Picross S (1, 2, 3, or 4)
If you think that Sudoku puzzles are addicting, then just wait until you get a taste of the Nonograms in Picross S. These mind-engrossing puzzles start out in a simple 5×5 grid and expand all the way up to 20×15. And with hundreds of puzzles in each title, this cheap Switch indie title has tons of value packed in.
The small developer of the Picross S games, Jupiter Corporation, started out developing Nintendo-published Picross titles back on the NES. Now the team is publishing its own titles on Switch and each one is just as addictive as the last.
SteamWorld Dig
SteamWorld Dig is a bit of an older indie title. The first release of the game on the 3DS was fun but was limited by the 3DS screen. Fortunately, the version on the Switch is a considerably higher resolution than the original. And it still plays just as well now as it did seven years ago.
If you’re into games with randomly generated worlds, then it’s pretty tough to top SteamWorld Dig.
The game is also chock full of the exploration you’d expect from a Metroidvania. And since the world is never the same twice, you’ll essentially have an endless number of underground areas to explore.
Blossom Tales
If you loved Link’s Awakening last year and you’re needing more top-down action-adventure games in your life, then Blossom Tales is exactly what you need right now. It’s the closest you’ll get to an indie LoZ game without actually playing Cadence of Hyrule.
You could even argue that this is more of a Zelda game since it has a more traditional style of gameplay. But don’t let that make you think this is just some cheap knockoff meant to confuse parents with a similar title. Blossom Tales absolutely stands on its own as a fantastic adventure.
Stardew Valley
If you like the planting side of Animal Crossing or if you loved Harvest Moon, then you absolutely need to get into Stardew Valley immediately. This is no joke. Stardew Valley is one of the best life sims out there to unwind with after a long day.
You can enjoy it on your own or you can invite a couple of friends to play with you and plant some turnips together. There’s also a town filled with NPCs who you can get to know, befriend, and even marry. And that’s just the tip of the endlessly deep iceberg.
Super Meat Boy
Super Meat Boy is a classic indie title from the last decade. Its insanely hard levels are a feat in level design and they still induce massive amounts of rage to this day.
Even if you’ve played this game before, it’s well worth picking up again on Switch purely for the challenge.
Many games have tried to match the difficulty and ingenuity of Super Meat Boy, but many have also failed. If you have the time and patience for one of the most difficult and rewarding platformers of all time, then you have to check out Super Meat Boy.
Golf Story
Golf Story is exactly what it sounds like. This Switch indie is a golf game that also has a narrative of redemption running throughout it. But this game is even more than that. Besides the golfing and the story, there are also environmental puzzles, RPG mechanics, and plenty of places to explore.
Even if you’re not a huge fan of the sport, Golf Story is an experience that any fan of indie games absolutely needs to check out. Plus, it’s about as long as your typical AAA game. If you’re big into getting the most for your money, then it doesn’t get any better than Golf Story.
Gorogoa
Puzzle games like to make you think outside the box and consider new ways of thinking in order to find solutions. No game captures this idea better clearly than Gorogoa. It’s not hyperbole to say that Gorogoa forces you to bend your perception of reality in order to succeed.
This game is all about showing you that your current view of what is reality can vary differently from what someone else in a different location may see. The best part is when you start to learn the “language” of the game and seemingly impossible puzzles just start to click.
Ape Out
Ape Out is one of the most simplistic cheap indie titles on the Switch and that’s what makes it so darn fun. This gorilla is not a gentle giant. He’s not the video game version of Harambe. This is an orange killing machine that is a nearly unstoppable force.
You can tear enemies to shreds, toss them around like they’re rag dolls, use them as shields, or even force them to use their guns against their comrades. It’s a gore fest that never lets up. Fortunately, the simplicity of the graphics never lets the gore get to a stomach-churning level.
Sayonara Wild Hearts
Sayonara Wild Hearts is the sole rhythm game on this list, but it’s not just here to fill a quota. This title is arguably one of the best looking cheap indie games on Switch. And on top of that, it has possibly the best overall soundtrack as well.
The best way to describe Sayonara Wild Hearts would be the most trippy electro-pop ballet you’ll ever experience. The gameplay flows so smoothly with the music and visuals that everything you do in the game looks absolutely beautiful and effortless.
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is one of the longest games on this list and it’s definitely one of the best. If you haven’t played it yet and you’re looking for something to tide you over until the fall, then there’s plenty of incredible Metroidvania exploration here for you.
But it’s not just the gameplay and exploration that makes Hollow Knight an incredible indie title. The beautiful art style breathes life into this world that you just can’t stop exploring. And the multiple possible endings keep you coming back for more.
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