Best Nintendo Switch Games for Travel: Cozy Edition 2024

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Welcome to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, your pocket-sized island getaway on the Nintendo Switch! 🏝️

This miniature world simulator transforms you into a desert island’s resident fixer-upper. Your mission? Turn a patch of wilderness into a thriving community, one DIY project at a time.

As the ultimate crafting game, you’ll be whipping up everything from fishing rods to fancy furniture. It’s town management with a cute twist – think SimCity meets talking animals. Place houses, build bridges, and decide the pressing issues, like where to put that all-important pineapple farm.

What sets New Horizons apart is its real-time seasonal game play. Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies in summer, leaf piles in fall, and snowmen in winter. It’s a year-round vacation minus the sunburn!

Perfect for travel, this game moves at your pace. Catch rare bugs during layovers or go fishing on red-eye flights. It’s your island, your rules!

So pack your Switch and escape to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It’s like a portable zen garden, but with better fashion and mortgage payments to a capitalist tanuki. Island life was never this fun – or adorably demanding! 😉

2. Another Crabs Treasure

Scuttle into an oceanic odyssey with Another Crab’s Treasure, the crustacean-themed Soulslike making waves in the gaming world! 🦀

Meet Kril, our plucky hermit crab hero, on a mission to save his underwater home from pollution. In this perilous yet beautiful aquatic realm, you’ll explore coral reefs and sunken ships teeming with secrets and enemies.

The game’s unique twist? Kril’s shell-swapping ability, turning oceanic junk into armor and weapons. Soda can shield? Bottle cap boomerang? You bet! It’s underwater dress-up with a pinch of danger.

Blending challenging combat with environmental storytelling, Another Crab’s Treasure tackles ocean pollution with wit and depth. Perfect for both quick gaming sessions and longer dives, it’s an ideal travel companion.

So, pack this charming, challenging adventure in your digital suitcase. With Kril, you’re not just fighting for survival – you’re battling for the entire ocean! 🌊

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3. Spiritfarer

Say ahoy to Spiritfarer, the indie gem that’ll make your journey fly by! 🛳️ This 2020 release from Thunder Lotus Games isn’t your typical gloomy afterlife tale. As Stella, you’ll ferry quirky animal spirits to the great beyond, all while exploring a world bursting with cute aesthetics.

What makes Spiritfarer a traveler’s best friend? It’s the ideal blend of wholesome games and low-stress gaming. Build your boat, cook for spirits, and uncover heartwarming stories – it’s like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley had a baby on a magical ship! With no game overs and a gentle pace, it’s perfect for both quick coffee breaks and long-haul flights.

The colorful cast of characters, from a grumpy hedgehog to a huggy deer, will have you laughing and maybe shedding a tear or two. But don’t worry, it’s cheaper than in-flight therapy and way more fun!

t’s a soul-soothing experience that adapts to your schedule. By the time you land, you might just learn something about life, death, and the power of a good hug. Now that’s first-class entertainment! 😉

6. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles

Sail away to the floating islands of Numina in Cloud Catcher Chronicles, your perfect sky-high relaxation companion! ☁️🏝️

As a young hero, you’ll restore ancient cloud-making machines while exploring a whimsical aerial world. This cozy adventure blends leisurely exploration with light puzzle-solving and collecting, all wrapped in a soothing watercolor-like art style.

Cloud Catcher Chronicles shines as a traveler’s delight with its pick-up-and-play nature. Whether you have minutes or hours, you can easily dip in and out of your cloud-catching quest. With automatic saves, you’ll never lose progress.

The game’s dynamic day-night cycle and changing weather create a miniature, ever-changing world in your hands. Paired with a gentle soundtrack, it’s the perfect antidote to noisy terminals and cramped seats.

So, pack Cloud Catcher Chronicles for your next trip. It’s your personal pocket of blue skies and fluffy clouds, ready to lift your spirits wherever you go. Just don’t get so engrossed that you miss the “fasten seatbelt” sign! ✈️😊

7. Yoshi’s Crafted World

Sure thing! Here’s a condensed version:

Hop into Yoshi’s Crafted World, where every level is a crafty masterpiece! 🦖🎨

Join our favorite green dinosaur in a world that looks like it popped out of a creative kid’s art class. Cardboard, paper, and buttons create a whimsical playground as Yoshi quests to recover the scattered Sundream Stone gems.

This isn’t your typical high-stress platformer. With relaxed pacing and forgiving difficulty, it’s perfect for laid-back travel gaming. The unique flip-side feature lets you play levels backwards, revealing hidden secrets – it’s like getting two levels in one!

Diorama-style stages packed with collectibles ensure there’s always something new to discover, whether you have five minutes or an hour. Intuitive controls make it easy to play even in cramped spaces, and a two-player co-op mode is great for travel buddies.

So, pack Yoshi’s Crafted World for your next trip. It’s the perfect blend of charm and laid-back fun to transform travel downtime into a crafty adventure. Just don’t get so absorbed hunting Poochy Pups that you miss your stop! 🎨✂️

8. Pokémon Snap

Certainly! Here’s a description of Pokémon Snap tailored for a travel gaming article, keeping it under 1000 characters:

Grab your camera and embark on a wild Pokémon safari with New Pokémon Snap! 📸🐾

This charming on-rails photography adventure is perfect for turning travel downtime into an exciting expedition. As a budding Pokémon photographer, you’ll cruise through diverse biomes in your NEO-ONE vehicle, snapping pics of Pokémon in their natural habitats.

From lush jungles to bubbling volcanoes, each course is a living, breathing ecosystem teeming with photo opportunities. Toss a fluffy Fluffruit to lure out shy creatures or play a melody to trigger unique behaviors. The goal? Capture the perfect shot!

What makes New Pokémon Snap ideal for travel is its pick-up-and-play nature. Each course takes just a few minutes to complete, perfect for short gaming sessions. But with multiple routes, day/night variations, and loads of secrets, you’ll want to revisit them again and again.

The game’s gentle pace and non-violent gameplay make it a stress-free choice for all ages. Plus, with online features, you can share your best shots or admire other players’ work during those long layovers.

So, pack New Pokémon Snap for your next journey. It’s more than a game – it’s a pocket-sized wildlife expedition that turns every travel break into a thrilling photo safari. Just try not to yell “Pikachu, smile!” in the quiet car! 😉🚂

9. Disney’s Dreamlight Valley

Certainly! Here’s a description of Disney Dreamlight Valley tailored for a travel gaming article, keeping it under 1000 characters:

Step into a magical world where Disney and Pixar characters are your neighbors in Disney Dreamlight Valley! 🏰✨

This enchanting life-sim adventure is the perfect escape during your travels. As the protagonist, you’ll restore a once-idyllic village from the insidious “Forgetting,” making it your own personal Disney paradise.

Craft, farm, and decorate alongside beloved characters like Mickey, Moana, and WALL-E. Each character has their own story and friendship quests, offering heartwarming tales perfect for those long flights or train rides.

What makes Dreamlight Valley ideal for travelers is its flexible gameplay. Whether you have five minutes to plant some crops or an hour to redesign your village, the game adapts to your schedule. With no time pressure, it’s a stress-free way to unwind between destinations.

The game’s stunning visuals and nostalgic Disney charm create a cozy atmosphere, turning any noisy airport into your personal Magic Kingdom. Plus, regular updates mean there’s always something new to discover.

So, pack Disney Dreamlight Valley for your next adventure. It’s not just a game – it’s your portable Disney vacation, ready to sprinkle some pixie dust on your travel downtime. Just don’t be surprised if you start humming “It’s a Small World” at passport control! 🎵🌍

10. Yoku’s Island Express

Welcome to Mokumana Island, where Yoku the dung beetle’s postal adventures take an unexpected pinball twist! 🐞📮

Yoku’s Island Express is a charming blend of platformer and pinball that’s perfect for livening up your travel downtime. As the island’s newest postmaster, Yoku must deliver packages and wake an ancient island deity, all while being bounced around by flippers and bumpers.

What makes this game a traveler’s dream is its pick-up-and-play nature. Each pinball area is a bite-sized challenge, ideal for quick gaming sessions between flights or during short commutes. But don’t be fooled – there’s a whole interconnected island to explore at your leisure.

The game’s gorgeous hand-painted visuals and soothing soundtrack create a pocket of tropical paradise, instantly whisking you away from crowded terminals or cramped seats. And with no fail state, it’s a stress-free experience that lets you progress at your own pace.

Yoku’s unique ball-rolling, flipper-bouncing gameplay is easy to grasp but offers enough depth to keep you engaged through long journeys. Unlock new abilities, discover secrets, and meet quirky island inhabitants in this whimsical postal adventure.

So, next time you pack your gaming device, make sure Yoku’s Island Express is ready to roll. It’s more than a game – it’s a pinball-powered island getaway that turns every travel moment into a delightful tropical escapade. Just try not to tilt your seat while aiming for that high score! 🏝️🎮

11. Oxenfree

Dive into the supernatural world of Oxenfree and its sequel, Oxenfree II: Lost Signals, perfect for travelers craving an eerie escape! 📻👻

Oxenfree follows Alex’s ghostly night on Edwards Island, while Oxenfree II jumps ahead with Riley investigating mysterious radio signals in Camena. Both blend coming-of-age drama with spine-tingling elements, captivating you even in noisy terminals.

These dialogue-driven games are ideal for cramped travel, with no fast-paced action to fumble through. Branching narratives offer high replayability for long journeys. The unique radio mechanic, where you tune into ghostly frequencies, feels right at home amidst travel hub sounds.

With gorgeous visuals and atmospheric soundtracks, both games create a moody bubble far from travel stress. So, pack the Oxenfree series for your trip. They’re pocket-sized paranormal adventures turning downtime into thrilling ghost stories. Just don’t play in a creepy hotel! 🏨👀

12. Oxenfree II: Lost Signals

Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller adventure game by Night School Studio. Join Alex and her friends on an overnight trip to an abandoned island where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs

13. Unpacking

Unpacking is a minimalist puzzle game that transforms unpacking into a meditative experience. Arrange items meaningfully while revealing a story through life’s moments. Unpacking is one of those cozy games that is more popular than I thought. I enjoy watching others play this game.

14. Gris

Gris is an enchanting platformer game that follows a young girl through a watercolor world, relying on visuals and music to convey a powerful emotional narrative.

15. The First Tree

Let’s dive into the poignant journey of The First Tree:

Embark on a fox’s emotional odyssey in The First Tree, a perfect companion for introspective travelers. 🦊🌳

This third-person exploration game intertwines two parallel stories: a fox searching for her lost cubs and a son reconnecting with his estranged father in Alaska. As you guide the fox through stunning, low-poly landscapes, you’ll uncover artifacts that reveal the son’s memories and regrets.

The First Tree shines as a travel game with its bite-sized chapters, ideal for short play sessions during layovers or commutes. Its simple controls and relaxed pace make it easy to pick up and put down, fitting seamlessly into your journey.

What sets this game apart is its emotional depth. As you bound through forests, tundras, and dreamlike environments, the narration unfolds a touching tale of family, loss, and hope. It’s the perfect way to turn travel downtime into a moment of reflection and catharsis.

With its breathtaking visuals and soul-stirring soundtrack, The First Tree creates a meditative bubble that can transform a noisy terminal into a serene forest glade. The game’s short duration (about 2 hours) makes it completable within a long flight or train ride.

So, pack The First Tree for your next trip. It’s more than a game – it’s a pocket-sized emotional journey that might just have you arriving at your destination with a new perspective on life and family. Just keep some tissues handy; those in-flight movies won’t be the only thing bringing tears to your eyes. 🍂🌠

16. Garden Life

Cultivate your own slice of paradise with Garden In!, the perfect green escape for plant-loving travelers. 🌱🏡

This charming gardening simulator lets you nurture plants from seed to bloom, right from your travel seat. With its relaxed, no-pressure approach, Garden In! turns any stressful travel moment into a peaceful gardening session.

The game’s hand-drawn art style is easy on travel-weary eyes, while its progression system keeps you engaged on long journeys. Plant, water, harvest, and unlock new species and decorations as you expand your virtual garden.

Garden In! is ideal for on-the-go gaming with its bite-sized tasks and zen-like experience. It’s your portable pocket of greenery, ready to bloom wherever your travels take you. Just resist the urge to start pruning the airport’s potted plants! 🌺✂️

17. Minek’s Night Market

Cast your line into Moonglow Bay, the cozy fishing RPG perfect for turning travel downtime into a quaint seaside adventure. 🎣🌙

Set in a 1980s Canadian coastal town, you’re a rookie angler revitalizing a struggling community. The game’s simple voxel art style and relaxed pace make it accessible to all.

Moonglow Bay’s episodic structure offers bite-sized quests and fishing expeditions, ideal for short gaming sessions during your journey. Fish, cook your catch, upgrade your boat, and uncover town mysteries.

The heartwarming story and soothing soundtrack create a cozy bubble, transforming noisy terminals into peaceful coastal retreats. It’s perfect for unwinding after sightseeing or during travel delays.

Reel in Moonglow Bay for your next trip – it’s your pocket-sized fishing village, offering a relaxing escape wherever you go. Just don’t cast your line in the airport fountain! 🌊

18. Garden Paws

Garden Paws is a charming farming adventure game in which players cultivate their dream farm on a magical island. They grow crops, raise animals, and build relationships with quirky community members.

19. Cozy Grove

Welcome to Cozy Grove, the charming life-sim that turns your device into a pocket-sized haunted island getaway! 👻🏝️

As a Spirit Scout, you’ll breathe life back into a deserted island by helping its quirky ghost bears with their unfinished business. Don’t worry, these specters are more Casper than creepy!

What makes Cozy Grove perfect for travelers is its bite-sized daily gameplay. Each in-game day takes about 30 minutes, ideal for quick gaming sessions during layovers or before bed at your hotel. The game’s real-time progression means there’s always something new to discover, no matter when or where you play.

Engage in relaxing activities like fishing, crafting, and decorating your campsite. As you help the island’s spirits, you’ll slowly bring color back to the hand-drawn, ever-changing landscape.

Cozy Grove’s soothing soundtrack and gentle pace create a calming bubble, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing or during stressful travel moments. Plus, with content that spans months of gameplay, it’s the perfect long-term travel companion.

So, pack Cozy Grove for your next adventure. It’s more than a game – it’s your personal island retreat, ready to offer a daily dose of coziness wherever your travels take you. Just try not to start chatting with the shadows in your hotel room! 🐻💖

How to Maximize Your Gaming Experience in the Air

Essential Gear for Sky-High Gaming

• Invest in noise-cancelling headphones for total immersion (check out my article about best noise-cancelling headphones for travel gaming)
• Pack a comfy neck pillow for the ultimate gaming posture
• Bring a portable power bank to extend your Switch’s battery life
• Use a tablet stand or phone holder to prop up your Switch for better viewing angles
• Consider a grip case for your Switch to improve comfort during extended play sessions

Battling the Dreaded “Nintendo Neck”

Now, let’s talk about the dreaded “Nintendo neck.” Oh boy, have I been there! On a long-haul flight to Tokyo, I got so engrossed in Animal Crossing that I didn’t move for hours. Big mistake. I stepped off that plane feeling like I’d aged 50 years overnight. That’s when I discovered the magic combo of a good neck pillow and regular stretching breaks. Now, I set a timer on my phone to remind me to do some in-seat yoga every hour. My seatmates might give me weird looks, but hey, at least I can turn my head at the end of the flight!

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Game Selection and Management

• Choose games with auto-save features for worry-free gaming
• Mix it up: Alternate between different cozy games to keep things fresh
• Opt for games with simple controls to avoid complex button combinations in cramped spaces
• Pre-download any updates or DLC before your flight to avoid disappointment
• Use the Switch’s parental controls to set gaming time limits and avoid losing track of time

Oh, and can we talk about the importance of mixing things up? I used to be a one-game kinda gal, but let me tell you, 12 hours of Minecraft can make anyone go a little blocky in the head. These days, I load up my Switch with a variety of cozy games. A little farming here, a bit of island decorating there, maybe some gentle puzzle-solving to spice things up. It keeps things fresh and helps the time fly by faster than you can say “Extra peanuts, please!”

Comfort and Eye Care

• Set brightness to a lower setting to reduce eye strain and conserve battery
• Use the Switch’s dark mode to make the screen easier on the eyes during night flights
• Bring a small microfiber cloth to keep your screen clean and glare-free
• Pack some non messy snacks that are easy to eat while gaming (think nuts or dried fruit)
• Wear blue light reflective glasses to reduce eye strain.

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Maximizing Your Space

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of comfort. My secret weapon? A table stand if you’re at the window seat, Remember BevLedge? Yes, you do. If you’re in a window seat you need it. They also sell one if you’re not in a window seat. They have an Airplane Tray Table Cover with Pocket Organizer that I love. Yes, you will look extra as fuck and you will get some side eyes of people wondering but you’re going to be SO comfortable being able to have all your essentials right with you. There is also a drink holder if you’re in a middle or aisle seat but make sure you research what kind of table your airline has.

Conclusion