Our list of the best new Switch games is here to cover the amazing games you can expect in 2023, so you can learn all about the biggest and best games coming to the Nintendo console over the coming months.
It’s not all blockbusters though, as Switch is the indie machine at the moment, and it’s only going to get better. While a few titles on the list are purely speculative, we’re sure an absolute truckload of cracking new Nintendo Switch games will reach the console in 2023. We’re also including a few games we expect to see later in the year, but we’re just excited to talk about them regardless!
So, let’s tuck into our picks for the biggest upcoming Switch games coming in 2023.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – out now!
How do you improve on a game like Breath of the Wild? Well, it seems like Nintendo is throwing every idea and the kitchen sink at this open-world adventure, giving you even more tools to explore – and probably break – this interactive toolbox.
It’s also rare that the Zelda series does direct sequels, so it’s fascinating to see how these iterations of Zelda and Link develop, and how they tackle the new challenges coming their way. Hyrule itself got a drastic makeover thanks to some floating islands, and Link has some brand new tools to explore, so even just existing in this playground is a blast. We’ve got a The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review to provide you with more info.
Master Detective Archives: Rain Code – June 30
Danganronpa meets Persona? Yes, please! Master Detective Archive: Rain Code is an upcoming detective adventure game from Spike Chunsoft. Blending crime and the supernatural into a highly stylized and mysterious anime-style adventure, you take the role of Yuma, an amnesiac detective-in-training, who sets out to tackle a range of unsolved mysteries in a city under a perpetual stormy sky.
Of course, you’re also accompanied by Shinigami, a strange and zany spirit that emits real Junko Enishima vibes and is voiced by the same VA that provides the EN dub for Genshin Impact’s Dori. Here’s hoping she’s not shilling scams this time… Head over to our Master Detective Archives: Rain Code review to find out more about this marvelous mystery, or check out our Kazutaka Kodaka interview for information from the game’s creator.
Pikmin 4 – July 21
After years of teases, and Miyamoto cryptically mentioning that Pikmin 4 was “close to completion” all the way back in 2016, we actually now have tangible proof of Pikmin 4 for Switch. We’ve seen it, that’s a screenshot right there, it’s actually happening folks.
Information is pretty slim but we can see a new camera angle that seems to bring the player closer to the ground alongside Olimar and chums. It also looks like the world is much less alien, with park benches strewn around, suggesting that not only is this a human planet, but the world hasn’t ended here. Are we going back in time, or are we on Olimar’s home planet but he’s shrunk somehow? I have so many questions, but at least now I know the answers are coming. Take a look at our Pikmin 4 release date guide for more.
Bomb Rush Cyber Funk – August 18
Continuing the new tradition of pseudo-sequels, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is the answer to the prayers of all of us who have been holding out hope for a follow-up to Sega’s iconic Jet Set Radio. With rails to grind, paint to spray, and some of the titular funky jams to accompany your urban pursuit, this title is one to look out for if you need something a little more out of your skating games.
Fae Farm – September 8
We’re all suckers for indie games and farming sims here at PT, and Fae Farm looks to be a truly cute one. With its adorable characters, cozy vibes, and adorable aesthetic, we can’t wait for a fae-themed, fun-filled getaway. Plus, it’s always great to have a true co-op adventure with your pals.
Take a look at our Fae Farm preview for more of our thoughts on this adorable game.
Mineko’s Midnight Market – September 26
Mineko’s Night Market is a beautifully stylized narrative-driven, social simulation adventure that sets out to celebrate Japanese culture, while also encouraging you to craft, eat, and spend plenty of time with adorable cats. With its story emitting Spirited Away vibes, it puts you in the shoes of Mineko, a curious girl who has just arrived at her new home on an isolated island at the base of Mount Fugu.
Discover the secrets of the town and restore the village to its former glory, while also managing your daily activities, completing a variety of jobs, and venturing out on whimsical quests. This one’s been on Tilly’s must-play list since its initial announcement many-a moon ago, and she’s still patiently waiting for it to become a reality – hopefully, it lives up to the heartwarming and wonderful experience it seems to be.
Hogwarts Legacy – November 14
Like many of you, I simply can’t wait to get my acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Heck, I’ve even taken to sleeping under the stairs to make sure it arrives. In Hogwarts Legacy, you’re in the unprecedented position of starting life at the famous establishment as a fifth-year student. While here, you can attend classes, explore the world, and unravel a sinister plot. For those wondering, yes I’m a Slytherin, and, of course, I intend to use the Dark Arts.
Witchbrook – TBC
An upcoming indie pixel RPG from Chucklefish, Witchbrook describes itself as a ‘spellbinding social RPG’. With its stunning, isometric pixel art world full of mystery and charm, Witchbrook sees you move into the seaside town of Mossport as its newest resident witch. Enrol into Witchbrook College and discover the peaks and pitfalls of school life, as you master spells, make friends, and maybe even find love, in this magical game that blends Stardew Valley with Kiki’s Delivery Service and Harry Potter.
Hollow Knight: Silksong – TBC
It’s a real game we promise! It feels like a joke at this point, but we do know that Hollow Knight: Silksong exists. 2022 saw a little bit more footage as an Xbox showcase over the summer gave us another slither of information with about 30 seconds of footage, It also seemed to reaffirm the fact that Hollow Knight: Silksong is actually coming out soon.
An early 2023 release feels pretty spot-on to us now. Maybe even a reveal in one of the early Nintendo Directs of the year? Who knows, but we can’t wait to finally explore the story of Hollow Knight’s Hornet for ourselves when the Hollow Knight Silksong: release date is eventually unveiled.
Haunted Chocolatier – TBC
I haven’t been as excited for a game as I am for Haunted Chocolatier in a long time. Currently, in production from the visionary creator of Stardew Valley, this title is set to see you hang up the old hoe and pickaxe and take up the sweet business of confectionary creation. We still don’t know all too much about this one, or really what to expect, but if there’s any developer who deserves our trust, it’s ConcernedApe.
Metroid – TBC
Sometimes, you just have to believe. Look, I’ve given up on waiting for my dad to come back from getting cigarettes, but I still hold out hope that the Metroid franchise is alive and well, and we’re eventually going to see Metroid Prime Trilogy/Remake and/or Metroid Prime 4 on the Switch. Metroid Dread brought the space-based series to the Switch in spectacular fashion, and hopefully, it was laying the groundwork for what’s to come.
It would make sense to reintroduce gamers to the 3D titles with a Prime remake first, and I think like many people, I hope that Metroid Prime 4 now appears on more powerful Switch hardware honestly. The idea of finally playing Metroid Prime 4 on the elusive Switch Pro, or dare I say a Switch 2 (Switch Advance, Super Switch, who knows?!) might sound like a pipe dream, but the title is still coming, and Nintendo will never stop making hardware. A Metroid fan can dream, and I hope 2023 is truly the year that Samus returns.
There you have it, our list of the biggest new games Switch games coming in 2023. We know there are many, many, more great titles on the way as well as a few surprises, but that’s our picks for the biggest and best. If you’ve just picked up a Switch and are looking for even more amazing games to play, be sure to check out our guide to the best Switch games to make the most out of your handy hybrid device.
