Pikmin 3 unsurprisingly is still fantastic and Pikmin 3 Deluxe is arguably the best version of the game out there. While some of the new content can feel uninspired and motion controls a tad clunky, that doesn’t hurt what is otherwise an outstanding real-time strategy game and a great second chance for players to experience the best Pikmin game to date.

This is a great companion piece to the story they got to tell, exploring the ideologies of the cast further in fascinating ways that change up a lot of dynamics. It really does feel like they addressed most of the common complaints with the original, while not losing sight of the general tone that the fans appreciated. I’m left overwhelmed by all the little new things they added on top of the Shin Megami Tensei V I already loved. This simply tries to fill in the gaps of that game, and they did so to great effect. With a ton of new content available, especially for completionists, this is more than just being the definitive edition of Shin Megami Tensei V. Vengeance feels confident and strives to lock in the original game’s previously uncertain identity.

It’s great to finally see Supergiant Games bring some of their great work over to a Nintendo platform and Bastion easily ranks among the best. From its eye-catching presentation to the mysterious story to the challenging but satisfying combat Bastion is an emotionally fascinating journey from start to finish and one well worth venturing.

Whether it’s Nobuo Uematsu’s incomparable soundtrack or the game’s characterful cast, Final Fantasy VII will forever be remembered as a genre-defining classic. Now on Nintendo Switch, it’s the perfect chance for newcomers to uncover the truth about Cloud’s lost past for the first time, and, for those that have beaten it before, to relive the adventure both at home and on the move.

Star-Crossed World should be seen as the icing on the cake to what is already among the heroic pink star’s greatest adventures to date. Its brevity once again left me wanting more, but the new content is meaningful and a worthwhile distraction even for those who have beaten the game before. For newcomers, this is an enviable opportunity to experience Forgotten Land’s kaleidoscopic greatness running at its triumphant best. I can’t wait to see what adventures HAL Laboratory take Kirby on next.

I didn’t think ATLUS had it in them to make a game with the level of ambition packed into every inch of Shin Megami Tensei V.

Taken as its own thing, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is an amazingly fun game that I’d recommend even to people who have no particular interest in skateboarding. Those seeking the nostalgia trip are going to have to deal with a wildly different take on Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 and a mostly-new soundtrack, but these titles still play just as well as they always did. The fresh coat of paint is all the excuse needed to dive back in and remember what made this series one of the biggest of its era. The Nintendo Switch 2 version doesn’t have to make nearly as many compromises on the technical side as the original Switch had to with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2. Time has been kind, and so has this port.

All things considered, Hello Kitty Island Adventure Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is the best version of the game right now, given the hybrid nature of the console and the great port. If you own the original Nintendo Switch version and play on Switch 2, the upgrade is a no-brainer. If you found yourself let down by recent life simulation games, this one is absolutely worth your time. Don’t be fooled like I was, thinking it is yet another licensed game.

Diablo III Eternal Collection is a fantastic dungeon crawler and one that feels right at home on Nintendo’s console. Blizzard’s modern-day classic still shines brightly six years after its initial release on PC and now thanks to the Switch’s portable functionality, your incessant quest for better loot will be able to continue wherever you are. Could this be the best version of Diablo III yet? I’ll just say being able to slay monsters on my commute certainly makes a strong case.

The visual style works brilliantly on the Switch in both handheld and docked. The bold outlines are eye-catching and the muted colour palette lends the game a sense of mystery. Having the full experience of Don’t Starve on the move is wonderful and the day/night cycle is just the right length to hop on and play during a break in your real life. As survival games go, this is one of the best you will find for the Switch.

The RTS battles aren’t perfectly stable, but the rebalancing is appreciated and they’re still more than good enough for how large in scale they can get. Maybe talking about good ports isn’t the most interesting, but the best part about them is that they can speak for themselves.

Metroid Dread stands as a phenomenal achievement. From project dormancy to becoming a sci-fi spectacle, MercurySteam has delivered a Game of the Year contender that’s quite capable of unleashing a Charge Blast to keep away the competition. A game like this deserves to be celebrated, and I can only hope that it has continued to lay the groundwork for more adventures with the intergalactic bounty hunter to come.

The Pikmin series has always been one of my personal favourites of Nintendo’s, delivering something not only unique in their long-illustrious catalogue but the industry as a whole. And with each new entry managing to improve on the last, Pikmin 4 had a lot to live up to, high expectations, particularly from a fan like myself. Yet, somehow Nintendo has raised the bar once again creating perhaps its biggest and most well-rounded Pikmin adventure yet.

Is This Seat Taken? is a brilliant logic puzzler with a playful yet elegant aesthetic, incredible audio design, and I wish I could just play a new daily puzzle in it until the end of the year. A few interface quirks hold it back, but Is This Seat Taken? is an easy recommendation on Switch, iOS, or Steam Deck.

All in all, it is so good to have a Katamari game on Nintendo Switch. Katamari Damacy Reroll is a brilliant game and is one for anyone who wants something truly unique, the weird gameplay and wonderful sense of humour combine to make a game that will have you quizzically smiling throughout, then promptly jumping back in to see if you can beat your last scores. You’ll have a hard time stopping once you start rolling.

This collection offers a fantastic value for fans of the mystery genre, and even more for Ace Attorney games. Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit is one of the best games in this series, and worth playing the first just to get through. I probably won’t be revisiting the first game again, but I can’t stress how good its sequel is. So many presentation and visual improvements have been made to make these two Nintendo DS games feel modern, but they don’t feel lesser than their original versions. This is the definitive way to play these games in my eyes. I have a couple of issues, like how there’s no touch screen support for the Switch version, but outside of that, I think this is a must-play. We’re in a bit of a visual novel/adventure game renaissance right now, with a lot of old franchises coming back or receiving long-overdue localizations. Capcom gave these games the love they deserved, in a year where I’ve been primed to give them all the love I got.

Party Hard is an arcade game with a great gameplay loop, a lot of challenging levels, and some really fun mechanics to work with. The levels are intensely difficult throughout because you’re always aiming for a clean sweep to succeed. The joy that comes from success is the sign of a level well-played, one where you either planned everything perfectly or were just quick on your feet. It’s that feeling that defines Party Hard, the feeling of succeeding and wanting to try again and do even better. This is sure to hook you if you are in the mood for something a little different, and a little reticent of the days that we all used to spend chasing high scores.

If you have Ball x Pit already, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is an easy recommendation for upgrading. If you don’t, I still think it is a fantastic version of the game, especially when playing in Handheld mode. It would be good to see more platform-specific features added in the future, though. I’m also happy that, just like Vampire Survivors did, it has gotten its hooks in me long after hitting the credits.

I never thought that I would ever have the chance to play Final Fantasy IX on a Nintendo console, and, with Nintendo Switch, Square Enix has perhaps found the perfect place to experience the genre classic. Complete with its twists and turns, you can chip away at this roughly 40-hour quest both at home and on the move, which I can only hope will allow more players the time needed to reach the game’s grand and, for some at least, tear-inducing conclusion.

Just Shapes and Beats is gaming filtered into its purest form. While E3 may have treated us to immense cinematics, bigger worlds and even bigger promises, it’s great to be reminded that not every video game needs to be this. Sometimes it’s enough to just be able to sit down, pick up a controller and play. Just Shapes and Beats may be a simple concept but it’s one that combines its soundtrack and visuals to craft a truly addictive and memorable experience.

As someone who has played an unhealthy amount of games over the years, it’s rare to find a game like a FEZ that not only implements an ambitious structure of gameplay that should, by rights, turn players off unless they have a smarty pants master’s degree, to still providing a memorable gameplay experience based solely around its face-value mechanics. Pretty environments, fantastic sound, well-written dialogue and tight gameplay mechanics are often ten-a-penny these days. Despite pushing 10 years old, FEZ not only maintains these values in spades, but it also manages to do so by staying utterly unique without the fear of not being understood.

Replace its lead rabbit with an ape in a red tie and you might even say that Kaze and the Wild Masks is Donkey Kong Country 4 in disguise. But, at the end of the day, its lack of originality doesn’t hurt just how much fun it’s been making my way through this eight or so hour adventure. The Donkey Kong Country trilogy was fun for a reason and Kaze and the Wild Masks serves as an excellent reminder of why that was.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is just as magical as it ever was, and, in being remade, has lost none of the charm that made the original so special in the first place. Grezzo must take the credit for that, delivering an exceptional remake that’s both a perfect entry point for those new to the series and a worthwhile nostalgic trip for those that have set out on this adventure before.

karuga is simply a work of art. It has aged significantly well and still feels profound and fresh even by today’s standards. Its high difficulty will undoubtedly put a lot of gamers off, but the deep and addictive replay value will concrete its status as one of the finest offerings of its kind. Add that to the portability of the console along with plenty of helpful tools to improve your game, and you have the perfect arcade shooter that you can possibly own for your Nintendo Switch.

I don’t know if I would recommend Ys Origin as someone’s first experience with the series – that goes to the masterpiece known as Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana – but this is a great port of one of its best games. The music is catchy, the art is great, and the gameplay is some of the snappiest from the classic Ys titles. Given the game’s pedigree, I came in with very high expectations, and I’m happy to say most of those were met. Rarely exceeded, but this is a blast of a game that’s well worth playing for any action game fan.

With the DS's unique capabilities as the star attraction put into a single package with significant gameplay time and replayability, this is one game that should be in everybody's collection.

It has a compelling and well written story line. Playing through it is truly a joy.

The main adventure will keep you busy for dozens of hours, but the mini-games and Vs. mode are nice extra treats as well.

A moderate improvement over the original Day of Reckoning.

With a variety of gameplay in the single-player mode, improved and even longer than the first title, C.T. Special Forces 2 is just the right mix of action for handheld gamers.

As long as you are not in tournament mode, the game can be the most normal game of tennis you've ever played, or the most ridiculous one you've ever played.

Retains so much of the original that anyone who loved the first one will still love this one, and anyone who hated the first one will likewise hate this one.

All of the maps are completely different, and offer different types of play, which makes replay value soar.

Its storyline is for sure one of the best on the GameCube – perhaps one of the best story’s every told in a video game.

It's one of the best compilation titles on the GameCube, ranking in far ahead of "Sonic Mega Collection" or "Midway Arcade Treasures."

It is easily one of the best platformers on GBA.

A very compelling and entertaining adventure. It has its flaws – some fetch quest-like moments and very short – but the good far outweighs the bad.

If they spent less time on the bad ideas and more on time stuff that WWE and GameCube fans have been begging for, this game could have been much, much better than it is.

Experienced gamers will blow through Alien Hominid rather quickly, but you'll be ready to jump right back to the beginning as soon as the credits finish rolling.

While no technical masterpiece and a rehash of sorts, Wario Ware, Inc.: Mega Party Game$'s brilliant mix of unique and clever microgames makes this one a winner.

There is an incredible amount of replay value if you're willing to tackle the advanced difficulty or try a different class through the game. However, while alone, the game does lose a bit of its steam.

The game reminds me of "Wario Ware," except with longer mini-games and an arguably wackier presentation, which should make any gamer anticipate "Wario Ware Touched!" even more.

King Kong really gives you what it promises. Unfortunately, it doesn't give you much more. The game can be beat in about 10 hours, and there isn't much reason to play more after that.

Even though parts of it get tiresome, the incredible physics and free-roam system will keep you interested.

Unravel Two is a short but sweet little adventure that makes interesting use of its two yarn-crafted characters. While playing the game alone is still an enjoyable option, its focus on light puzzling is definitely more fun when tackled with another player. A visually impressive and charming treat.

My biggest takeaway from Super Robot Wars Y is that I’m desperate for more games in this series at this level of quality. If this is the new standard, then I’ll be showing up every time we get a new entry. My second biggest takeaway is that I’m thankful for all the new mech homework I have been given.

Triangle Strategy is within reach of strategic perfection, even if some of the efforts that have been made to set it apart falter. Square Enix’s return to the tactical RPG genre may not be an outright triumph, but, despite the imbalance between narrative and action on the battlefield, there is much more to applaud here than there is to criticise.

One thing’s for sure, My Friend Pedro is another example of how Devolver Digital truly knows where to scout for talent. It’s a great companion piece to the other recent suicide missions of Katana ZERO and Ape Out, the three games almost playing out in similar fashion to Edgar Wright’s Cornetto trilogy. The team at DeadToast Entertainment has certainly created something that wonderfully builds upon the dynamics of Gun-Fu culture. But, there’s a need for extra content to fill out what’s currently on offer, as My Friend Pedro could easily benefit from a much-needed encore with a bag full of boomsticks and a few more bullets to the head.

Adventure of Samsara is a slightly bitter cup of tea, but I think it’s one worth finishing. The Adventure elements are nearly pointless, the gameplay can be a bit plodding early on, and there are some bugs and stuttering issues present even after some updates. Yet there is something to this game, with its strong mood and satisfying exploration. I don’t think it’s going to change anyone’s mind if they’re sick of Metroidvania-style games, particularly in light of its slow start, but if you enjoy the genre, you should check this one out.

Creature in the Well is a strange invention but one that ends up being much more than just a curious mixup of genres. It’s a mysterious journey through a weirdly beautiful mechanical world, the pinball-esque hook constantly driving you forward as you explore deeper. It’s an enjoyable venture sprinkled with moments of frustration, confusion, and repetition but that doesn’t stop it being any less engaging and a true one of a kind experience for Switch.

Despite any gripes about the performance, I really think that this generation gets a lot of things right and I feel confident in future games if they continue in this direction. The battles are as good now as they were in Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue all those years ago, and somehow capturing Pokémon has become even more addicting. The ability to tackle what you want to do first and in which order to do them is a great addition to the formula. Pokémon was always destined to become a fully open-world game at some point, and Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet demonstrate a very good effort to achieve just that.

Devolver Digital delivers once again with Hotline Miami Collection. Ferociously violent and superbly engaging, the original still holds up as one of the best indie titles out there and, despite its frustrations, Wrong Number proves a good time too. As far as surprise Nintendo eShop release, chalk this up as another winner.

Despite any gripes about the performance, I really think that this generation gets a lot of things right and I feel confident in future games if they continue in this direction. The battles are as good now as they were in Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue all those years ago, and somehow capturing Pokémon has become even more addicting. The ability to tackle what you want to do first and in which order to do them is a great addition to the formula. Pokémon was always destined to become a fully open-world game at some point, and Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet demonstrate a very good effort to achieve just that.

If you’re like me and cherish the bygone times of risking that last coin to gain distance, or adore the memories of pummelling thugs with an explosion of 2D sprites complete with ’90s coin-op sound, then you really can’t go wrong with The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors. It’s a prime example of what Capcom should have done with Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers and should be referenced by anyone else trying to resurrect their own past passion project. Even the small touch of adding multiplayer to the game for the first time expands the fun factor and attention to detail that the SNES version probably wasn’t technically capable of. It’s good to see the Taito logo back on gaming systems. It’s even better to see a rehash of a remake done right.

Nintendo games are at their best when they’re approachable and polished to a sheen, and Mario & Luigi Brothership is great at both of these. This is a sizeable RPG that contextualizes classic turn-based mechanics in a platformer framework. This isn’t anything new, but it shows that this current run of Mario RPG remakes wasn’t a fluke. The mechanics are strong, and even as someone who doesn’t usually like RPGs like this, I had a pretty great time. Brothership might be a bit on the longer side, but I think this is a fantastic game to give to a younger gamer looking to understand the appeal of the genre. There’s a ton of personality on display that I think will make people of any age smile, and the systems are flexible enough to keep most of your time enjoyable.

If you missed out on the duo of New Super Mario Bros. U or it’s Luigi-focused expansion then this Switch package is a great way to catch up on the plumbers’ 2D exploits. Much like the Switch versions of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker before it though, its lack of exciting fresh content is disappointing.

Despite faltering in its plot delivery and the absence of meaningful decision-making, Fire Emblem Engage once again allows Intelligent Systems to demonstrate its unparalleled strategic brilliance and unquestionable dominance in the genre. It isn’t a game that is lacking in heroic ambition, in many ways evolving its own formula triumphantly beyond what was achieved with Fire Emblem: Three Houses but otherwise disappointingly falling short in others.

When I was initially offered the chance to cover Shred! 2 I was highly skeptical, to say the least. The danger signs of shovelware rang alarm bells in perceiving this as yet another quick cash grab mobile port. Thankfully, I was wrong. Shred! 2 happens to be a cracking freestyler that’s ideal for both quick commutes and long journeys. If you are into your stunts, speed, and nose-bleed jumps, then it’s is worth every penny of your spare change.

Good Job! takes the pretty mundane day to day tasks of a business and turns them into chaotic and messy affairs that for the most part turn out both surprisingly entertaining and even laugh out loud funny. As far as shadow drops go after a Nintendo Direct (or in this case a Nintendo Direct Mini) Good Job! is not only one of the more surprising ideas but one of the better ones too.

I really enjoyed Buried Stars, but being overwhelmed by how in-depth and involved all of the mechanics were was a frequent occurrence. The presentation was easily my favorite aspect, but it thankfully didn’t do too much heavy lifting on the whole experience. I’ve never seen any other games from this developer before, but Buried Stars left a very good impression and I’m going to keep my eye out for their future releases. I hope they continue to push for worldwide releases for their games, and even with an imperfect localization, I think Buried Stars benefited from getting this kind of push. If you crave mystery visual novels, are okay overlooking the issues I mentioned, this game should be on your radar.

Small flaws like the lack of customisation and differing styles in enemies can be overlooked if you treat the game as it comes. Bad North is a game that manages to balance the fine line between puzzle game and simulation delivering a tactical roguelike which constantly feels refreshing.

As somebody who loves 2D Zelda, I am always searching to see what other games pop up of its type. Master Key wasn’t one that was initially on my radar. However, from the moment I picked it up, I instantly knew it was going to be one of the better ones. After rolling the credits, my initial impression turned out to be correct. With an unexpectedly dense map to explore, brilliant dungeons to conquer and secrets to be found, it scratches many itches. This is certainly not one to be slept on.

Semblance is a breath of fresh air to the platforming genre and one that is entirely welcome. Puzzle lovers will enjoy the idea of working around a problem, casual players can find enjoyment in every aspect and speedrunners are going to have a blast working out movement tech to beat the game swiftly. No matter what category you fit into, Semblance is a must own game on the Switch, for no other reason than it breaks the mould.

Hyper Sentinel is a smartly priced game for those that want to have a blast over the weekend to fork out for, and provides enough content and challenge to cater for both the casual and the insane gamer alike.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa Of Dana is a title that takes a while to get going, maybe too long, which may be enough to put some people off early and the story is rather sub-par. Those that stick with it will see where the game truly shines. It features a seamless and easy to learn combat system that pretty much anybody can get a grasp of, and it also provides quite the backdrop for those wanting to wander off and explore. Sure, it has its problems, but it’s an experience that I won’t forget any time soon.

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is like eating a veggie chip: while you love the concept of vegetables in chip form as a picky eater, as you proceed to enjoy it you begin to remember that the chips still contain them, and as a result you’re left with a weird aftertaste. By all means, Atelier Ryza 2 is superior to the first game in almost every sense of the term except story (and that’s being a bit generous), but I never got used to continuously feeling like I’m drifting off-course despite progressing. Regardless, Atelier Ryza 2 is an example of a sequel done right, and I’m looking forward to seeing where Gust goes with the series in the future.

Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition is an interesting release right now. With all its patches and updates later, Star Wars Outlaws itself is a much better game, but it still has some issues. If you haven’t played it before, Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is a great package. If you already own it elsewhere, cross progression makes this an easy double or triple dip with how well it works. I can definitely see myself dipping into it on and off over the coming months to not only check out the updates coming, but also explore the world with such a fantastic portable version.

Overland is a truly curious take on the post-apocalyptic genre, its turn-based gameplay turning an otherwise tired setting into something worth your time. You’ll feel vulnerable, desperate, and anxious on your hellish road trip and while that journey might outright frustrate you at times, it’s one you certainly won’t soon forget.

Pokémon Shield is a warm and familiar experience with some interesting twists and ideas thrown into the mix. The presentation left me disappointed – the game still showing its handheld roots – but, the hook of capturing and training Pokémon is as addictive as it has ever been, while the Wild Area teases an exciting new direction for the series.

With games like Jedi: Fallen Order and The Old Republic, it’s hard to say that Star Wars: Episode I Racer is one of the best Star Wars games out there, but I’d be hard-pressed to find another licensed racer I enjoyed as much as this one.

Blue Fire does a grand job combining fun 3D platforming with a Metroidvania-esque adventure whilst injecting other elements we’ve seen in a number of other franchises before it. While it might not stick the landed with everything it tries – the combat for one – the amount it does get right is enough to make venturing through Penumbra worth your time.

Out of all the Mana games I’ve played this is easily the best one. There are so many reasons to revisit it thanks to how open progression is. Your natural curiosity is rewarded around every turn, and your choices actually shape the world. I can see how my playthrough could differ greatly to that of someone else’s, and I’m excited to continue to revisit it throughout the years. I hope this is the template Square is basing their next console Mana game on, because this is truly something special. Even if it isn’t though, I’m happy enough that the bar for remastering sprite-based games has been raised once again.

If you aren’t going to speedrun or discover the secrets hidden away, the game won’t last long, but I still urge you to buy it, explore it and test yourself on some of the harder elements to be found.

It may have taken its time coming to Nintendo’s consoles, but The Disney Afternoon Collection is in fine form here. The original assortment of games was already good enough, and adding Goof Troop and Bonkers gives you even more things to play. Goof Troop, in particular, is a wonderful game that I think slipped under the radar back in the day, so if you haven’t tried it out before, I encourage you to do so here. Whether you have nostalgia for these toons or not, the games stand the test of time admirably, and so does this collection.

Despite its cutbacks compared to the PS5 version or even how smooth it is on Steam Deck, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is an easy recommendation on Nintendo Switch 2. Even nearly ten years later, the game got its hooks in me almost immediately, and I cannot wait to revisit it on higher difficulties and play the standalone expansion in the future. I just hope a potential performance mode or even a 40fps option is added in the future.

Luckily, Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army still has plenty of personality. It has a style all its own, and I think many people will find it pleasantly brisk for an Atlus game. There’s something good in this concept, and I can only hope that this remake indicates that Atlus is considering making a new game in the series. I also hope we’ll see a similar treatment of the superior sequel. For now, this is a solid pick-up if you’re looking to experience a kind of game you don’t see often from Atlus anymore. A good time, even if it isn’t a must-have.

As a kid, I used to adore the likes of Where’s Wally? and Hidden Through Time 2: Myths and Magic fills me with those same warm and cosy feelings I had all those years ago scanning busy scenes and gleefully checking off another tough find. A perfect fit for the Nintendo Switch and a perfect game for those looking for something far more chill.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is and isn’t a lot of things. It’s a very good action-RPG with a strong presentation. It’s a real trip for fans of the original game. It demonstrates how you can Remake but you cannot truly remake. It’s a fairly well-done port to Nintendo’s new console. For some, it’s a reminder of some of the good times of the past. It might also be a reminder of how far in the past those specific good times were. It’s cool. It’s retro. It’s even got a bit of commentary on our modern fixation with mining the past. I can strongly recommend it, albeit with the caveat that you aren’t going to get any meaningful plot resolution within this part of the overall story. If you’re okay with that, then all I can say is… let’s mosey.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat may not offer much in the way of fresh content, but its pairing of two of the best co-operative games on Nintendo Switch results in a bundle that’s a heck of a lot of fun and stuffed to point of explosion. As an entry point to the series Overcooked! All You Can Eat is a no brainer but fans who’ve followed the series since its beginnings may want to hold off.

Whether you’re fresh to the series or already experienced Valkyria Chronicles 4 on Switch earlier this year, it’s still worth checking out the original. What it might lack in visual polish it more than makes up for with a rich story, affable characters and satisfying and strategic gameplay. Here’s hoping we see the second and third game make the leap to Switch too.

For anyone that owned a Game Boy back in the day, Christophe Galati’s Save Me Mr Tako will very likely tug at the old nostalgia stings with its visual sincerity towards the long-reigning handheld console. While the gameplay itself can come across as a little humdrum at times, there’s no denying that there’s still a fun puzzle-platformer to be found here with plenty to see and do. If you’re looking for a simulated trip down memory lane, then Save Me Mr Tako happens to be one of the better replications of a new Game Boy game released for a modern day console.

If you’re looking for something with a deep story, items to collect and a leveling up system, then Ape Out is not what you’re looking for. However, if you want something that gets straight to the point and plays like Quentin Tarantino’s take on the Cowboy Bebop opening, then get ready for some whiplash whilst spanking the monkey.

The two-game LEGO Harry Potter Collection offers great value for those wanting to relive the young wizard’s brick-based adventures on Nintendo Switch. It’s practically bursting with content, but the improvements offer little more to those that have experienced their magic and charm before. Even if they are starting to show their age, the games remain as some of the best in the LEGO series and a spellbinding local co-op addition to the portable home console’s library.

With the understanding that there are going to be some sacrifices to get a game like EA Sports Madden NFL 26 going on the Switch 2 hardware, I think this is about as good as one could reasonably expect. The loss of cross-platform play is unfortunate but sensible, and the visual downgrade might be noticeable, but it’s certainly acceptable. Stepping back from that, this is an excellent game to be able to take on the go, and it carries itself well enough docked, too. American football fans, rejoice: Switch 2 is already eating better than its predecessor.

If there was one BIT.TRIP game I had to recommend to a general audience, it would be BIT.TRIP RUNNER. It’s definitely the hardest game of the series and doesn’t necessarily do too much that’s exciting, but it’s still great fun and serves as the best introduction to what the series is all about.

Aside from the minor technical issues, I don’t have many complaints with Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. It’s a big improvement over the already-enjoyable previous games, and while I can still see some room to grow, I think it’s worth appreciating the quality on display here. Capcom, as it turns out, hasn’t lost its knack for making great RPGs featuring dragons and/or dragon-like creatures. If you liked the previous games in the series, this is an easy recommendation. Those new to the franchise just looking for their next RPG fix might as well jump in here, as you don’t really need any prior experience to have a good time with this.

Game Builder Garage is an excellent introduction to the world of game programming. While it might not be the most comprehensive example out there, it’s certainly the most accessible and charming one I’ve had the joys of experiencing.

BIT.TRIP FLUX is a fantastic final entry in the BIT.TRIP games, and a real treat for newcomers like me who were just rhythm-game fans, and fans of the series itself.

Only time will tell if Vampire Crawlers will meet a similar level of success as the game it spun out of, but I think, at the very least, that it should be of interest to anyone who enjoyed Vampire Survivors. Despite being in a completely different genre, you can feel the shared design sensibility in every aspect of the game. It’s incredibly easy to lose hours upon hours in its garish warmth, with the credits likely to be the only thing that stops you once it has pulled you in. This Nintendo Switch 2 version is a fine way to enjoy the game, especially if you’re looking to enjoy it on the go. Don’t come to it looking for anything too hardcore, though. It knows its audience, and it’s playing its melody for them more than anyone else.

Once Electronic Arts can address the music and accessibility issues, Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted on Nintendo Switch 2 will be essential. Right now, it feels like a great but flawed version of a classic. I appreciate the work that went into implementing Game Share and mouse controls on Switch 2 though.

The first thing you will notice is the art style and what a brilliant art style it is. Look beyond that and here lies a game that is not only addictive but also super fun to play, too. It is just a shame that the thrill I had during the first few hours, didn’t carry over into the later hours of the game, as it does get a tad repetitive as you make your way through. Having said that, I didn’t feel like I ever wanted to stop playing. Every time I died, I just had to have one more go. Considering Nintendo fans don’t have Hotline Miami to fire-up on their Switch, 12 Is Better Than 6 cocks its gun and shoots its way up towards the top as one of the best in its genre. You don’t want to miss out.

The visuals are sumptuous and eye-popping with colour. The design of the worlds and characters could have played into the tropes we’ve seen a thousand times before, but each feels wonderfully original. This accompanies a gentle and subtle soundtrack that perfectly fits the overall style and package. This is definitely a game worth exploring.

Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty! may be my first foray into the series proper, but it’s immediately shown me that I’ve got some catching up to do. Some graphical and frame-rate issues don’t detract from the charming, challenging platformer gameplay that makes this an adventure well worth having.

Wild Guns Reloaded is among one of the best examples of bringing an older title over to a newer system. While it would have been one thing to do a simple port job of this SNES cult-classic, the wealth of fresh new content adds another layer to this already excellent shooting gallery experience. Steeper price aside, this is a perfect fit for Switch offering an action-packed, fun time on your own or with friends.

Of course, should you choose to only play once, then the game’s 90-minute length may leave you worrying about value for money. Treat it like a cinema ticket, though and honestly, it’s worth every penny. It’s fun, it’s interesting and when played in handheld it feels like a whole new genre has opened up like a vein of precious metal.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 might be the least of the three Yakuza games now available on the Switch 2, but it still punches well for its weight class. If you’ve enjoyed any of the other action-focused Yakuza romps, you’ll want to saddle up for this one as well. Some slight performance issues hamper the experience a little, though not to the degree that it spoils the game. It’s a very capable port of the game, and the fact that it’s hitting the platform along with an excellent version of Yakuza Kiwami is just icing on the cake.

Velocity 2X may be four-years-old at this point, but that doesn’t mean that the gameplay has passed its sell-by date.