The 3D platformer genre is arguably more synonymous with Nintendo and PlayStation, but there are a few spectacular games you’re able to check out on Xbox Series X. You’ll be jumping for joy as you explore the mind-based environments ofPsychonauts 2and dash at lightning-fast speed in Sonic x Shadow Generations.
9 Best 3D Platformers on Switch
Wahoo! There are many great 3D platformers on the Nintendo Switch and we take a look at all of them.
We’ll be ranking these 3D platformers based on gameplay, art style, graphics and music alongside other factors. A certain retro game from the Rare Replay collection will be included in this list, despite it originating as a Nintendo 64 game. Mirror’s Edge is also backwards-compatible on the Xbox Series X, making it playable on the platform. We are also following a one-game per franchise rule.
11SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle For Bikini Bottom Rehydrated
Most of the time, licensed 3D platformers should be avoided, but SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated is actually worth playing. The PS2 classic was remastered for the PS4 and Xbox One generation and can be played on your Xbox Series X. It has pretty visuals, especially in the colorful Jellyfish Fields, and the platforming feels extremely solid, especially for a licensed game like this. You’re playing as multiple characters from the show as you take down villainous robots and take down bosses like Robot Squidward. Even if you’re not a fan of this Nickelodeon series, this game is worth a try.
One game that missed the list but is worthy of an honorable mention is the remaster ofCroc Legend of the Gobbos, which came out in 2025.
10A Hat In Time
A Hat in Time
A Hat in Time is an impressive indie 3D platformer you should check out on the Xbox Series X. Brimming with humor,A Hat In Timehas plenty of personality in between its stellar levels. As you proceed through the game, you’ll unlock new hats for your protagonist, adding new powers into the mix. For example, the witch hat lets her create explosive potions that can take out her enemies quickly. You’ll also explore five different big levels in this platformer that all feel very different from each other. This little adventure is adorable and would be perfect for all family members.
9Mirror’s Edge
Mirror’s Edge
Originally launching on the Xbox 360, Mirror’s Edge is a fantastic, yet unconventional, 3D platformer for the Xbox Series X. In a first-person perspective, you play as a runner named Faith, who is jumping across the roofs of a city and wall-running against frightening heights. It’s a thrilling experience and still looks great, despite its age, partially thanks to the FPS Boost. This platformer has you judging the distances of epic jumps and figuring out how to proceed in each level. The city landscape is puzzle in-and-of-itself. As a side note, “Still Alive” might be one of the best video game theme songs out there.
8New Super Lucky’s Tale
New Super Lucky’s Tale
From jumping rooftops to burrowing through the ground, New Super Lucky’s Tale is a traditional 3D platformer with an adorable protagonist. This kid fox smiles and waves at you before every inventive level in the game. You have fun little puzzles to solve and entertaining, albeit easy, platforming challenges to overcome. In this adventure, you’re recovering pages of the Book of Ages, which unlocks portals to new worlds. You’ll be finding all manner of collectibles and tail whipping enemies in order to finish Lucky’s Tale. The graphics are brimming with color and pop on your 4K screens with the Xbox Series X alongside the charming soundtrack.
7Epic Mickey Rebrushed
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
Epic Mickey was long locked away on the Wii with its less-than-stellar motion controls, but it’s now received a new lick of paint with its Rebrushed version. Remastered by the same developer who brought back Battle for Bikini Bottom, Purple Lamp Studios, Epic Mickey Rebrushed is a wonderful 3D platformer that has engaging choice-based mechanics embedded. Mickey has the choice to add paint to the environment or remove objects. The morality system changes the story drastically in a few moments, adding replayability. Painting and thinning also help reveal new areas in the environment, adding to the 3D platformer. Give this Disney game a chance! Wereviewed it highly.
6It Takes Two
Co-op platformers are rare to find in this current age of gaming, but It Takes Two makes up for that with a brilliantly designed campaign. Lasting around 12-16 hours, this 3D platformer has you working together with a friend of family member, solving well-realized puzzles and defeating unconventional bosses. You play as an argumentative couple who get turned into toys, trying to get back to their daughter who is suffering from their family falling apart. The imaginative levels are based around the house as you take down plants in the garden and struggle through the wintry weather inside a snow globe. You may be surprised by how varied the game design can get. There’s a reason why this won Game of the Year at The Game Awards, and you should experience that for yourself.
5Banjo-Kazooie
Banjo-Kazooie
This retro Nintendo 64 platformer has been a part of many childhoods and can now be replayed with the Rare Replay collection. This collect-a-thon is beloved by many for its memorable characters, striking art style, and fun platforming challenges, despite aged controls. The music by Grant Kirkhope is also well-renowned for its use of unique instruments like the Banjo and catchy melodies that still stick to our heads to this day. This platforming series is well-due for a remake like Spyro and Crash, but the retro graphics still look charming to this day.
4Psychonauts 2
Psychonauts 2
Psychonauts 2 is arguably one of the best-looking 3D platformers you can play right now, and that’s thanks to developer Double Fine’s artistic vision. The Tim Burton-esque visuals are jaw dropping as the protagonist Raz explores the vivid minds of those around him. If you’re unaware of the concept of this game, Raz is a Psychonaut that can dive into the brains of friends and others to fix their inner turmoil or investigate issues going on in the world. Add in the brilliant psychic abilities on offer in this game and you’re in for a treat.
“The creativity in the visuals and level design is still on display at full blast, the story is superb and shows no fear when it comes to tackling mature subjects and the action is nice and intense, creating a perfect level of challenge,” saidour 4.5/5 review.
3Sonic x Shadow Generations
Sonic X Shadow Generations
SEGA fans rejoiced when Sonic x Shadow Generations released on Xbox Series X alongside other platforms. It brings one of the best games in the legendary platforming series together in a 4K remaster and new levels based on Shadow the Hedgehog’s past. Sonic Generations is a celebration of the series with recreations of beloved levels like Green Hill Zone and City Escape for a new era. The Modern Sonic levels bring fast-paced 3D platforming action with exciting challenges and speed. There are also Classic Sonic levels that give a 2D twist to the 3D era Sonic games. Check out this game if you haven’t already, or at least get a chili cheese dog for Sonic.
2Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
For a traditional 3D platformer, you simply can’t go wrong with the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. Inside, there are three different adventures the plucky purple dragon first took during the PS1 era, remade to perfection. Collecting eggs and other collectibles, charging at enemies with Spyro’s mighty horns and flying through the sky is an exceptional experience from start to finish. There are a few challenging bosses you’ll come across as well that will test your abilities. You’ll get blasted with a wave of nostalgia if you play this trilogy, which isavailable on Xbox Game Pass. Now, where’s that fourth game, Xbox?
