The greatest legend that Nintendo has ever told, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a shining beacon of wondrous brilliance in an enviably storied franchise. Nintendo’s playful creativity and ability to surprise its players seemingly know no bounds, and it is a testament to the team’s hard work that a sequel can outpace its predecessor in such miraculous ways. I cannot sing the game’s praises enough, and this is a rare occasion where simply writing about it won’t ever do the experience that awaits you enough justice. Where the series goes next from here is anyone’s guess, but, when I didn’t think that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild could be surpassed, it’s clear that Nintendo is more than capable of achieving the impossible.

The Wind Waker is the sum of all Nintendo's talent and skill as a video game maker all blended together in one unforgettable piece of software. Not only does The Wind Waker surpass several other Zelda games ever made, it surpasses just about every other piece of software ever made.

Four Swords is the perfect multiplayer Zelda game. It combines amazing cooperative gameplay with competitive gameplay at the same time. The end result is a multiplayer game like no other. You’ll be up with your friends late into the night trying to save the Princess in this four-player frenzy.

A sequel is always a hard thing to pull off. On one hand, you want to push things forward with fresh and exciting ideas, but on the other, you don’t want to alienate fans of the original nor make it feel too detached. Hades II, in my opinion, manages to deliver in every way possible. Bigger, better and even sexier, there’s no excuse for any Nintendo Switch 2 owner not to have this in their library.

Tetris Effect: Connected is an incredible experience top to bottom whether playing alone or with others in the newly added competitive modes. Its effortless blending of stunning visuals and euphoric music make this so much more than just a mere puzzle game though. It’s a sensory overload, an uplifting journey and even an emotional one at times where every moment spent is nothing short of mesmerising.

Metroid Prime Remastered ticks all the boxes. Not only one of the best Metroid games out there, not only one of the best single-player adventures ever, not only an amazing remaster… you get the idea. The bar has been set when it comes to bringing GameCube classics to Nintendo Switch and I for one hope we see plenty more.

Hades is absolutely incredible and to be perfectly honest I’m having a tough time finding anything negative to say about it. Developer Supergiant Games isn’t exactly a stranger to putting out high-quality titles, but Hades is easily their best effort to date and will no doubt be a strong contender when game of the year discussions come around.

While the Nintendo Switch has seen its fair share of Metroidvania titles over its four-year run, Ori and the Will of the Wisps stands strong as one of its best. While the original was already a memorable adventure, Ori and the Will of the Wisps manages to make improvements whilst dazzling with a visual look that somehow manages to be even more eye-catching than before.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate delivers the fight of a lifetime and an unfaltering experience that is ‘ultimate’ in every way imaginable. It really is something quite special, a celebration that’s rich in gaming history and, polished to perfection, the next must-have game on Nintendo Switch that you won’t want to miss.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder left me spellbound. Nintendo remains at the top of its game, and the Flower Kingdom is the perfect playground for its sprightly reinvention of what we have come to expect from setting out on a 2D side-scrolling adventure with Mario and his pals. This world of wonder comes crammed with the most whizz-popping surprises, making for a kaleidoscopic trip to the Flower Kingdom that is simply unmissable.

The Castlevania Dominus Collection has made me realize that this specific era of Castlevania might be my favorite overall. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow used to be my favorite game in the series, but I’d be hard-pressed to recommend the other titles in that collection because they feel unfocused and unpolished. At the very least, there’s a pretty big gap in quality between them. Even if I’m not very fond of Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, I think this collection has a lot of value in it. This is when this specific kind of Castlevania game started to really branch out and experiment, with most of those experiments being very successful. This is the definitive way to play three of the most interesting Castlevanias, better than I ever dreamed they would be. I think the Nintendo DS being such an experimental console encouraged the original developers to try a lot of fun things, and I hope the feedback to these games is strong enough to make Konami want to revisit this style.

Even if I prefer the original game and its simplicity compared to Spelunky 2, I’d still argue that you’re getting one of the best roguelikes of all time here. That core theme of learning that I ranted and raved about in the original Spelunky review is right here front and centre, it’s just a little harder to parse with so much going on. If the worst thing anyone can say about Spelunky 2 is that it’s just a tiny bit less perfect than Spelunky, I think that’s a pretty good outcome.

Its gameplay is overwhelmingly addicting. We can't put it down – even after we've beaten it. It's definitely safe to say, Super Mario Sunshine is another classic installment in the Mario series.

If you loved Limbo then do not hesitate, just grab your Switch and buy Inside. For such a simple game, it is remarkable how much variation there is. Puzzles are expertly thought-out, the atmosphere is top-notch and its crammed full of memorable moments. It’s a stunning but desolate adventure that I urge you to try out. Even though it’s a short experience, it makes you consider what you have just gone through long after completion. It is one of the standout games in the Switch’s ever-growing library.

Dragon Quest XI is, without a doubt, worth a playthrough. Square isn’t lying about Dragon Quest XI S being the ‘definitive edition’ either–if you have a Switch, this version is by far the best one to pick up. If you’re a fan of RPGs, grabbing Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition is a no-brainer, and even if you’ve already played through the game once, it might be worth considering the Switch version for all the new additions.

If you’ve yet to play Sonic Mania; Sonic Mania Plus offers yet another essential addition to your physical game collection. It might not be an entirely new game, but Sonic Mania Plus manages to feel just as fresh as the original Sonic Mania did a little over a year ago.

Back in 2022, I said No Man’s Sky was one of the most impressive Nintendo Switch conversions ever. Fast forward to today and No Man’s Sky Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is not only a massive upgrade that happens to be free for existing owners, but it is a damn fine way to experience Hello Games’ intergalactic creation in general. With cross-save, multiplayer, and superb hardware support, No Man’s Sky Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is already an essential for every Nintendo Switch 2 owner.

Donkey Kong Bananza is nothing short of a love letter to the big ape’s past, a regrounding of his present and the start of a wondrous new chapter for the hijinks that await in his future. It’s a celebration that the gaming icon has long deserved, and a game that has delivered memories that I will cherish for decades to come. In an experience that kept upping the ante right until the very end, it was hard not to smile from start to finish with childlike wonder at the spectacle that Nintendo has achieved. The bar has once again been raised.

Above all else, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an unbeatable feel-good experience and an essential purchase for anyone that owns a Nintendo Switch. As heartwarming as it is wholesome, Nintendo has delivered meaningful changes that help to structure your peaceful island existence. Every day has the potential to offer something new, and, thanks to that, it will be a game that many will enjoy investing countless hours (and Bells) in. Oh, and heroically leaping across rivers with the Vault Pole will never get old.

Ori and Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch and is a must-own. It’s an exceptional Metroidvania that successfully blends elements of the platforming genre to create an experience unlike any other. With beautiful visuals, an imaginative setting, flawless gameplay, charming characters, powerful soundtrack, and an emotional narrative, Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is one of the best games in the Nintendo Switch software library.

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.

Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon- is easily the best-looking visual novel I’ve ever seen, and I’m excited to see where they go next with the second part of the remake. Even if that takes ages, or somehow never sees the light of day, I still view this part of the remake as a perfect experience. I tend to love the works that contrast the horrors of existence and the evils of man with the small moments of genuine bliss, and Tsukihime gets that. That we can make time to appreciate the gentle kindness hidden around us as long as we look for it. It was probably the most life-affirming piece of art I got to experience in such a mentally exhausting year for me.

Quite frankly, it’s a miracle I’ve even managed to finish writing this review, my past week or so dominated by Balatro. When I’ve been playing it, I’m absolutely absorbed in its clever and satisfying gameplay. When I’m not playing it, I’m thinking about my next run. When I’m with friends, I’m excited to talk about Balatro and their winning combinations of Jokers. Put simply, Balatro is an incredible experience and one of the best (if not the best) game 2024 has seen so far.

Resident Evil Requiem on Nintendo Switch 2 delivers an excellent handheld experience, even if its docked performance still has room for improvement. Despite that, it remains a solid way to engross yourself in the best non‑remake Resident Evil game in more than a decade. Resident Evil Requiem blends the best elements of modern entries while once again pushing the series forward with smart gameplay additions. That result strikes a confident balance between tension, horror, and full‑throttle action. Now, if you’ll excuse us, it’s time for yet another replay.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition delivers an outstanding adventure that will linger long in your memory as ranking among the best JRPG experiences ever created. This remake is undoubtedly the definitive way to uncover the secrets behind the Monado, that, despite some imperfections, has seen Monolith Soft meaningfully modernise Shulk’s grandiose journey across the sprawling Bionis and beyond.

Dead Cells is a modern-day classic that absorbs the knowledge and spirit of the games that originally coined the terminologies in the first place.

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.

What Monolith Soft has achieved with Xenoblade Chronicles 3 went far beyond my expectations. The developer’s masterful approach to character development and world-building results in an unforgettable adventure that is set in a world that is just as remarkable to explore. It is the emotional storytelling that makes it an unmissable journey that’s worth undertaking, elevating the experience to not only be considered as a Game of the Year contender but an all-time classic that will be remembered for decades to come.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is easily the best Wii U to Nintendo Switch update we’ve seen yet. The excellent original adventure has seen a number of minor but impactful changes – such as the addition of online play and increased movement speed – but it’s Bowser’s Fury that proves the true highlight combining familiar elements from the likes of Super Mario 3D World and Super Mario Odyssey with some exciting fresh ideas. Whatever your familiarity with the Wii U original is, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is an incredible package and a fantastic way to kick off 2021 for the Switch.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is unrivaled in its scope and execution on Nintendo Switch to resoundingly deliver strategic perfection, whether at home or on the move. With a memorable cast of characters – complemented with commendable voice acting – it is the meticulous worldbuilding that elevates it to become one of the best games available on the portable home console. More than that, it’s Fire Emblem at its very best.

Mark of the Ninja Remastered is a great stealth game that fits nicely as a portable time-killer. The gameplay takes every stealth trick from Metal Gear Solid’s book and translates them into two-dimensions wonderfully well. With that said, if stealth isn’t your bag then this game probably won’t be either as the over-reliance on its wonderfully implemented sneak system may feel a bit too repetitive for some. However, mastering a level with an objective in mind did make me feel like the badass ninja that I’ve always wanted to be.

In its current state, BALL x PIT is dangerous for my free time. It feels laser-targeted to me in somehow combining bits from genres I enjoy into something incredible. The Nintendo Switch version has a few rough edges and the game itself could use some visual tweaks for better readability, but I absolutely adore the time I’ve put into BALL x PIT. I can’t wait to work at unlocking everything it has to offer, assuming I don’t delete it so I can be more productive.

After getting a taste of Absolum with its Steam demo, which is now unavailable, I was curious to see how much longevity it would have. After putting in over 20 hours, I still have a lot to see and do in the world of Talamh, and I will never tire of taking on the bosses over and over again. I love it when games end up surprising me like this, and Absolum is easily one of the best of 2025 so far.

There are those times you just know you’re onto something truly special, a game that when you aren’t playing, you’re thinking about playing. Wondering where your next session may lead or what the story might reveal. Neon White is one of said games, an experience that’s always exciting, often amusing and never a dull moment. Easily one of the best and most electrifying releases of 2022.

This was my first time playing Red Dead Redemption. I have no warm, nostalgic fuzzies of playing the game back when my knees didn’t hurt quite so much. This game had to survive with me by modern standards, and I’m happy to say it did just that. Does the world need one more person telling you to play Red Dead Redemption? Maybe not, but if you need a nudge to give this game a go on the Nintendo Switch 2, consider this to be just that. This is an excellent Switch 2 upgrade, remarkably at zero cost for owners of the existing Switch version, and it’s an outstanding way to play this game on the go.

Dicey Dungeons is another worthy roguelike experience for Nintendo Switch that’s not only incredibly satisfying to play but also features a unique hook in its use of dice. We may be a little spoilt for choice when it comes to the roguelike genre but Dicey Dungeons is an addition you’ll want to make time for.

As the first major video game release of 2024, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown sets the bar high. Very high in fact. Not just an excellent Metroidvania but also a brilliantly refreshing new direction for Prince of Persia, one that surprises throughout its 15-plus hour adventure whilst remaining true to the series’ core elements.

Meteos is without a doubt, THE puzzle game to own for the Nintendo DS. It's unique, can only be done this way using the touch screen, is a fantastic presentation for the graphics and audio, and a full, exciting game can be played with just a few minutes to spare.

If you groan every time you see another 2D action-RPG on the Nintendo eShop, don’t be dissuaded by Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition. While it borrows from the Zelda blueprint and games that have followed, it is packaged so perfectly that it stands above the rest. The depth of its vivid world goes beyond what you see on your screen. There’s more lurking there, and you’ll want to discover it all.

As for Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course, it is a serving that was well worth the long wait. For the price of a meal deal at a tacky fast-food restaurant, you are getting a gourmet dish that is unlikely to leave you feeling bloated.

If you are looking for an engaging narrative that you can complete in a single sitting, then What Remains of Edith Finch is the perfect summer title for you. In many ways, it reminded me of a good book or film. It opens with a promising tale and then builds on the premise with each chapter; or, in the game’s case, each bedroom and family member. The short length may deter some, but the experience is fleshed out and fully realized. Like a good book or movie, it is something you’ll return to. Sure, some of the mystery may be lost in subsequent replays, but the story is so engrossing that you may discover elements you missed our first-time through. It’s an exceptional experience and one that will change the way you think about video game storytelling.

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.

Simogo Legacy Collection Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is simply one of the most important releases of 2025 and one of the best games you can buy on Switch 2 today, oozing with creativity and featuring some of the best iOS games of all time. Not only did Simogo do a great job translating all the games over with an incredible Nintendo Switch 2 Edition that makes great use of the hybrid console’s input options, but this is immediately my favorite way to experience these games. It also helps that the full package is accompanied by excellent music featuring arrangements of Simogo songs and an activity log tracking how many times you’ve played a game, in-game stats tracked, and more.

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.

Nuclear Throne is an absolute blast whether you’re kicking off your very first handful of runs or attempting your hundredth. The action is intense, the pace rapid and the difficulty tough but rewarding. We may be spoilt for choice when it comes to indie gems but Nuclear Throne is one you shouldn’t pass up on.

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.

It’s funny every time I try to finalize this review I remember an exciting feature I’d forgotten to mention and have to go back. That’s the kind of game Super Mario Maker 2 is though. It’s a game that builds on the original in a number of smart ways introducing a wealth of new features, entertaining modes and appreciated improvements. It’s a perfect fit for the Switch and a game where the best is yet to come. I for one cannot wait to see what the creative minds out there come up with over the coming months.

Monster Hunter Rise is exceptional. 17 years on, and there still isn’t a gameplay experience that can deliver such tremendously heroic thrills at the same level as this. Evading increasingly crippling blows from a monster desperately fending for its life to managing to capture a monster while on the brink of your own failure, the excitement once the game clicks with you is constant and palpable. Capcom has crated yet another sensational addition to the Nintendo Switch library, which represents portable Monster Hunter at its unrivalled best, an outstanding hunt to set out on and a game that I look forward to playing for many years to come.

With fourth-wall-breaking gags, a riotous storyline and a thrilling turn-based combat system, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has it all. This fan-favourite GameCube classic has long deserved a second chance to take to the stage, and this is the perfect opportunity to marvel at its quirky treasure hunt – whether you’re returning to Rogueport or searching for the Crystal Stars for the first time.

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.

Blue Prince has always felt suited to portable play, and while it does feel right at home on Nintendo Switch 2 when played in Handheld mode, the docked experience is a bit lacking right now. The mouse controls are implemented well, but they don’t feel good at 30 frames per second, and the long load times aren’t ideal. If you only play on the go, Blue Prince on Switch 2 is an easy recommendation, but I can’t help but wish for some performance improvements when playing docked.

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.

Inscrpytion did the impossible, it made me want to buy a booster pack of a card game. Not even a particular card game, but just any so I could relive the feeling of buying them as a kid and seeing what I’d get. Maybe I’ll even boot up a run of Rogue Legacy, since it’s been a few years. Or, I could just play more Inscryption. I could continue to theory craft about my newly discovered Mullinsverse, fascinated by the ways Inscryption begs players to dissect it down to the pixel. This game was made with an infectious love of card games, rogue-lite games, and just games in general. I have to say, I’ve caught the bug.

Cuphead is a creative masterpiece and a game that rightly deserves to be long remembered as an all-time great. It delivers a riotous gameplay experience that will delight, astound, and frustrate in equal parts, woven into a relentlessly breathtaking and meticulously crafted cartoon world. It can certainly start to feel cruel at times, especially after spending a lengthy session failing to beat one boss, but, now having the chance to play on the move with Nintendo Switch, it’s found the perfect home for players to overcome such a challenge.

The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is a good update to an already great game. If you have never played this before, now is your chance to experience a truly unique and brilliantly clever game. If you have played the original version before, there is enough new content here to keep you entertained. Just don’t read too much about it before heading in.

Astral Chain is yet another addition to the Nintendo Switch library that will be fondly remembered for decades to come. Its yin-yang of chaos and carnage, fused with the calmer subtleties of investigation and exploration makes returning back to the action that little bit more special every time.

I think some of the hardest games to review are ones that speak for themselves, but those are so often the easiest to play and enjoy. I wouldn’t say the original Star Ocean 2 falls in that category, but it is a game so massive in scope for a PS1 RPG that I couldn’t help but respect it despite my disinterest. Star Ocean: The Second Story R attempts to smooth out the experience in so many subtle ways that it turns it into a modern classic. I don’t think remakes need to follow any particular rules, but for faithful ones this is a new standard. It encourages players to indulge in side content by signposting it all so well, which is great. I think the story is a bit predictable and the cast is far from my favorites, but the gameplay itself is so engaging that it smooths over these issues. This is perhaps the best rerelease I’ve seen from Square Enix, and even if I don’t think it makes the original a perfect game it is so full of love for the source material that it’s beyond commendable.

Dragon Ball FighterZ is one of those rare brawler’s where the simplicity doesn’t get in the way of depth. There’s a lot of possible mind games to play out with plenty of drama and upsets to keep the action incredibly addictive. Kakarot and the gang may be late to the Nintendo Switch party, but the wait was well worth it in the end.

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.

As its primary criticism, Guacamelee! 2 could very well be deemed as more of the same. In any case, the attention to incredible level design and gameplay value proves that DrinkBox Studios had plenty more tricks to show with the old tools in hand. As for first-timers, if you don’t mind being spoiled by the final goings-on of the first adventure, then this sequel is definitely approachable enough for you to dive straight into it blindly. Either way, both games are fantastic games in their own right, but Guacamelee! 2 stands prouder with its chest out as a worthy sequel that should not be overlooked by anyone with a Nintendo Switch.

Soaring among the stars in Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 delivers not one but two out-of-this-world adventures that are simply unmissable experiences, regardless of whether you choose to play on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch. Shooting through space like a comet after leaping into a Launch Star or overcoming the challenges that confront you to secure each Power Star never gets old, and I am envious that there are likely those who will be discovering every galaxy that awaits you for the very first time.

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.

Brimming with features and ease of use, Ultimate Card Games may not be groundbreaking in terms of content, but it is the best cards package ever put together in a video game and should be in any pocket fan’s 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.

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.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge successfully does exactly what it sets out to achieve. By bringing the joyful taste of a familiar flavour while bringing people together for some simple and stylish wack-a-ninja fun. With so many little nods and callbacks to the history of the franchise, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is a testament to the sheer amount of care and attention that’s resulted in a new arcade classic in the making. With Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection just around the corner, this is the missing volume of a fond series we all never knew we needed.

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.

After playing the first two OlliOlli games, I walked away feeling satisfied but not exactly clamouring for another one. OlliOlli World surprises me then, as not only was my time spent enjoyable but easily the most fun I’ve had with the series yet. The skating itself remains just as challenging and fun as ever while the injection of a story, characters and more only serve to enrich the experience and world of OlliOlli further. This is one skateboarding game you’ll definitely want to grab your board and start shredding for.

Grindstone is a fantastic puzzler that has well and truly gotten its hooks in me. What usually starts out as plans for a quick five-minute session soon unravels into hours. The wait from Apple Arcade to Nintendo Switch has been worth it, and Grindstone ends 2020 with a bang.

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.

All things considered, though, this is a solid way to play a solid entry in the series. Capcom learned a lot from this game, with the experiments made iterated on in all the future entries. I can’t really stay mad at Resident Evil 7, and this was a fun revisit. This won’t be the best version of the game, but most newcomers will be able to play a version of the game with solid parity to the other console versions. A patch to clean up some lingering performance issues, fix up the HDR as best as possible, and improve gyro aiming would go a long way.

We’re seeing Gust push the Atelier series in some exciting new directions these days, and that makes Atelier Ryza feel like something of a final word on many of the original ideas that served as a foundation for so long. The Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack is an excellent way to play these games, and I think the included games serve equally well as an entry point to Atelier or a full stand-alone saga. We’re certainly not starving for good RPGs even in these early Nintendo Switch 2 days, but if you’ve somehow not played these great games before, I strongly recommend the Atelier Ryza games.

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

Streets of Rage 4 is like taking an old favourite toy to an antique repair shop only for it to come back working far better than it ever did before. The new lick of paint does the series justice, and the decision to stick to its guns and stay so close to its roots demonstrates a true understanding of the classic beat ’em up genre. I can’t deny I had a promising feeling in my jollies that I would enjoy Streets of Rage 4 before going into it. However, what I never anticipated for a second was that a side-scrolling beat ’em up based on a seemingly long-dead franchise would rise from the grave and become my personal favourite game of the year so far.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is basically the dream remaster I’ve always wanted for the game. I’m sad it couldn’t be the perfect version for everyone, but what is here makes it certainly the perfect version for me. Everything I cherish in my favorite strategy game is better than ever, and I’m so happy to see them do justice to it. What was truly so important for me, though, is for Ivalice Chronicles to be able to deliver this game’s thematically dense narrative for modern audiences. Tactics was always a raw reflection of our real world and politics, and I’m glad Ivalice Chronicle feels like it has met the moment. I’ve spent years feeling that I’ve been unable to properly convey why this game is so special to me. Even now, I’m left with the feeling that there’s just so much more to say to do the game justice. I can only hope that this problem will infect a whole new generation of people who fall in love with Ivalice Chronicles.

Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition has delivered the second chance that Monolith Soft’s epic sci-fi RPG deserved to find a wider audience. With its deeply emotional storytelling and world-building, I still see Xenoblade Chronicles 3 as the pinnacle of what the developer has long worked to achieve but this unforgettable space opera is close behind it thanks to its astounding technical execution and thrill-inducing battle systems.

I don’t think Bustafellows is perfect, but it nails most of what it aims for. The story is engaging, but the character drama and hilarious dialogue are what sell the experience. The production value makes it a visual treat, and it was so nice to play an Otome that never dropped my attention. Previously I’d considered Collar X Malice to be the best introductory Otome, but that’s now been dethroned. I still like that game, but this was such a wonderful experience. Apparently a “Second Season” is in the works that claims to be more than the traditional Otome fandisk. I honestly can’t wait, I hope for both a localization of that game after it comes out and more Otome games from PQube.

Like with all of the best gaming experiences, I ended my time with The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles feeling satisfied… yet painfully empty. Games this special don’t come out often. I was sad to see it eventually end, yet honored to be a part of the adventure.

The Messenger is a prime example on how to study the fundamental rules of a genre that has been replicated a million times before. To then follow these rules, bend them and eventually break them into something of its own calibre of quality is something quite special indeed.

If you can’t play it elsewhere, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut on Nintendo Switch is a great option, especially if it’s your first time playing. Returning Revacholians will find the long loading times to be an extra annoyance, but it’s not like we didn’t put up with worse when the PS5 version launched. There’s just nothing quite like Disco Elysium.



If you’re a fan of platformers, adventure games or Metroidvania style games, then this will be a great title for you. With a lengthy playtime, plenty of variety in its gameplay and has so much about it to enjoy, it is a title that does very little wrong and outdoes the game that it set out to emulate. It wasn’t on my radar in the build-up to release, but I love it now. It comes highly recommended.

Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 offers incredible value and delivers a great portable and online experience on the console, but it isn’t the best way to get the full experience thanks to some technical issues. The online and core gameplay hold up as they should, though, and that’s what matters the most in games like this. If you already own Street Fighter 6 on another platform and just want to practice on or play on the go, the Switch 2 version is an easy recommendation. Just don’t bother with buying this to play World Tour.

If you enjoy classic The Legend of Zelda games and shoot ’em ups, Minishoot’ Adventures is an essential purchase. I can’t recommend it enough, and I will be buying it on PS5 to replay in the future once again. Minishoot’ Adventures is an amazing game and one that is a perfect fit for Nintendo Switch 2, but I hope the load times can be addressed in an update because they are the only issue with this port right now.

On the whole, Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is a stylish and fun 2D platformer that fits as well, if not better, than it does on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. Some of the backtracking may be a bit tedious for some and the save system in particular is less than desirable. These are only small criticisms in the grand scheme of things though because Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse as a whole is an absolute joy to play.

It looks and sounds brilliant and plays just as well, constantly surprising you with new and creative ideas throughout its six-island quest.

All in all, Mario Kart World takes the long-running series into genuinely intriguing territory. Its open world is a joyous thing to explore and race through, while Knockout Tour is a thrilling new addition I can’t stop playing. A few bizarre choices hold the game back from being true racing perfection, but regardless, I couldn’t stop smiling every time I picked up the controller. Here’s hoping Nintendo continue to support the game because with a few tweaks and extras, this could very well shape up to become the best entry in the series.

PlatinumGames has delivered one of the greatest action games ever made. Bayonetta’s most spellbinding witching hour yet represents not only the series at its climactic best but an ever-heightened benchmark of what the developer has looked to achieve within the genre. This Game of the Year contender comes out with its stiletto-heel guns blazing for an unpredictable thrill-a-minute spectacle that I never wanted to end. There’s nothing else like it.

If you have not yet had the chance to dive into Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition, then there’s probably no better way to do so than on the Nintendo Switch. The £11.99 price tag won’t break the bank for what is a worthy melee-oriented Metroidvania complete with plenty of references to some of Nintendo’s finest IP’s. If you do happen to make it to the final stage, just listen out for a certain jingle sewn into the music. It contains a cool underground 1:2 beat to it that can’t possibly be overheard.

Heretic + Hexen is a bit harder to recommend compared to DOOM + DOOM II given the source material quality, but Nightdive Studios has done a superb job bringing both games back for modern platforms with a plethora of quality of life and visual enhancements that can all be toggled off as well for the original experience. While the Switch version is a bit lacking thanks to limited mod support, it plays fantastically on both Switch and Switch 2 with gyro controls. If you enjoyed Nightdive’s DOOM and Quake releases, Heretic + Hexen is an essential even if you never played them before. I know Heretic isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but it feels like a dream (and nightmare) to have this game from my childhood return in such an amazing way.

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 don’t have too much to say about Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, because the game speaks for itself. If we lived in a world where The Great Ace Attorney never existed or maybe was never even localized, it’d be tremendously easy to call this Shu Takumi’s best work. I might not like this as much as those games, but it’s only by the tiniest sliver. Ghost Trick is incredible, and this remaster is outstanding. I tend to avoid making grand declarative statements over products these days, but I think if you have any interest in this genre you owe it to yourself to experience this game. Especially with a remaster this good. It’s Ghost Trick, but in HD. It’s never been better, and I’m glad leagues of new people can play one of the most fun puzzle games ever made.

The Nintendo Switch is already like a portable ’90s arcade of nostalgia. So, what better way to top it off than have a whole library of Star Wars-themed pinball tables to match. Now all we need are some tables dedicated to some of Nintendo’s finest. In this day and age, surely it has to happen at some point!

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.

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a truly awesome experience, one whose track-switching gimmick never tires and manages to inject some surprise into a pretty well-worn genre. Inventive, exhilarating and a stellar presentation means the hedgehog’s hot streak of quality releases continues with what may be his best outing in some time. For me, Mario and Kirby can battle it out for second place when it comes to king of the kart racers this year.

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

One of the best RPG's this entire generation. It is far from the typical "Final Fantasy" clone, and makes me wish I've noticed the Tales' series of games earlier.

Civilization VI has been one of the most demanding experiences I’ve ever played and while the barrier to entry will be intimidating to newcomers, it’s a game that rewards those willing to put in the time. You wouldn’t think a PC series would work so well on the Nintendo Switch but Firaxis has accomplished quite the feat and delivered one of the strongest third-party offerings the console has seen.

Deltarune won me over because it’s complex and heart-wrenchingly earnest. This earnestness is what keeps people coming back for more. The art, music, and gameplay simply serve this earnest passion for video games. This game burns bright because of that passion, and it’s something you need to see to believe.