48 New Upcoming Nintendo Switch Games in 2023

Nintendo’s current console has certainly been a dream machine for them and fans. Breaking sales records while next-gen consoles struggled to meet demand, the Nintendo Switch managed to get a fantastic start. The future also looks pretty good for the portable/home console hybrid, with first party titles, AAA hopefuls, and indies lined up to be thrust into gamers hands. We’re looking beyond the holidays- here’s our top picks for the best new upcoming Nintendo Switch Games in 2023 that we’re really excited about.

#48 Blood Bowl III

Developer: Cyanide Studio
Publisher: Nacon / Bigben Interactive
Platforms: Switch
Release: 2023

For many, violence is something that should only happen on the battlefield. But what kind of battlefield? That would be the playing field in Blood Bowl III, as you will coach a team in the most violent video game sport in history!

Set within a certain beloved universe, the game has you picking a team from across a dozen legendary races and then managing them in brutal contests of will and skill. You’ll have to train, recruit, and properly arm and advise your players so that they can come out on top!

But be warned! The enemy team might not play fair and may kill your players! So do what is needed to be the ultimate team leader and come out on top!

#47 SCHiM

Developer: Ewoud van der Werf
Publisher: Extra Nice
Platforms: PC PS4 Xbox One PS5 Switch
Release: 2023

If you’re looking for a simple yet clever game to play, SCHiM might be what you need.

The game’s world revolves around creatures that live in the shadows of various objects and living beings. Their goal is to never be separated from the shadow they’re attached to. Naturally, that doesn’t work with your creature. So now you must travel around a city to find your host and return to their shadow.

The twist is you can only jump from shadow to shadow! So you must do whatever it takes to find the shadows needed to cross the land. Think you can make it back to where you belong?

#46 Warhammer 40000: Boltgun

Developer: Auroch Digital
Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Platforms: PC PS4 Xbox One PS5 XSX|S Switch
Release: TBA 2023

It seems there’s a trend going on right now in trying to invoke the old-school “boomer shooters” style to get players to feel like they did back in the “golden days” of video games. The twist is that this is happening with modern titles and franchises bringing their “new-school” tactics to the old-school style.

In this case, we’re talking about Warhammer 40000: Boltgun. The game lets you play a Space Marine with one job: kill everything in their way. Doesn’t matter if it’s enemy Space Marines or chaos demons. You will blow them away, cut them up, or whatever else comes to mind!

They even replicated the old-school graphics to nail the feel.

#45 SteamWorld Build

Developer: Image & Form
Publisher: Thunderful Publishing
Platforms: PC PS4 Xbox One PS5 XSX|S Switch
Release: 2023

Here is a franchise that continues to grow in unique ways. SteamWorld Build is a title that will allow you to manage an entire mining town on the surface while digging what’s below it.

As you’ll discover, there’s a mining site below the ground, and you’ll want to get to it as quickly as possible because there are untold amounts of treasure within!

But to ensure you get to where it is, you’ll need to grow your town, manage your citizens, and get them to help you out!

You’ll have much to manage, but it’ll all work in your favor if you’re smart about it! So build the ultimate mining town and see what treasures lie beneath!

#44 Risk of Rain Returns

Developer: Hopoo Games
Publisher: Gearbox Publishing
Platforms: PC Switch
Release: 2023

The beloved roguelike game has gotten a massive upgrade in Risk of Rain Returns. The remaster returns you to the world where your fellow survivors attempt to endure the mysterious planet they’ve landed on.

Each survivor has different abilities and styles, and you’ll need to find the one that perfectly suits your playstyle to fight off threats and find the others.

You can play the game on your own or team up with friends, with each of you controlling a different survivor, so you can overcome obstacles together!

Do whatever it takes to get through the game, and then try it again with a new survivor and see what happens!

#43 Wildfrost

Developer: Deadpan Games
Publisher: Chucklefish
Platforms: PC Switch
Release: March 2023

In the wintertime, everyone begs for the sun to come around because they are sick of the cold. But what happens when the winter is something that doesn’t stop? What happens when the cold, snow, and ice attempt to consume the land you live on? Well, you need to stop it, and in Wildfrost, you will.

You’ll pick a chief leader, all of whom are unique, then attempt to ascend to the Sun Temple. To fight monsters, you’ll build a deck to combat them. Build the perfect deck, upgrade the companions to handle the obstacles ahead, and free your home from the terrifying frost!

#42 Digimon World: Next Order

Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Platforms: PC Switch
Release: February 22, 2023

Digimon might not have overthrown Pokemon, but the franchise still has a strong fanbase. If you enjoy the IP, you might have already heard about Digimon World. In fact, this RPG open-world title was initially released all the way back in 2016 for Japan on the PlayStation Vita before it hit worldwide release in 2017 for the PlayStation 4. Now, years later, the game is hitting the Nintendo Switch. This title follows a high school student that goes into the digital world and is forced into restoring order. Similar to Pokemon, this is still very much a monster-collecting RPG. You’ll gather up Digimon, build a team and take out the different enemies along the way. 

#41 Life is Strange 2

Developer: Don’t Nod / Dontnod Entertainment
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: Switch
Release: February 02, 2023

Life is Strange was a massive hit when it first launched into the marketplace. Following the success of the debut series release, Dontnod Entertainment brought a successor with Life is Strange 2. Neither of the games connects in terms of the main storyline, so you don’t have to play the first game to enjoy the sequel. This is an adventure game where the focus is on player choices that alter the narrative. In Life is Strange 2, players follow two brothers who end up on the run. When the youngest sibling discovers he has telekinetic abilities, their struggle to find safety and a means to keep the powers a secret becomes an even greater uphill battle. While this game launched in 2018, Nintendo Switch players could finally get their hands on the title this year.

#40 The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Azure

Developer: Nihon Falcom Corp
Publisher: NIS America
Platforms: PC PS4 Switch
Release: March 14, 2023

The Legend of Heroes: Trials of Azure is another game released years ago in Japan before finally making its way to other regions. Initially launched in 2011, players in other markets will finally see the game launched this year. This is an RPG that takes place shortly after the events of Trails From Zero. The peace that was established after that game didn’t last long. New organizations have risen, causing further conflicts within the land of Crossbell. The Trails franchise is quite a lengthy one, with several games in the series. Even though this one is based on a follow-up to a 2010 release, it’s nice knowing that some fans are finally getting their hands on the game.

#39 Trek To Yomi

Developer: Leonard Menchiari / Flying Wild Hog
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Platforms: Switch
Release: January 30, 2023

Trek To Yomi is likely to catch your attention from the visuals alone. This black-and-white side-scrolling title follows a young man named Hiroki in feudal Japan. Hiroki is on a new quest for revenge as he finds his home village burned to the ground. With lives lost and nothing but ashes in its place, Hiroki travels to the Japanese underworld and begins his journey for answers and vengeance. While most platforms received Trek To Yomi in 2022, it wouldn’t be until January of 2023 that Nintendo Switch owners were able to purchase this title.

#38 Powerwash Simulator

Developer: FuturLab
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PS4 PS5 Switch
Release: January 31, 2023

Who would have guessed a power-washing simulation game would be such a big hit? PowerWash Simulator shows that people love washing down old dirty objects and making them look brand spanking new again. The game title is exactly what the game offers. Here players are starting their own cleaning company where you’ll take different jobs and clean up anything from large mechanical hardware to homes. You’ll have separate spray tips to switch out as you attempt to clear off all debris, whether you need a wider spray area or a more defined water shot. This game was a massive hit in 2022, and in 2023, Nintendo Switch players will finally get to dive into the fun. 

#37 Hogwarts Legacy

Developer: Avalanche Software
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: Switch
Release: July 25, 2023

Are you ready to “live the unwritten”? If so, you’ll want Hogwarts Legacy when it arrives on Switch in 2023.

As a fifth-year student, the game will take you to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Once there, you’ll go on a journey of your own design. Will you be the stalwart student who learns as much as possible and does right by their house?

Will you be an adventurer and see all that the school and the grounds have to offer? Or will you go down a darker path and learn the dark spells and curses that fuel certain wizards and witches? It’s your choice, so choose wisely.

#36 Rune Factory 3 Special

● Developer: Marvelous Interactive
● Publisher: XSEED Games
● Platforms: Nintendo Switch
● Release date: March 02, 2023

Rune Factory 3 Special is an improved version of the original game. The title puts you in the role of Micah, a young man with a secret ability. One that allows him to transform into a sheep monster!

Not knowing much about your past, you’ll settle down in a small town full of interesting characters and build your life there. You’ll farm, fish, go on adventures, and potentially meet the love of your life! There are 11 bachelorettes that you can interact with, and if you fall for one, build up your relationship and propose!

That’ll lead to the newly added Newlywed Mode, where you’ll go on adventures based on who you married.

#35 Endless Dungeon

● Developer: Amplitude Studios
● Publisher: SEGA
● Platforms: PC PS4 PS5 Xbox One XSX|S Nintendo Switch
● Release date: 2023

Endless Dungeon puts you back in the “Endless” universe and forces you to survive in one of the most challenging scenarios imaginable.

Within the depths of space, your ship gets wrecked, and you end up in a space station. Also, there are a bunch of marooned heroes and a plethora of space bugs. You must protect the crystal you have at all costs. So recruit the heroes you want to form a party and work together to fight off the hordes as long as possible!

When you die, fear not, you’ll reload and try it all over again! How long will you last? You’re about to find out.

● Developer: Leikir Studio
● Publisher: Dotemu
● Platforms: PC Nintendo Switch
● Release date: 2023

Here’s a franchise that is getting a new look and gameplay style! In Metal Slug Tactics, you’ll play as your favorite soldiers, but tactical gameplay will force you to think before you fire your weapons.

Work with your units to traverse the battlefield and sync up attacks for maximum damage!

You won’t be facing random enemies throughout the campaign, a couple classic foes will appear as well to take on! So create your perfect team, wield them perfectly to overcome the battlefield, then try again and see if you can win differently!

The tactics are at your disposal, jump in and see how you use them!

#33 Octopath Traveler II

● Developer: Acquire
● Publisher: Square Enix
● Platforms: PC PS4 PS5 Nintendo Switch
● Release date: February 24, 2023

Square-Enix blew us all away with the original Octopath Traveler, drawing upon JRPG troupes of yesteryear, while blending those with exceptional storytelling, and a visual style that was truly revolutionary. The developer has done more with the HD-2D engine since then and learned a lot from it, making the upcoming Octopath Traveler II all the more exciting and its February 24, 2023 release date all the more enticing.

#32 Oxenfree II: Lost Signals

● Developer: Night School Studio
● Publisher: MWM Interactive
● Platforms: PC PS4 PS5 Nintendo Switch
● Release date: 2023

Oxenfree was a curveball indie title that blew everyone away when it first launched in 2016. It has been a long time coming, but the full release of Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is rapidly closing in. Oxenfree II: Lost Signals intends to build on the mind-bending foundations of the original game through the lens of an original story that connects to the original in fascinating new ways, making it a must-play title of 2023.

#31 Story of the Seasons: A Wonderful Life

● Developer: Marvelous Inc.
● Publisher: Xseed Games
● Platforms: Nintendo Switch
● Release date: January 26th, 2023

It’s time for you to try your hand at farming! You will begin a brand new life in your new home in Forgotten Valley, where you will befriend the residents of the valley and live up to your father’s legacy as a farmer. As time and seasons past, you will meet your soulmate and have children together. This game plays as most farming games but with a cool…The Sims like feel!

#30 Storyteller

● Developer: Daniel Benmergui
● Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
● Platforms: Microsoft Windows and Nintendo Switch
● Release date: March 23rd, 2023

Storyteller is a great game for players who enjoy telling a story that they can pick their own outcomes and endings to. This game had been awarded the Independent Games Festival’s innovation award, the Nuovo, back in 2012.

This game allows the player to open a story book that looks a lot like a old fairytale book and its up to you, the player, to determine just where and how the story will playout.

#29 Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe

● Developer: HAL Laboratory
● Publisher: Nintendo
● Platforms: Nintendo Switch
● Release date: February 23rd, 2023

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a new game coming to the Nintendo Switch which will be a throwback for many who played the Wii revision. This is an enhanced version for the Nintendo Switch where Kirby is back for a adventure with up to 4-players.

Kirby having all his normal super powers to be able to swallow enemies and gain their supers or abilities. You can play as Kirby or one of his beloved friends, King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Bandana Waddle Dee.

#28 Disney Speedstorm

● Developer: Gamesoft
● Publisher: Gamesoft
● Platforms: PlayStation 5 and 4, XBox One and Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC
● Release date: Planned 2022

It is time to enjoy a fun racing game with many of your favorite Disney and Pixar characters…as well as the race maps taking you through Disney worlds from our favorite movies.

You will be able to play with and alongside characters like Captain Jack Sparrow, Mulan, Mickey Mouse, Sulley, The Beast, and many more who are suited up for some high speed racing combat! You can upgrade stats for racer’s as well as impact their skills which can change each race.

#27 Marvel’s Midnight Suns

● Developer: Firaxis Games
● Publisher: Marvel Games
● Platforms: Mircsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox SeriesX/S Release date: December 2 2022
● Platforms: PS4 Xbox One Switch Release date: TBA 2023

Marvel’s Midnight Suns is the latest game from Marvel where you team up and make friendships with your favorite and more iconic heroes like Iron Man, Captain America, and Wolverine. You fight together with this band of heroes in a card-based battle. The Midnight Suns is considered a team of unlikely Super Heroes that are fighting against the Mother of Demons, Lilith.

#26 Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun

• Publisher: Nacon
• Developer: KT Racing
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
• Released: 2023

As many of you likely know, the Warhammer 40K series is one of the most expansive franchises in all of video games, and they can play to many different types of genres should they want to. And they want to.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a great example of this. As this title puts you in the role of a space marine who must go on a dangerous quest across the galaxy in order to take down evil at almost every turn. But you’ll do it in old-school FPS style, and do your best to render your enemies asunder with a variety of brutal weapons.

So if you want to go all “boomer shooter” on your enemies, then Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is the way to go.

#25 The Plucky Squire

• Publisher: Devolver Digital
• Developer: All Possible Futures
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Released: 2023

Now here’s a title for those who want a really different kind of story to dive into. In The Plucky Squire, you’ll play as Jot, a heroic squire in a book where the ending is always foretold…and that doesn’t please the evil Humgrump one bit.

After he learns that he’s the villain in a book, he kicks the hero characters out of the book, and tries to change the story forever! Now, as Jot, you’ll have to explore both the 2D and the 3D world in order to figure out how to save the day and get back to the pages of the book for good!

Action and adventure await you, young squire, don’t miss out!

#24 Syberia: The World Before

• Publisher: Microids
• Developer: Microids
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
• Released:2023 PS4, NS, XBO

Are you ready for a mystery that will span decades and bring two very different people together in ways beyond imagination? If so, then you’ll want to dive into Syberia: The World Before.

In this mystery adventure title, you’ll play as two people from two very different time periods. In this case, 1937 and 2004. In the past, you’ll be Vaghen, a pianist who is worried about their future due to the looming World War II.

And in the “present”, you’ll be attorney Kate Walker.

How can these two people be so intertwined? What mysteries and forces are the ones tying them together? You’ll need to dive in to solve the mysteries yourself!

#23 Pikmin 4

• Developer: Nintendo
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Release date: 2023

Believe it or not, Pikmin 4 has been ‘on the books’ for Nintendo for quite some time now. In fact, back in 2015, Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the series, has said that the game was “nearly finished”. Apparently not as it took him 7 more years to finally announce that the game was coming, and coming in 2023 no less!

Regaredless, Miyamoto did note a few things in the announcement of the game. Including how you’ll be able to view things from the Pikmin’s perspective should you want. Plus, the Nintendo Switch controller will allow for easier and more strategic control of the Pikmin themselves.

We’ll have to see how it all works when the game launches next year.

#22 Disney Illusion Island

• Publisher: Disney Interactive
• Developer: Dlala Studios
• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Released:2023

Are you ready for an adventure with some classic friends? Disney Illusion Island is a game that is based on the recent Mickey shorts, and will have you going on a 4-person co-op adventure with Mickey, Goofy, Donald and Mickey to save an island from disappearing!

The platforming will be both fun and familiar as you’ll have to work together and get through all sorts of obstacles in order to get some magical books and save everything!

So grab a few friends and have a blast with some old one as you go through the adventure full of charm, whimsy, great voice acting and more!

#21 Hollow Knight: Silksong

• Publisher: Team Cherry
• Developer: Team Cherry
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Released: June 12, 2023

To many, Hollow Knight is a prime example of an indie title done right. With a unique feel, story, setting, and gameplay mechanics that are both familiar…yet challenging. But why just have a fantastic main game when you can have an epic expansion DLC as well? Enter Hollow Knight: Silksong, where you will play in an all-new kingdom with all new challenges!

In this expansion, you play as Hornet, princess-protector of Hallownest. You’re brought to this strange world against your will and must now climb to this mysterious’ kingdoms peak in order to get out! Along the way, you’ll battle fierce enemies, solve puzzles and mysteries, and craft all sorts of tools and weapons to help you survive!

#20 Persona 3 Portable

• Publisher: Atlus
• Developer: Atlus
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Released: TBA NS

Fans of Persona rejoice! The franchise is finally coming to the Switch in a MEANINGFUL way (we’re looking at you Strikers…GET OUT!). The first offering we’re getting is that of Persona 5 Royal, but for those who wanted to see the franchises true roots, you’re in luck, because Persona 3 Portable is coming as well.

This game was the one that truly set the tone for all to come, including the use of Persona’s and their mechanics, the deep story wrapped around certain kinds of individuals and their interactions, and so on.

Key characters like Mitsuru Kirijo are here, and you’ll see the origins of many things within the franchise in Persona 3 Portable, so don’t be afraid to try it out when it arrives!

#19 Persona 4 Golden

• Publisher: Atlus
• Developer: Atlus
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Released: TBA NS

As noted, multiple Persona games are coming to Switch, and Persona 4 Golden is one that many are going to enjoy when it finally arrives on Switch.

Because while P5 was the one that really took the Persona series into the mainstream, it was PAG that showed just how grand this franchise could be. The game revolves around a group of teens (obviously) who find themselves wrapped up in a tale of growth, longing, and a serial killer mystery.

This is the best version of the game in terms of both graphics and gameplay, and you’ll see the steps that were taken that helped make P5 so grand when it got made.

So get ready to battle with your…PERSONA!!!

#18 SacriFire

• Publisher: Pixelated Milk
• Developer: Pixelated Milk
• Platform: PC, PS4, XBO, X/S, PS5, NS
• Released: TBA

We all know about “tribute games”. Meaning games that are to pay homage to the ones that “inspired love” in certain genres, right? Well, for the team behind SacriFire, this is their tribute game to the 90s RPG that lit the fire of gaming within them.

But while it does have old-school roots, it does have new-school flair. Such as in the combat system which will mix both real-time and turn-based elements in order to give a fresh feel that is both challenging and satisfying.

Plus, the game’s story will both play into the tropes of RPGs past, while also giving deep moral complexity.

So if you’re a fan of RPGs, SacriFire will be one to check out when it arrives on Switch and other platforms.

#17 Kingdom Come: Deliverance

• Publisher: Deep Silver
• Developer: Warhorse Studios
• Platform: PC, PS4, XBO, NS
• Released: TBA NS

Welcome to the land of Bohemia, where things aren’t as peaceful and calm as some might want you to believe.

In this game, you’ll play as the son of a blacksmith, whose home and family are taken from him due to an attack ordered by the king. Now, you must join the rebellion in order to bring true peace and stability to the land. But the way you go about doing that is up to you. Your choices in terms of how you complete missions and compose yourself will determine you path, and the country you leave behind might not be the kind you like when all is said and done.

#16 Genshin Impact

• Publisher: miHoYo
• Developer: miHoYo
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, NS
• Released: TBA NS

Yes, technically Genshin Impact hasn’t been announced for Nintendo Switch, but in truth…we really don’t know why.

After all, the game has been compared to Breath of the Wild…a lot, and it has an art style that would definitely fit on the portable system, so…make of this what you will. More than likely go, it will arrive soon enough, and you’ll get to play as The Traveler on their quest to go and find their sibling, and as a result of that summon powerful (and very anime-inspired) heroes to go and help them on their journey…all the while trying to bring peace to the land they’re in.

#15 Outer Wilds

• Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
• Developer: Mobius Digital
• Platform: PC, XBO, PS4
• Released: TBA

Not to be confused with The Outer Worlds (which is on Switch to be clear), Outer Wilds is a game about a solar system that is trapped in a time loop, and your journey to try and figure out why.

Yes, as a new explorer in a space program, it’s up to you to try and figure out the mysteries of a solar system that is anything but basic. Every loop you’ll be able to learn more about the solar system simply by checking out the planets and seeing what they have to offer in terms of clues and what they might be holding.

Then the time loop starts over and you begin again. This title is beloved by a lot of people, so don’t miss out on it!

#14 Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown

• Publisher: Nacon
• Developer: KT Racing
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Released: 2023

The Test Drive series hasn’t had an entry since 2012, so its good to see it coming back in our rear-view mirror. Freedom is one of Solar Crown’s biggest pushes- emphasizing open ended progression such as the open championship, and customizing your car and character’s appearance exactly how you want it. Of course, you’ve got a long way to go before you’re driving a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Koenigsegg, Apollo, Dodge, or Bugatti, but you can bring your mates along for the ride. We admit the Switch version will probably have a graphical downgrade compared to other platforms, but the brand new 1:1 scale Hong Kong Island is also sure to still be a delight to tear around.

#13 Blanc

• Publisher: Gearbox Publishing
• Developer: Casus Ludi
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch
• Released: 2023

As a wolf cub and deer fawn are separated from their respective families, they must work together, and form a beautiful friendship along the way. While the little wolf can get into tight spaces, the fawn can bound much higher and further. You and a friend can work together to help these cuddly critters in what is sure to be a heartwarming platforming puzzle adventure that surely won’t break any hearts. Ever heard of “The Fox and the Hound?” No reason…

#12 Master Detective Archives Raincode

• Publisher: Spike Chunsoft
• Developer: Too Kyo Games, Spike Chunsoft
• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Released: 2023

Master Detective Archives Raincode is a unique detective game with various anime twists that is coming soon. The title will put you in the role of an amnesiac detective who is in a city that is known for its perpetual rain. The city is also very low in getting its crimes solves. Those who do try and solve them though are known as “master detectives”, and some of them come from all over the world.

You yourself are Yuma, who is also being accompanied by a demon named Shinigami, who must go throughout the city, solve cases, and learn the truth about yourself.

Find the clues, move through the maze of truth and phantoms, and seek out all that is happening.

#11 RoboCop: Rogue City

• Publisher: Nacon
• Developer: Teyon
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Released: 2023

In a new story set around the time of the original film, players must save the streets of Old Detroit with years of police experience, an Auto-9 handcannon, and the latest in cybernetic technology. Peter Weller returns to voice the iconic character, but we must admit gameplay details are scant at this time, and what will elevate it beyond a standard FPS. We know there’s a risk of RoboCop hesitating to do his duty, so will players have to work around their own glitches, or are the cases they will work require a reexamination of what’s right and wrong? Dead or alive, we’ll find out June 2023.

#10 Minecraft Legends

• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Developer: Mojang Studios, Blackbird Interactive
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Released: 2023

You can’t “block out” Minecraft’s success, so its no surprise the series is starting to dip its toes in other genres. The upcoming action strategy game is another entry on our list where not much has been revealed beyond the initial trailer. We know that players will be commanding their own forces to fend of the Piglin invasion from the Nether, and that players can work with or against one another in defending villages. It seems players will be able to gather resources and allies, build up villages, defenses, and siege weapons, and take the fight to the Piglins in their forts to blow them sky high. One question of many that remains is how much creativity will players be able to flex. The potential for that is what bumped this entry a little higher on our list.

#9 My Time At Sandrock

• Publisher: Pathea Games, PM Studios, Inc., DMM GAMES
• Developer: Pathea Games
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
• Released: 2023

While currently in Early Access on PC, the full game is set to launch next year. In the same universe as My Time at Portia, the world was devastated by a technology-destroying calamity 300 years ago. Now, you roll into Sandrock as their latest builder, hoping to get the little desert town on its feet. Beyond the simple farming and crafting of life sims, players must generate full production lines to keep innovation rolling, explore the world for ancient relics, and take on mutants and machines in blistering action combat alongside allies in multiplayer. Then, chill out by delving into the lives of the townsfolk, or taking part in minigames. This one has potential to have more bite than the average life sim, so we’re keeping an eye on this one, pardner.

#8 Cocoon

• Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
• Developer: Geometric Interactive
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
• Released: 2023

From Jeppe Carlsen, the mind behind Limbo and Inside, Cocoon promises to be a mind-bending puzzle platformer. Players must use the power of each orb to solve puzzles to progress, and orbs can be combined and manipulated to aid in that. The catch is that each orb is also a world, with its own areas and puzzles within to solve. Exploring truly alien worlds, each also has a monstrous guardian that players will need to do battle with. Depending how deeply players need to delve, this could be a fascinating puzzle game. Enter worlds purely to alter the property of its orb, so you can complete other world-orbs so they can- Oh no I’ve gone cross-eyed…

#7 Super Bomberman R 2

• Publisher: Konami
• Developer: Konami
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Released: 2023

There are some titles on this list hope to be something rather complex, but sometimes you just want good old arcade action and blow stuff up! The new story mode comes with exploration, base building, defense & strategy, and boss battles, as the Bomberman brothers fend off an alien invasion. The new Castle battle mode tasks one player to defend against an army of Bombermen by building up their own fortress- all while raining down their own bombs of course. If classic and 3 vs. 3 modes weren’t enough, there’s also a full blown 64 player rumble. What a blast!

#6 Kirby Return To Dreamland Deluxe

• Developer: Nintendo
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch
• Release date: February 24, 2023

One of the main digs at the Nintendo Switch is that the system loves to port games from the Wii U to the modern system. The good news is that this isn’t one of those titles. This is a port of a Wii title! Totally different!

In celebration of the 35^th anniversary of the Kirby franchise, the Switch is getting Kirby Return To Dreamland Deluxe! This upgrade for the Wii title will let you control Kirby, Bandana Dee, King Dedede and Meta Knight as you go on an adventure to get a new friend back to their home!

Plus, there will be plenty of minigames awaiting you that you can play with friends to up the ante!

#5 Another Crab’s Treasure

• Publisher: Aggro Crab
• Developer: Aggro Crab
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch
• Released: 2023

When most people think of Soulslike games, they think of the bleak yet fascinating worlds of Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. What they might not think of is a colorful cartoon world under the sea, where a small hermit crab fights off far larger crustaceans armed with junk and trash. But that’s exactly Kril’s mission, trying to prevent The Gunk from further corrupting ocean light. Use trash to form a temporary shell to resist enemy attacks, and unlock the powers of other sea-creatures for devastating blows. Promising to ease in new players to the genre while also catering to the hardcore, this Soulslike has real potential to be more than a drop in the ocean.

#4 Octopath Traveler 2

• Publisher: Square Enix
• Developer: Square Enix
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4
• Released: 2023

The original Octopath Traveler title helped set the stage for all the 2.5 HD titles that have come since. So it’s only fitting that the game that started it all would get a true sequel.

Octopath Traveler 2 will take place in a new world, and will feature 8 new characters with 8 very different stories to tell. From a dancer wanting to bring joy to the world, to a scholar seeking vengeance on the man who ruined his life, to a cleric trying to find her lost memories, all will be told here.

What’s more, the game is promising not only even more refined graphics, but more interaction between the 8 heroes than we got in the first game. Add that to a familiar yet fun battle system and Octopath Traveler 2 must be on your wishlist when it arrives next February.

#3 Fire Emblem Engage

• Developer: Intelligent Systems
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch
• Release date: January 20, 2023

Fire Emblem Engage is going to be the next major title in the strategy RPG line, and it’s going to have a really fun twist to it.

Not the least of which is that your main character is a dragon from a royal family of them. Awesome. But also, through the power of certain rings, you’ll be able to summon the power of past Fire Emblem Heroes like Marth, Celica, Sigurd and more in order to boost yourself in combat.

The turn-based tactics of the game will return and the graphics look pretty great! The title will come out on January 20^th and if you’re a Fire Emblem fan then you’ll want to…Engage…get it?

#2 Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

• Publisher: 505 Games
• Developer: Rabbit and Bear Studios
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Released: 2023

After a blisteringly successful Kickstarter campaign, the creators of Suikoden promised to deliver their next JRPG in spades. You’ve got your evil magically and technologically advanced empire seeking artifacts to expand their influence. Seign Kesling, a young imperial officer, forms and unlikely friendship with villager Nowa. Dragged into war and reexamining what is wrong and right, the game promises a veritable army of allies to make up your party. Party members are scattered around the battlefield to take advantage of the terrain, all set to very impressive effects in 2.5D. Players can look forward to a fully orchestrated soundtrack, building up a fortress town, cooking, guilds, fishing, card battles, farming, duels, theaters, additional game modes, and an entire action RPG prequel coming out next year. Forget one hundred heroes, this game might have one hundred features!

#1 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Nintendo
• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Released: May 12, 2023

How come we’re so excited for a game we know so little about? In fact, we don’t even know the title, as it hasn’t been announced yet! Potential is always intriguing, and Nintendo have the chance to only build upon the highly praised Breath of the Wild. The few criticisms that fell upon it was the open world being a bit too wide open with not much between except an excess of Korok Seeds, and the story being fractured thanks to the “pick it up when you want to” nature of the game. So, what do we know about the sequel? Apart from a mangled Master Sword, the rather gruesome corpse Link comes across seems to be involved with his equally mangled arm. Past trailers have also shown Link on islands floating in the sky, and even passing through solid matter. Could the open world be carved up into bite-sized chunks? Is that corpse none other than Ganondorf? Is Link’s corrupted arm a source of power, or a curse? You could argue some of the games earlier on the list will turn out more enjoyable, depending on what you enjoy. But almost none of them are generating as much potential as the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.