Now in its fifth year, the Nintendo Switch continues to produce some of the best gaming experiences each year. This year was no different as the Switch saw long-awaited sequels to several popular Nintendo series, along with innovative indie games and some surprise hits. Overall, the Switch's library gained some gems in 2022 that owners of the console shouldn't miss out on.
Indeed, there's already a lot of hype for certain Nintendo Switch games in 2023, but it's clear that 2022 raised the bar. It remains to be seen, of course, how next year compares to this, but there's plenty of competition to be had. In no particular order, here are the best Nintendo Switch games of 2022.
Bayonetta 3
After making its Nintendo-exclusive debut with the release of Bayonetta 2 on the Wii U in 2014, fans of this action-packed series have been awaiting a new entry on the Switch. PlatinumGames delivered in a big way with the release of Bayonetta 3 bringing a brand-new look for Bayonetta, new enemies, new environments, and new characters. The gameplay was the best it's ever been with tight controls, flashy combos, and bombastic boss fights to give players the satisfying power trip they were hoping for.
Returning characters like Jeanne, Luka, and Enzo brought new and interesting developments to their established characters. The addition of new characters like Viola—the adorable, young Umbra Witch—and Sigurd—the leading Alphaverse researcher—helped round out a great roster of characters. However, Bayonetta 3 drew some criticism for its unsatisfying ending and controversial character arcs, but despite this, Bayonetta 3 succeeded as a follow-up to its previous entries and a launching point for future games to follow.
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
With the success of 2020's Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, the Switch has once again capitalized on the popularity of Musou-style spin-off games with the addition of Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes to the Switch's library. As a successor to 2017's Fire Emblem Warriors, Three Hopes offers an alternate version of events to those of 2019's Fire Emblem: Three Houses—this time presented in the form of an action, hack-and-slash game. The game expertly mixes elements of the series' tactics RPG roots with the action combat of a Musou game to create an experience fans of the series are sure to enjoy.
The game drew very positive reviews with many praising the depth and strategy these combinations of mechanics provide. Fans eager for more of Three Houses' eclectic cast of characters were rewarded with new and interesting interactions and character arcs—especially with the addition of the new protagonist, Shez. Overall, this game serves to build upon the foundation Fire Emblem Warriors built and improves upon its formula in every way.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby is as cute as ever in this charming new entry in Nintendo's beloved franchise. Kirby and the Forgotten Land was a first for the series as it marked the first time a Kirby game wasn't locked to a 2D plane. This foray into the 3D space drew many comparisons to a game like Super Mario 3D World more so than Super Mario Odyssey. Kirby and the Forgotten Land also built upon the unique copy abilities the series is known for with the addition of the Mouthful Mode mechanic, bringing a lot of "new" into the franchise. The comical image of Kirby inhaling a car or a vending machine and taking on its form was the source of a lot of good fun, before and after release.
Like most Kirby games, Kirby and the Forgotten Land had some rather dark undertones beneath its wholesome exterior. This post-apocalyptic adventure saw Kirby battling his way through the ruins of the mysterious New World as he attempts to rescue kidnaped Waddle Dees. Between exploring beautiful levels and tackling exciting boss fights, building up Waddle Dee Town and upgrading copy abilities, Kirby and the Forgotten Land was packed full of innovative new content Kirby fans were craving.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
As a sequel to one of 2017's most unexpected gems, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope takes everything fans loved about the previous title and takes it to the next level to craft an engaging and approachable tactical RPG. The game sees Mario and the Rabbids teaming up to rescue the Sparks—Rabbid versions of Super Mario Galaxy's Lumas—from the clutches of the villain Cursa and her plot to drain the power of the Sparks for her own use. Rescuing a Spark has its own benefit for players as they can use their abilities for themselves to help take on enemies in combat.
In addition to the returning playable characters from the first game, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope adds Bowser, Rabbid Rosalina, and the original character Edge to its roster. The game also features voice acting for the first time in the series to which many fans had mixed reactions. Despite some voice-acting fumbles, its strategic gameplay, charming characters, and galactic adventure push Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope atop its predecessor as a must-have title for Switch owners.
Neon White
Neon White was the surprise indie hit the Switch needed this year. From its initial reveal trailer, many were captivated by its fast-paced, parkour action and interesting card-based FPS combat. Upon its release, these elements combined with engaging characters and a beautiful art style to create a game that checked a lot of the boxes players look for in an indie title. The unique approach to combat that utilizes cards to represent various attacks the player can perform is the real standout as an innovative twist on the FPS genre.
In Neon White, players take on the role of the titular character—an assassin from Hell selected to compete against other Neon demon slayers for the chance to live in Heaven permanently. As a part of their competition, players must complete levels as fast as possible using all the tools in their arsenal. This emphasis on speed makes Neon White great for speedrunning and is accessible enough that even more casual players will feel like they're sharpening their speedrun skills. As a console exclusive, Neon White feels right at home on the Switch.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Pokemon fans were treated to an early surprise this year when Pokemon Legends: Arceus released back in January. This was the first mainline game to abandon the previously established formula of collecting Pokemon, challenging gyms, and becoming champion of the region. Instead, Pokemon Legends: Arceus takes players back in time to the land of Hisui (Sinnoh in the "present"). In this time period, Pokemon and humans live mostly separate lives, and the player is tasked helping Professor Laventon complete the region's first Pokedex by capturing creatures with the newly-invented Pokeballs.
Fans applauded the efforts of developer Game Freak in advancing the series beyond the cookie-cutter formula of previous entries. Despite the departure from its established story and mechanics, Pokemon Legends: Arceus is responsible for many new fan-favorite characters and memorable boss battles.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet brought the series into its ninth generation and with it came a massive shake-up to both the gameplay and world design. Taking a cue from Pokemon Legends Arceus, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet emphasized exploration by offering players the first true open world in the franchise. Players could explore the Paldea region in whatever order they chose following three major storylines—Victory Road, Path of Legends, and Starfall Street.
Among the new changes was the shift away from random encounters in the tall grass to overworld encounters, which combined the mechanics of Pokemon Legends: Arceus with that of the series' more traditional games. The games received some backlash for their rough technical state with many fans lamenting the frame rate issues and array of bugs present at launch. Despite these issues, the excellent core gameplay of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet make them some of the most innovative Pokemon games to date and demonstrate a positive direction for the series going forward.
Splatoon 3
Nintendo's hit turf-inking FPS franchise received its third entry this year with the release of Splatoon 3. Now the second Splatoon game on the Switch, Splatoon 3 was a natural evolution of everything fans enjoyed about the previous games. In addition to the series' iconic Turf War mode, Splatoon 3 saw the introduction of Anarchy Battles as the new competitive mode for online play. The fan-favorite Salmon Run PvE mode returned from Splatoon 2 with new maps, bosses, and the chance to encounter the superboss—Cohozuna, the King Salmonid—and the Tableturf Battle card game was an unexpected surprise hit among players.
Following up on the climactic Order vs Chaos Splatfest that marked the end of regular events in Splatoon 2, Splatoon 3's single-player campaign incorporates elements of the post-apocalyptic Splatlands outside the new city of Splatsville, as well as a mysterious new world known as Alterna. Fans of previous entries in the series will find a lot to love with all the new content Splatoon 3 offers. With additional new content rolling out regularly, players will have tons to keep them occupied with this game well into the new year.
Triangle Strategy
In Triangle Strategy, players take on the role of Serenoa, the heir to House Wolffort as he and his allies are thrust into a conflict between three of the region's most powerful nations. The game's conviction mechanic allows the plot to play out in a variety of ways depending on the choices made by players throughout the game and their ability to sway their allies toward their chosen path.
Fans of tactics RPGs will enjoy the deep combat system and variety of recruitable characters to strategize around. Triangle Strategy's gorgeous HD-2D art style harkens back to the days of classic tactics RPGs while still looking stunning alongside its modern counterparts. Although the game flew quietly under the radar among the other big titles released around the same time, fans of the genre should not miss out on this entry.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=1500&dpr=1.5)
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 introduced players to the world of Aionios where two nations—Agnus and Keves—are locked in an eternal war over the life force needed to power their respective Flame Clocks. Players control a party of characters, who are from both nations and are outcasts after gaining the power of Ouroboros. This adventure sees players set out on a quest to free colonies from the shackles of the Flame Clocks, uncover the truth of Ouroboros, and the shadowy organization known as Moebius.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 streamlines the convoluted combat mechanics of previous entries while still having the depth and play style variety to keep players engaged for the long haul. Recruiting Heroes to unlock new classes for the party and building strategies around Interlinking and Chain Attacks are just some of the ways players can customize the way they take on battles. Both series veterans and newcomers alike are able to enjoy one of the best JRPG stories of the year in this instant classic.