7 Cosy Nintendo Switch Games to Play When You Need a Break

Need a break from the daily grind? These feel-good, cosy Nintendo Switch games are made for slowing down and recharging.

Not every gaming session calls for chaos, timers, or a competitive showdown with friends. Sometimes, you just want to slip into a softer world where your biggest responsibility is watering virtual plants or deciding which villager to befriend next. Once seen as a niche subgenre, cosy games have quietly bloomed into a global favourite, thanks to their wholesome characters, immersive storytelling, and calming soundtracks that feel like a lullaby for the soul.

On days when you’d rather not argue over burnt rice in Overcooked or drift your way to victory in Mario Kart, these feel-good titles offer a much-needed breather. So if you’re looking to unwind, recharge, and maybe spend a few hours decorating a pixel-perfect home, here are seven cosy Nintendo Switch games worth curling up with.

1. ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS

If your dream getaway involves fishing at dawn, catching rare bugs, and obsessively rearranging your living room furniture, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is calling your name! In this life simulation game, you start anew on a deserted island and gradually shape it into a thriving paradise. Plant your own fruit trees, celebrate seasonal festivals, and build friendships with adorable animal villagers you’ve personally chosen to stay. There’s no rush, no deadlines, and certainly no wrong way to play. Whether you’re designing the perfect outfit, terraforming your dream neighbourhood, or hopping over to a friend’s island for inspiration, you’ll find joy in the freedom to simply take things slow. Not to mention, it is one of the most popular cosy Nintendo Switch games, so if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon, do so now!

2. A SHORT HIKE

Released in 2019, A Short Hike is a charming indie adventure that proves you don’t need high stakes or epic quests to have a good time. Set in the serene Hawk Peak Provincial Park, you play as Claire, a young bird on a casual mission to reach the summit in search of mobile signal. But how you get there and how long you take is entirely up to you. Along the way, you can glide through the air, fish in tranquil lakes, chat with quirky animal hikers, and stumble upon hidden treasures tucked along the park’s trails. It’s a bite-sized game you can finish in an afternoon and still think about for days.

3. STARDEW VALLEY

Originally inspired by Harvest Moon, a 1996 farming simulation game, Stardew Valley is the ultimate comfort game for anyone who’s dreamed of quitting the city and moving to a quiet countryside farm. After inheriting your grandfather’s old plot of land, you’ll grow crops, raise animals, mine for gems, and nurture relationships with the locals, some of whom you can even marry. Every day brings new surprises, and the slower pace makes it easy to immerse yourself in the game’s 16-bit universe and lose track of time in the best way.

4. SPIRITFARER

Few games handle death with the nuance it deserves, but Spiritfarer approaches it with empathy, heart, and a touch of magic. This hand-drawn indie gem invites you to play as Stella, a ferrymaster to the deceased, tasked with helping spirits pass on by building them comfortable quarters, fulfilling their last wishes, and spending meaningful time together. With its gentle storytelling, emotional depth, and stunning visuals, Spiritfarer is both a management sim and a heartfelt meditation on life, death, and everything in between. It’s a game about letting go but also about finding beauty in every goodbye. Just be warned: it will make you cry!

5. DISNEY DREAMLIGHT VALLEY

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hang out with your favourite Disney and Pixar characters? Well, now you can! In Disney Dreamlight Valley, you’ll find yourself in an enchanting realm where beloved characters become your neighbours, teammates, and friends. One moment you’re whipping up ratatouille in Remy’s kitchen, the next you’re solving mysteries with Mickey Mouse or braving snowy quests with Elsa, all while working to lift a dark curse known as The Forgetting. It’s a whimsical blend of adventure and nostalgia that lets you live out your very own Disney fairytale.

6. UNPACKING

At first glance, Unpacking might seem straightforward: just open some boxes and put things away. But with each item you place, a quiet, deeply personal story begins to unfold. Unlike the chaotic co-op energy of Moving Out, this is its calmer cousin, a game that invites you to slow down and appreciate the little things. There’s no dialogue or cutscenes, yet every object tells a piece of the protagonist’s journey as they move through different chapters of life. It’s part puzzle, part meditative experience, and wholly heartwarming that captures the bittersweet process of growing up, letting go, and making a space feel like home.

7. MY TIME AT PORTIA

In My Time at Portia, you arrive in a colourful, post-apocalyptic town with one goal: to restore your father’s rundown workshop to its former glory. It blends crafting, resource-gathering, dungeon exploring, and relationship-building into a uniquely endearing role-playing game (RPG). Whether you’re assembling complex lift systems, growing your own vegetable patch, or taming llamas, each task pulls you deeper into Portia’s surprisingly rich world. With every blueprint unlocked and bond formed, you’ll discover a game that’s equal parts cosy and ambitious—perfect for players who crave a sense of progress, purpose, and personality.

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