8 cozy games to check out on Nintendo Switch, from 'Palia' to 'No Man's Sky' – USA TODAY

Beyoncé wrote a whole song about being cozy and comfortable, so why not with video games, too?
The weather is getting colder, and the days are getting shorter. It’s the perfect time to curl up with a blanket, hot beverage and a relaxing game to ease the day’s stresses or connect with friends.
But what to play? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorite cozy games for Nintendo Switch.
Recently released “Palia,” (2023) from publisher Singularity 6, is a massive multiplayer online (MMO) simulation game, with hints of “Stardew Valley” or “My Time at Portia.” The game offers all the usual cozy gameplay: cooking, building, farming, crafting, friendship, but the microtransactions and issues often associated with MMOs, such as server problems, offline errors and difficulty interacting with other players in the community.
Overall, it’s been fun so far, and it will be interesting to see how the game evolves in the coming months.
While moving and unpacking boxes may sound like the opposite of stress-free gaming, the award-winning puzzle game “Unpacking” (2021) from publisher Humble Games and developer Witch Beam, is very peaceful. The scenes take you through different eras in the unseen protagonist’s life, where you’ll help unpack their items at each stage ∓ some reoccurring, like stuffed animals, photos, etc.; some new − which all have a general “right” location in the living spaces.
There’s something pretty satisfying in completing the rooms, and the minimal visuals and music bring cozy ambience to it all. The game may surprise you in its emotional storytelling, too, as you experience a life’s journey through possessions.
“A Little to the Left” (2022) from publisher Secret Mode, is a charming puzzle game. Similar to “Unpacking,” you’ll be tasked with organizing objects, though watch out for the cat, who may derail your decluttering. This one is fun, relaxing with some hidden surprises. There’s also a DLC for the game, “Cupboard & Drawers,” (2023) adding more levels and puzzles.
This game is very dreamy (no pun intended). “Melatonin” (2022) from publisher Half Asleep is a rhythm game that takes you through the protagonist’s dream world, where you’ll have to master music patterns set against a backdrop of very real scenarios and anxieties, like dating, work and social media. The animation in the game is detailed and stunning, and the music is a lo-fi balm. Some levels are more challenging than others, but there’s no real pressure to ace them. You can stick to easier or assisted modes and just vibe.
Yes, “Legend of Zelda” games may be synonymous with dungeons and battling a variety of enemies, but there’s something soothing about “Tears of the Kingdom” (2023), a sequel to the award-winning “Breath of the Wild” (2017) − which also made our 2021 list of cozy games for the Switch.
There are weapons and fights, sure, but both games also have all the cozy things: cooking, crafting, many NPCs to engage with and the visuals and music throughout open-world Hyrule are beautiful and captivating. Three hours may pass like minutes. And “Tears of the Kingdom” greatly improves on the previous game’s story and mechanics.
Life’s a mystery in this narrative adventure in the supernatural “Life is Strange” series. “Life is Strange: True Colors” (2021) from publisher Square Enix, follows Alex Chen, who must come to terms with her empathic superpowers after moving to a small town as she investigates her brother’s death, which is looking less and less like an accident. Alex can read people’s auras, and even manipulate emotions.
You’re faced with different choices throughout the game, with some mattering more than others in the game’s outcome. And it wouldn’t be a “Life is Strange” game without the soundtrack being a critical part of the playthrough.
Do note that this game is not suitable for young children.
Eight different adventures await in this RPG from publisher Square Enix. “Octopath Traveler II” (2022), an indirect sequel to 2018’s “Octopath Traveler,” again follows eight characters, each with unique personalities, backgrounds and combat abilities, on their interwoven journey as they take on quests and engage in combat in the steampunk-themed world of Solistia. The storylines are impacted by relationships and choices, which can have a ripple effect as you play the game.
Head to the final frontier and beyond in this space exploration game from publisher Hello Games. The normal modes for “No Man’s Sky” (2022) can be rather intense, but the game offers several difficulty options that allow you to make it much cozier. You can switch off combat and play in the game’s “relaxed” mode, allowing for maximum coziness while exploring the many planets, building and more.
Looking for more suggestions? Check out our previous list of cozy games.

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