Nintendo Switch 1 or 2: for these games, thankfully, it doesn’t matter. These are the very best games we can’t wait for.
Will it finally come this year? Chances are: it looks like the Nintendo Switch 2 will hit the market in the first half of 2025. And new console means new games.
Some pretty cool games are also planned for the current Nintendo Switch. According to Nintendo, the two Switch consoles have backwards compatibility, so whichever console you end up using: you’ll want these games.
These Nintendo Switch games are not to be missed this year
Since the release date of the Switch 2 has not yet been announced, there are no matching games either. Fortunately, then, you will most likely be able to play these games on the new console. These are next year’s best Switch games:
Donkey Kong Country: Returns HD
The ape-like counterpart of Mario has long had his own platforming series. These games are considerably more challenging than the Super Mario Bros. games. Nevertheless, they are heartily entertaining platformers.
(image: Nintendo)
Donkey Kong Country Returns appeared on the Wii and was a huge success. Its successor, Tropical Freeze, came out on the Wii U and has already had a remake for the Switch. All the more reason that the first installment is now also coming in HD. It’s a rock-solid addition to your gaming collection.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A for the Nintendo Switch
Pokémon Legends: Arceus was the breath of fresh air the series needed. The game made good use of the Nintendo Switch’s computing power and gave us an open world to explore like we haven’t seen from Pokémon before. Especially the battles and catching the creatures was radically different from previous volumes.
Legends: Z-A builds on this variant of Pokémon. That again means lots of action and especially lots of movement. What region the game will be set in is not yet known, but a new Pokémon game on the Nintendo Switch is always good news.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
Fans of the JRPG genre need no more introduction to Xenoblade Chronicles. These comprehensive Role Playing Games from Nintendo are among the best of its kind. Xenoblade Chronicles X was one of the best in the series, but was played by few people. It was a Wii U title.
(image: Nintendo)
Now the Definitive Edition is coming to the Switch. Not only has the game received an HD makeover, it now includes all the expansions and updates. There really isn’t a better entry point into this well-known series.
Tales of the Shire on Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is one of the boosters of so-called “cozy gaming. People who opt for this envision an ideal evening of gaming with a soothing game, candlelight, a cup of tea and sultry music. Games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley are big hits in this regard.
Tales of the Shire fits this picture perfectly. Especially if your heart beats faster with Lord of the Rings. This game contains all the coziness that comes with the Shire and Hobbit life. Baking, fishing and chilling in the most beautiful part of Middle-Earth; what more could you want?
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Another hobbyhorse from Nintendo that is finally getting a sequel. On the Switch, of course, we already have Metroid: Dread, a 2D game. Metroid Prime series is a 3D game and is generally considered the best variant of Metroid. Metroid Prime 4 was announced back in 2017.
Now we are over 8 years later and the long-awaited fourth installment is due out in 2025. That will be another space adventure full of puzzles, action and Metroids of course.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Hearing your brain crack while stuck for hours on the same tricky puzzle. Who hasn’t experienced it with the Professor Layton series. This well-known puzzle and detective game is getting a sequel on the Switch. That means not only new challenges, but also beautiful graphics.
(image: Nintendo)
Layton’s drawing style always stood out, but the New World of Steam is taking it up a notch on the Nintendo Switch. In fact, it will be the first time the game is fully 3D. That way there is even more to discover in Professor Layton’s already wondrous worlds.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
After a series of (far too) difficult 3D games, Ninja Gaiden returns to its roots. Like the first games on the NES, it will be a sleek platformer full of ninja elements. The team behind the successful indie game Blasphemous has developed Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound.
It looks like this game is going to be a hit with longtime fans of the series, while giving newcomers a chance to experience the game as it should be. After all, the previous 3D games were not for everyone (me).
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Although the game does not technically have a release date yet, fans are assuming that the sequel to Hollow Knight is coming in 2025. Hollow Knight is one of the best indie games on the Nintendo Switch and at all one of the best platformers ever.
No wonder fans have long been eagerly awaiting developer Team Cherry. This year, Silksong should finally come out so. If the game is anything like the first installment, the Switch will have yet another addictive platformer.
