Top 34 Switch games arriving in 2023

And, while its 2023 games list isn’t quite as stacked as that of the PS5 or Xbox Series X, there are still plenty more standout releases on their way.RELATED: 41 best Nintendo Switch games of all timeRELATED:Nintendo Switch deals of the weekFrom a brand new Zelda game to promising indie titles, we’ve rounded up 34 Switch releases you can look forward to in 2023 below.Of course, we are expecting even more games to be announced over the course of the year, so stay tuned for more additions.Metroid Prime RemasteredRelease date: February 9 (digital)/March 3 (physical)After months of radio silence from both Nintendo and developer Retro Studios, I truly was not expecting to see Metroid Prime Remastered this year. Instead, Nintendo not only announced the title at its most recent Nintendo Direct – it dropped the digital edition the same day. Remastered with HD visuals and enhanced sound, the new version also adds modern dual-stick controls so you can move around as Samus Aran while separately altering your point of view. You will have to wait a while longer to snap up the physical edition, but this one is worth the purchase either way.BUY DIGITALBUY PHYSICALBlancRelease date: February 15Indie co-op adventure game, Blanc, is one title I’ve been waiting to get my hands on. Featuring intriguing gameplay, an emotional storyline and breathtaking black and white visuals, the title follows a fawn and wolf cub as they seek out their families in a vast snowy terrain. Made with non-gamers in mind, Blanc is designed to be played by all ages and skill levels, and is also completely wordless to make it as accessible as possible. Make sure to check out the artwork too, which was completely hand-drawn on paper before being brought to life in 3D.BUY IT NOWTheatrhythm Final Bar LineRelease date: February 16In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the franchise, Theatrhythm is back and coming to Nintendo Switch. Bringing together the music of Final Fantasy and other Square Enix games, the rhythm action game lets you put together a team of four Final Fantasy characters and engage in rhythm-based battles. Final Bar Line will also include four-player online play and will bring a massive 385 Final Fantasy songs along with it.BUY IT NOWTales of Symphonia RemasteredRelease date: February 17Almost 20 years after its initial launch, Tales of Symphonia is coming to Switch. Returning with a full HD remastering, the newly polished action RPG follows the journey of Lloyd Irving as he and his friends try to change the fate of two interlocked worlds.BUY IT NOWOCTOPATH TRAVELER IIRelease date: February 24The highly anticipated sequel to Square Enix’s OCTOPATH TRAVELER finally has a release date, which means we’ll soon be joining eight new travelers as they explore the land of Solistia. Featuring the same gorgeous HD-2D art style as the original, OCTOPATH TRAVELER II will have you battling townspeople, securing items, uncovering mysteries and forging your own path in an exciting new world.BUY IT NOWDigimon World: Next OrderRelease date: February 24Originally released on PlayStation Vita, a new version of 2016’s Digimon World: Next Order is coming to Switch next month. With improved specs, new features and a new ‘Beginner’ mode, Digimon fans will want to free up some storage space for this open-world RPG. Once again, you’ll be tasked with rebuilding the Digital World by finding, recruiting and bonding with over 200 Digimon pals.BUY IT NOWKirby’s Return to Dream Land DeluxeRelease date: February 24In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Kirby franchise, the Switch is getting a port of Wii title, Kirby Return To Dreamland Deluxe. The co-op side scroller will see you and up to three friends head to planet Popstar and rescue a stranded alien by taking on the roles of Kirby, King Dedede, Waddle Dee and Meta Knight. The remake will also include a new set of mini-games and a new Mecha Ability, so it’s worth revisiting, even if you’ve played it before.BUY IT NOWAtelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & The Secret KeyRelease date: February 2425th Anniversary title Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key is set to be the epic final RPG adventure in the Ryza saga. Following fan-favourite alchemist, Reisalin Stout, the title will have you investigating the appearance of a group of islands that threaten the stability of your hometown. With plenty of open world exploration and 11 party members to befriend, prepare to sink a lot of hours into this one.BUY IT NOWBayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost DemonRelease date: March 17While it is surprising to see another Bayonetta game so hot on the heels of Bayonetta 3, I’m certainly not complaining. As the name suggests, Bayonetta Origins will be a prequel that dives into Bayonetta’s past as she sets out to find her missing mother with the help of her possessed stuffed toy. The children’s storybook art style is also intriguing, as it sets the title apart from other games in the series.BUY IT NOWHave A Nice DeathRelease date: March 22If you’re a fan of adorably morbid titles, Have A Nice Death is another action roguelike coming to the Switch this year. You’ll take control of an overworked Death as your chaotic employees ditch their jobs and ruin your vacation plans. Featuring plenty of humour, crisp combat and appropriately grim backdrops, you’ll find plenty to love about this one as you prepare to show your employees who’s boss. BUY IT NOWStorytellerRelease date: March 23If you’re the kind of chaotic person who flips to the end of a book before reading the rest, Storyteller is the indie title for you. Initially launched ten years ago, the award-winning reactive puzzler is now returning on Switch. Styled like a children’s storybook, the game allows you to put your own spin on classic stories like Romeo and Juliet and Dracula by choosing your own outcomes and rebuilding the narrative as you see fit.Cult of the Lamb: Deluxe EditionRelease date: April 14Following a hugely successful launch in 2022, physical copies of Cult of the Lamb are now available for pre-order. The ominously cute roguelike sees you start a cult in the name of an elder-god after he brings you back to life post-sacrifice. Spread the word, destroy the nonbelievers and enjoy the gorgeous 104-page artbook, official soundtrack CD and collectable tuck-in box that make up the Deluxe Edition.BUY IT NOWMinecraft LegendsRelease date: April 19Despite dropping over a decade ago, Minecraft is arguably one of the most popular games to ever be released. So it’s not surprising to see Developer Mojang and its parent company Microsoft branch out into spin-offs, like Minecraft Dungeons and, now, Minecraft Legends. Legends is set to be Minecraft’s first action-strategy title and will require you to unite the Overworld (including longtime enemies like creepers and skeletons) against an invasion of ravenous piglings.BUY IT NOWAdvance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot CampRelease date: April 21After suffering multiple delays due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the remake of the first two Advance War games is officially on its way. First released on Game Boy Advance, the strategic, turn-based title involves building military units to gain control of a map in either online or local co-op play. You’ll also be able to design your own maps and share them with friends, and challenge friends to head-to-head battles online.BUY IT NOWThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomRelease date: May 12Despite having very little revealed about it so far, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is easily one of this year’s most anticipated games. The sequel to 2017’s critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom will see Link return to Hyrule – only this time, the world has expanded to floating islands in the sky. Nintendo has also promised, “never-before-seen weapons and mysterious vehicles,” so I think I speak for all of us when I say, “bring on May 12”.BUY IT NOWStory of Seasons: A Wonderful LifeRelease date: June 27Remake of the beloved GameCube game, Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life, is another cozy title coming to Switch this year. The action/adventure life sim will see you tend crops and animals, find a life partner and heaps more as you take up farming to fulfil your grandfather’s wish. It’s also set to drop in June here in Australia, making it the perfect game to hibernate with this winter.Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODERelease date: June 30Merging crime with the supernatural, dark fantasy/action game Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is set to hit screens in June this year. You’ll play as amnesiac detective-in-training, Yuma, accompanied by Shinigami (the little spirit haunting him), and try to solve mysteries in the curious city of rain.BUY IT NOWPikmin 4Release date: July 21Nintendo kept Pikmin 4 under wraps for a long time, but a release date was finally revealed at February’s Nintendo Direct. Prepare for another fever dream adventure as you guide your plantlike friends through a strange planet, overcome big challenges and face some familiar enemies. The latest instalment also features a Space Dog, Ice Pikmin and at least one new ‘leader’ character, giving us plenty to look forward to.BUY IT NOWHogwarts LegacyRelease date: July 25While Hogwarts Legacy is set to launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on February 10, you will have to wait a while longer to play it on Switch. Set in the 1800s, the single-player open-world action RPG sees you play as a Hogwarts student who holds the key to an ancient secret. The wizarding world is in your hands as you make allies, battle Dark wizards and enjoy all Hogwarts has to offer – including crafting potions, discovering fantastic beasts, customising your character and, of course, mastering your spellcasting.BUY IT NOWDisney Illusion IslandRelease date: July 28Announced at last year’s Disney & Marvel Games Showcase, D23, Disney Illusion Island is a brand new 2D adventure starring Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck and Goofy. Working solo or with up to three friends, you’ll make your way through three magical books, solving puzzles, unlocking special abilities and battling epic bosses in a valiant attempt to save the world.BUY IT NOWSea of StarsRelease date: August 29Explore the classic themes of adventure and friendship in retro-inspired, turn-based RPG, Sea of Stars. The indie title follows two Children of the Solstice as they harness the powers of the sun and moon, perform powerful Eclipse magic and battle the monstrous creations of an evil alchemist.Hollow Knight: SilksongRelease date: First half of 2023While we don’t know for sure that the Hollow Knight sequel is coming in 2023, I, for one, will be keeping my fingers crossed. Set in a whole new kingdom, Hollow Knight: Silksong will see you play as princess-protector/former boss, Hornet, as she battles foes and solves mysteries. If it’s anything like its predecessor, expect gorgeous artwork, epic boss battles, powerful tools and suitably melancholy melodies.Fae FarmRelease date: Autumn 2023One for all the Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing fans out there, magical RPG farming sim, Fae Farm, is set to drop in Autumn of this year. In addition to cutesy characters and gorgeous graphics, the cozy indie game is set to bring something new to the farming genre. To help you out with all of the crafting, cultivating, decorating and exploring, Fae Farm will let you play with up to four players either locally or online. Your friends will be able to jump in and out of co-op mode (and will be updated on any story progression they missed), allowing you to maintain your shared home and even play side-by-side.The Lord of the Rings: GollumRelease date: TBA 2023While we’re still unsure of a release date for The Lord Of The Rings: Gollum, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for our favourite riddle-loving lurker. Set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the story-driven action-adventure requires you to climb, leap and grapple your way out of danger as you seek out your Precious. Rather than fight your dual personality, you can use it to your advantage by knowing when to be the social and cautious Sméagol and when to embrace the cunning and cruel Gollum.Outer WildsRelease date: TBA 2023If you haven’t already played Mobius Digital’s Outer Wilds on another platform, you’re in for a treat. The single-player, open world roguelike sees your unnamed character explore a solar system stuck in a time loop. You’ll have exactly 22 minutes to explore the system and unravel its secrets before it gets destroyed and you end up right back at the beginning. The intriguing premise of the title, coupled with its solid gameplay, has seen it win multiple industry awards – so we highly recommend snapping it up when it does finally release on Switch. Rune Factory 3 SpecialRelease date: TBA 2023More than a decade after its original release on Nintendo DS, Nintendo is gifting us a remastered version of Rune Factory 3. Featuring redesigned characters and new features like “Newlywed Mode,” the simulation/action RPG will have plenty to offer for both new and returning players alike.Star Wars: HuntersRelease date: TBA 2023Free-to-play, squad-based arena combat game, Star Wars: Hunters, has been delayed twice already – but we are hoping to see it sometime this year. Set between the events of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, players will put together teams of unique characters and engage in “real-time cross-play” battles set in iconic Star Wars locations. You’ll also be able to customise your Hunters and use their diverse range of skills for a tactical advantage as you fight your way to victory. Marvel’s Midnight SunsRelease date: TBA 2023Firaxis Games’ Marvel’s Midnight Suns released last year for PlayStation 5, PC and Xbox Series X|S, but is currently still in development for other platforms, including the Switch. While a release date is yet to be announced, you should be able to bag the tactical RPG this year and attempt to stop Lilith, the Mother of Demons, from destroying the world.Bramble: The Mountain KingRelease date: TBA 2023Rooted in Nordic folklore, Bramble: The Mountain King is a new indie horror adventure I can’t wait to boot up. If you haven’t seen the first playthroughs all over TikTok, prepare to have your pulse sped up as you run into all manner of creatures on a perilous journey to save your sister from a monstrous troll.Disney SpeedstormRelease date: TBA 2023While Gameloft is remaining tight-lipped on a release date, we’re hoping to see Disney Speedstorm race onto our screens sooner, rather than later. The free to download title will see your favourite Disney and Pixar characters get behind the wheel in a Mario Kart-esque arcade racer game. Gameloft is also promising plenty of “fresh seasonal content” along with “new racers, new tracks and collectibles” that will drop into the game regularly.Oxenfree II: Lost SignalsRelease date: TBA 2023As the hotly-anticipated sequel to acclaimed narrative adventure Oxenfree, we’re expecting big things from Oxenfree II: Lost Signals. Set five years after the events of the original, players will investigate mysterious radio signals and shape events through conversations and dialogue choices in this high-stakes adventure. Moving Out 2Release date: TBA 2023If you haven’t already risked your real life friendships with Moving Out, you can put them to the test in Moving Out 2. Once again, you’ll need to show off your moving skills as you race against the clock in hilariously silly challenges. Moving Out 2 will also introduce online co-op play, so you can have your patience tested by a total stranger in more than 50 new levels and challenges.Mineko’s Night MarketRelease date: TBA 2023Cozy gamers, rejoice! Yet another adorable Switch title is on its way. A gorgeous celebration of Japanese culture, Mineko’s Night Market follows the titular character as she arrives at her new home on a struggling Japanese-inspired island. Eat, craft, complete quests, find plenty of cats and discover secrets as you try to restore the little village to its former glory.Warhammer 40,000: BoltgunRelease date: TBA 2023Channelling classic retro first-person shooters, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is set to blast onto screens later this year. The fast-paced indie has been in the works since 2018, so we can expect a lot from it, including tons of action, plenty of weapons and iconic 90s style gameplay.Will Nintendo be affected by delayed releases in 2023? While we would love to promise that every game on this list will drop in 2023 (and on its scheduled release date), global and economic factors mean there is always a level of uncertainty for the video game industry.We do expect big releases like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe to stay on schedule, but we are less certain of other titles. We also expect to see a few other games pushed back throughout the year but, hopefully, most appear on time.Will a new Nintendo Switch console drop in 2023?Despite rumours of a next-gen Switch 2 console being released in 2023, it’s unlikely we’ll be seeing a new Switch this year.In an interview with financial publication The Nikkei, Nintendo’s CEO, Shuntarō Furukawa, confirmed the company will not be launching any new hardware in the current fiscal year. While the fiscal year is set to end in March 2023, Furukawa also noted Nintendo is currently facing semiconductor shortages. If the company does have a new hardware in the works, this would likely lead to manufacturing delays.With no solid confirmation that a console even is on its way, we don’t expect to see new hardware until at least 2024.Looking for more gaming content? Check out the latest Nintendo Switch deals, top Xbox offers, best PlayStation deals or top-rated gaming chairs.You can also head to our Best Of electronics section for more product guides and reviews, sign up to our Best Of shopping newsletter or check out news.com.au Coupons for a list of current tech deals and offers. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au