The Future of Nintendo Switch Games: What to Expect
The critically acclaimed Super Mario Bros. Wonder has been described by some as the Nintendo Switch’s swansong—because a follow-up console is reportedly in the works, and Wonder may well be the last seismic Switch exclusive before a Switch 2 rolls out. But it’s certainly not the last notable game that’s set to release for the handheld console. Nintendo has unveiled a variety of upcoming Switch games for late 2023 and into 2024 that either tap into familiar characters or put a fresh coat of paint on old classics.
While we might not get another huge insta-classic like Super Mario Bros. Wonder or this year’s earlier smash The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, there are bound to be some gems on the horizon to keep you playing until the Switch 2 is properly unveiled and released.
Here’s what is still ahead on the Switch, along with a few notable new releases that you might’ve been awaiting this month. It’s certainly not everything coming to Switch in the months ahead—particularly given the barrage of digital games that regularly hit the platform—but it’s the biggest and most interesting stuff still on the horizon.
November releases
WarioWare: Move It! (Nov. 3)
Dating back to the Game Boy Advance, WarioWare games are routinely some of Nintendo’s weirdest and most wonderful experiences. This new Switch entry continues the theme of flinging you through rapid-fire “microgames” that last only seconds apiece, and in this case you’ll use the motion controls of the Joy-Con controllers to interact in a variety of curious ways. It’s goofy, glorious fun.
Hogwarts Legacy (Nov. 14)
It might have arrived several months after February’s broader release, but Hogwarts Legacy—the open-world game set in the “Harry Potter” universe—finally hit the Switch last week. Praised by critics on other platforms for capturing the vibe of the Wizarding World as you guide your own student through the titular school, initial reviews also suggest some performance trade-offs on Switch—though it doesn’t sound like a Mortal Kombat 1-like disaster.
Persona 5 Tactica (Nov. 16)
If you dug Persona 5 Royal on Switch, then you might want to make time for the new spinoff, Persona 5 Tactica. Unlike the main role-playing game (RPG), Tactica is a tactical strategy spinoff with a more cutesy edge to its cel-shaded, anime-inspired allure. While not hailed by critics as a Persona 5-like instant classic, Tactica has seen broadly positive reviews and should be on the agenda of any Switch role-playing junkie.
Super Mario RPG (Nov. 17)
Revived from the Super Nintendo and its 16-bit origins, classic role-player Super Mario RPG got a visual facelift with totally new graphics and cinematics. Otherwise, Nintendo has largely kept this old-school fantasy twist on the formula intact, bringing the adventure to its current hardware with some modern flourishes on top—and it debuted to strong reviews.
Upcoming
Batman: Arkham Trilogy (Dec. 1)
Normally it’d be difficult to get too excited about a package of games that were released years ago on other systems, but the Batman: Arkham Trilogy includes a trio of winners that were favorites of fans and critics alike—plus all of the original add-on content. It’s all bundled up here in one $60 package, so if you missed ‘em on other platforms, this might be the time to catch up. But again, that’ll depend in large part on how well these games run on Switch.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince (Dec. 1)
By this point in the list, it’s already clear that there will be no shortage of big games for RPG fans on Switch. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is the latest entry in the spinoff series of Square Enix’s influential franchise, putting a Pokemon-esque twist on your adventuring as you collect and battle beasts against each other. It’s been 12 years since we got one of these games in the States, so it hopefully will feel like a solid starting point for a new generation of potential fans.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (Jan. 18, 2024)
Ubisoft’s long-running franchise goes back to basics in some respects with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, which returns to a side-scrolling approach with dazzling modern visuals. It’s billed as a more substantial experience, however, thanks to the introduction of elements from games like Metroid and Castlevania, gradually expanding your abilities over time as the world opens up. It’s been 13 years since the last new entry, so fans are rightly thrilled for the launch.
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered (Feb. 14, 2024)
Lara Croft’s early adventures are iconic and influential, but the mid-’90s games could be tough to appreciate at this point. Luckily, publisher Aspyr is bundling up the first three games in the series with all of their respective expansion packs, plus they’re all getting refreshed graphics. And you can swap back to the blocky original visuals if you please. A trio of games for $30 with various enhancements? That could be appealing.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Feb. 16, 2024)
Twenty years after debuting on Game Boy Advance, Nintendo is overhauling Mario vs. Donkey Kong for the Switch. It’s a little more cerebral than the classic Donkey Kong and Mario Bros. games, tasking you with solving puzzles as you navigate the platform-based levels. This fan favorite is being upgraded for a new generation of players, and adding local co-op multiplayer too along with the visual boost.
Princess Peach Showtime (Mar. 22, 2024)
Princess Peach has been a mainstay of nearly every Mario game over the years, but rarely has starring roles herself. Now, nearly 20 years after the last attempt, she’s getting her own spotlight again with Princess Peach Showtime on Switch. This original game uses a theatre theme to toss Peach into various game scenarios inspired by stage plays, turning her into a baker, detective, and swordfighter as she battles through action stages.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD (Summer 2024)
Speaking of Mario allies who don’t get their own games very often… Luigi’s had a nice run of lighthearted horror games over the years, and now Luigi’s Mansion 2 (originally Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon) will make the leap from Nintendo 3DS to Switch in 2024. If you missed the previous game before the Switch’s own fun Luigi’s Mansion 3, this upgraded port will serve up a Ghostbusters-esque spooky experience for the whole family.
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (TBD 2024)
As we get deeper into 2024, it increasingly looks like upgraded versions of classic games may be Nintendo’s best option to keep Switch fans happy while likely prepping brand new Switch 2 games in the background. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door brings the role-playing series’ second game from GameCube to Switch after two decades. No date has been set beyond it launching sometime in 2024, but we suspect it’ll be sometime in spring or summer.
Metroid Prime 4 (TBD)
Announced in 2017, Metroid Prime 4 still hasn’t seen the light of day. Realistically, there’s a good chance that it in fact won’t launch on the original Switch at this point, but could instead move onto the Switch 2—or simultaneously hit both, as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild did across old and new platforms back when. Original series developer Retro Studios took over the project from Bandai Namco in 2019, but otherwise we haven’t seen or heard much.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam (TBD)
The fan-favorite Professor Layton puzzle adventure series is slated to come back to Switch with Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, which was announced earlier this year. Few concrete details are known, but the game appears to bring back the titular hero in a new quest set in America. Developer Level-5 is teasing more details to come, so
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