Summary
The Nintendo Switchis well-known for itsrelaxed gaming capabilities. Its capacity to be played either handheld or docked sets it apart from other consoles and allows players to experience gaming on the go as well as in the comfort of their own homes.
Sometimes, when things get a little overwhelming, the Nintendo Switch can be a really useful tool to practice some mindfulness - whether that be through the calming natural environments of adventure games or the cozy puzzle-solving minigames of RPGs. In the spirit of practicing good mental health habits, this list will highlight some of the best Nintendo Switch games to help with calming a busy mind.
Most gamers wouldn’t expectMinecraftto be a good source of mindfulness, but studies have shown thatthe creativity that comes with open-world games can be greatly beneficial for mental health support.
Not only that, the focus on natural environments and the multiplayer capabilitycan help players relax and feel more socially connected. There are countless mindful gaming possibilities throughoutMinecraft.Players can build calming spaces in Creative mode or release some pent-up anger on Zombies and Skeletons in Survival -Minecraftgives players the freedom to choose.
9Stitch.
Stitch Your Own Masterpiece
Stitch.is a calming puzzle game where players aim to fill embroidery patterns without leaving any gaps. Thesatisfying puzzle-solving is the perfect outlet for taking a break and refocusing an overactive mind.
With over 180 patterns to choose from,Stitch.is a fun and creative outlet to wind down with. Plus, once players have completed all the patterns, they can then go back and recolor them however they wish! There are also daily puzzles that can foster a good mental health routine if players wish to set asidesome time per day to complete them.
Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaire’s Conspiracyis the 7th installment in theProfessor Laytongame series. With unique characters, a beautiful art style, and challenging puzzles, this game creates a great atmosphere while taking players' minds away from the pressures of the real world. The game’s music is one of its highlights with its strong thematic and incidental quirkiness.
Doing puzzles isa great positive mental health habit that trains creativity, memory, and engagementand can create a satisfying feeling of accomplishment for players once solved.
Townscaperhas a fantastic soundscape and hugely satisfying game mechanics that create the ultimate relaxing gaming experience. Players get tobuild their own town from nothing- changing buildings' shapes, sizes, and colors however they see fit.
There are no targets or goals throughoutTownscaper, making it atotally stress-free and pressure-free gamethat can be enjoyed wherever and whenever without the need for an internet connection. The simplicity of the game means it can be enjoyed by players of any age or gaming capability - making it a perfect entry onto this list of mindful games.
Unpackingisa mastery of environmental storytelling. In the game, players follow a person moving from place to place throughout their life. From their childhood bedroom to their college dorm to their forever home with their child - players are encouraged to help through each stage of life.
The ease of the game makes it a fantastic entry for mindful games. No stress is involved, so players can enjoy the wonderful color scheme and simple yet effective storytelling without anxiety.Unpackingturns what would be a hugely daunting task into acalming organizational exercisein mindfulness.
Follow a diver on a mythological journey into the ocean. Alone,ABZU’s graphics and detailed seascapes are enough to firm its calming effect on players. But the game offers so much more than that - its beautiful swimming mechanics with seamless, graceful controls are so calming, andthe fast-paced progressionmeans there is always a new wonder to witness throughout the game.
It is not hard to get immersed in the world ofABZU. With the vast variety of creatures, ruins, and aquatic plants to discover, there is always something beautiful to behold around every wave.
As for people across the world, Disney was a huge part of growing up. InDisney Dreamlight Valley, players can experience great nostalgia and meet all the wonderful characters that shaped their childhoods.
The game’s storyline is not too over-complicated, and the quests are always fun and engaging to play, regardless of a player’s age. Feelall the relaxation of a farming sim with the comfort of familiar charactersin this beautiful RPG iteration. Even if players don’t have the nostalgia of Disney, this game is still accessible and charming nonetheless.
The diverse array of characters inCoffee Talkis what sets it aside from other entries on this list, as players can empathize and engage with characters from all backgrounds. Meet Orcs, Elves, Humans, and even Cat-people in this wonderfulnarrative-driven adventure game!
With some mature themes and discussions of real-world issues,Coffee Talkcan be a wonderful exercise in perspective. Develop a fondness (or aversion) for the characters that frequent the coffee shop while discovering their lives, all while serving warm drinks to suit their moods.
There’s no wonderAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsis one of the most popular games on the Nintendo Switch. With opportunities to visit other players' islands, this game allows people to form social connections across the globe!
The soundtrack is greatly calming, and thedaily tasks can help players form routinesof digging for fossils, checking trees for Bells, and greeting their villagers. Sometimes, all that is needed is that short human interaction whileexchanging turnips inAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsto turn a bad day into a good one.
Spiritfarerhas arguably one of the most impactful stories in gaming history. It allows players to board a ship to the afterlife as Stella, accompanied by her cat Daffodil, and take spirits to their final resting places. The stunning visuals and thoughtfully designed spirit animal characters elevate the game beyond its narrative, creating an awe-inspiring visual experience, especially during the Meteor Shower Events when collecting Comet Rocks.
With cozy management mechanics and a heartfelt story centered on acceptance, love, and kindness,Spiritfareroffers a relaxing gameplay experience that encourages emotional mindfulness for players.
