The best upcoming Nintendo Switch games Digital Trends

The best upcoming Nintendo Switch games

September 16, 2022 Share At one point, the list of upcoming Switch games was bare, but following a in June 2022 and a massive in September 2022, there are even more titles to look forward to. And it’s possible Nintendo will have even more to show later this year. However you slice it, it’s an exciting time to be a Nintendo fan. With that in mind, there are still lots of games to look forward to on the platform. These are the best upcoming for 2022 and beyond. Recommended reading:

2022

NieR: Automata - The End of the YoRHa Edition — October 6, 2022 Trailer M Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Release As announced during the June 2022 Partner Showcase, Nier: Automata is indeed coming to Nintendo Switch. This version, The End of the YoRHa Edition, will come with all previously released content, along with new costumes for Switch. Nier: Automata is easily one of the best action RPGs of the past generation, featuring a deep, philosophical story, engaging combat, and fantastic music. It’s been featured on pretty much every major modern platform, so it’s heartening that it’s in the works for Switch, and thankfully, it’s not running from the cloud. Read more NieR: Automata The End of Yorha Edition Switch Trailer No Man's Sky: Nintendo Switch Edition — October 7, 2022 Trailer T Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Release Somehow, some way, HelloGames is bringing No Man’s Sky to Nintendo Switch. This space exploration game is easily the best of its kind, and its development cycle is often regarded as the greatest turnaround story — coming from a basic, barebones adventure and turning into an impossibly immense experience. In it, you explore over 18 quintillion planets while scavenging for resources, battling enemy creatures, and playing alongside fellow travelers. On paper, this game shouldn’t exist, but the folks at HelloGames have made it possible. With 20 free updates that have been released since the game’s launch, there’s no shortage of things to do in No Man’s Sky. Read more No Man's Sky - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope — October 20, 2022 Trailer RP Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Release One of the most exciting upcoming Switch games is . This will be the sequel to Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle, a game that surprised many of us when it launched in 2017. It will still feature the beloved tactical strategy gameplay but will send players to new planets, hopefully introducing even more variation in enemy types. With more open-ended exploration and the migration to space, Sparks of Hope seems like it’ll be a worthy successor to one of the best Switch games. Read more Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope – Nintendo Direct E3 2021 Bayonetta 3 — October 28, 2022 Trailer RP Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Release One of the biggest surprises of the September 2021 Nintendo Direct was the re-emergence of , a game that has been in the works since at least 2017. The new trailer showed off some of the game’s characters as well as gameplay, and it’s just as wacky as you’d expect. In it, we got to see Bayonetta utilizing her witch powers to control a gigantic creature — using it to battle it out against her foes. The gameplay seems like it’s on par with the rest of the series, focusing on fast-paced action, combos, and light exploration. And, of course, the titular Bayonetta is just as sassy and stylish as ever, sporting a new haircut! Best of all is the game’s 2022 release window. It’s almost here! Read more Bayonetta 3 Official Teaser Trailer - The Game Awards 2017 Persona 5 Royal — October 21, 2022 Trailer 98 % M Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Release Finally, after years of fans begging for a Switch port, Persona 5 Royal is coming to Nintendo’s handheld hybrid system. The game’s absence on Switch has always been puzzling, especially since other Persona spinoffs have launched on the platform. Even Persona 5‘s protagonist, Joker, was made available as a fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. But Atlus is finally answering our requests, bringing one of the greatest JRPGs of all time to Switch. It’s a roller coaster of a story, with incredibly satisfying turn-based gameplay and equally as impressive music. Above all else, Persona 5 Royal is easily the most stylish game in the series, resembling a mix between anime and comic book styles thanks to its bright, vibrant color palette. There will soon be no excuse to play this game after it launches on Switch (and Xbox) this fall. Read more ペルソナ５ ザ・ロイヤル PV#01 Harvestella — November 4, 2022 Trailer T Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Release Harvestella was announced during the June 2022 Partner Showcase, and based on its showing, it’s shaping up to be an exciting RPG from Square Enix. Part life sim, part fantasy RPG, Harvestella seems like it will harken back to games like Harvest Moon, Stardew Valley, and the Tales Of series, effectively blending farming mechanics with social elements. In it, you’ll focus on growing crops, engaging with townsfolk, and exploring the world while the seasons and weather change. Harvestella seems like it’ll be a cute RPG, with an emphasis on quirky characters and an engaging story. Read more HARVESTELLA – Announce Trailer Sonic Frontiers — November 8, 2022 Trailer RP Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Release is an open-world spin on the beloved franchise, with tons of points of interest around the map and lots to do. In the announcement trailer, you can see Sonic running (go figure) across the large map as he’s being chased by enemies in ships. The trailer didn’t dive into gameplay, but at the very least, it gives us an idea of what to expect from Sonic’s next adventure. Sonic Frontiers still has a ways to go in terms of development, but SEGA is aiming for a holiday 2022 release window. Read more Sonic the Hedgehog 2022 - Teaser Trailer Pokémon Scarlet and Violet — November 18, 2022 Trailer Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Release The 9th generation of Pokémon will launch in the form of , featuring lots more monsters for you to catch. This game is based on Spain and the Mediterranean, with a large open world for you to explore, similar to Legends: Arceus. The three new starters are Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, and they’re just as cute as you’d expect. The main selling point of Scarlet and Violet is the fact that the open-world features areas with seamless transitions, allowing you to traverse between the two with no load screens. There’s still a lot we don’t know about this upcoming RPG, but based on what we’ve seen so far, it seems exciting. Read more Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Reveal Trailer Nintendo Switch 2022 HD

2023

Fire Emblem Engage — January 20, 2023 Trailer T Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Release Kicking off 2023 is Fire Emblem Engage, the latest mainline game in the series. This was announced during the September 2022 Nintendo Direct and was one of the showcase’s standout announcements. While we still don’t know much about this installment, Nintendo has confirmed that it will feature characters from previous Fire Emblem games, most notably Marth. Engage will tell the story of a war against the Fell Dragon, who has reawakened after a thousand-year slumber. This installment will feature the same beloved turn-based tactics gameplay from previous entries, but beyond that, Nintendo will need to show more ahead of its launch in January 2023. Read more Fire Emblem Engage - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Direct 9.13.2022 Blanc — February 2023 Trailer Platforms Genre Publisher Release One of the standout games shown during the June 2022 Partner Showcase was Blanc, a co-op adventure about a fox and a deer. Its art style is captivating, with a black and white color palette that resembles a napkin doodle, while never feeling crude. Beyond that, the presentation is absolutely adorable and will likely pull at your heartstrings with its story. Here’s hoping it doesn’t include anything devastating, but judging by its reveal trailer, we expect to cry a lot while playing Blanc. Read more Blanc Announcement Trailer Octopath Traveler II — February 24, 2023 Trailer RP Platforms Genre Publisher Release Octopath Traveler was a hit, and since Square Enix loves making sequels, it makes sense that Octopath Traveler II is on the way. This entry will utilize the same HD-2D art style as the previous entry, giving it a distinct look and personality. Like the last game, you’ll have eight different characters to choose from, each with different origins and abilities. Octopath Traveler II takes place in a land called Solistia, and it’ll feature a day/night cycle. This entry will include the Break and Boost system from the previous game, but Square Enix also notes that new mechanics and features will be added, too. Read more OCTOPATH TRAVELER II - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe — February 24, 2023 Trailer Platforms Genre Publisher Release Serving as a remake of Kirby’s Return to Dream Land, which launched for the Wii in 2011, the Deluxe edition will come to Switch in early 2023. This cooperative sidescroller sends players to the planet Popstar to rescue a stranded alien. In it, you and up to three other friends can take on the roles of Kirby — King Dedede, Waddle Dee, and Meta Knight — who all have special abilities and playstyles. This entry will include not only enhanced visuals but also a new set of mini-games to keep things interesting. It’ll also give players a new Mecha Ability, so there will no doubt be plenty of reasons to replay this one, even if you finished the original in 2011. Read more Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe - Nintendo Direct 9.13.22 - Nintendo Switch The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — May 12, 2023 Trailer RP Platforms Genre Publisher Release The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has been heralded as the best game of the generation and possibly the of all time. It comes as no surprise that Nintendo wanted to create a direct sequel, though just what form that will take remains unclear. A teaser trailer released at E3 2019 suggests that Zelda could be playable along with Link, and the world seems to be suffering from another calamity despite the destruction of Ganon. At E3 2021, Nintendo showed off more of this game, still referring to it as “the sequel to Breath of the Wild.” The open-world design still remains, but players will now be able to venture to the skies above, similar to Skyward Sword. Finally, during the September 2022 Nintendo Direct, the sequel received a title, and it’s called Tears of the Kingdom. It’s gearing up for a May 2023 release after many years in development. Read more Sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - First Look Trailer - Nintendo E3 2019 Persona 3 Portable — 2023 Trailer 86 % M Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Release Along with the news that Persona 5 Royal will come to Switch, Atlus also announced that Persona 3 Portable will come to the handheld hybrid platform in 2023 on an undisclosed date. This is the definitive version of Persona 3, which first came to PS2 before launching on PSP in 2010. This is arguably the game that put Persona on the map, redefining features from previous installments and paving the way for what would become one of the most beloved JRPGs of all time. Read more Atlus USA Trailer: Persona 3 Portable Persona 4 Golden — 2023 Trailer 96 % M Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Release The trifecta of Persona games will include the fourth installment, which will come to Switch sometime in 2023. Persona 4 Golden is an expanded version of the fourth game in the series, which first came to the PS2 before debuting on the PS Vita in 2012. This game is known for streamlining the series’ mechanics, with an approachable cast of characters, story, and gameplay loop. Although Persona 3 was a turning point for the series, Persona 4 Golden is often regarded as the most popular, at least at the time. Thankfully, players will get to experience this excellent JRPG on Nintendo Switch next year. Read more Persona 4 Golden: E3 Trailer Minecraft: Legends — 2023 Trailer Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Release The next game in the Minecraft universe will launch in 2023, but this one might be a bit different than you’d expect. Minecraft Legends is a strategy game that aims to encapsulate similar RTS adventures such as StarCraft. It’s still unclear how it will play exactly, but we do know it’ll focus on story, with an emphasis on large-scale battles. Despite Mojang being owned by Microsoft, Minecraft Legends will come to all major platforms, including Nintendo Switch. Read more Minecraft Legends – Announce Trailer Pikmin 4 — 2023 Trailer Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Release Nearly a decade after its predecessor, Nintendo finally revealed Pikmin 4. This real-time strategy puzzle series has always flown under the radar, but perhaps the fourth installment will get the recognition it deserves. Nintendo announced this game during its September 2022 Direct, and although it didn’t give us many details, the company did confirm you’ll have the ability to play from the Pikmins’ perspective — a first for the series. This game doesn’t have a solid launch date, but we know it’ll be out sometime in 2023. Read more Pikmin 4 - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Direct 9.13.2022

Games with no release window

Marvel's Midnight Suns — TBD Trailer Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Release Hailing from developer Firaxis, the team behind XCOM, is a turn-based tactical RPG. It will feature similar gameplay as the XCOM series, but with a few twists and turns that keep it separate from them. In it, you play as a new hero called The Hunter, who can be customized to your liking. But you can still fight alongside your favorite Marvel heroes, including Wolverine, Ghost Rider, and Iron Man. Best of all, it’s coming to Nintendo Switch, meaning you’ll be able to play it on the big screen or on the go. Sadly, this game was delayed from March 2022 to the second half of the year, and while the console version will come out on December 2, the Switch edition still doesn’t have a release date. Read more Marvel's Midnight Suns - 'The Awakening' Official Announcement Trailer Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp — 2022 Trailer E10 Platforms Genre Developer Publisher It’s hard to believe Advance Wars is back, even if its newest entries aren’t original games. As announced during the E3 2021 Nintendo Direct, is headed to Switch later in 2022, serving as remakes of the first two games in the series. Advance Wars is a series of turn-based tactical games with a devoted fan base. In fact, fans have been asking for more Advance Wars games for years, and Nintendo will finally deliver. The last entry, Advance Wars: Days of Ruin, launched for the Nintendo DS in 2008, but the series has been dormant since then. Nintendo is likely gauging interest in the Advance Wars series to possibly develop a new game. Sadly, this collection was delayed indefinitely due to the war in Ukraine. It’s unclear when this will launch, but the game is finished, so hopefully, we don’t have to wait too much longer. Read more Advance Wars 1 + 2 Re-Boot Camp Trailer Nintendo E3 2021 Sports Story — TBA Trailer RP Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Golf Story was far more than a golf game on Nintendo Switch — it was a full-scale role-playing game filled with charming characters, all wrapped up in a golf shell that could still be enjoyed by those who don’t care about sports in the slightest. Developer Sidebar Games is taking this concept even further in Sports Story, which blends sports with role-playing mechanics again and adds plenty of new sports. These include tennis, and you’ll study at a tennis academy, just like in the Game Boy Color classic Mario Tennis. You will even get the chance to compete in a “Decasportathon” to show just how up to the challenge you truly are. Although this game was slated for mid-2020, a Nintendo Direct indicated that it had been delayed. Read more Sports Story - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch Hollow Knight: Silksong — TBA Trailer RP Platforms Genre Developer Publisher One of 2017’s absolute best games is getting a sequel in , and it’s headed to Nintendo Switch sometime in the future. It will take the stunning visuals, Metroidvania gameplay, and atmosphere of the original Hollow Knight and put you in the shoes (do these creatures wear shoes?) of Hornet, a princess who is tasked with protecting Hallownest. Silksong was announced last year, and we haven’t gotten much of an update on its development, but hopefully, we won’t have to wait much longer. If it’s half as good as the original, we’re all in for a treat. Read more Hollow Knight: Silksong Reveal Trailer Metroid Prime 4 — TBA Trailer Platforms Genre Developer Publisher Read more Metroid Prime 4 - First Look - Nintendo E3 2017

Editors' Recommendations

Portland New York Chicago Detroit Los Angeles Toronto Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. ©2022 , a Designtechnica Company. All rights reserved.