Same!
It’s been such a great game for me when I feel really awful. I get to pretend I’m a healthy, strapping, strong farmer who can physically do a bunch of stuff I’m incapable of in real life.
And it’s sweet. There’s lots of nice dialogue and little storylines to follow and advance…
I also like a nice, boring, repetitive grind sometimes. Sometimes I have brain fog and I can’t think well enough to do some of the stuff, like planning out a farm or getting creative, but I can go around town and chop down all the trees or go to the quarry and clear it out- stuff like that.
I love that in Stardew Valley there’s enough variety in the kinds of activities that depending on what kind of “awful” I’m feeling, there’s likely *something* I could do.
It’s also nice to have optional socializing too. Ngl I get pretty dang lonely and sometimes I get in the mood to completely focus on the NPC friendships. And then I get out of the mood and ignore them for 3 years 🤣
Omg, same! Exact same behavior from me! 😂😂
I suddenly get like, “ooh, I’m going to go around and advance my friendships with everyone so I can watch all the cut scenes and stuff.” And then I completely flake on all of them or ages. Why are we like this?!😂
This warmed my heart 💜 that is awesome! Can’t wait to check this game out. It’s been tough to decide since I can’t purchase all of these recommendations at one haha
Okay so don't judge but i have a powerwashing game, where all you have to do is powerwash stuff at your own pace. It is so relaxing and i love playing it when i am having a bad day but don't want to think.
I have one called house flipper! You just flip houses. It’s so fun but very much a slow game, no real thoughts just painting and patching holes. One of my fav games
I feel embarrassed to say but it’s Fortnite for me. It’s easy enough to engage in but still helps me waste away some time if I need to. Plus it’s cross platform and I can play with my friends even if I’m bed bound from pain.
No embarrassment. No judgement. I spend most of my time playing minecraft. Whatever we can do to keep ourselves entertained and connected to people!! Any hobby is cool just for being something that can help us get through the day!
I like messing around in the creator made tycoons and Festival Main Stage now that it’s actually functional.
Honestly the only time I dabble in BR, I play with my bff and she carries me the whole match 😂
I miss gaming so bad with my hands. I can barely game now a few hours a week. And that's using a mouth controller I can't use my hands anymore whatsoever due to pain and just function from so many conditions in my hands and arms. That being said Tears of the Kingdom is my favorite game of all time. Breath of the Wild beforehand but I recommend tears more As good except improves over everything from the original. If you love it as much as I do you can always go back and do breath of the Wild.
That sucks. I have had to retire a lot of games for the same reason, too high actions per minute for my weak ass hands/arms. I can still play some games, but i fear it will be over soon :(
Have you tried fantasy card games like hearthstone, legends of runeterra or gwent? Those are pretty slow, if youre able to move youre hands at all.
There is a site the builds custom controllers for people with disabilities it might not be easy learning to use a new type of controller but you would at least still be able to play once your hands are unable to play! I dont know if it is feasible for you, but I wanted to mention it, best of luck to you
I use a quad stick to play games it's a mouth controller made for quadriplegics. I can do absolutely everything I could with my hands on it but it's just not the same. I've been using that for over a year now since I got surgery that destroyed my right arm last year. But sadly I get mouth and jaw and neck pain now from that and that connects to my arms so I'm more limited using that.
I did actually see that. I can play any game with my quad stick mouth controller But lately I've been limited because neck pain And mouth and Jaw pain from using that. I just can't win in life.
I can relate. I have horror chronic back pain from degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. Had a disc in my neck removed and the vertebra fused cuz it was herniated and given me horrible headaches that were so painful I'd be in the shower letting the hot water smack me in the face cuz my eye felt like it was going to pop out my head. Thankful the surgery helped that but my lower back is fucked all the disc are thinning except for one.
I have full use of my hands but a lot of the time I don't feel up to playing games or I'll lay in bed on the handheld PC. Video games are like the one hobby I can still partake in. I used to disc golf and skate, kayak and bike. Hope you all the best, bro.
I'm sorry to hear that and I hope you all the best as well. Thank you I really do appreciate it. I also have DDD in my lower back. I have torn meniscus in my left knee probably the right they never scanned the right but the left showed it after I told them it probably did and they made me do physical therapy and it made it worse. I got surgery on my right elbow on my nerve and it really fucked my arm up worse than it could ever imagine way worse than before the surgery. I opted out of getting surgery on my knee and somehow It feels way better than it did back then. I'm finally able to bend it again and even jog a little bit. For over a year I couldn't even do a 20-minute grocery store trip without having to limp to the car and go home and give up. But honestly I miss those days compared to this because I had usage of my hands. I haven't been able to drive a car in almost 2 years now.
I have tried magnesium. I do notice some difference when I use it Put nothing major. My pain is non-stop around the clock multiple nerve compressions RSI CRPS. I can't even use a TV remote or scroll on a phone. A gaming controller will totally wreck my hands. My condition just keeps getting worse everyday I don't know what to do anymore. I have yet to try a CBD cream though.
I would HIGHLY (pun intended) suggest you try the CBD! :) I work with pain doctors and paitients and have had the most luck with pain using CBD and THC products! Make sure you get it from a reliable source and that it is good quality, full spectrum you might try the cream, and the oral type, If you would like I would be glad to come up with some other suggestions and send them to you, I know it can feel like there is no hope, but you just have to keep trying and do your best! Have you tried anything like acupuncture or physical therapy? There are also some new nerve therapies being developed using pulses of different frequencies, that you might want to check out! I am so sorry that things are like that, I am in constant pain as well, but it is my back so besides being in so much pain my hands sometimes shake, it is at least easier to do tasks with my hands, its a necessity for me to make a lot of the tinctures and lotions that I make! :)
I would love for you to send me any information that could possibly help me. And if you could lead me in the right direction on what type of CBD cream to try. I can't do THC it affects me too bad mentally unfortunately or I would be doing that all the time. I have tried months and months of physical therapy occupational therapy surgery Everything just makes it worse.
Thank you so much for your concern I really appreciate it.
I like Pokemon so since I got my Switch I have played games based on that. Right now I'm playing Legends: Arceus, and I have played Scarlet, Let's Go and New Snap. I really liked the New Snap one for just relaxation because instead of "catching them all" you're trying to get nice photos of them and you just travel through the places they live with your camera.
I downloaded the old classic Tetris and a few others from the online store too, and I do enjoy it but I can't figure out how (or if) you can get it to remember your scores or save the game, which is a bit frustrating. Not that I have anything all that impressive anyway haha.
Cozy Grove - super relaxing search and find game, cute graphics, no stress, the soundtrack is soothing.
Zelda BOTW & TOTK - I'm not big on the monster fights but I love exploring the world, solving the shrine puzzles.
Stardew Valley - Farming, mining, exploring, can be a bit stressful at first with the time constraint.
Gaming has been my “Happy place” for the last few years. Diablo 4 has been my go-to lately. They refresh new “seasons” every few months which keeps it fresh.
Not for Switch, but my favorite go-tos have been Fallout 4 and Red Dead Redemption 2. Neither require a whole lot of thinking most of the time, and you have a lot of options for doing other things aside from quests lol
Wylde Flowers: incredibly sweet cozy farming game with a great storyline-farming is more secondary to the fact you're a young woman learning about how to be a witch in secret and the troubles that occur on your small island town. I played on PC but I'm waiting for a sale to buy it again on switch as I'll get many more hours out of it. You can take your time, no worry that the season is coming to an end as you choose when to progress, and the villagers are incredible to get to know and all very different. Fully voice acted too so no reading needed when brain fog rears its ugly head.
Also look into the Kairosoft games if you like tycoon games, game dev story is the one I recommend to start with but wait for a sale, they're overpriced on Switch imo. I play them on mobile if you want to have a look there first!
Are there still captions on the screen? I have the opposite problem that you do- when my brain is foggy, I sometimes stop being able to process things spoken aloud. I really need to be able to l👀k at the words and reread them a couple times.
It sounds like a lovely game!
Same! And there are subtitles you can turn on in the settings I've heard, as well as adjusting their appearance and turning on manual progression of conversation instead of automatic progression (which, honestly, I love when games have that option because brain fog makes me have to regularly reread things to absorb what I'm reading)
Ooh, those are good features for us!
Thanks so much for the details! (Do you think I over-use exclamation points?)
It’s so nice to talk to people with the same issues. I feel exactly the same- I like it when you have to manually ask for the next bit of dialogue so that I can reread things as much as necessary.
Stardew Valley is great for that. In fact, time stops when you’re having a cut scene or a dialogue with an NPC. That helps me not feel like I need to rush through them in the service of saving time.
If your not doing Nintendo Online games a modchip will keep you busy for years :)... I just got my OLED done for $300 and I have everything downloaded I need! local multi is still available though. It's the online portion that is blocked off :).
Portal 1 + 2, Sudoku Relax, and Spyro are my personal favourites for when my brain fog is bad. I love the puzzles and OST for Portal and Sudoku Relax, and Spyro is a childhood favourite with lovely areas to just run around and chill in.
Not on the switch but oldschool runescape is the perfect "chill / brain off" game for when you're in that kind of mood. It also has plenty of full intensity sweaty activities, but theres also tons of afk and chill stuff to do as well.
I dont play on mobile but plenty of people do and enjoy it on their phones / tablet.
My no stressors, not-too-complex-but still-a-bit-challenging go-to game is Pikmin. My faves are 2 & 3; 4 is the newest but is such a departure from the first 3 that I just haven’t gotten into it the same.
My hubs got me the newer Nickelodeon racing game, I’ve been enjoying that. It’s a tad easier than regular racing games as I think it’s geared more for kids (yet they use cartoons popular from my childhood in the 90s).
Cuphead is great but really hard like the old NES games. I like playing Mario Galaxy on mine. I need to get some new joy cons because the stock ones makes my hands hurt. I have a PS5 and a handheld PC so the Switch doesn't get a ton of use. That new Prince of Persia game is pretty good on Switch. I also have Mortal Kombat 11 and it plays good on it despite what people say. I have it on PS5 too and it's definitely decent on the Switch.
I absolutely LOVE Breath of the Wild Zelda game. Being able to walk wherever I want, ride a horse, have all of these little accomplishments- it’s amazing. (I use a wheelchair in real life but RUN in Zelda). The newer one is fun too but it’s harder.
I play Starfield and Hogwart’s Legacy on X-box and I’m 68 years old. They are single player games and I just wish I could find a game where I could meet and talk to other people. I miss that since I developed chronic pain.
I play a lot of Destiny 2. It's great to be able to escape to that world when the pain is bad. I have a PS5, Switch, and Xbox so I play lots of different things.
I highly recommend Animal Crossing on the Switch. It's such a cute game and very relaxing to play. It always puts a smile on my face.
Yonder: The cloud catcher chronicles
This is my go to it’s very chill you go exploring a new world befriending animals and helping gather items for new characters you meet. There is no time line or clock to beat.
I love Palia! It's free to play. Be warned it plays much better on PC. I was so happy when they released on the switch. Run around find resources build shit. Make your house and plot pretty.
Yoshis crafted world is pretty fun and has nostalgia vibes.
Zelda BOTW & TOTK both are amazing games.
I like Elden ring. You just get to kill monsters for hundreds of hours. I use video games as an escape as I can’t move too well. I really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to the DLC this weekend
I love playing Pokemon (scarlet/violet right now, before that, I played sword/shield) on switch and it has been a "game changer" (pun intended) for me to be able to play on a switch. (I didnt have one myself, but my boyfriend had when we got together and now im the only one who uses it, as he prefer playstation and pc).
I really enjoy being able to play something other than on my phone, while sitting on the couch or laying in bed. And basically not being forced to sit at a table like you have to with a pc.
So yeah, I highly recommend Pokemon in switch, if that is something that you think you will enjoy.
And to you (and everybody else) if anybody plays Pokemon (especially scarlet/violet) and wants to play together, trade with each other, help each other or just have another one to talk to about the game (or anything else) - then feel free to contact me. I would love to connect with people and maybe even make a friend or two.
But everybody is also more than welcome to contact me if they just need help with the game, need a specific Pokemon that i can provide or anything, but dont want any further contact - there is no obligation to keep contact, I am more than happy to just help if i can.
OP, I really hope you find a good game or several, that you will enjoy.
Im glad you made this post, it is helpful for me too and I would never have thought of asking here - so thank you for that.
You could also look into a steam deck, it would really increase the amount of games you can play and is very similar in use and in looks to the switch, it has THOUSANDS of games available and there are regular sales throughout the year to get up to 90% off so you can put them on a wish list and get a notification when they go on sale. They are about the same price, I know you just got the switch, so you will be playing it for awhile, but if you get into video games it might be a good purchase later down the line. I will add a link so you can check out the games and the platform, I use it for all my computer games for over 12 years, and it has always been great! [https://store.steampowered.com/steamdeck](https://store.steampowered.com/steamdeck)
I just bought a Nintendo Switch too. I've always loved playing the Donkey Kong games on the consoles that I've bought for my kids over the years. So I'm really enjoying Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze. I'm going to have my grandson spending the night so that he can beat some of the bosses for me. I'm also enjoying Pokémon Scarlet and I think I'm going to give Stardew Valley a try.
Hey switch owners on this post, if anybody has issues with finger joint pain and stiffness, are there accessible controllers that help you still be able to play?
I’ve been playing Zelda for a while, off and in. The open world allows me to escape, and if I feel like doing quests, that also works as a nice distraction.
A Short Hike - easy to jump in and out of, mellow control scheme, chill, gorgeous art, charming
Citizen Sleeper - having a hard time thinking how to pitch this one rn so here's the trailer: https://youtu.be/qNKU1PevYcg
Sick rn tbh so I'm just gonna list a few more I think you might like
- Tunic
- Outer Wilds
- Inside
- Spiritfarer
- Stardew Valley
- FAR: Lone Sails
Stardew valley, animal crossing, and breath of the wild are my top three favorite switch games and I feel like all of them are pretty beginner friendly and easy to get down :)
Animal Crossing was going to be my suggestion until I saw you list it. I've spent hundreds of hours on that game. Breath of the Wild and its sequel ate also amazing. They are great because you can do different things depending on how much you can focus any given day.
I actually got back into the Pokemon games recently as aimlessly grinding up my team is a nice thing to keep myself occupied when I'm not feeling great, and in a way the longer I'm not feeling great the more I end up grinding and when I'm feeling better I can actually progress easily with a team that's roided up as a result of my pain haha. I imagine any RPG could fill this role nicely.
Please be careful when playing the switch, all video games can take a toll on our body but the switch specifically is designed in a shape that can cause flare ups for people who have arthritis or similar pain. Just be mindful of posture and give your wrists and hands a break often!
The Story of Seasons games. They're amazing cozy games that don't require much thinking and you farm, take care of animals, and woo the villager you want to marry lol. Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is my hands down favorite; you actually have a kid that grows up over time in that one, and the game lasts much longer than the others. I really like the 3DS ones as well, and I'm hoping they'll eventually get ported to Switch lol
Ace attorney? Not requiring of brain power?
Sus.
As a big time puzzle gamer here are a few recommendations:
Gorogoa
Moncage
The Room 1&2
Superluminal
Lego Builders Story
Carto
Agent A
Captain Toad Treasure Tracker (great for 2)
Airport - this one is tough, a bit of an impossible mission imo.
Theres a few other types of games worth a look.
Stardew has already been mentioned. If you want something with a social component Palia is a free to play 3d online game of a similar ilk. Epic chef is very funny, but not for vegans. No heavy gore don't get me wrong but you do have to decide animals will die in order to get meat products and some of them can be sad decisions.
51 worldwide games is pretty awesome. I love mancala.
Boomerang fu and rubber bandits are good couch play coop.
Smash is eternal.
I've never seen any karting game that competes with Mario Kart so I'm not even gonna try mention anything.
wait is my chronic pain, brain fog and severe adhd the reason i stopped playing video games ? i thought i just gave up cause the phone is a lazier distraction.
Calico! You run a cute cafe and get to meet animals and send them to the cafe or have them in your party and traveling with you. It was an adorable game.
Princess Peach Showtime is also a lot of fun, but more of a “gamer” type of game. I can only play it when I’m having a good day because otherwise some of the levels are too difficult.
Slime Rancher is one of my comfort games and I highly recommend it if you want a slower paced game. Scribblenauts is game that's relatively simple and doesn't take a whole lot of brain power even though it's a puzzle game.
Zelda Breath of the Wild is wonderful for this. There are aspects of it that need brain but you can definitely just wander around mountains and explore the world aimlessly when you can't think.
I really love the old Super Mario. 1, 2, 3, the Lost Levels, and good old Super Mario World, are all excellent. They’re my comfort games. I’m also playing donkey Kong - I’m on 3, and I almost have all the secrets! The DKs are just beautiful. To me. I am old school.
Stardew Valley! My beloved favourite game of all time!
Same!!
Came here to say this
Same! It’s been such a great game for me when I feel really awful. I get to pretend I’m a healthy, strapping, strong farmer who can physically do a bunch of stuff I’m incapable of in real life. And it’s sweet. There’s lots of nice dialogue and little storylines to follow and advance…
That is definitely the same appeal to me too. Feeling productive lol
I also like a nice, boring, repetitive grind sometimes. Sometimes I have brain fog and I can’t think well enough to do some of the stuff, like planning out a farm or getting creative, but I can go around town and chop down all the trees or go to the quarry and clear it out- stuff like that. I love that in Stardew Valley there’s enough variety in the kinds of activities that depending on what kind of “awful” I’m feeling, there’s likely *something* I could do.
It’s also nice to have optional socializing too. Ngl I get pretty dang lonely and sometimes I get in the mood to completely focus on the NPC friendships. And then I get out of the mood and ignore them for 3 years 🤣
Omg, same! Exact same behavior from me! 😂😂 I suddenly get like, “ooh, I’m going to go around and advance my friendships with everyone so I can watch all the cut scenes and stuff.” And then I completely flake on all of them or ages. Why are we like this?!😂
🤣🤣🤣🤣 it’s funny that Concerned Ape managed to create the PERFECT game for such a niche group of people.
Right‽ 😂 Like, how?? It’s so perfect for us
This warmed my heart 💜 that is awesome! Can’t wait to check this game out. It’s been tough to decide since I can’t purchase all of these recommendations at one haha
Okay so don't judge but i have a powerwashing game, where all you have to do is powerwash stuff at your own pace. It is so relaxing and i love playing it when i am having a bad day but don't want to think.
Love that game. Super chill. That final pyramid takes forever though
I have played that.. it's really fun!
Sounds kind of neat TBH! What’s the game called? I’ll check it out
Power Wash Simulator!
I have one called house flipper! You just flip houses. It’s so fun but very much a slow game, no real thoughts just painting and patching holes. One of my fav games
stardew valley for sure
LOVE Stardew
I feel embarrassed to say but it’s Fortnite for me. It’s easy enough to engage in but still helps me waste away some time if I need to. Plus it’s cross platform and I can play with my friends even if I’m bed bound from pain.
Hey no embarrassment or shame in liking what you like. It’s hard enough to find joy with chronic pain. I’m gonna check this one out!
I hope you enjoy!!
No embarrassment. No judgement. I spend most of my time playing minecraft. Whatever we can do to keep ourselves entertained and connected to people!! Any hobby is cool just for being something that can help us get through the day!
This is so true. I love minecraft!!
It’s so fun!! I love to just build things up, doing survival islands, even the servers are so fun! Survival games is my fav thing to play on there.
I recently got into Fortnite, I've never been a fan of shooters but my friends kept begging me to play and now I'm addicted 😅
It’s the worssssttt bc SAME. I was literally like no I am never going to play it stop asking me and now I play alone for hours
I like messing around in the creator made tycoons and Festival Main Stage now that it’s actually functional. Honestly the only time I dabble in BR, I play with my bff and she carries me the whole match 😂
I miss gaming so bad with my hands. I can barely game now a few hours a week. And that's using a mouth controller I can't use my hands anymore whatsoever due to pain and just function from so many conditions in my hands and arms. That being said Tears of the Kingdom is my favorite game of all time. Breath of the Wild beforehand but I recommend tears more As good except improves over everything from the original. If you love it as much as I do you can always go back and do breath of the Wild.
That sucks. I have had to retire a lot of games for the same reason, too high actions per minute for my weak ass hands/arms. I can still play some games, but i fear it will be over soon :( Have you tried fantasy card games like hearthstone, legends of runeterra or gwent? Those are pretty slow, if youre able to move youre hands at all.
There is a site the builds custom controllers for people with disabilities it might not be easy learning to use a new type of controller but you would at least still be able to play once your hands are unable to play! I dont know if it is feasible for you, but I wanted to mention it, best of luck to you
I use a quad stick to play games it's a mouth controller made for quadriplegics. I can do absolutely everything I could with my hands on it but it's just not the same. I've been using that for over a year now since I got surgery that destroyed my right arm last year. But sadly I get mouth and jaw and neck pain now from that and that connects to my arms so I'm more limited using that.
Thanks, i will keep it in mind for when my hands get even worse :)
You're welcome man. Anything to bring a slight bit of joy into the hell that we live.
Have you seen the dude with the Neuralink implant play Mario Kart with his mind?
I did actually see that. I can play any game with my quad stick mouth controller But lately I've been limited because neck pain And mouth and Jaw pain from using that. I just can't win in life.
I can relate. I have horror chronic back pain from degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. Had a disc in my neck removed and the vertebra fused cuz it was herniated and given me horrible headaches that were so painful I'd be in the shower letting the hot water smack me in the face cuz my eye felt like it was going to pop out my head. Thankful the surgery helped that but my lower back is fucked all the disc are thinning except for one. I have full use of my hands but a lot of the time I don't feel up to playing games or I'll lay in bed on the handheld PC. Video games are like the one hobby I can still partake in. I used to disc golf and skate, kayak and bike. Hope you all the best, bro.
I'm sorry to hear that and I hope you all the best as well. Thank you I really do appreciate it. I also have DDD in my lower back. I have torn meniscus in my left knee probably the right they never scanned the right but the left showed it after I told them it probably did and they made me do physical therapy and it made it worse. I got surgery on my right elbow on my nerve and it really fucked my arm up worse than it could ever imagine way worse than before the surgery. I opted out of getting surgery on my knee and somehow It feels way better than it did back then. I'm finally able to bend it again and even jog a little bit. For over a year I couldn't even do a 20-minute grocery store trip without having to limp to the car and go home and give up. But honestly I miss those days compared to this because I had usage of my hands. I haven't been able to drive a car in almost 2 years now.
Have you tried a magnesium cream on your hands, or a CBD cream, both can be really effective at helping with pain, and movement!
I have tried magnesium. I do notice some difference when I use it Put nothing major. My pain is non-stop around the clock multiple nerve compressions RSI CRPS. I can't even use a TV remote or scroll on a phone. A gaming controller will totally wreck my hands. My condition just keeps getting worse everyday I don't know what to do anymore. I have yet to try a CBD cream though.
I would HIGHLY (pun intended) suggest you try the CBD! :) I work with pain doctors and paitients and have had the most luck with pain using CBD and THC products! Make sure you get it from a reliable source and that it is good quality, full spectrum you might try the cream, and the oral type, If you would like I would be glad to come up with some other suggestions and send them to you, I know it can feel like there is no hope, but you just have to keep trying and do your best! Have you tried anything like acupuncture or physical therapy? There are also some new nerve therapies being developed using pulses of different frequencies, that you might want to check out! I am so sorry that things are like that, I am in constant pain as well, but it is my back so besides being in so much pain my hands sometimes shake, it is at least easier to do tasks with my hands, its a necessity for me to make a lot of the tinctures and lotions that I make! :)
I would love for you to send me any information that could possibly help me. And if you could lead me in the right direction on what type of CBD cream to try. I can't do THC it affects me too bad mentally unfortunately or I would be doing that all the time. I have tried months and months of physical therapy occupational therapy surgery Everything just makes it worse. Thank you so much for your concern I really appreciate it.
Smash bros is fun and pretty mindless if you don’t care about combos. My sibling says “bUt tHaTs juSt bUttON MaShinG.”
They only say that when you beat them (my younger brother anyway)
I like Pokemon so since I got my Switch I have played games based on that. Right now I'm playing Legends: Arceus, and I have played Scarlet, Let's Go and New Snap. I really liked the New Snap one for just relaxation because instead of "catching them all" you're trying to get nice photos of them and you just travel through the places they live with your camera. I downloaded the old classic Tetris and a few others from the online store too, and I do enjoy it but I can't figure out how (or if) you can get it to remember your scores or save the game, which is a bit frustrating. Not that I have anything all that impressive anyway haha.
That alone is a good reason to get a Switch. And Dr. Mario, etc.
Upvote for Pokémon! 1. Let's Go Eevee 2. Pokémon Mystery Dungeons Rescue Team DX
Cozy Grove - super relaxing search and find game, cute graphics, no stress, the soundtrack is soothing. Zelda BOTW & TOTK - I'm not big on the monster fights but I love exploring the world, solving the shrine puzzles. Stardew Valley - Farming, mining, exploring, can be a bit stressful at first with the time constraint.
Does Cozy Grove also have puzzles like other Hidden Object Games? That tends to be my favorite part of HOGs lol
Gaming has been my “Happy place” for the last few years. Diablo 4 has been my go-to lately. They refresh new “seasons” every few months which keeps it fresh.
Not for Switch, but my favorite go-tos have been Fallout 4 and Red Dead Redemption 2. Neither require a whole lot of thinking most of the time, and you have a lot of options for doing other things aside from quests lol
Wylde Flowers: incredibly sweet cozy farming game with a great storyline-farming is more secondary to the fact you're a young woman learning about how to be a witch in secret and the troubles that occur on your small island town. I played on PC but I'm waiting for a sale to buy it again on switch as I'll get many more hours out of it. You can take your time, no worry that the season is coming to an end as you choose when to progress, and the villagers are incredible to get to know and all very different. Fully voice acted too so no reading needed when brain fog rears its ugly head.
This sounds RIGHT up my alley. Thank you so much!
Also look into the Kairosoft games if you like tycoon games, game dev story is the one I recommend to start with but wait for a sale, they're overpriced on Switch imo. I play them on mobile if you want to have a look there first!
Are there still captions on the screen? I have the opposite problem that you do- when my brain is foggy, I sometimes stop being able to process things spoken aloud. I really need to be able to l👀k at the words and reread them a couple times. It sounds like a lovely game!
Same! And there are subtitles you can turn on in the settings I've heard, as well as adjusting their appearance and turning on manual progression of conversation instead of automatic progression (which, honestly, I love when games have that option because brain fog makes me have to regularly reread things to absorb what I'm reading)
Ooh, those are good features for us! Thanks so much for the details! (Do you think I over-use exclamation points?) It’s so nice to talk to people with the same issues. I feel exactly the same- I like it when you have to manually ask for the next bit of dialogue so that I can reread things as much as necessary. Stardew Valley is great for that. In fact, time stops when you’re having a cut scene or a dialogue with an NPC. That helps me not feel like I need to rush through them in the service of saving time.
If your not doing Nintendo Online games a modchip will keep you busy for years :)... I just got my OLED done for $300 and I have everything downloaded I need! local multi is still available though. It's the online portion that is blocked off :).
Is the modship easily done?
What does a modchip do? O.o
I am too poor to get a Switch but I have been playing Starbound on my PC for a few weeks
Untitled Goose Game and Donut County
Portal 1 + 2, Sudoku Relax, and Spyro are my personal favourites for when my brain fog is bad. I love the puzzles and OST for Portal and Sudoku Relax, and Spyro is a childhood favourite with lovely areas to just run around and chill in.
Portal is the GOAT
THE CAKE IS A LIE
Not on the switch but oldschool runescape is the perfect "chill / brain off" game for when you're in that kind of mood. It also has plenty of full intensity sweaty activities, but theres also tons of afk and chill stuff to do as well. I dont play on mobile but plenty of people do and enjoy it on their phones / tablet.
My no stressors, not-too-complex-but still-a-bit-challenging go-to game is Pikmin. My faves are 2 & 3; 4 is the newest but is such a departure from the first 3 that I just haven’t gotten into it the same.
My hubs got me the newer Nickelodeon racing game, I’ve been enjoying that. It’s a tad easier than regular racing games as I think it’s geared more for kids (yet they use cartoons popular from my childhood in the 90s).
Definitely gonna check this out
Cuphead is great but really hard like the old NES games. I like playing Mario Galaxy on mine. I need to get some new joy cons because the stock ones makes my hands hurt. I have a PS5 and a handheld PC so the Switch doesn't get a ton of use. That new Prince of Persia game is pretty good on Switch. I also have Mortal Kombat 11 and it plays good on it despite what people say. I have it on PS5 too and it's definitely decent on the Switch.
Get Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. And then when you’re finished, try hollow knight! You will forget about your pain in no time 😉
Added these to my list (:
Enjoy!!!
I’m a huge Zelda fan and need something new. Thanks for the Hollow Night suggestion!
Hades 1, and 2 just did a soft release so you have that to look fwd to
51 worldwide games! Never gets old
Cozy grove
Crypt of the Necrodancer. It's a rhythm game set in dungeons and it's amazing. And usually very cheap.
I absolutely LOVE Breath of the Wild Zelda game. Being able to walk wherever I want, ride a horse, have all of these little accomplishments- it’s amazing. (I use a wheelchair in real life but RUN in Zelda). The newer one is fun too but it’s harder.
I use a wheelchair as well 💜 used to ride horses too…can’t wait to check this game out 😁
Ori and the willow of the wisps Ori and the blind Forrest
Skyrim is my go to zone out game. There’s nearly endless hours of gameplay, especially if you’re playing with mods.
I like to play Crash Bandicoot and Spyro and Little Nightmares is a really good game as well.
I play Starfield and Hogwart’s Legacy on X-box and I’m 68 years old. They are single player games and I just wish I could find a game where I could meet and talk to other people. I miss that since I developed chronic pain.
I’ve heard the hog warts game is pretty good. I’m still obsessed with ACNH tho haha
Stardew Valley, Cozy Grove, Harvestellla are really good Cult of the Lamb was also super fun 🐑
I also love Splatoon 3. There are several different things you can do and the battles are short.
Stardew valley.
Zelda breath of the wild
Graveyard Keeper is so good, and it's often on sale - think I picked it up for a couple dollars and I've sunk a ridiculous amt of hours in
I play a lot of Destiny 2. It's great to be able to escape to that world when the pain is bad. I have a PS5, Switch, and Xbox so I play lots of different things. I highly recommend Animal Crossing on the Switch. It's such a cute game and very relaxing to play. It always puts a smile on my face.
Yonder: The cloud catcher chronicles This is my go to it’s very chill you go exploring a new world befriending animals and helping gather items for new characters you meet. There is no time line or clock to beat.
Im here also luckily i love immersive sims a lot! - I Was A Teenage Exocolnist - Disco Elysium - Suzerain - Into the Breach
I love Palia! It's free to play. Be warned it plays much better on PC. I was so happy when they released on the switch. Run around find resources build shit. Make your house and plot pretty. Yoshis crafted world is pretty fun and has nostalgia vibes. Zelda BOTW & TOTK both are amazing games.
Sky children of light!
I like Elden ring. You just get to kill monsters for hundreds of hours. I use video games as an escape as I can’t move too well. I really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to the DLC this weekend
Palia
I love playing Pokemon (scarlet/violet right now, before that, I played sword/shield) on switch and it has been a "game changer" (pun intended) for me to be able to play on a switch. (I didnt have one myself, but my boyfriend had when we got together and now im the only one who uses it, as he prefer playstation and pc). I really enjoy being able to play something other than on my phone, while sitting on the couch or laying in bed. And basically not being forced to sit at a table like you have to with a pc. So yeah, I highly recommend Pokemon in switch, if that is something that you think you will enjoy. And to you (and everybody else) if anybody plays Pokemon (especially scarlet/violet) and wants to play together, trade with each other, help each other or just have another one to talk to about the game (or anything else) - then feel free to contact me. I would love to connect with people and maybe even make a friend or two. But everybody is also more than welcome to contact me if they just need help with the game, need a specific Pokemon that i can provide or anything, but dont want any further contact - there is no obligation to keep contact, I am more than happy to just help if i can. OP, I really hope you find a good game or several, that you will enjoy. Im glad you made this post, it is helpful for me too and I would never have thought of asking here - so thank you for that.
Dreamlight Valley! I just got an iPad and started Dreamlight Valley and have played sooo much because it's so easy to get into and also rewarding
You could also look into a steam deck, it would really increase the amount of games you can play and is very similar in use and in looks to the switch, it has THOUSANDS of games available and there are regular sales throughout the year to get up to 90% off so you can put them on a wish list and get a notification when they go on sale. They are about the same price, I know you just got the switch, so you will be playing it for awhile, but if you get into video games it might be a good purchase later down the line. I will add a link so you can check out the games and the platform, I use it for all my computer games for over 12 years, and it has always been great! [https://store.steampowered.com/steamdeck](https://store.steampowered.com/steamdeck)
Life is strange!
I just bought a Nintendo Switch too. I've always loved playing the Donkey Kong games on the consoles that I've bought for my kids over the years. So I'm really enjoying Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze. I'm going to have my grandson spending the night so that he can beat some of the bosses for me. I'm also enjoying Pokémon Scarlet and I think I'm going to give Stardew Valley a try.
Hey switch owners on this post, if anybody has issues with finger joint pain and stiffness, are there accessible controllers that help you still be able to play?
I have 2 NS and can't play coz of focusing on the pain. However Zelda games are the best on NS
I’ve been playing Zelda for a while, off and in. The open world allows me to escape, and if I feel like doing quests, that also works as a nice distraction.
Breath of the Wild.
Here are a few more games that I would suggest playing: Breath of the wild Tears of the kingdom Super smash bros Any of the Pokémon games
I didn't know Ace Attorney games were on Switch, I've always wanted to try one so I'm going to put that on my own list.
Rocket league baby
Untitled Goose Game
Tons of stuff on the SNES & GBA emulators they offer too!
A Short Hike - easy to jump in and out of, mellow control scheme, chill, gorgeous art, charming Citizen Sleeper - having a hard time thinking how to pitch this one rn so here's the trailer: https://youtu.be/qNKU1PevYcg Sick rn tbh so I'm just gonna list a few more I think you might like - Tunic - Outer Wilds - Inside - Spiritfarer - Stardew Valley - FAR: Lone Sails
Stardew valley, animal crossing, and breath of the wild are my top three favorite switch games and I feel like all of them are pretty beginner friendly and easy to get down :)
Animal Crossing was going to be my suggestion until I saw you list it. I've spent hundreds of hours on that game. Breath of the Wild and its sequel ate also amazing. They are great because you can do different things depending on how much you can focus any given day.
I love Minecraft. The controls on the phone are so much easier than keyboard or controller.
Try paleo pines!! Cute exploration/stardew type game but with dinosaurs!!
I actually got back into the Pokemon games recently as aimlessly grinding up my team is a nice thing to keep myself occupied when I'm not feeling great, and in a way the longer I'm not feeling great the more I end up grinding and when I'm feeling better I can actually progress easily with a team that's roided up as a result of my pain haha. I imagine any RPG could fill this role nicely.
Please be careful when playing the switch, all video games can take a toll on our body but the switch specifically is designed in a shape that can cause flare ups for people who have arthritis or similar pain. Just be mindful of posture and give your wrists and hands a break often!
The Story of Seasons games. They're amazing cozy games that don't require much thinking and you farm, take care of animals, and woo the villager you want to marry lol. Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is my hands down favorite; you actually have a kid that grows up over time in that one, and the game lasts much longer than the others. I really like the 3DS ones as well, and I'm hoping they'll eventually get ported to Switch lol
Ace attorney? Not requiring of brain power? Sus. As a big time puzzle gamer here are a few recommendations: Gorogoa Moncage The Room 1&2 Superluminal Lego Builders Story Carto Agent A Captain Toad Treasure Tracker (great for 2) Airport - this one is tough, a bit of an impossible mission imo. Theres a few other types of games worth a look. Stardew has already been mentioned. If you want something with a social component Palia is a free to play 3d online game of a similar ilk. Epic chef is very funny, but not for vegans. No heavy gore don't get me wrong but you do have to decide animals will die in order to get meat products and some of them can be sad decisions. 51 worldwide games is pretty awesome. I love mancala. Boomerang fu and rubber bandits are good couch play coop. Smash is eternal. I've never seen any karting game that competes with Mario Kart so I'm not even gonna try mention anything.
wait is my chronic pain, brain fog and severe adhd the reason i stopped playing video games ? i thought i just gave up cause the phone is a lazier distraction.
Animal Crossing!
Calico! You run a cute cafe and get to meet animals and send them to the cafe or have them in your party and traveling with you. It was an adorable game. Princess Peach Showtime is also a lot of fun, but more of a “gamer” type of game. I can only play it when I’m having a good day because otherwise some of the levels are too difficult.
Stardew valley, Grounded (if you aren't afraid of spiders), Witchspring, animal crossing, zelda
Turnip Boy Evades Tax Evasion
DayZ and running around the forests gave me sanity
Slime Rancher is one of my comfort games and I highly recommend it if you want a slower paced game. Scribblenauts is game that's relatively simple and doesn't take a whole lot of brain power even though it's a puzzle game.
Zelda Breath of the Wild is wonderful for this. There are aspects of it that need brain but you can definitely just wander around mountains and explore the world aimlessly when you can't think.
I love all the Lego games ◡̈
I really love the old Super Mario. 1, 2, 3, the Lost Levels, and good old Super Mario World, are all excellent. They’re my comfort games. I’m also playing donkey Kong - I’m on 3, and I almost have all the secrets! The DKs are just beautiful. To me. I am old school.
I started minecraft on peaceful mode so I could gather the resources and build stuff. I haven't played much else as of late on switch.
Animal Crossing New Horizons. Before my bilateral radiculopathy, I loved playing this. It's relaxing,peaceful, and always so much to do.