Upcoming Switch games for 2021 (and beyond)

The upcoming Switch games list is looking rather exciting indeed, especially after a pretty quiet release schedule for the Switch following the launch of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Whether you're already a Switch gamer, or are eyeing up this lot as an added incentive to buy a Switch OLED console, then you're in luck because these new Switch games are rather enticing. 

This list is a carefully curated collection of the upcoming Switch games that we're most excited about it, either because we've been lucky enough to play them already, come from exciting studios, show off innovative ideas, or because they're making the move from other consoles where they've proved their worth. This list is also in release date order to help you stay on top of all the latest upcoming releases. 

Upcoming Switch games in 2021

WarioWare Get It Together

Release date: September 10
Genre: Action / Party

WarioWare is finally coming to the Switch, bringing its collection of brilliantly bizarre games to Nintendo's latest console this year. WarioWare: Get It Together will include a wide range of mini-games, and will offer co-op gameplay for the first time.

Metroid Dread

Release date: October 8, 2021
Genre: Action / Adventure 

Metroid Dread is the first new 2D Metroid game to arrive in 19 years, and will finally wrap up the story arc originally started in 1986. Arriving later this year, the game is introducing several new elements for this Switch release, and pinching a few ideas and mechanics from the 2017 3DS release, Metroid: Samus Returns (including free-aiming). The main intrigue is around new enemies, the E.M.M.I robots, which when you enter their area of the map, will hunt Samus down if they hear her moving around. They're almost impossible to take down, so your only options are hiding using new abilities like the Phantom Cloak to turn invisible, or just running. 

Super Mario Party Superstars

Release date: October 29, 2021
Genre: Party

Mario Party is hitting Switch for a second time, this time in the form of Mario Party Superstars, a Greatest Hits-esque compilation of 100 mini-games from across the series' history. For a rare treat, Nintendo is also adding multiplayer matchmaking to the game, letting you group up with random players online for some Mario Party fun.

Shin Megami Tensei 5

Release date: November 12, 2021
Genre: JRPG

There are plenty of similarities to be drawn between Shin Megami Tensei 5 and the recently re-released Nocture - especially when it comes to its apocalyptic vision of Tokyo, half-demon protagonist, tried-and-true battle system, and demon negotiations. But, this is a much prettier adventure, and should add in some new moves and strategic opportunities that will make this feel recognizable but unique.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Release date: November 19, 2021
Genre: RPG

Pokemon Diamond and Pearl are being remade for the new generation of trainers in the upcoming Switch games Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Taking place in the Sinnoh region, you'll be exploring the lands around Mount Coronet to discover the myths it holds within it, all the while - of course - striving to become the Pokemon League Champion. The new art style is equally taking inspiration from the Pokemon Let's Go duo of games, and the adorable Zelda: Link's Awakening remake for Switch with its chibi-esque character designs. Aside from the updated graphics, expect this to be a faithful remaster of the original adventure.  

Upcoming Switch games - TBC 2021

Mineko's Night Market

Release date: TBC 2021
Genre: Adventure / Simulation

If you are incapable of watching the above Mineko's Night Market trailer and suppressing squeaks at all the adorable kitties it contains, this isn't a game for you. It's basically a kind of game like Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley, where you explore, craft, oh and breed cats. The cute little balls of fluff will follow you around as you play as Mineko who's just moved to Mount Fugu Island, and is also accompanied by her giant cat-like friend Abe. Together, you'll gather resources and craft items to sell at your market stall, play loads of mini-games, and of course, befriend kittens. Lots and lots and lots of kitties. Sounds rather wonderful, doesn't it? 

Blue Fire

Release date: TBC 2021
Genre: Action / Platformer

Set in the desolate kingdom known as Penumbra, you set out to discover all of the hidden secrets of the long-forgotten world. As a 3D platformer with a haunting visual style, you explore mystical dungeons, meet other survivors in the abandoned Kingdom and take on quests to find collectibles. With an array of different enemies to face and battles to conquer, you'll leap and jump your way through all of the desolate regions and make your way past perilous traps. Blue Fire's interesting style and challenging platforming action look set to keep us busy this summer.

Card Shark

Release date: TBC 2021
Genre: Adventure 

Set in Europe in the 18th century, Card Shark is a game about cheating at cards. With a roguelike progression system and several mini-games to try, you'll use "real card manipulation techniques" as the Comte de Saint Germain. With high stakes games, winnings to manage, and new locations to unlock, this adventure comes from publisher Devolver Digital and Reins developer Nerial.  

Bear and Breakfast

Release date: TBC 2022
Genre: Simulation / Adventure 

Ever wanted to run your very own Bed and Breakfast in the woods? Well, now you can… as a bear. Yes, Bear and Breakfast sees you play as Hank, a bear who sets about turning an abandoned shack into a lucrative Bed and Breakfast for tourists in the area. With an array of customization options, you can build up your new holiday hot spot with guest rooms, bathrooms, parlours and entertainment areas that can all be individually decorated. With some strategy to it, you'll have to keep tabs on your guests to make sure they have a happy stay and increase your reputation. Complete with side quests, plenty of characters to meet, and "rich lore" to uncover, Bear and Breakfast looks set to take you on quite the adventure. 

Upcoming Switch games for 2022

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Release date: January 28, 2022
Genre: RPG, Open World

Taking trainers back before every series' entry to date, Pokemon Legends: Arceus will see players exploring the Sinnoh region on a missing to create and complete the area's first-ever Pokedex. Aiming to honor the series while also introduce new action and RPG elements, this will be the first game in the series to be truly open wold - taking a leaf from Zelda: Breath of the Wild's gameplay book. You'll be able to observe, study, and catch Pokemon out in their natural habitat simply by sneaking up to them, and battles will just be a case of holding the ball of your ally Pokemon near a wild one to seamlessly enter battle. There's a reason it's taken the community by storm; it's the Pokemon game we've been dreaming of for so long.

Marvel's Midnight Suns

Release date: March 2022
Genre: Strategy

Marvel's Midnight Suns is the upcoming title from XCOM developer, Firaxis, and is bringing a touch of the superhero magic to the strategy genre. Aimed with a roster of 12 superheroes, you'll be tasked with taking down Lillith, the Mother of Demons. You are The Hunter, a completely customizable Marvel hero - quite the historic event - and you are Earth's last defense against the underworld. 

Splatoon 3

Release date: TBC 2022
Genre: Action

Splatoon 3 will see you leaving Inkopolis behind and venturing out into a new region known as the Splatlands. Here you'll find a new city that battle-savvy Inklings and Octolings call home - Splatsville, aka the 'City of Chaos'. The new game will introduce new features to your usual splat-tastic multiplayer action, including a bow, fresh customisation options, and enhanced movement abilities when it arrives sometime in 2022. 

Project Triangle Strategy (Working Title)

Release date: TBC 2022
Genre: RTS

Although it's currently rocking a not-final title, Project Triangle Strategy is a brand new Square Enix tactical RPG. Within in, battles will take place on multi-elevation terrain, and character attacks will be defined by their location and equipped weapons - meaning pre-planning is key. Plus, the decisions you make will not only affect how the story unfolds, but also which characters will join your cause. If this isn't a new Octopath Traveller title, we'll eat our Joy-Cons.

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope

Release date: TBC 2022
Genre: RTS / Action

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is the second in Ubisoft's brilliant crossover with Nintendo's IP. The original heroes are back - along with some new faces including the titular Sparks and Rabbid Rosalina -  but this time they're facing a galactic-level peril in the form of new villain Cursa. The game will move beyond the Mushroom Kingdom to include the wider Mario + Rabbids universe, and is opening up each of those worlds for free exploration. The same can be said of battle too, with the game removing the grid system to let you freely control each of the three heroes in play. There are still similar turn-based, tactical rules to follow, but should allow for more creativity taking on foes. 

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel

Release date: TBC 2022
Genre: RPG

We now have a better idea of what the Breath of the Wild sequel will be, with the Nintendo E3 2021 Direct revealing that the game will arrive sometime in 2022 and extend the original game's map to the skies above it. Still no information on a potentially playable Zelda, but Link's definitely had a few upgrades since our last jaunt around Hyrule, with various new abilities like the option to teleport through structures or wield fire. 

TBC

B.ARK 

Release date: TBC
Genre: Action / Arcade

You play as a dog, cat, bear, or bunny who want to save the solar system in space. Really, do you need to know anything else to sell you on this one? B.ARK, which stands for Bio-Interstellar Ark, is a couch co-op party game for up to 4 players and you have to navigate your way through the galaxy and take on fishy-themed enemies. Each animal has their own strength and fighting style. With a healing pug called Barker, a fierce cat Felicity with some serious firepower, Walker the bear with a protective spirit, and Marv the speedy rabbit, B.ARK looks set to win us over with some delightful intergalactic co-op action. 

The Good Life

Release date: TBC
Genre: RPG

Picture this: You're a journalist who's just moved from New York to a small British town called Rainy Woods in a bid to pay off a hefty debt. To escape your money-related troubles, you set about taking pictures of all of the happenings in the town and carry out reports. But here's the thing, Rainy Woods is no ordinary place, and it quickly dawns on you that the inhabitants of the "happiest town" can turn into cats and dogs. Yes, The Good Life's story sounds wonderfully bizarre in all the right ways, and it looks like one of the more interesting indies games heading to the Switch line-up this year. 

Baldo

Release date: TBC
Genre: RPG

Baldo is a new action-adventure RPG from Naps Team that looks like a cross between Ni No Kuni and Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Recently revealed to be making its way to the Switch with no set release date yet, it follows the story of Baldo, the 'pure child' of prophecy who journeys through the world of Rodia. So far, all we know is it'll be an open-world adventure filled with interesting characters, weird and wonderful creatures, puzzles, combat, and temples to uncover and explore. The art style is very appealing, and we're keen to learn more. 

Boyfriend Dungeon

Release date: TBC
Genre: RPG

Kitfox Game's blend of dungeon-crawling action and dating-sim weapon smooching makes for one dreamy set-up. You take on a summer job clearing out creatures from "the dunj" with your trusty weapons in hand, and the weapons just so happen to transform into available datable cuties. As you earn cash on the job, you can take your weapons out on romantic dates and get to know them. With inclusive romances and a whole cast of interesting characters, Boyfriend Dungeon is one indie number that's set to steal our hearts. 

Eastward

Release date: TBC
Genre: RPG

When you think about the post-apocalyptic world, the word charming doesn’t normally come to mind, but when it comes to Eastward it most definitely applies. Set in a near-future society that’s on the brink of collapse, the human population is at an all-time low. You play a miner called John who meets a mysterious young girl named Sam in a secret underground facility. Setting out on a journey with the pair of them as they work to discover the true origins of Sam, you uncover where the vicious creatures who wreak havoc across the towns come from. Eastward’s gorgeous pixelated art brings the apocalyptic setting to life in its own distinctive style - a decaying world never looked so picturesque. 

Bayonetta 3

Release date: TBC
Genre: Action

That's right! The Witch is back and she's coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch. It's currently in development over at PlatinumGames, but for now that's all anyone's willing to tell us. There's the teaser trailer that you can watch above, which features magic, bullets and Bayonetta herself, but until we get some more details that's all we're getting. 

Dragon Quest Heroes 1 and 2 

Release date: TBC
Genre: Hack-n-slash

Dynasty Warriors, with its endless procession of idiot enemy fodder whose only goal is to give your attack button a workout, is certainly divisive. But whatever your stance on the series is, there's no denying that Koei Tecmo's spin-offs, which include the Zelda-inspired Hyrule Warriors, show that the series' button-mashing formula still has room for experimentation. Dragon Quest Heroes heroes was a surprisingly delightful take on the musou genre, taking the series' classic RPG framework and dressing it around real-time action combat and monster collection. This combo will include the entire first game along with its sequel, meaning you'll get to spend hundreds of hours slicing through slimes at home or on the go.

Yokai Watch 4

Release date: TBC
Genre: JRPG

If you're a Pokemon fan, you probably already know about the Yo-Kai Watch series. It follows a similar format in that you collect critters that also function as your companions as a young kid. That's, of course, reducing it somewhat, but I for one am ridiculously excited about Yo-Kai Watch 4. It's already looking incredible, and actually might make Pokemon Let's Go look a bit 3DS era. In terms of new gameplay features, it'll introduce a brand new item, called the Yokai Ark, which will let players travel between three worlds that are all set in different time periods, and feature their own protagonist. It should be quite the beast, and a good distraction before the real Pokemon Switch RPG arrives. 

 Metroid Prime 4 

Release date: TBC
Genre: If it's like the others, it'll be FPS/Adventure

What a time to be alive. Not only is the 3DS getting a remake of Metroid 2 this year, Switch owners got confirmation that Metroid Prime will be making its grand return sometime in future with a fourth instalment. Very little is known about the game other than the fact that it's happening, and its development has been completely restarted with Retro Studios (who made the first three games) back on board. But for right now, knowing it's being made is all we need to get excited. 

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