For me, the ultimate in cozy games is being able to curl up on the couch or in a recliner with a blanket on my legs and my dog right beside me as I play. Nintendo Switch is my favorite way to play cozy games.
If you've never played a cozy game and want to check it out, start here!
If you've thought about this one a lot and wondered if the price tag is worth it, it is! (P.S. Because it's been out for awhile, you might be able to find a used copy if you're lucky. But if you have enjoyed cozy games before, get it whether it's ful...
I won't tell you the number of hours I've played this game, but I will say it got me through the pandemic and was a phenomenal way to “have fun with friends” when we couldn't all be in person.
I may have even played the game on two switches to have two co-existing islands to fully decorate and to travel between to visit the opposite town's villagers.
This will be a hard game to surpass. Nintendo, I hope you have something massive planned for Switch 2!
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch
No, you're not seeing double. This is the downloadable content for Animal Crossing, and just like the base game, it is phenomenal in every aspect.
If you have ever wanted to dig in to designing every part of each villager's home, this is your opportunity. And that cap of 10 villagers on your home island? How fun would it be to welcome SO MANY more residents to create their dream home in a new d...
If you don't want the fun to end, you absolutely must pick up this expansion as well!
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise DLC - Nintendo Switch
You certainly won't sink as many hours into this one as Animal Crossing, but I promise you'll enjoy every moment playing as the adorable penguin trying to reach the summit of the mountain to find some cell service!
I hesitated when I saw the “pixelated” art style, but I really needn't have done so. Everything comes together in this super casual, meandering adventure from the art style to the incredible music.
You will not want to rush your incredible trip up the mountain as you meet new friends, get lot in a little side quest or two, and just hang out to enjoy the picturesque places you'll find along the way.
A Short Hike for Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Official Site
This game is absolutely amazing.
Unpacking may not sound very fun to a lot of people, and perhaps in real life it isn't, but trust me, this game is SATISFYING.
All the tiny objects, the sounds, the music, every little detail in this game I enjoyed.
What you may not expect is a story. I was really taken aback by the narrative that develops over the course of our protagonist's life. What possessions does she carry, move after move? Which ones disappear and why might they have gone missing?
That's all I'll say because you really need to experience this one for yourself!
I HIGHLY recommend Unpacking.
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Unpacking
If you love both cozy games and the earth, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is a great way to join your two loves.
Laid back and beautiful, the story follows Alba during her summer at her grandparents' home. Spending so much time close to nature and with her grandfather (who adores birds!), Alba quickly realizes the island needs her help in more ways than one.
It's been several years since I've played this game. My son and I played some of this together, and he loved being able to help the wildlife. Though he was a bit concerned about the animals, I assured him all would be well in the end (and, spoiler al...
Though I have linked to a physical copy here, you may want to check the Nintendo Switch online store. It is currently a MUCH better deal!
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Alba: A Wildlife Adventure - Nintendo Switch
If you have checked out my “Gifts for Cat Lovers" list, this one may look familiar! If you haven't, I have included my brief review below:
I downloaded this game for the Switch for myself, but after watching me laugh and play for a bit, my husband became addicted and finished the main storyline after a few binge sessions.
If you loved The Untitled Goose Game, you'll be right at home here! The humor, great music, and puzzle-solving focus will feel familiar if you were a fan of the former.
However, Little Kitty is an experience of its own, and I may actually prefer it. Your kitty meets all sorts of friends along the way, and I appreciated the dialogue, which adds a ton of humor and a basic storyline with side missions to the game.
There are a variety of tasks to complete, and even once you finish the main quest, there is plenty more to be done.
So cozy. So cute. So fun.
I love supporting a new publisher as well, and I feel great about the purchase. Now *I* need to play through the game on my own!