The Nintendo Switch finally hit the gaming scene in March 2017 to show that merging mobile with the typical living room console was indeed possible. Costing $300 at launch, the Switch packs a hand-held, tablet-like component, a pair of Joy-Con motion-sensing controllers, a Joy-Con grip for attaching said controllers, wrist straps, and the Nintendo Switch dock. This latter component is what is used to hold the main hand-held console while its connected to an HDTV.
On the games front, prices vary between $5 and $60. To date, we don’t have a slew of first-party titles from Nintendo for the Switch save for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Additional titles like Splatoon 2 and Super Mario Odyssey are a few months out. That said, the Switch’s current library is mostly filled by third-party mainstream and indie publishers.
Available right now
For starters, here is everything you can purchase and play on the Nintendo Switch right now from third-party retailers and Nintendo’s eShop digital storefront. It’s a huge lineup, one that’s just three months old and already includes more than 50 physical and digital games.
At the end of this section, we list all 20 classic NeoGeo games ported by SNK to the Switch console. Each game costs $8 on Nintendo’s eShop spanning from the King of Fighters and Metal Slug franchises to stand-alone titles like Fatal Fury, Last Resort, Mark of the Wolves, Blazing Star, Samurai Showdown IV, and loads more.
Action and adventure games
GAME | PRICE | SHOP |
ARMS | $60 | Amazon |
Blaster Master Zero | $10 | Amazon |
Graceful Explosion Machine | $13 | eShop |
KAMIKO | $5 | eShop |
LEGO City Undercover | $60 | Amazon |
Mighty Gunvolt Burst | $10 | eShop |
Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition | $30 | eShop |
Mr. Shifty | $15 | Amazon |
Shantea: Half-Genie Hero | $20 | eShop |
Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment | $10 | Amazon |
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove | $25 | Amazon |
Snipperclips – Cut it out, together! | $20 | Amazon |
Skylanders Imaginators | $60 | Amazon |
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ | $40 | Amazon |
Thumper | $20 | eShop |
TumbleSeed | $15 | eShop |
Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers |
$40 | Amazon |
Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap | $20 | eShop |
Role-playing games
Disgaea 5 Complete | $60 | Amazon |
Has-Been Heroes | $20 | Amazon |
I Am Setsuna | $40 | Amazon |
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild |
$60 | Amazon |
Puzzle and strategy games
Human Resource Machine | $10 | Amazon |
Othello | $5 | eStore |
Puyo Puyo Tetris | $40 | Amazon |
Snake Pass | $20 | eShop |
World of Goo | $10 | Amazon |
Party games
1-2-Switch | $50 | Amazon |
Astro Duel Deluxe | $15 | eShop |
Super Bomberman R | $50 | Amazon |
The Jackbox Party Pack 3 |
$25 | eShop |
Music and fitness games
Sports and racing games
Cars 3: Driven To Win | $60 | Amazon |
Fast RMX | $20 | Amazon |
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | $60 | Amazon |
NBA Playgrounds | $20 | eStore |
Vroom in the Night Sky | $10 | eStore |
Simulation games
Little Inferno | $10 | Amazon |
New Frontier Days Founding Pioneers |
$10 | eStore |
As previously stated, here are all the NeoGeo games sold by SNK on the Nintendo eShop for Switch ($8 each):
Finally, the following pages will provide short preview of what’s to come in the June/August time frame, the September/Holidays time frame, and what’s planned for 2018 and beyond. That includes a just-revealed Metroid Prime 4 and a full-blown Pokémon role-playing game sometime in the console’s future (aka they’re in development now).
June to August releases
Splatoon 2
Everyone’s favorite, 4-on-4 turf battle game is coming back for more paint-splattering action. Slated as a full sequel, Splatoon 2 adds new stages, fashions, and weapons, including dual-wielding. Multiple control schemes also take advantage of the Switch’s diverse hardware; splat-fest enthusiasts can play on the portable unit, with the Joy-Con gyro controls, or with the Switch Pro Controller. The game features local and online multiplayer, as well as voice chat with Nintendo’s smart-device app. Nintendo plans to release additional DLC as well, just as it did for Splatoon, after the title’s launch on July 21, 2017.
Sonic Mania
Sonic the Hedgehog is coming to Switch, and he’s bringing his pals with him. In the modern-retro mashup Sonic Mania, players can play as Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails. Sega is also incorporating re-imagined stages from Sonic classics, as well as new stages. Sonic Mania launches as an eShop title on August 15, 2017, but customers can purchase a Collector’s Edition retail package that includes a deluxe Sega Genesis-shaped collector’s box, a 12-inch Classic Sonic statue standing on a Genesis console base, a metallic collector’s card, and more. Hit the Amazon link below to pre-order the $70 bundle.
Minecraft Story Mode
Telltale’s episodic Minecraft series, Minecraft: Story Mode, will be the complete edition, which contains all five episodes from season one, as well as the three episodes from Adventure Pass (eight total). Minecraft Story Mode will be made available on August 22, 2017.
Pre-order now from:
Amazon
Redout
Developed by Italian studio 34BigThings, Redout launches on the Switch on August 29, 2017. Based on Epic’s Unreal Engine 4 foundation, the game’s inspiration stems from popular futuristic racing titles including F-Zero, WipeOut, Rollcage, and POD. Players control racing ships locked to physics that require a unique force to handle all the turns, slopes, and twists in the tracks. These ships float just over six feet off the ground, and reach speeds of up to nearly 500 miles per hour. The game supports 12-player online racing and sports more than 25 “stylish” tracks.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Hitting the Nintendo Switch on August 29, 2017, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle sees Ubisoft’s Rabbids transported into the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario teams up with a group of Rabbid Heroes to help thwart the infestation of a larger, malicious horde of Rabbids ravaging and converting the kingdom. The game is divided into two styles: exploration and turn-based strategical combat. In the exploration portion, players have a wide view of the environment as Mario and his small band of Rabbid Heroes follow a rabbit-eared Roomba-type device. The Rabbid Heroes players will unlock include the hot-tempered Rabbid Peach (healer), the clumsy/naive Rabbid Luigi (wizard), Rabbid Yoshi (fighter), and Rabbid Mario (brawler).
SteamWorld Dig 2
Image & Form is taking SteamWorld back to its roots. After two well-received spin-offs, SteamWorld Heist and SteamWorld Tower Defense, SteamWorld Dig 2 will serve as a direct sequel to the critically-acclaimed SteamWorld Dig. You play as Dorothy, the merchant from the first game. The first game was a mix of Dig Dug and Metroidvania, and the sequel appears to expand on the latter. The randomly generated mineshaft has been replaced by a large, handcrafted, non-linear world that promises to give players a much longer experience this time around. SteamWorld Dig 2 launches first on Switch in the third quarter of 2017.
Stardew Valley
The smash hit indie originally created by just one developer moseys onto the Switch this summer. A spiritual successor to the Harvest Moon franchise, Stardew Valley is a relaxing farming simulator with a surprising amount of depth. Since its 2016 launch, dedicated farmers have longed for the arrival of multiplayer. That addition is almost here, and it will come first to the Switch. Although we stuck this game in the “summer” section, Nintendo says it will hit the Switch sometime in the second half of 2017.
September to December releases
Super Mario Odyssey
Mario is returning to sandbox glory in Super Mario Odyssey. This time, though, Mario will be making his way outside of the Mushroom Kingdom, as he treks through a plethora of environments, including real-life locales like New York City. With the help of an airship called Odyssey, Mario looks to be headed on his most diverse adventure yet. He can even throw a sentient hat named Cappy, donning a mysterious pair of eyes, which enables Mario to take control of specific objects and beings, from rockets and lighting bolts to turtles and Goombas. Super Mario Odyssey hits shelves on October 27, 2017.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
In a video message, Bethesda confirmed that Skyrim is being ported to the Switch, which marks the first time an Elder Scrolls game will be playable on a portable device. The company confirmed during E3 2017 that the game will arrive sometime during the fall packing Amiibo functionality for unlocking Link’s outfit, a Hylian Shield, and the Master Sword. The game will also support motion controls via the joy-cons. So far we’re not sure if the entire Skyrim DLC (Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn) will be included in the Switch version.
FIFA 18
Electronic Arts is bringing its best-selling soccer sim to the Nintendo Switch. In addition to promising that the title will represent the most authentic sports experience ever on a Nintendo platform, EA said the game will be custom-built to take advantage of the Switch’s unique hardware. Even though it will differ from the PS4 and Xbox One versions, it sounds as if the Switch version will be a fully fledged port, as opposed to the stripped-down EA Sports games released for the Wii. FIFA 18 is expected to launch September 29, 2017.
NBA 2K18
Slated to arrive sometime in September, NBA 2K18 will enable Switch players to create a MyPLAYER and build their own all-star MyTEAM using new card types. Write your own narrative with this basketball simulator, Nintendo says, by taking control of a league, or battling against players scattered across the world. Players can even take control of an NBA franchise as part of their NBA journey in MyCAREER.
Fire Emblem Warriors
Koei Tecmo is giving the Dynasty Warriors treatment to the Fire Emblem franchise, just as it did for Zelda with Hyrule Warriors. That said, this installment sheds the turn-based tactical role-playing gameplay model for real-time, beat-’em up combat. Players will have control over various characters seen throughout the Fire Emblem series including Marth from the original game, and Chrom from Awakening. This installment will also introduced two new characters: Darios and Yuana when it arrives sometime this fall.
Rocket League
Here’s another surprise revealed during E3 2017. According to Nintendo, this Switch-based version will include everything offered on the other platforms including content, features, and upgrades. However, this version of Rocket League will have several exclusives including special Battle-Cars and customization items. Even more, players will be able to top their vehicles with Mario and Luigi hats. The game will be playable cross-platform online with the PC and Xbox One when it hits the Switch this holiday season.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Based on a gameplay trailer displayed at E3 2017, this game will have an entirely new story and character roster. Our new hero is named Rex, who comes across Pyra, a female “Blade” wielding a new Driver weapon. She enlists Rex to help her return home to Elysium, a fabled paradise where at one time everyone lived on the World Tree with the divine father, the Architect. The game throws out realistic human designs for a more chibi anime art style approach. Yasunori Mitsuda, ACE, Kenji Hiramatsu, and Manami Kiyota return as the music composers. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will launch in the fourth quarter of 2017.
2018 and beyond
Metroid Prime 4
Nintendo revealed during E3 2017 that a new Metroid Prime game is in the works. Naturally, the company wouldn’t divulge any details other than the game is in development. However, the new installment will serve as the company’s return to the Metroid Prime franchise since the release of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption on the original Wii console in August of 2007. A release date is unknown for now, and we also don’t know if Nintendo will stick with the Metroid Prime 4 name, or go with something fancy.
Pokémon RPG
You read that right: Nintendo and Game Freak are working on a full-blown Pokémon role-playing game for the Nintendo Switch. Of course, Nintendo revealed absolutely nothing about the game during its very brief E3 2017 reveal: even less than it did with the Metroid Prime 4 reveal. That said, it’s anyone’s guess as to what Nintendo and Game Freak will call the game, and if it will be served up in two flavors. Pokémon Switch Cyan and Magenta to complement the Neon Blue/Red joy-cons, perhaps?
Kirby (working title)
Sometimes you need a hero, and Nintendo will bring one in 2018 on the Nintendo Switch in the shape of a pink, round … er … Kirby! Playable with up to three friends in co-op action, the upcoming Kirby game will be a side-scrolling platformer sporting awesome visuals across a wide number of environments. Using Kirby’s copy ability, players can wield fire, water, and sword-weapons while also using Kirby’s charming ability to turn enemies into friendly comrades. For instance, Kirby can “consume” an enemy to wield its Link-style sword and cap, or Kirby can toss it a heart to charm it into a friendly state. Kirby can have numerous followers, too.
Yoshi (working title)
Slated to hit the Nintendo Switch in 2018, Yoshi will be back in a new side-scrolling adventure based on an entirely new art style for the franchise. The game seemingly borrows from Paper Mario and Sony’s Teraway in a visual sense, with the entire landscape constructed out of cardboard and paper. It also borrows a design from Sony’s LittleBigPlanet series (developed by Media Molecule along with Tearaway) in that Yoshi can interact with the foreground and background. In an extended gameplay demonstration at E3 2017, we saw Yoshi turning away from the camera and knocking down cardboard bushes and smashing plants to the left of the current path.
Dragon Quest X
Mentioned only by name at Nintendo’s January event, Square Enix is localizing Dragon Quest X. The MMORPG game was released in Japan in 2012. It’s the only iteration of the Dragon Quest franchise to delineate from its traditional turn-based RPG roots. After western fans clamored for it, Square finally decided to bring it over. No release date has been set for the title, which could very well be the first of its kind on Nintendo’s new platform.
Dragon Quest XI
The eleventh mainline entry in the Dragon Quest franchise was also mentioned only by name at the event. Containing the classic Dragon Quest formula, Dragon Quest XI is slated for launch in Japan later this year. A North American release date has yet to be announced.
Dragon Quest Heroes I and II
Both Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree Woes and The Blight Below and Dragon Quest Heroes II are coming to Switch in North America. The original DQH came out in 2015, and the sequel arrived in April. It appears the original, with all downloadable content and a new playable character, will come bundled with DQH II for the Switch. Hack-and-slash DQ arrives in Japan on March 3, and can be . We still don’t know when a localized version for North American gamers will hit retail shelves.
Unnamed Shin Megami Tensei game
Atlus showcased a brief teaser for a new entry in its unique, RPG franchise at the event. Details are sparse, with no release window or even an official title at this time.
Project Octopath Traveler
One of the most charming games shown during the Switch event was Square Enix’s Project Octopath Traveler. This retro-style RPG oozes nostalgia with 2D sprites, as well as 3D backgrounds that give the open-world adventure a modern touch. Square Enix hasn’t set a release timeframe for Project Octopath Traveler, however.
No More Heroes
Goichi Suda, better known as Suda51, talked a bit about an upcoming Switch title. Besides claiming the game is heavily influenced by professional wrestling, he didn’t provide any concrete details. An image of Travis Touchdown wearing a “Travis strikes again” shirt all but confirmed that the project will be a new No More Heroes game for the Nintendo Switch. It sounds as if the game is still in early development, so don’t expect to play it anytime soon.
Lego Worlds
In addition to Lego City: Undercover, the Minecraft-like Lego Worlds is also coming to the Switch. No release date has been given, but the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC versions arrived in February.
Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition
The 2013 platformer Rayman Legends is coming to the Switch. Titled Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition, it will contain previously unreleased content. Ubisoft has not announced a release date as of yet.
Steep
Ubisoft’s high-octane snowboarding title is being ported to the Nintendo Switch. It remains to be seen if you’ll be able to paraglide with the Joy-Con’s motion controls, however, and Ubisoft has not set a release date for the upcoming port.
Dragon Ball Z Xenoverse 2
Nintendo also teased Dragon Ball Z Xenoverse 2 in the sizzle reel. Xenoverse 2, a fighting-RPG hybrid was originally released in October. A release date for the Switch port has yet to be announced.
Farming Simulator 17
Giants Software’s Farming Simulator flashed during the sizzle reel. Farming Simulator 17, the eighth entry in the series, came out in October. No release date has been set for the Switch farming sim.
Seasons of Heaven
Seasons of Heaven is a unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre, featuring beautiful foliage that shows off the power of the Switch, as well as a gorgeous, calming soundtrack. And there’s a French Bulldog with you the entire time.
Yooka-Laylee
From the creators of Banjo-Kazooie, Yooka-Laylee is an homage to the golden era of 3D platforms, filled with enough collectibles to keep you busy until Nintendo’s next console arrives. A version for the Wii U was canceled, and the release date for the Switch port isn’t yet known.
Celeste
Celeste is a “mountain-climbing platformer” from the developers behind the fast-paced multiplayer game, Towerfall. The title takes heavy cues from more recent, death-defying platformers like Super Meat Boy and imbues them with beautiful retro-inspired art. The game is also coming to PlayStation 4 and Steam.
Runner 3
Releasing exclusively for the Switch, Runner 3 expands on the rhythm-based gameplay of the first two games, and adds in vehicles, branching paths, all new characters, and even vehicles. The game will also make sue of “some of the more unique features” of the console.
But wait… there’s more!
Below is a list of a few other games we saw during the Nintendo Switch streams in January. Though some of these don’t have official release dates yet, they point to strong indie and third-party support for the system going into 2017 and beyond — something lacking on the Wii U.
Zombie Vikings | The Sacred Hero | Perception |
Project Sonic 2017 | Rogue Trooper Redux | Untitled Tales game |
Untitled Taiko Drum Master game | 1001 Spikes | Syberia III |
Arcade Archives | Untitled BlazBlue game | Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom |
Hydra Castle Labyrinth | Constructor HD | WarGroove |
Nobunaga’s Ambition: Sphere of Influenceo | Cube Life: Island Survival | Cave Story |
Oceanhorn | Dandara | Pocket Rumble |
Shakedown: Hawaii | Ultimate Chicken Horse | 2 Fast 4 Gnomz |
Audio Hero | Bit Boy!! Arcade Deluxe | Dungeon of Zaara |
GoNNER | Flipping Death | Hollow Knight |
Kingdom Two Crowns | Kingdom | Minna de Wai Wai! Spelunker |
State of Mind | Racing Apex | Rime |
Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII | Overcooked Special Edition | Soldam: Blooming Declaration |
NBA Playgrounds | Story of Seasons | Tank It! |
Unlikely Legend of Rusty Pup | The Escapists 2 | Yoku’s Island Express |
Rive |