The Nintendo Switch proved itself as a very capable competitor to the PS4 and Xbox One while offering something else besides – portability. It’s still just as impressive now that the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S are on the scene, too.
With the Nintendo Switch Lite also going great guns, plus the Nintendo Switch OLED now available, there are a ton of fans looking for the best games to buy.
That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the upcoming Switch games we’ve got our own beady eyes on. You can find them in chronological order – soonest first – and with trailers for each.
No Man’s Sky
- Release date: 7 October 2022
- Switch exclusive? No
- Publisher: Hello Games
No Man’s Sky is one of gaming’s great redemption stories, coming back from a fairly disastrous launch to win back trust with countless impressive post-launch updates. Now its procedurally-generated planets and galaxies are coming to Switch, an impressive technical feat.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
- Release date: 20 October 2022
- Switch exclusive? Yes
- Publisher: Ubisoft
A sequel to the cult strategy game that smooshed together Mario and his friends with Ubisoft’s increasingly well-known Rabbids, Sparks of Hope could be a really fun way to get into more complicated strategy titles. It might have a zany tone, but this is an enjoyably deep system that we can’t wait to try more of.
Persona 5 Royal
- Release date: 21 October 2022
- Switch exclusive? No, also on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC
- Publisher: Sega
Atlus is bringing all of the last three major Persona games to Nintendo Switch, although it’s Persona 5 that will arrive first despite being the last game. These are some of the most celebrated JRPGs of the last decade, so being able to play them on the go will be amazing.
Bayonetta 3
- Release date: 28 October 2022
- Switch exclusive? Yes
- Publisher: Nintendo
Bayonetta 3 was announced way back in 2017, but it took until September 2021 for us to finally see something concrete, and indeed some gameplay. The above trailer confirms that it’s going to be just as bombastic and fantastic as the last two games, and it’s set to release in 2022.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
- Release date: 18 November 2022
- Switch exclusive? Yes
- Publisher: Nintendo
Pokémon is back, and it’s learning the lessons that the success of Pokémon Legends Arceus demonstrated, with more open-world systems than ever and the ability to move around without transitions and loading screens, from the looks of things. It’s looking like a vibrant and colourful step forward for the franchise.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
- Release date: TBC 2022
- Switch exclusive? Yes
- Publisher: Nintendo
Two of the very best turn-based strategy games ever made, this package will bring remasters of both Advance Wars titles from the Game Boy Advance days. They’ve got a beautiful updated look which brings the sort of polish we love to see. We’ll certainly be strapping in to lead the troops when it comes out, although the release date is in limbo after Nintendo delayed the game due to world events (meaning the invasion of Ukraine by Russia).
Fire Emblem Engage
- Release date: 20 January 2023
- Switch exclusive? Yes
- Publisher: Nintendo
After the phenomenal Three Houses, we’re finally getting another Fire Emblem in the form of Engage. It’ll offer up another winding storyline full of characters to meet, with complex tactical battles to go with its hopefully engaging plot.
Octopath Traveler 2
- Release date: 24 February 2023
- Switch exclusive? Yes
- Publisher: Square Enix
With a really distinctive art style that blends pixels with 3D, Octopath Traveler was a sleeper hit for RPG fans, and it’s getting an impressively quick sequel on the Switch soon, which will music to the ears of those looking for a new RPG franchise.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Release date: 12 May 2023
- Switch exclusive? Yes
- Publisher: Nintendo
We’re happy to see that one of the most popular games on Switch is getting a sequel. That’s right – The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild is getting another outing. It’s aiming to give us an even more expansive journey to explore.
Pikmin 4
- Release date: 2023
- Switch exclusive? Yes
- Publisher: Nintendo
It was a very welcome surprise when Nintendo announced Pikmin 4 in September 2022 as part of a packed Nintendo Direct, one that few people saw coming. For now, we don’t know much about the game or what new features it’ll bring, but time will tell!
Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Release date: TBC
- Switch exclusive? No
- Publisher: Team Cherry
Hollow Knight: Silksong is an upcoming Metroidvania action-adventure video game that’s the sequel to 2017’s award-winning Hollow Knight. You’ll be journeying to all new lands with special powers to battle the bug hordes. It has been suggested that this game will launch in June but there’s no official word yet.
Metroid Prime 4
- Release date: TBC
- Switch exclusive? Yes
- Publisher: Nintendo
Nintendo announced a new instalment of Metroid Prime, this time for Switch, during its E3 2017 Spotlight presentation but few other details have emerged in more than a year. We do know though that Bandai Namco is working on the game as its development studio.