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The best upcoming Nintendo Switch games: 2023, 2024, and beyond

The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular consoles Nintendo has ever produced, with a wide variety of games to choose from and plenty of unique features. We’ve already gotten to play new entries across the Zelda, Super Mario, and Pokémon series on Nintendo Switch, but there are still plenty of great games on the way for the hybrid console. These include exclusive games developed internally by Nintendo, as well as third-party titles and ports also available on other platforms.

There are lots of games to look forward to on the platform. These are the best upcoming Nintendo Switch games for 2023 and beyond. Of course, some titles without release windows could skip the Switch entirely and wind up on Nintendo’s next-gen console.

Confirmed 2023 releases

The games listed below either have 100% confirmed release dates or solid release windows that we expect them to hit this year. Anything that’s up in the air due to more vague launch predictions or previous delays will be listed under the following header.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — May 12, 2023
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — May 12, 2023
RP
Platforms Nintendo Switch
Genre Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Publisher Nintendo
Release May 12, 2023
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has been heralded as the best game of the generation and possibly the best Legend of Zelda game 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.
Sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - First Look Trailer - Nintendo E3 2019
LEGO 2K Drive - May 19, 2023
LEGO 2K Drive - May 19, 2023
E10
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Racing, Adventure, Arcade
Developer Visual Concepts
Publisher 2K Games
Release May 19, 2023

Lego 2K Drive is the first entry in a multi-title partnership between Visual Concepts, 2K Games, and The Lego Group. Blending the simplicity of Legos with the complexity of driving simulators, this game is going to be a blast for younger casual players and racing veterans alike.

LEGO 2K Drive | Awesome Reveal Trailer | Coming May 19
Cassette Beasts - May 25, 2023
Cassette Beasts - May 25, 2023
RP
Platforms Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Role-playing (RPG), Adventure, Indie
Developer Bytten Studio
Publisher Raw Fury
Release April 26, 2023
Cassette Beasts is a new indie monster-catching game that takes direct inspiration from classic Pokémon games. The game is out now on PC.
Cassette Beasts | Reveal Trailer
Sonic Origins Plus - June 6, 2023
Sonic Origins Plus - June 6, 2023
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Platform, Adventure
Developer Sega
Publisher Sega
Release June 23, 2023
Get ready Sonic fans — you’ll soon be able to play all of your favorite hedgehog classics in one place on Switch. The Sonic Origins Plus collection will feature 16 legendary Sonic titles including 12 game gear games, new playable characters, modes, challenges, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
Sonic Origins Plus – Announce Trailer
Pikmin 4 - July 21,2023
Pikmin 4 - July 21,2023
Platforms Nintendo Switch
Genre Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy, Adventure
Developer Nintendo
Publisher Nintendo
Release July 21, 2023
Captain Olimar is finally back in the fourth installment of Nintendo’s adorable survival series. Pikmin 4, like every other game in the series, is expected to masterfully mix real-time strategy and puzzle elements into a lovely little space adventure. We still don’t know a lot about the plot of Pikmin 4, but it has been confirmed in trailers that there will be a new ice-type Pikmin and a cute dog-like companion to help the captain this time around.
Pikmin 4 - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Direct 9.13.2022
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals - July 12, 2023
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals - July 12, 2023
T
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5
Genre Adventure, Indie
Developer Night School Studio
Publisher Netflix
Release July 12, 2023
Night School Studios and Netflix’s horror-adventure game Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals has been in the works for quite a while. We learned that Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals, which takes place five years after the events of the original and follows a woman named Camena investigating mysterious radio signals, will come out on July 12. 
OXENFREE II: Lost Signals | Announce Trailer
Hogwarts Legacy - July 25, 2023
Hogwarts Legacy - July 25, 2023
T
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer Avalanche Software
Publisher Portkey Games
Release February 10, 2023

While Hogwarts Legacy launched in February 2023 on most platforms, Switch players will have to wait until July to carve out their own story at Hogwarts. This Harry Potter RPG takes place in the 1800s, where you hold the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. Go to class, ride a broomstick, and learn all about Unforgivable Curses in this new magical adventure.

Hogwarts Legacy – Official 4K Reveal Trailer
Disney Illusion Island - July 18, 2023
Disney Illusion Island - July 18, 2023
E
Platforms Nintendo Switch
Genre Platform, Adventure
Developer Dlala Studios
Publisher Disney
Release July 28, 2023
Join Mickey and the gang as they explore the mysterious island of Monoth and recover three mystical books to save the world in this upcoming co-op platformer. This may not be a super-innovative title, but it looks delightful from what we’ve seen so far.
Disney Illusion Island - World Premiere Trailer - Nintendo Switch
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk - August 18, 2023
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk - August 18, 2023
T
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch
Genre Platform, Sport, Adventure, Indie
Developer Team Reptile
Publisher Team Reptile
Release August 13, 2023

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is the spiritual successor  of Jet Set Radio. Players will be able to start a cypher, dance, paint, do tricks, and face off with the cops in this funky indie action-adventure platformer.

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk - Official Gameplay Teaser Trailer
Sea of Stars - August 29, 2023
Sea of Stars - August 29, 2023
E10
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5
Genre Role-playing (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS), Adventure, Indie
Developer Sabotage
Publisher Sabotage
Release August 29, 2023
Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG that aims to blends just the right amount of traditional and modern gameplay. A prequel story set in the same universe as The Messenger, Sea of Stars is the story of two Children of the Solstice who will combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force capable of fending off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer.
Sea of Stars - Reveal Trailer (Now on Kickstarter!)
Blasphemous II - Summer 2023
Blasphemous II - Summer 2023
M
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch
Genre Platform, Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer The Game Kitchen
Publisher Team17
Release August 31, 2023
The Game Kitchen’s Blasphemous made a name for itself as one of the most brutal Metroidvania games of the last decade, both in visual style and gameplay. The team is at work on a sequel where players explore a place cursed by something ironically called The Miracle. When it comes to gameplay, players can expect three new weapons. They will also encounter weapon memories that expand their moveset. Blasphemous 2 will be released this summer.
Blasphemous 2 - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch
Quilts and Cats of Calico - Fall 2023
Quilts and Cats of Calico - Fall 2023
E
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Nintendo Switch
Genre Puzzle, Strategy, Tactical, Indie, Card & Board Game
Developer Monster Couch
Publisher Monster Couch
Release September 30, 2023

Based on the popular board game Calico, Quilts and Cats of Calico is an adorable multiplayer game that will have players sewing quilts with their friends and cute cats. We don’t have an exact release date yet, but it’s expected to launch this fall.

Quilts & Cats of Calico - Announcement Teaser
Rift of the Necrodancer - 2023
Rift of the Necrodancer - 2023
E10
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch
Genre Music, Role-playing (RPG), Indie
Developer Brace Yourself Games
Publisher Brace Yourself Games
Release June 30, 2023
Brace Yourself Games is one of the premier rhythm game developers thanks to titles like Crypt of the Necrodancer and Cadence of Hyrule, and it announced a new game during Nintendo’s April Indie World showcase. Titled Rift of the Necrodancer, this is a lane-based game where players rhythmically attack the monsters that come down each lane. The game also features minigames that more closely resemble the Rhythm Heaven series. Rift of the Necrodancer will be released later this year.
Rift of the NecroDancer Reveal Trailer
Moving Out 2
Moving Out 2
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Simulator, Indie
Developer SMG Studio, DEVM Games
Publisher Team17
Release December 31, 2023
The hit co-op game Moving Out should be getting a sequel this year. We don’t know much about it yet, but we know it’ll be a blast. There are also rumors that the sequel should support online multiplayer cross-platform support.
Moving Out 2 World Premiere Trailer | gamescom Opening Night LIVE 2022

Possible 2023 releases

These games are confirmed to be coming to Switch at some point soon. We aren’t entirely sure when, or if, they’ll drop this year, but we have hope.

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum - Q4 2023
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum - Q4 2023
RP
Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Adventure
Developer Daedalic Entertainment
Publisher Nacon, Daedalic Entertainment
Release May 25, 2023
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum will tell the tale of Middle-earth’s favorite trickster (and most cursed hobbit) as he evades capture and deals with his split personalities during his hunt for the One Ring. After several years in limbo, the new LOTR title is set to launch on most consoles in May — unfortunately, Switch users will have to wait a while longer.
The Lord of the Rings™: Gollum™ | A Split Personality Cinematic Trailer
Hollow Knight: Silksong — Q2 2023
Hollow Knight: Silksong — Q2 2023
RP
Platforms Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Nintendo Switch
Genre Platform, Adventure, Indie
Developer Team Cherry
Publisher Team Cherry
One of 2017’s absolute best games is getting a sequel in Hollow Knight: Silksong, 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.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Reveal Trailer

Games with no release window

All we know about the games listed below is that they’re in development. Most of them are probably a few years away from launch.

Metroid Prime 4 — TBA
Metroid Prime 4 — TBA
Platforms Nintendo Switch
Genre Shooter
Developer Retro Studios, Nintendo
Publisher Nintendo
Since we’re on the topic of games we know nothing about, word of Metroid Prime 4 got out several years ago at an E3 Nintendo Direct presentation, but we haven’t heard anything from Nintendo since. Supposedly, the game was still in the developing process at Bandai Namco. Still, the game was not advancing as quickly as Nintendo expected, and it was thus scrapped and restarted with Metroid Prime trilogy creator Retro Studios taking the wheel. We don’t know if the game will launch in the next few years, but we do know one thing: Metroid fans are great at waiting. Otherwise, they may get stuck with another game like Other M, and no one wants that.
Metroid Prime 4 - First Look - Nintendo E3 2017

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Sam Hill
Sam Hill is a journalist and the gaming guides editor at Digital Trends. He's also written tech guides for Input and has…
When does Hogwarts Legacy come out on Nintendo Switch?
A student waving a wand in Hogwarts Legacy.

Hogwarts Legacy is the latest and greatest adventure in the magical Harry Potter universe. Set in the 1800s, the story focuses on a generic fifth-year student who’s tasked with taking down a brewing Goblin rebellion in-between their school duties. For Potterheads of all ages, a game that allows them to traverse the halls of Hogwarts, learn their favorite spells from the books and films, and fight enemies like dark wizards, trolls, and dragons is an absolute dream.

The game launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC in February. While reviews were mixed across the board, longtime fans jumped into the wizarding world in droves — over 15 million copies of the game have been sold to date. Unfortunately, players on the top-tier consoles were the only ones who had access to the game for a while. Instead of launching on all platforms simultaneously, Hogwarts Legacy's release has been staggered.

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Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: release time, file size, and preload options
Link looks at his hand in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

The Demon King Ganondorf is back and Link is the only hero that can save Hyrule (again) in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, launching tomorrow on Nintendo Switch. The highly anticipated sequel to Breath of the Wild, the most popular Zelda titles and one of the greatest games of all time, features the same massive world of Hyrule, classic enemies, and fan-favorite weapons but with new powers an abilities.

Like its predecessor, Tears of the Kingdom is a game that you can easily get lost in and spend hundreds of hours exploring without finding all of its secrets. If you're itching to save this version of Hyrule, it's surely taken a lot of patience to wait this long for the sequel to launch. Ee can't make it come any faster, but we can at least tell you exactly what time time you can play Tears of the Kingdom and how to download the game early.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom release time

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Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers: how they work and eligible games
Link stands near allied humans and Gorons in Tears of the Kingdom.

After disappearing from the store in 2019, Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers have returned to the eShop. These vouchers are a great value to those who are active Switch users and purchase a lot of their games digitally via the Nintendo online shop. By purchasing a voucher, players are able to browse a constantly expanding selection of Switch games, including many high-profile first-party titles such as Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Splatoon 3, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and use their vouchers to purchase games. In addition, they can also be used to preorder upcoming titles.

If you neverhad the chance to use them before, here's everything you need to know about Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers.
How Nintendo Switch Vouchers work

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