to build up and make your own, and even some caves to explore if you want to try your hand at combat. The pixel graphics are gorgeous, so you'll want to make your farm look as good as can be.
The game wears its inspirations on its sleeve, taking the small town concept of the classic Story of Seasons series and transforming it into something new. For just below $15, there are hours of entertainment, and you can make your playthrough whatever you want it to be.
BioShock Collection - $19.59
The BioShock Collection includes all three games from the main series, so you really get some bang for your buck. The games are first-perosn shooters, but with a focus on narrative and filled with environmental storytelling that's earn the series a coveted reputation over the years.
In the first game, you explore the underwater city of Rapture, which was supposed to be a place where humanity could prosper. Instead, grotesque human experiments have taken place, disrupting the safe haven. With role-play, horror, and shooter elements all present, as well as engaging gameplay, the collection is well worth the price.
Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom - Prince's Edition - $19.39
Though it's a sequel to Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, you don't need to have played the first game to enjoy Revenant Kingdom. It's set in the same world, but follows different characters and a separate storyline. You play as Evan, a young king who's lost his kingdom. It's up to you to build a new kingdom and defeat the darkness that pervades the world.
The Prince's Edition includes three additional DLC packs — The Adventure Pack, The Lair of the Lost Lord, and The Tale of a Timeless Tome. These offer new story-based sequences as well as challenging dungeons for you to take on, so you can explore all that the world of Ni No Kuni 2 has to offer.
Night In The Woods - $19.99
If you're looking for a narrative-focused game that explores meaningful themes (and also has cute animal characters) then Night in the Woods is the game for you. The game follow Mae Borowski, who has just moved back to her hometown at her parents' house after dropping out of college.
You spend the days exploring Mae's hometown and talking to the people who live there — ones you used to know and new faces too. Though some mysterious happenings have also occurred in the town, Mae's mental state takes the center stage, offering a poignant portrayal of young adulthood.
Okami HD - $19.89
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Okami is a classic game first launched on the PlayStation 2 back in 2006 and the HD remaster made it accessible on modern consoles, including the Nintendo Switch. Playing as the sun goddess Amaterasu, you collect the Celestial Brush techniques and use their powers to rid the world of darkness.
The unique gameplay mechanic of literally drawing the brushstrokes is made even more immersive if you play using the Switch's touchscreen and fits perfectly with the water color art style. The narrative, characters, and environments all draw inspiration from Japanese history and folklore too.
Final Fantasy 7 - $15.99
If you haven't already, it's time to play the original Final Fantasy 7 on the Switch. It's the most famous title in the Final Fantasy series for a reason, boasting an exciting narrative, excellent characters, and a fun yet challenging turn-based combat system. You'll join Cloud Strife and Avalanche in a bid to take down the Shinra Corporation, which has been destroying the planet with its mako reactors.
This is a one-of-a-kind JRPG experience, threading important messages into its narrative that are still significant over two decades after its initial debut.
Get it on the Nintendo Store here!
Persona 4 Golden - $19.99
The Persona series is known for being hefty JRPGs, and Persona 4 Golden is just that. Switch between the daily life of the protagonist, Yu Narukami, where you can take on part-time jobs and experience school life, and the strange and dangerous TV World, where you'll traverse dungeons and encounter mysterious beings called Shadows.
There are hours and hours worth of content to sift through, and that's not even counting the main story that's filled with intriguing mystery and compelling characters. For just under $20, this is one you won't want to miss.
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