Best tips to find hidden indie game gems on Switch eShop sales?

The Nintendo Switch eShop is a treasure trove of indie games, but with thousands of titles often going on sale, finding those truly hidden gems can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. While the eShop’s own filters are a start, they often don’t go deep enough to help you discover the next cult classic. Fear not, aspiring indie game hunter! With these tips, you’ll be better equipped to snag amazing games without breaking the bank.

Go Beyond the eShop’s Internal Filters

While the eShop has categories for genre and price, it often lacks the granular filtering necessary for efficient discovery. For instance, it’s hard to filter for ‘metroidvanias under $10’ or ‘story-rich RPGs released in the last year.’ This is where external websites become indispensable.

Websites like DekuDeals.com are a gamer’s best friend. They allow you to filter sales by metacritic score, user rating, genre, release date, and even specific features. You can set up wishlists and receive notifications when games go on sale, track price histories, and see which games are frequently discounted. This level of detail empowers you to cut through the noise and focus on titles that genuinely align with your preferences and budget.

Leverage Reviews and Community Insights

Before committing to a purchase, always do your homework. The eShop itself provides user reviews, but these can sometimes be limited or heavily biased. Branch out to more comprehensive sources:

• Metacritic: Check the aggregate critic score for an overall quality indicator.
• YouTube Reviews & Gameplay: Watch independent reviewers, especially those who specialize in indie games, to get a feel for the actual gameplay, art style, and potential issues.
• Reddit Communities: Subreddits like r/NintendoSwitchDeals, r/IndieGaming, or r/ShouldIbuythisgame are fantastic places to find discussions, recommendations, and candid opinions on sales titles.
• Steam Reviews (for multi-platform indies): If an indie game is also available on PC, its Steam reviews can offer a much larger pool of user feedback.

Dive Deep into Game Details

Sometimes, a game’s eShop page description and screenshots just don’t do it justice. Take the extra step to truly understand what you’re buying:

• Watch Trailers and Gameplay Videos: Always watch the latest trailer and, if available, 5-10 minutes of unedited gameplay. This is crucial for understanding the core mechanics and visual presentation that static screenshots can’t convey.
• Read Developer Blogs/Interviews: For truly passionate projects, developers often share their journey and vision on their websites or in interviews. This can provide valuable context and highlight unique aspects of the game.
• Check for Demos: Some indie games offer free demos on the eShop. This is the absolute best way to determine if a game is for you before spending any money.

Master the Wishlist and Price Tracking

The Nintendo eShop’s wishlist feature is incredibly useful. Add any game that piques your interest, even if it’s not currently on sale. Many external tools, like DekuDeals, can then track these wishlist items across multiple platforms and notify you when their price drops. This allows you to ‘set and forget’ and only jump in when the price is right.

Additionally, pay attention to price history. A game that goes on sale every two months for 50% off might not be an urgent purchase, but a rare 75% discount could be. Price tracking helps you understand if you’re getting a genuinely good deal or a recurring discount.

Explore Specific Publishers and Bundles

Many indie games are published by dedicated indie publishers (e.g., Devolver Digital, Annapurna Interactive, Raw Fury, Team17, etc.). These publishers often have themed sales or put their entire catalog on discount. If you find one game from a publisher you love, it’s worth checking out their other offerings during a sale, as their curation often reflects a consistent quality or style.

Keep an eye out for game bundles or collections, too. Sometimes, a publisher will offer a bundle of 2-3 games at a steep discount, or even a ‘complete edition’ that includes all DLC for less than the base game’s original price.

Don’t Overlook ‘Lesser-Known’ Categories

While action-adventure and RPGs dominate, some of the most innovative and hidden indie gems reside in less popular categories like visual novels, puzzle games, rhythm games, or even obscure simulation titles. Don’t be afraid to occasionally browse these sections, especially with liberal use of external filters and review sites, to unearth something truly unique that you might never have considered.

Happy Hunting!

Finding hidden indie gems on the Switch eShop sales requires a bit of patience and strategic searching, but the reward of discovering your next favorite game at a bargain price is well worth the effort. By combining external tools, community insights, and a willingness to explore, you’ll transform from a casual browser into a master indie game prospector.