The Nintendo Switch has undoubtedly become a massive hit, showing the gaming world that a console’s success isn’t solely about having the most powerful hardware. By blending Nintendo’s well-loved first-party games, an impressive roster of triple-A third-party hits, and a treasure trove of indie gems, the Switch has built a stellar library that can hold its own against most other platforms in both quality and variety.
Two standout games from the past decade are without a doubt The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. Yet, the excitement never wanes as the potential for a new, ultimate Switch game keeps us on our toes. The years 2022 and 2023 were particularly fruitful for Nintendo enthusiasts. In 2023, alone, we saw console exclusives like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Metroid Prime Remastered, Pikmin 4, Super Mario Wonder, and Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp. As we look forward to 2024, exciting exclusives continue to emerge, featuring beloved characters like Princess Peach and Zelda.
Curious about what’s next for the Nintendo Switch in 2024 and beyond? Let’s delve into the major titles set to make their debut. Keep in mind, our focus is on North American release dates.
As of November 28, 2024, the pace of announcements for new Nintendo Switch games has slowed down, understandable given how the year is drawing to a close. Nevertheless, several intriguing titles have been added to the release calendar recently: Winning Post 10 2025, Riviera: The Promised Land Remaster, and Crown Wars: The Black Prince, to name a few. There’s also 911: Prey, Water Blast Shooter – Wet Gun, and Food Courier: Bike Adventure. These join a slew of other exciting games such as Ironfall Invasion and Monster Truck Arena: Battle Royale, ensuring there’s plenty to anticipate.
November 2024 brought a wave of exciting releases for the Switch, largely thanks to announcements from the Nintendo Direct event in June. Leading the charge is Mario & Luigi: Brothership, a new RPG featuring everyone’s favorite Italian brothers. Nintendo has been emphasizing the RPG roots of this series lately, delivering remasters that stay faithful to the classic iterations. Brothership marks Mario’s first entirely new RPG journey in about ten years, excluding work like The Origami King which, while enjoyable, doesn’t fully commit to RPG mechanics. Brothership serves more as a respectable nod to tradition rather than a groundbreaking addition.
November is packed with more than just Brothership. Farmagia stands out with its unique mix of monster taming and agricultural elements. Square Enix fans will find joy in the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, showcasing stunning visuals, while LEGO Horizon Adventures offers a refreshing twist on Horizon Zero Dawn.
The detailed list of releases, starting from November 1st with titles like Aero the Acro-Bat: Rascal Rival Revenge, through to November 29th with games such as Bamboo Retro Run, highlights a variety of games catering to different tastes and preferences.
Moving into December 2024, while the month might not carry the same weight as others, it still offers noteworthy titles for Switch owners. Among them are the remastered editions of the Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver games and Fairy Tail 2, both anticipated to deliver captivating experiences. Square Enix’s Fantasia Neo Dimension also promises to be a highlight worth exploring.
As we look into 2025 and beyond, January is surprisingly promising with a strong lineup of RPGs, platformers, and action JRPGs. Titles like Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana and the long-awaited Donkey Kong Country Returns HD are poised to capture gamers’ attention. They provide both nostalgia and a chance to appreciate some of the best aspects of classic gaming with modern twists.
February 2025 follows up with its offerings, including Civilization 7 which stands out as a prime potential time-sink if optimized well for the Switch. In the same month, Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered offers a dive back into Lara Croft’s world, though expectations for significant updates to the beloved series, especially the notoriously challenging Angel of Darkness, remain high.
Looking past February, Switch fans can look forward to releases like Little Nightmares 3 and Pokemon Legends. While these games await specific release dates, the potential line-up for 2025 speaks to another promising year for the Nintendo Switch gaming community.
As 2024 closes, and 2025 emerges on the horizon, the best Nintendo Switch game of the year remains up in the air. Could it be an announced title hitting its mark or a surprise release that steals the spotlight? The anticipation continues, inviting gamers into a future packed with diverse gaming adventures.
