Nintendo announced numerous games releasing for the Nintendo Switch in 2017, but these five stand out as the most exciting games coming to the new console this year.
While Nintendo spent a great deal of time during its recent Nintendo Switch presentation focusing on the console's Joy-Con controllers, release date, and price, it also highlighted a number of the games that will be making their way to the console before the end of the year. Luckily for Nintendo fans, it appears as if the company has learned its lesson from the Wii U game drought, as there seems to be a slew of high profile releases in the pipeline for Nintendo Switch owners to look forward to in 2017.
Since the January 12th presentation and the following day's Treehouse livestream, Nintendo has revealed quite a few games aiming for a 2017 release on its Switch console. Out of all the games in development for the Switch, though, we think these five stand out from the rest as the most exciting games in development for the new system.
5 Arms
With the announcement of Arms, Nintendo proved it wasn't going to shy away from quirky, downright weird games for the Nintendo Switch. Essentially an over-the-top boxing game, Arms may look ludicrous, but hands-on reports have been largely positive. Sporting online and local multiplayer, as well as giving players a chance to test their skills against the AI, Arms looks like it will be a well-rounded experience that makes good use of the Joy-Con controllers' unique capabilities.
Arms will be available this spring.
4 Splatoon 2
Anyone doubting Arms' potential to be a surprise hit should take a look at Splatoon. Many people were skeptical of the original game because of its strange premise, but the software turned out to be a success on the Wii U, enough so to justify a sequel for the Nintendo Switch. Splatoon 2 will be adding new customization items, weapons, and more to the experience, and should prove to be one of the platform's strongest online multiplayer games early on if it catches on with the community like its predecessor.
Splatoon 2 will be available this summer.
3 Super Mario Odyssey
Out of all the games shown during Nintendo's recent Switch event, Super Mario Odyssey tops the list as one of the most exciting of them all. Inspired by the design philosophy of Super Mario 64, Super Mario Odyssey on the Nintendo Switch is made for core gamers, featuring Mario in a large sandbox setting with new powers at his disposal and unique locations to explore, including a visually striking level based on New York City.
Super Mario Odyssey will be available holiday 2017.
2 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The cornerstone of the Nintendo Switch's launch lineup is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Featuring a massive open world for Link to explore, a more complex storyline complete with voice acting, and an exhausting list of new gameplay features, Breath of the Wild is one of the most exciting upcoming Switch games for good reason. Launching with virtually no competition alongside the Nintendo Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is likely to be one of the system's highest rated and best-selling titles in its first year of release.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be available on March 3rd.
1 Xenoblade Chronicles 2
The original Xenoblade Chronicles stands as one of the most well-received JRPGs in recent years, releasing to widespread critical acclaim on the Nintendo Wii. Xenoblade Chronicles X on the Wii U didn't seem to generate the same fanfare, which is why the announcement of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 at the January 12th Nintendo Switch presentation was such a pleasant surprise for fans worried that the franchise was dead. Little details are known about Xenoblade Chronicles 2 so far, except that it will feature a brand new protagonist and a sprawling open world for players to explore.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will be available in 2017.
From Arms to Xenoblade Chronicles 2, these five Nintendo Switch games are the most exciting games releasing for the system this year. However, Nintendo will need to keep this kind of high quality first-party support going well into 2018 and beyond if it hopes for the Nintendo Switch to avoid the same sales woes as the Wii U, so here's hoping to a strong E3 2017 showing for the Big N.
Nintendo Switch will launch worldwide on March 3rd, 2017.