Nintendo Switch was one of the biggest success stories in the video game industry in 2017, with its unique console able to be used both at home and on the go. With a huge library of games including flagship titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, ARMS and Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, as well as many indie and mobile games, the Nintendo Switch became the fastest selling console in the U.S. and in Japan.
Earlier in 2018, the Japanese giant established itself as a true industry disruptor when it unveiled a new initiative dubbed ‘Nintendo Labo’. Labo involves DIY cardboard accessories that can be used to transform the Switch’s Joy-Con controllers into different things- a fishing rod, a piano, or a robot suit, for use in several games. The overall experience will become more tactile and entertaining, amping up the fun factor manifold.
A good number of brilliant Switch games are already available to play 2018 and there are many more exciting titles in the pipeline. Here are some of the most noteworthy ones that will be releasing over the year:
10. Super Smash Bros
Super Smash Bros is officially in development for the Nintendo Switch, as confirmed through Nintendo Direct. For n00bs who are not aware of what Super Smash Bros is all about, it is a flagship series from Nintendo that pits all the popular characters from its biggest video games against each other. So we have all the fan fantasies of a mega battle royale coming true, with Mario and Luigi vs Link from the Legend of Zelda, Pokemon fighting against Kirby, Donkey Kong vs the villagers from Animal’s Crossing and so on. The exact release date is expected to be announced in a few months from now.
9. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
The remastered Crash Bandicoot trilogy (featuring Crash, Cortex Strikes Back and Warped) will be coming on the Switch on July 10, 2018. With gorgeous visuals, enhanced sound and plenty other features, this will be the first time this series appears on the Nintendo platform.
8. Bayonetta 3
A Nintendo Switch exclusive, Bayonetta 3 is being developed by Platinum Games. Though not much is known about the game yet, we expect more details on the exploits of the Umbral Witch at E3 2018. Read all about Bayonetta 3.
7. Kirby Star Allies
Kirby, the adorable little pink blob, finally made its debut on Nintendo Switch on March 16, 2018. In Star Allies, Kirby can recruit up to three companions as they embark on a delightful adventure marked by wondrous visuals and a simple 2D platform style that has made it a huge hit with kids. This is a co-op game that is actually immensely enjoyable.
6. Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition
Hyrule Warriors is a hack and slash game from Koei Tecmo that is an ultimate combination of the characters from The Legend of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors e.g. Link, Zelda, Impa, Lana, Linkle, Wizzro, Cia, Darunia, Ruto, Young Link, and several others. The Definitive Edition will feature all the previous released DLC along with new content. Hyrule Warriors is scheduled for a May 18 release in 2018.
5. The World Ends With You- Final Remix
The World Ends With You is a JRPG (Japanese Role Playing Game) which was initially released for the Nintendo DS way back in 2008 by Square Enix. With newly updated content, new story chapters, and a control scheme that fits the Switch, The World Ends With You is slated for a release in 2018, though a narrower time frame should be known in the near future.
4. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is considered to be a ‘Metroidvania’ video game- a portmanteau of Metroid and Castlevania. Released for PC in early 2017, the official description in its Wikipedia page reads:
“The game tells the story of a titular Knight, on a quest to discover the secrets of the long-abandoned insect kingdom of Hallownest, whose depths draw in the adventurous and brave with its promise of treasures and answers to ancient mysteries.”
Hollow Knight garnered critical acclaim for its dark and dense, yet adorable narrative and addictive gameplay that is filled with discovering new secrets, exploring sprawling worlds, and defeating various enemies. The release date is expected sometime in 2018.
3. Dark Souls: Remastered
In an unexpected first for the Nintendo platform, the remastered version of Dark Souls will also be released for the Switch on May 25, 2018. Dark Souls has received encomiums and plaudits from critics for its intricate details, dark setting, in-depth combat levels and world lore. However, the game also received some flak for turning casual gamers away due to its incredible difficulty levels, which ironically was also praised for making the game more wholesome and satisfying. Will playing on the Switch be a different experience? We will have to wait for that!
2. Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus
Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus, developed by Bethesda and MachineGames, will be arriving for Nintendo Switch in 2018 (again, exact date not specified), thus making it one of first mature shooters to debut on the platform. The New colossus takes the protagonist B.J. Blazkowicz to the U.S., where Nazis have overrun the place. Shooting a bunch of Nazis with some really cool guns, and a solid narrative- what more can you want from a game?
1. Metroid Prime 4
After nearly a decade, we were on the verge of giving up hope of seeing a Metroid Prime 4 release. However, Nintendo revealed at E3 2017 that we will be finally able to see Samus Aran’s next adventure pretty soon. However, for hardcore fans, there is some bad news. The game is being developed by Banda Namco studios and not series veteran Retro studios. Details are thin on the project as of now, but being a Nintendo Switch exclusive, the experience is expected to be amazing as always.