When it comes to upcoming Switch games still to welcome in 2024, Nintendo's console has plenty of life left in it. While there's no doubt that Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Pikmin 4 were obvious high marks last year, 2024 has its fair share of exciting games from Nintendo itself, as well as many others.
Among the new games of 2024, there is still time for (one hopes) Hollow Knight: Silksong, among many other high-profile third-party releases. That's on top of the upcoming first-party games like Mario & Luigi: Brothership. And that's assuming Nintendo doesn't even announce more titles before the year's through. We've also listed some long-awaited Switch ports and upcoming indie games to get hyped for if you're not really into any of the best Mario games.
But before you head to other pages, there's genuinely something for everyone in our roundup of upcoming Switch games down below. Be it platformers, JRPGs, or the newest creature collectors to add to your collection of the best Pokémon games, we've got you covered.
Recent updates
This living list of upcoming Switch games was updated on November 6, 2024, adding all the new confirmed release dates and keeping this list fresh with the latest Nintendo news.
Upcoming Switch games 2024
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Release date: November 7, 2024
The Mario and Luigi RPG series is back for a new installment on the Nintendo Switch. In the upcoming Switch game, the two navigate the world of Concordia via Shipshape Island, which is a ship but also an island, with a twist on turn-based combat across a number of different islands.
ANTONBLAST
Release date: November 12, 2024
Action-platformer ANTONBLAST sees Dynamite Anton or Dynamite Annie (with the Mighty Hammer or Massive Mace, respectively) on a hand-drawn pixel art rampage across wacky worlds in order to get your spirit collection back from the devil. The twist? Once you've finished a level, a timer starts that requires players to rush back to the start before everything blows up.
Lego Horizon Adventures
Release date: November 14, 2024
Machine hunter Aloy is coming to the wonderful world of Lego this November. Announced during the recent PlayStation State of Play broadcast, Lego Horizon Adventures is coming to Switch and will have players diving into a quest to save Earth from a man called Helis. We all know that Lego games make some of the best two-player Switch games and co-op experiences, so this is an upcoming title we recommend for any partners out there as well!
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D
Release date: November 14, 2024
The Dragon Quest series has given us some of the best JRPGs in history and now the long-awaited Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D remake is coming to Switch. As you play a hero who is on a quest to overthrow the wicked King Baramos, you’ll get to explore a rich fantasy world with updated graphics and crisp pixel art visuals – similar to more recent JRPGs like Octopath Traveller.
Petit Island
Release date: November 14, 2024
Petit Island looks downright adorable like the perfect game for anyone who loves cats and photography. Here you'll play as Lily, a young feline who is on a quest to relive her grandfather’s memories and make some new ones as she explores the tropical island of Petit. There are quirky locals for you to meet, a bright art style to enjoy and plenty of secrets to uncover through exploration. It’s also great to see another new Switch game that is for cozy gamers without any farming or fishing mechanics. So, if you need a getaway before the end of the year, Petit Island is for you.
My Sims Cozy Bundle
Release date: November 19, 2024
My Sims is finally coming to the Switch. That’s right, after years of missing those square-headed sprites, we are finally getting Switch ports for My Sims and My Sims Kingdom. These were some of the best DS games around, and if you are a fan of decorating cute homes and stores, then this will be right up your street. During the latest Nintendo Direct, it was announced that both games will be available on November 19, 2024.
Stray
Release date: November 19, 2024
One of the best games of 2022 (read our Stray review for more details on that) is finally heading to the Nintendo Switch! That’s right, ahead of the recently announced upcoming video game movie, Stray will be available to buy on the Nintendo e-Shop on November 19. If you don’t know about Stray yet, it’s basically the cat game of the decade as you take on the role of a feline who has to find their way through a dystopian robot-filled city to reunite with their family. The movement and exploration mechanics make you feel like you’re really a sneaky cat as you leap from ledges and squeeze into nooks. It’s a relatively short game, but a great title to pick up ahead of the holiday season.
On Your Tail
Release date: November 21, 2024
If you are a fan of classic Giallo and detective games, then On Your Tail will be a new and colorful addition to your collection of Switch games. Explore the Italian town of Borgo Marina as Diana, an amateur writer looking for inspiration. However, beware because there’s a mysterious thief on the loose, and it’s up to you to unravel the mysteries plaguing the citizens of Borgo Marina. There’s also cooking, fishing, and part-time jobs to play around with, so it looks like On Your Tail will have plenty for us to do this November.
Critter Café
Release date: November 26, 2024
If you love games like Animal Crossing, then Critter Cafe should be top of your list of new Switch games to pick up this November. In this game, you’ll be in charge of managing your own cafe in a fantasy world that’s packed with cute little creatures. In fact, there are 35 of these critters for you to discover and rescue while you explore the magical Otherlands. Bond with your rescued friends, complete puzzles, unlock paths to new worlds, and customize your cafe to be the best spot in town! It’s also been confirmed that there's at least 12 hours of expected playtime here, so Critter Cafe seems like the perfect game to juggle if you also have a couple of other cozy games currently on the go.
Platform 8
Release date: November 28, 2024
Platform 8 places you on a train that runs forever. Sounds like a nightmare, right? Well, it is and this upcoming horror game will have you dying to break free of the liminal space it places you in. Platform 8 is one of the best short games released this year. It takes about an hour to complete but has multiple endings for you to experience, meaning you’ll be stuck with this psychological horror for a while if you’re a completionist. The game has been on PC since May 2024, and has received generally positive reviews. In the sea of cute and cozy games coming to Switch, we’ll never turn down a horror, so keep your eyes on this release if you prefer a spooky vibe.
Fantasian Neo Dimension
Release date: December 5, 2024
Hironobu Sakaguchi may be behind some of the best Final Fantasy games, but did you know that he has a new RPG on the way as well? Fantasian Neo Dimension is a new Switch game that is set in a world where a virus is robbing humans of all their emotions and, eventually, their lives as well. You’ll play the hero Leo, who must work to save the world as well as uncover his lost memories. On top of this intriguing premise, we also know that the game will have turn-based combat, exploration options, and multiple unique characters.
Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer
Release date: December 5, 2024
Are you ready to break a sweat this December? Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer is coming to the Nintendo Switch and will have you punching your way through various workouts in no time. The new game comes with various modes such as Quick Workout, Mitt Drills, a new seated training option, and more. You’ll also have the ability to unlock and change your trainers' hairstyles, in case you want to box in style as well!
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1+2 remastered
Release date: December 10, 2024
One of the best action games from the late ‘90s is heading to Nintendo Switch later this year. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1+2 has been remastered and will be heading to the console on December 10. For those unfamiliar with this classic series, you play as the vampire turned-wraith Raziel. There are plenty of puzzles and a hack-and-slash combat system for you to enjoy. From recent clips, the remaster looks stunning, so we can’t wait to revisit this gem come the end of the year.
TBC 2024
Hollow Knight Silksong
Release date: TBC 2024
We know that it's coming, we just don't know when. The wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong has been brutal, but Team Cherry is finally ready to deliver its sequel to one of the best metroidvania games of all-time. The Hollow Knight sequel was first unveiled in 2019, with development reportedly spiralling out of control as the Silksong idea evolved in scope from DLC to full-fledged experience. Here's hoping we get our hands on Hollow Knight: Silksong sooner rather than later.
Upcoming Switch games 2025
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Release date: January 16, 2025
Donkey Kong Country Returns is back once again and this time it's in high definition. Join Donkey and Diddy Kong in a new version of the title that first released for the Nintendo Wii. Two-player co-op is available locally across 80 levels, and that includes the extra ones from the Nintendo 3DS version of the video game. But you can also go it on your own, if you wish.
Civilization 7
Release date: February 11, 2025
Civilization 7 is coming to Switch in 2025, letting you build up civilizations and dominate the hexagonal tile map on the go. The latest entry in what is arguably one of the best strategy games series, Civ 7, will let players pick a new civilization at the dawn of each era in a first for the franchise and introduce brand new mechanics such as units traveling up streams and more. The Switch game looks marvelous from the trailers we saw at Gamescom 2024. It’s definitely one to keep on your radar.
Date Everything
Release date: February 14, 2025
Ever wanted to be romantically involved with your fridge? How about your laundry? Well, now you can! Date Everything is an upcoming Switch game that lets you start a relationship with close to every object that you find in your house. With 100 fully voice-acted datable characters, three endings per dateable character, and "branching narratives," there is no shortage of replayability in this new dating simulator. It looks to be filled with personality and plenty of puns as well. What more could you want?
Tales of the Shire
Release date: March 25, 2025
When it comes to the best Lord of the Rings games, we’ve had RPGS, Strategy games, and MMORPGs. However, there hasn’t been a cozy game yet, until now. Tales of the Shire will see you live out your Shire dreams as you play as a hobbit who spends their days farming, cooking, and interacting with your hairy-foot neighbors. From teasers we’ve spotted famous Lord of the Rings characters like Gandalf pop up in the game, so there may be some quests or some references to the wider goings on of Middle-earth here. However, that’s just speculation on our part for now. We’ll update you as soon as we know more.
TBC 2025
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Release date: TBC 2025
A new game in the Fantasy Life series is set to come to Switch in April 2025. The last instalment was one of the best 3DS games of all time, and offered up various different job roles with their own set of quests. Fantasy Life i looks set to build on this by letting you create your own city on a ruined island and once again take up an occupation of your choice. With returning characters and the promise of plenty of mystery, it will be interesting to see how this entry shapes up.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
Release date: TBC 2025
Hello Kitty Island Adventure has been locked behind Apple Arcade since 2023. However, we finally have a release window for PC and Switch now for 2025. This is probably the most anticipated upcoming Switch game for everyone who loves playing games like Animal Crossing or those who prefer to stick to the cozy side of things. You’ll get to befriend Sanrio characters, decorate your home, and solve a variety of puzzles as you explore the adorable-looking island. Hopefully, we get a firm release window for this one soon, so keep your eyes on this page for updates!
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Release date: TBC 2025
Metroid Prime 4 has been a long time coming. Announced back in 2017, nothing much was seen of the sequel to Metroid Prime 3: Corruption until June 2024. That's largely because development on the upcoming Switch game was rebooted in 2019, with production shifting to Retro Studios – the team responsible for the original Prime trilogy.
With our first proper look at the game, we now also know that it's Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and is expected to launch for the Nintendo Switch in 2025.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Release date: TBC 2025
While not terribly much is known about Pokemon Legends: Z-A at this point, it has been announced that it will release for the Nintendo Switch in 2025. Additionally, it's known that it will take place entirely within Lumiose City, which is in the Kalos region, during a major urban redevelopment plan to bring together people and Pokemon in the same place. We'll keep you updated on the latest news, but fingers crossed that this Pokemon game will join some its predecessors on our list of the best Switch games of all time.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Release date: TBC 2025
During the February 2023 Nintendo Direct, we got a very brief tease of a new Professor Layton game, which at long last signalled the return of the series. While we don't know too much about the new entry coming to the Switch, we do know that we're set to experience a fresh story filled with puzzles in the new setting of Steam Bison, which is home to advanced steam engines. A mysterious incident is said to draw Layton and Luke there for a new adventure.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Release date: TBC 2025
In 2025 we’ll be getting a new Rune Factory game. That news is exciting enough on its own, but what makes this announcement even better is that the upcoming Switch game will be taking the franchise in a fresh new direction as its set on the never seen before eastern land of Azuma. You’ll get to play as an Earth Dancer who’ll work to purify Azuma and fight against the Mystical Blight. Of course, farming and marriage candidates are also in this game, too. Basically, there’s tons to look forward to and we can’t wait to find out more details as more trailers head our way.
Yokai Watch 4
Release date: TBC
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. In terms of new gameplay features, it introduces 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. While it released in Japan back in 2019, there's still no concrete word on a Western release date. We still have our fingers crossed for this one.
While we wait for all these new titles, you can head over to our lists of the best multiplayer Switch games, all the Switch exclusives, and the best Switch indie games of all time.
