Easy-going/casual game recommendations for the Switch

[Psydye]

So, I have a **** ton of digital games for the Switch and some hard copy games as well, most of which, while fun, are a bit hardcore...meaning they require real effort to get through: tough challenges, hard bosses and the like. I've been meaning to get some more easy-going/casual games lately, so that I can still enjoy myself but in a more relaxed state. There is of course ACNH, which I already have and Minecraft which I ALSO already have but that's pretty much it. I've been thinking of giving Harvest Moon a try but am not sure. If there's any recommendations you guys can give me, I'm all ears! Thanks in advance.

 

[Neb]

The Harvest Moon games on the Switch aren’t very good, so I’d recommend Rune Factory 4, Story of Seasons Friends of Mineral Town, and Stardew Valley. All of them are excellent farming simulators to relax with.

If you want to try a relaxing JRPG I recommend Atelier Sophie or Atelier Ryza! Both games have a satisfying gameplay loop of collecting materials and making items and armor with them. The soft visuals alone could put you into a state of zen.

 

[Autumn247]

I really enjoy Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town

Some other recommendations:

• Cattails: Become a Cat (in this game you are a cat, it’s a casual RPG) there’s also a sequel to it coming out soon called Cattails: Wildwood Story
• Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
• Calico (in this game you run a cat cafe and do tasks for neighbors
• Littlewood (this is a great little farming/rpg type game)
• My Time At Portia : this is a RPG/simulation game
• Cozy Grove
• Coffee Talk (in this game you make different types of coffee for various customers. There’s Orcs, vampires, etc as customers. You talk with them, it’s a visual novel, it’s really good and worth checking out.

 

[Zerous]

Two that I've played recently that I enjoyed a lot but weren't too difficult were Wandersong and Gris : )

 

[Corrie]

Definitely don't get the Harvest Moon games anymore. They're done by another company who sucks lol. The actual company that made the old Harvest Moon games you know and love are now under the title Story of Seasons. Those are the games you want lol

 

[Flicky]

If you liked Minecraft, I'd recommend Dragon Quest Builders 2. Very similar gameplay, and a pretty engaging storyline until you reach the sandbox stage. You don't need to have played the first game, but if you'd rather do that, then just know that the first game is considerably less relaxing and easy-going (monsters never cease attacking during story mode, for instance, whereas in the sequel, level completion guarantees that they'll leave you alone in your town).

I haven't played it, but I have heard great things about Stardew Valley as well.

 

[nightglow]

Captain Toad's Treasure Tracker was fun and in my opinion, casual.
The Last Campfire is a puzzler game that I felt was casual. (I played the demo I haven't purchased the game yet... waiting for SteamDeck)
Ooblets is coming to switch this year and it appears to be casual.
I've heard good things about A Short Hike.
Haven Park is cute and casual.
Littlewood appears to be casual, kind of like Stardew Valley which is another casual game.
I've heard different things about Calico. It looks casual. I would look into its reviews.
China Town Detective Agency is a point and click adventure. I played the demo and it seemed casual to me. Most point and clicks are.
Ultreia is another point and click game and it is casual. I enjoyed it.
Time on Frog Island. I know it is coming to switch and has a page up, but you can check to see if their demo is up yet. I played thier demo on steam and I thought it was fun. It is a puzzler game.
Oh! and Electhead is coming to the switch this year and is a puzzler game that appears to be casual.

These may not be as casual as you are looking for, but you can look into them and decide that or not.
Gato Roboto is a casual metrovania platformer in my opinion. It does have boss fights.
Garden Story is casual. There is boss fights though.
Wuppo appears to be casual. It does have boss fights though.
Spiritfarer I feel is casual but at times can feel tedious with the cooking.

Wholesome Games Direct is coming up Saturday, June 11 at 9:30am PT. Many of the games they showcase are casual.

 

[QueenCobra]

I haven't played these, but these casual ones might be up your alley:
--Cozy Grove
--Cafe Enchante
--Untitled Goose Game
--Coffee Talk
--Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
--Alpaca Ball
--Terraria
--Stardew Valley
--Cooking Mama(?)
--Smash Bros. (I have this one lol)
--Switch Sports
--Mario Kart 8 (Have this one too)
--Little Friends
--My Time at Portia

 

[Alienfish]

I wouldn't say AC:NH is that casual but sure

I don't have a whole lot of Switch games, but Splatoon 2 is fun as long as you don't play too competitive I'd say. Agree about MK8D though yeah online is hell due to all cheaters lol.

Also basically any Pokémon games out there I guess.

 

[Corrie]

I would recommend Kirby games as well. They're platformer games but very easy ones and full of cuteness!

 

[Psydye]

Lots of great suggestions here! I'll be sure to check them all out(or as many as I can, anyway). Also, yeah, I'm definitely looking forward to Pokemon Scarlet/Violet. Can't wait!

 

[Louise_]

Maybe Pokémon unite if you just play and have fun