Image courtesy of Nintendo
While the Nintendo Switch 2 release is just beyond the horizon, the Nintendo Switch is still a competent console with a fantastic selection of deckbuilding games, ranging from various developers, with their very own twists and takes on the genre. Best of all, the Switch 2 will also be backwards compatible with games from the older console!
Let’s check out which deckbuilding games take the top spots on the Nintendo Switch:
Slay the Spire
The granddaddy of roguelike deckbuilders is available on the Nintendo Switch! Featuring the distinct cast of The Ironclad, The Silent, The Defect, and The Watcher, players are tasked to build a deck that can answer a slew of elites and bosses as we climb up the spire and kill The Heart.
With hundreds of cards and artifacts to choose from, no run will ever be the same. So players should be ready to mix and match, and come up with strategies on the fly!
Griftlands
A story-driven roguelike deckbuilder, Griftlands puts us in the middle of a sci-fi world where everyone’s looking out for their own best interests. With three different campaigns based on our character, we can bargain during encounters, recruit mercenaries, and even adopt pets, all while refining our two decks — one for combat, and the other for negotiation.
This game is defined by its choices-matter gimmick, where everyone remembers your choices; play politics carefully!
Monster Train First Class
A card game with a positional element, Monster Train First Class takes the genre to a build-a-unit direction, upgrading units to have more health, attack, or even additional keywords. These monsters are then deployed on a three-floor train (don’t ask us why the trains in hell have three floors), where we take a stand against angelic beings sent from above.
With several faction combinations and numerous upgrades, there’s always something new to test out aboard the Monster Train.
Inscryption
Hailed as one of the best deckbuilders of all time, Inscyption traps the player on an escape-room, psychological horror adventure to uncover some secrets. I can’t spoil any more; it’s best to dive headfirst into this game without any prior knowledge. Just know it’s critically-acclaimed for a reason!
Balatro
One of the strongest contenders for 2024’s best game — not just roguelike deckbuilders, but overall — has found its way onto the Nintendo Switch. Balatro reimagines the various classic Poker hands, presents an adorable cast of Jokers with different abilities, and packages it into a hypnotic, dopamine-pumping game that’s certain to keep you wanting for more.
Oh, and lest we forget: the Friends of Jimbo update, which allows for customizable face cards, is also available on the platform.
Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales
A spinoff of The Witcher‘s well-loved card game Gwent, this standalone variation places us in the shoes of Queen Meve of the Northern Realms during events before the video game trilogy. An adventure and card game in one, we’re tasked to solve puzzles presented through Gwent battles, a choice-driven campaign, and several collectible cards to customize our deck.
The Gwent gameplay takes some getting used to (note this is the modern two-row implementation!), but is definitely a system that keeps players coming back for more.
Cobalt Core
An space-themed deckbuilder, Cobalt Core has an adorable cast of characters with an equally endearing storyline that’s unlocked piece by piece with every new run. Card battles are carried out dogfight style in a 2D field, where ships can move to either side, while a middle row can be utilized to deploy missiles and other objects against the opposing ships.
With a cozy soundtrack and an equally charming script, Cobalt Core is the perfect Nintendo Switch card game.
Astrea: Six-Sided Oracles
One of the most unique deckbuilding games of the bunch, Astrea: Six-Sided Oracles uses a double-sided damage system out of a pool of dice. Purification can be used to damage enemies or heal ourselves, while Corruption can be used to heal foes and damage ourselves. But why would we want to ever go for the second mode? In Astrea, by corrupting ourselves, we gain access to stronger abilities. But beware: too much corruption can be game-ending!
Each die also has three modes: safe, balanced, or risky, which mitigates or increases reliance on luck!
One Step from Eden
If you’ve ever played Megaman Battle Network, you’ll feel right at home with One Step from Eden. Real-time encounters are played out on a grid, where we have to use our cards to cast spells, unleash powerful summons, or teleport out of the way. Each run lasts for around 30 minutes, which makes it a great time filler.
Best of all, it’s one of the few games that takes advantage of the Nintendo Switch’s hardware, allowing for local co-op and PVP battles!
Shadowverse: Champion’s Battle
Don’t let the anime wrapping fool you — Shadowverse: Champion’s Battle is a competent game on its own. A faithful adaptation of Cygames‘ hit card game Shadowverse, this Nintendo Switch game is more of an RPG with card battles mixed in. While the mobile game (which is set to have a sequel in June 2025) has dozens of expansions, Champion’s Battle only contains the first three sets, but still provides a fair playing field through the campaign.
This one’s a particularly great pickup for the younger demographic who are into anime, or simply for those who want to psych themselves up for Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond.
Interested to see which card games are available on Apple Arcade? We have the Top 5 here. While you’re here, feel free to check out what we know so far about Slay the Spire 2 and Monster Train 2.
