There are heaps of adorable animal games on both Switch and mobile that allow you to spend time with a whole host of virtual critters, offering an escape from the hectic nature of modern life at the touch of a button. From embarking on island getaways full of fuzzy friends to starting your own kitty cafe, or even running a post office as a pair of adorable, flightless birds, there are heaps of experiences waiting to whisk you off to a world of purrfect pals and pawsome fun – and we’ve listed the best of them right here for your perusal.
If you’re looking for more game recommendations, be sure to check out our picks for the best cat games, the best simulation games on Switch, the best games like Stardew Valley, and the best decorating games on Switch and mobile.
Explore the Best Animal Games Available
When it comes to animal games, the options are vast and varied. Whether you want to run a cafe filled with cats, train dolphins for a spectacular show, or manage a restaurant in the woods, there's something for every animal lover out there. Here are some of the top titles to consider:
- My Tamagotchi Forever
- Animal Restaurant
- Dear My Cat
- My Dolphin Show
- Farmville 3
- Sunrise Village
- Animal Crossing
- Cat Cafe Manager
- Super Animal Royale
- Phogs
- KeyWe
- Little Friends
- Okami
- Fun! Fun! Animal Park
- Untitled Goose Game
My Tamagotchi Forever – Mobile
Everyone’s favourite retro virtual pet has hatched onto mobile, in the adorable casual title My Tamagotchi Forever. Adopt your very own little monster, raise them, take care of them, and play a heap of cute minigames and puzzles along the way. With plenty of Tamagotchi to collect, tons of delicious food, cute costumes, and colorful items to unlock, it’s an adorable and relaxing experience to play on the go.
Animal Restaurant – Mobile
This adorable and heartwarming management simulation game lets you step into the paws of a sweet kitty running a little restaurant in the woods. Learn recipes, decorate your cafe, and expand your business as you serve adorable animal customers from all corners of the forest. The artwork is absolutely gorgeous, with its muted tones and mixture of European, Mediterranean, and Japanese influences, making it feel like a tiny storybook world.
Dear My Cat: Relaxing Cat Game – Mobile
Dear My Cat is an endearing virtual pet sim, where every cat embarks on a journey on the beautiful Sky Island. This super relaxing experience allows you to expand and decorate your peaceful little island, create a variety of animals, and enjoy lovely music and peaceful landscapes. This easy-to-play, casual title has no fail states, making it a stress-free escape when the world gets too tough.
My Dolphin Show – Mobile
Ever wanted to be a dolphin trainer? My Dolphin Show invites you to give it a try, as you teach your own dolphin incredible tricks and then put on jaw-dropping shows around the world. Whether your dolphin is hopping through hoops in Hawaii or leaping through loops in Las Vegas, there are over eighty exciting tricks to teach them, all of which you can choreograph into the best performances around.
Farmville 3 – Mobile
If you’re looking for some farm-based fun, then grab your wellies and your straw hat because Farmville 3 is perfect for you. Build your own animal farm from scratch, add new habitats, while expanding and upgrading your buildings to host a whole crew of cute critters.
Sunrise Village – Mobile
What do you look for in an animal game? If so, you might want to try out Sunrise Village, a game where you start a new life in the titular countryside village in order to help your grandfather. You have some degree of choice over what you do when you’re there, and animal lovers will probably want to invest in some livestock like cows, pigs, chickens, or sheep.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch
Pretty much everyone has played Animal Crossing: New Horizons by now – if you haven’t, what are you waiting for? This delightful sim took the world by storm during the tough lockdowns of 2020, and it felt like a beacon in the dark. You land on a little island, which soon becomes your own resort, where you can decorate, landscape, forage, fish, and meet adorable animals!
Cat Cafe Manager – Nintendo Switch
Cat Cafe Manager is a frankly adorable business sim where you build up your Grandma’s old cafe from the rubble, make meaningful relationships with your regulars, and help a magical cat rebuild an ancient shrine. Plus, cats! So many cats!
Super Animal Royale – Nintendo Switch
Have you ever played PUBG or Fortnite and thought ‘this needs more cute critters’? If so, Super Animal Royale is the game for you. This free-to-play title does exactly what it says on the tin – it’s a Battle Royale, with super animals!
Phogs – Nintendo Switch
Just thinking about Phogs is enough to bring a smile to my face. The premise is simple – you are a long, stretchy dog with two heads and no butt. Go explore! With an adorable art style, cute characters, and plenty of fun puzzles, it makes for a wonderful, lighthearted experience.
KeyWe – Nintendo Switch
Like Phogs, KeyWe is designed for co-op, following two Kiwis, Debra and Jeff, as they attempt to run a busy post office. Peck parcels, bash buttons, and keep the well-oiled machine that is the post room running. You can even dress them up in tiny hats!
Little Friends: Dogs & Cats and My Universe: Pet Clinic – Nintendo Switch
Both Little Friends: Dogs & Cats and My Universe: Pet Clinic fit into the same niche of animal-themed sim games. If you’re looking for games where you care for animals rather than being one, then these two are for you.
Okami – Nintendo Switch
Okami is a classic for a reason. This beautiful, illustrated tale is a magical, fantasy adventure full of gorgeous art, stunning characters, and wonderful gameplay mechanics. The HD re-release on Switch brings it to a new generation perfectly.
Fun! Fun! Animal Park – Nintendo Switch
Featuring 30 different animal-themed mini-games, Fun! Fun! Animal Park supports both solo mode and couch co-op. The game makes use of the Switch’s motion controls to bring you a myriad of amusing experiences. Grab a friend and enjoy some madcap, fuzzy fun!
Untitled Goose Game – Nintendo Switch
Welcome to Untitled Goose Game. You’re a horrible goose, wreaking havoc around a sleepy little English village. This slapstick stealth sandbox lets you pull pranks and steal hats while ruining everyone’s day!
That’s it for our list of the best animal games on Switch and mobile. If you still need ideas for something fresh to play, take a look at our lists of the best Switch games and the best mobile games for a wider range of titles.
