Even without The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, 2022 was arguably the best year for the Nintendo Switch since its launch. In the fifth year of the console’s launch, Nintendo introduced a string of high-profile first-party titles. The list ranged from highly anticipated titles like “Bayonetta 3” to enticing surprises like “Nintendo Switch Sports” to Game Awards-nominated classics like “Xenoblade Chronicles 3.” 2022. Switch exclusive titles alone would have made a solid Top 10 list.
How do you follow up such a strong year? That’s a question Nintendo will surely tackle to answer in 2023, when the Switch gets its biggest game of the year, Zelda, but the rest of the lineup is largely a mystery. We know some games, but won’t know what the entire year will look like until the Nintendo Direct in the winter.
While 2023 is shaping up to be a shocking year, there are already plenty of Switch titles to look forward to in the new year. From “Fire Emblem” to “Zelda,” here are some Switch games to keep an eye on next year.
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#1. Fire Emblem Engage
If you’re looking for consistency in Nintendo’s games, the Fire Emblem series delivers. The Tactics series has already impressed on the Switch multiple times thanks to the excellent Fire Emblem: The Three Houses and its surprisingly deep Warriors spin-off, Fire Emblem Warriors. 3 Hopes The next mainline game in the series will also continue that trend likely to follow suit.
Fire Emblem Engage will lead the Switch’s 2023 library with an RPG that pays homage to the past. The big hook this time around is that players will be able to summon heroes from the past, like Marth, to fight alongside them. While it will be hard to top the phenomenal relationships presented by the Three Kingdoms, “Engage” seems to offer the same tactical strengths that made the series one of Nintendo’s best.
January 20
#2. Kirby Return to Dreamland Deluxe
Can’t get enough of Kirby in 2022? Fortunately, you won’t have to wait long for the pink puffball’s next adventure. Kirby’s Return to Dream Land DX will be released in February, bringing the Nintendo Wii classic to the Switch.
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While the original 2D platformer did not receive the same accolades as “Kirby and the Forgotten Lands” at the time, it is still regarded as a charming entry in the series with a satisfying platforming experience. Given that “Kirby of the Stars” is currently riding a wave of favorable reviews, a deluxe version may land further in players’ hearts in 2023.
February 24
#3. Octopath Traveler 2
At this point, it’s hard to say which year will be the bigger year for RPG fans; the Switch continues to be one of the best platforms for the genre, and that will continue into 2023. One of the most anticipated titles of the year will be Octopath Traveler 2, the sequel to Square Enix’s best-loved modern RPG.
This new title brings back the brilliant 2D-HD art style and multi-character storytelling that revolutionized the genre. It comes on the heels of the recently released remake of “Live a Live,” which was a major inspiration for the “Octopath” series, and if you can’t wait until February, be sure to play that game first to get the full historical context.
February 24
#4. Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
This year’s Game Awards were full of surprises, but none were as outlandish as “Bayonetta Origins. Cereza and the Lost Devil”. This colorful action game looks almost like a children’s game, quite unlike the usually dark and mature series. The game tells the story of Ceresa’s youth and her journey with her demon cat Cheshire.
So far, we know that it will remain an action game, but with more emphasis on puzzles. For those who are looking for a bit more of a story following this year’s release of the excellent Bayonetta 3, this will hopefully be a fun little side adventure on the long road to an official fourth installment.
March 17
#5. Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collectio
If you’ve been craving a return to the Mega Man Battle Network series, 2023 is about to be your year. The Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection includes a whopping 10 games, including all of the dual releases in the series. Mega Man fans, Game Boy Advance fans, and anyone interested in the genre will enjoy this real-time tactical RPG series.
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Using battle chips, players defeat enemies on a computer-like grid. Given the popularity of tactical games, it is the perfect time for this series to make a comeback.
April 14