The Nintendo Switch is home to all sorts of games spanning a wide range of genres. Thanks to the unique touch screen feature, motion controls, and handheld functionality, certain genres prove particularly appealing on the platform.
A prime example is the music and rhythm genre, which doesn’t just mesh well with the console, but is also very well represented. There are a multitude of games that have earned a more-than-respectable 80 or above on the rating aggregate, Metacritic. There are even some games which, despite falling just short of making our list, still make for worthy music romps.
Games like Ubisoft’s Just Dance and the lesser-known MUSYNX utilize Switch’s unique features and include many great tracks, making them solid choices to dance and/or rock out to.
With that said, let’s get into the groove as we highlight the 10 highest-rated music and rhythm romps on Switch, according to Metacritic.
10 Aaero: Complete Edition (80)
The music genre has seen various “hybrid” games of late - which suits this style of straightforward gameplay quite well. S2 Entertainment’s Aaero reinforces this notion, with some trance-enduring visuals and addictive rhythmic gameplay.
This psychedelic journey fuses space shooting and maneuvering with music-based gameplay. The appealing techno and trance soundtrack cleverly syncs up with a shifting path that must be followed in order to rake up points and dodge obstacles. Even more enjoyable are the action-shooting sections interwoven with the rhythms and tunes.
9 Cytus Alpha (81)
This simple, yet appealing rhythm game is a great example of the Switch’s touch screen capabilities enhancing the gameplay. This seamless input makes the free-flowing mechanics even more intuitive. Cytus Alpha by Flyhigh Works has players tap, drag, and hold notes to earn high scores and combos.
With the slew of color-coded cues on screen, synchronized with the rhythmic soundtrack, the game feels akin to a digital instrument as much as a video game. It’s a unique and engaging experience.
8 Voez (81)
Voez often gets brought up by fans of both indies and musical experiences. The game quietly but consistently built a passionate fanbase following its mobile release in 2016. This has carried to the Switch, which fits the handheld hardware and touchscreen like a glove.
As is the case with our previous entry, the game rolls with an instrumental feel, ditching the need for the Joy-Cons and allowing for touchscreen-exclusive controls. Amidst a colorful, visually pleasing backdrop, scrolling notes appear, prompting the player to tap and hold different variations of them.
This vibrant virtual piano is as visually enchanting as it is fun.
7 Groove Coaster: Wai Wai Party!!!!! (83)
As you likely gathered from its cute aesthetic and peculiar title, Groove Coaster stresses anime-tinged themes. This extends from the art style to the delightful soundtrack. The catchy J-pop tunes blend perfectly with the charming look and feel of the game.
Those who’ve played the PS2 cult rhythm game Gitaroo Man may recognize a similar mechanic that melds rhythmic button taps with directional movement.
The fluid motion of the on-screen action proves hypnotic and thrilling all in one measure, and 4 player face-offs further amp up the excitement and fun.
6 Just Shapes & Beats (83)
The title tends to give away the stripped-down of this romp. Nonetheless, Just Shapes & Beats makes for an enjoyable rhythmic trip - and one that throws in some surprisingly tricky gameplay.
The aesthetic is reminiscent of the Atari era, featuring a hodgepodge of basic shapes and splotches. Still, there’s ample action and excitement to be had, as players will need to dodge and weave through this onslaught of hazards.
The projectiles, as well as their movement and trajectory, essentially sync up with the intense soundtrack. This gives a distinct feeling of playing against the music itself. An enjoyable online mode also helps flesh out the experience.
5 Sayonara Wild Hearts (83)
Those wondering what a psychedelic music game might look like when fused with a motorcycle scramble need look no further than Sayonara Wild Hearts.
Developer Simogo’s software feels like a virtual trance and techno ride as much as a video game. Players will be speeding across darkened roads while shifting about and scooping up collectibles flying by. The game also mixes things up with skateboarding, shooting, and even dace battling sections.
The rhythmic elements of the custom pop music are more passive here, but still manage to flow and mesh well with the experience.
4 Thumper (85)
“Atmospheric” would be a suitable word to describe this entrancing music game by Drool LLC. The synthetic melodies and dark backdrops juxtaposed with vibrant paths round out this trippy experience. The game was launched as VR software at first, and it certainly shows with its thick sense of atmosphere.
The lightning-fast speeds and maneuvering make Thumper feel like a vibrant virtual roller coaster - and an exhilarating one at that. The handheld functionality and HD rumble further enhance the experience.
3 Cadence Of Hyrule: Crypt Of The Necrodancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda (85)
Brace Yourself Games’ reworking of Crypt of the Necrodancer works surprisingly well when blended with a Zelda overlay. The game feels like a hybrid of SNES Zelda and a musical romp, using the strengths of both. The result is a joyful experience that feels both familiar and unique with its rewarding rhythmic combat and movement.
The remixes of familiar Zelda tunes add a neat twist to the rich melodies and provide a suitable foundation for this journey.
Randomly-generated maps and rotating challenges ensure players will get plenty of replay value out of this gem.
2 Crypt Of The Necrodancer: Nintendo Switch Edition (86)
It’s perhaps not too surprising that this original indie which spawned Cadence of Hyrule narrowly edges that out - even if it does exclude the iconic Zelda IP. With its appealing tunes, psychedelic visuals, and majestic themes, Crypt of the NecroDancer grabs ahold and doesn’t let go.
The game offers 15 hours of adrenaline-pumping content. Besides this, a local co-op mode and randomly generated dungeons extend the experience of this roguelike.
1 Deemo (88)
Yes, it is possible for a music game to offer a narrative that isn’t just competent, but surprisingly rich and heartfelt. Such is the case with the colorful, stylistic Deemo by studio Rayark. As a shadowy, secluded being, players are tasked with playing tunes on their virtual piano in order to spur the growth of a sapling into a tree. This will give a lost girl a path back to her home.
Deemo’s controls are intuitive and versatile, offering traditional controls and fluid touchscreen options. The dozens of vocal and instrumental songs are a joy to play, as they coast by in the form of pegs Guitar Hero-style.
For $30, the game presents a ton of delightful content, offering the base game and various updates trickling out since its release in late 2017.
NEXT: The 10 Best Dancing (And Rhythm) Video Games Ever Made, Ranked
