Forgotten Switch 1 games deserve more than a quiet digital shelf. With the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch bringing a wave of new content, now is the perfect time to shine a light on titles that were underappreciated the first time around. With over 60 games confirmed for launch and beyond, Nintendo isn’t just moving forward—it’s leaving behind a library filled with hidden gems and criminally overlooked titles.
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So let’s hit pause. Here are 5 forgotten Switch 1 games that absolutely deserve a second chance on the Switch 2—whether through re-releases, upgrades, or just a little spotlight love.
1. Astral Chain
Developed by Platinum Games and published by Nintendo, Astral Chain should’ve been a headline act. But timing, niche aesthetic, and low-key marketing pushed it into cult classic status instead.
This cyberpunk action-RPG mixes high-speed combat with detective work, otherworldly set pieces, and some of the most stylish character designs on the system. The chain-based Legion combat? Still elite.
Why It Deserves a Second Life: A Switch 2 remaster at 60fps with minor tweaks to the pacing and UI would give Astral Chain the comeback it deserves—especially with the current demand for sci-fi action RPGs.
2. Ring Fit Adventure
Remember when this game was sold out worldwide? Ring Fit Adventure quietly became a pandemic icon—then just as quietly faded. But beneath the exercise gimmick is a full-blown RPG with stat builds, classes, and world design that rivals Paper Mario.
Why It Deserves a Second Life: With Switch 2’s improved motion tracking and Joy-Con upgrades, Ring Fit 2 could become Nintendo’s ultimate wellness title. Add co-op or PvP leaderboards and it’s an instant viral hit again.
3. Ever Oasis
Okay, technically this one launched on 3DS. But it’s the spiritual Switch-era title that never got ported. Created by Koichi Ishii (Secret of Mana), Ever Oasis was an action-RPG meets town builder hybrid that oozed warmth and creativity.
Why It Deserves a Second Life: It’s a perfect candidate for a Switch 2 HD remaster or sequel. With cozy games now trending, this beautiful little desert tale would thrive—especially if marketed alongside Rune Factory or Animal Crossing content.
4. Good Job!
Released during a Nintendo Direct with little fanfare, Good Job! is a physics puzzle comedy about causing workplace chaos. You play as the CEO’s kid, destroying office furniture while solving absurd logistical problems.
Why It Deserves a Second Life: With social clips driving indie success more than ever, Good Job! could be massive with a multiplayer update and Switch 2’s native screen capture. It’s made for TikTok. Bring it back as a budget launch re-release and give it the shelf space it earned.
5. Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido
This one was set up to fail. Released at $49.99 with little context, Sushi Striker combined lightning-fast puzzle action with anime story tropes and a banging soundtrack. It was weird—in the best way possible.
Why It Deserves a Second Life: Reposition it as an NSO bonus game, slash the price, and update the touch controls. Suddenly, you’ve got a fast, fun, culturally loud game that fits the modern content ecosystem. It’s snackable, stylish, and deserves redemption.
Final Thoughts
With a massive install base, countless eShop-only titles, and a few gems that just got lost in the noise, the Switch 1 era is a goldmine of games ready for revival.
These 5 forgotten Switch 1 games each represent something different—bold design, experimental spirit, niche passion. They didn’t fail because they were bad. They just got overshadowed.
Now with Switch 2 on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to bring them back.
What other Switch 1 games do you want to
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