Classic platformer video games helped pave the way for the gaming industry as a whole. Hallmark titles on the earliest home consoles, such asMarioorSoniccontinue to push the genre forward to this day. Platformers have only evolved since then taking players to grand new heights in some of gaming’s biggest adventures.
RELATED:Best Platformers Of 2022
But with the advent of portable machines like the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck, the question for genre fans becomes: what platformers are best played on a handheld device? Whether touchscreen mechanics, glowing visuals, or the simple need for mobility are factors in your gaming choices, there are plenty of platformers that cater to the handheld devices available to you.
9Rayman Legends Definitive Edition
This whimsical platformer is a stellar reintroduction to the Ubisoft character that first became popular in the ’90s. However, in thisRaymanentry, you can join up to three other comrades as you maneuver through all the dangerous obstacles in this fantasy land.
This 2D side-scroller lends itself well to handheld platformers through its simplistic design and intuitive controls. But the Definitive Edition on the Nintendo Switch even enables touchscreen mechanics that allow you to control Rayman’s companion Murhpy and easily collect Lums making the Switch undocked the best way to play.
8Super Mario Maker 2
This one may be a tad obvious.Super Mario Maker 2uses the touchscreenon the Nintendo Switchin a big way. If you ever wanted to create your own dicey gauntlets for folks to play through in the Mushroom Kingdom, now’s your chance.
It’s made even easier with a stylus and the Switch’s touchscreen making dragging and dropping items in your creative process pretty easy. So, slap together a few wild levels and then turn right around and give them a go.
7Hollow Knight
This Metroidvania launched in 2017 for the PC and was swiftly ported to Nintendo Switch and other platforms the following year. Players control a mysterious knight who must traverse a world known as the Hallownest and take on all manner of boss characters and creatures. Unlike some of the other titles on this list, there’s no immediate benefit to playingHollow Knightin handheld mode.
RELATED:Best Classic 2D Platformers
However, its sometimes challenging gameplay loop lends itself to grinding through this fun romp on the go. And it must be said that the beautiful art design translates wonderfully to the small screen. So whip out that Switch or Steam Deck in the break room and get cracking onone of the best Metroidvanias availableon the Nintendo Switch.
6Dandara
Metroidvania fans in the 2D platformer genre will undoubtedly also enjoy Dandara. Players control the main character, Dandara, throughout a world laden with white surfaces that she can teleport between.
Dandara doesn’t just traverse a level from side to side, either. White surfaces are literally all over, including the walls and perceived ceiling making gravity no real object here. Initially, the game was developed as a touchscreen title making this a handheld must. However, it was also adapted for consoles.
5Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
This wild addition to theDonkey Kong Countrysaga throws players right into the thick of it once again. Just like its predecessors, Tropical Freeze is no breezy walk in the park. It makes you earn your platforming stripes.
Still, it’s a wondrous and vibrant game full of visual delights that manages to maintain that integrity when transitioning to handheld mode. Undocked, Tropical Freeze maintains a buttery smooth 60 frames per second. Therefore, taking this one on the go is a no-brainer as it compromises absolutely nothing.
4Mega Man 11
This shiny blue hero just won’t quit.Mega Man 11brings him back for another fun platforming ride on modern consoles. Fans of the classic titles know what they’re getting into. But newcomers should know that a thrilling action platformer awaits them. As Mega Man, you’ll have to thwart Doctor Wily’s latest and greatest Robot Masters.
RELATED:Best Puzzle Platformer Games
The game is just as flashy on the small screen. The controls are highly responsive and intuitive. Playing this one in handheld mode will transport you back to the days when you could playMega Man on the Sega Game Gear or Nintendo Game Boy.
3Celeste
Perhaps, one of the best indies to grace gaming platformers in recent years is the stellar 2018 platform adventure gameCeleste. The game features a young woman, Madeline, who must run, jump, climb, and dash her way across obstacles as she attempts to climb Celeste Mountain.
The game absolutely shines with its relatable narrative as Madeline faces her own internal struggles during her journey. This pixilated indie looks gorgeous in all of its wondrous details on the small screen. Genre fans will no doubt be eager to keep this one in their mobile library.
2Super Mario 3D All-Stars
This package collectsSuper Mario 64,Super Mario Sunshine, andSuper Mario Galaxy. These capable 3D platforming adventures are perfect for the small screen and on-the-go play. Additionally, the touchscreen comes in handy, making use of the pointer in Super Mario Galaxy rather simple.
Just think, collecting star bits becomes as easy as touching the screen. You’ll be getting quite a haul utilizing that method.
1Cuphead
Cupheadhas certainly made a name for himself. We’re all familiar with thegrueling gameplay difficultyat the heart of this platformer. But what’s so special about the title is its classically-stylized animation that is consistently stunning.
But don’t let the whimsy of the 1930s visual style fool you. Cuphead is simply one harrowing gauntlet after the other. In handheld mode, the game maintains its gorgeous visual display and performance. Its taxing difficulty might make Cuphead an ideal on-the-go challenge
