Persona 3 Reload’s strengths are in its details. The game’s turn-based combat and social aspects should become repetitive, but they build effectively throughout. More importantly, the style, story, and characters are continually compelling, driving to a finish that will stick with you well after the game’s finished.

Whether or not you fancy yourself a platformer aficionado, Alwa’s Legacy should be on your playlist. It combines retro graphics with modern precision to create a wonderfully engaging experience that strikes a fun balance between platforming and puzzle solving.

With Mario Party Superstars alongside Super Mario Party, the Nintendo Switch has two different but great series installments. While Superstars would benefit from more boards, it’s a charming nostalgia-laden trip with far-reaching multiplayer appeal for family and friends of all ages. It’s also replayable as ever, with online play, achievements, and unlockables.

Astro Aqua Kity is a super-fun shooter, with great audio and visuals along with fluid gameplay and spot-on action. There are a lot of options to keep even the fussiest player happy during this tough but enjoyable undersea adventure. Check it out!

Overall, Card Shark is a unique title with an interesting animation style and equally interesting cheating concept; all set far from today’s modern world. These elements combine to create a fun and engaging game that will leave a lasting impression.

While the main appeal of Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, – Psychosis and mental instability – was not for me there is still plenty of fun to be had with the game.

Paper Mario: The Origami King is a wonderful addition to the series. While the battle system isn’t my favorite, it’s challenging. The overall game is hilarious with an engaging story and fun gameplay.

If you’re looking for a game to highlight how different the Switch 2 experience can be, look no further than Kunitsu-Gamin: Path of the Goddess. The unique combination of action and tower-defense strategy—enhanced by the stunning graphics and art direction—make this a game you’ll use to show off your new system.

Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space is an OK release overall. This 20-or-so-hour adventure has an admirable quantity of content, but the quality amongst the individual episodes is inconsistent. I found only two of the five to be the sort I’d want to replay. Still, Sam & Max are great characters. Pick up their earlier adventure, Sam & Max Save the World, to get an idea if this one is for you.

While those more familiar with the series might have some gripes, Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival was an excellent introduction for me. No worries about being overly skilled at these types of games; you’ll have a good time, especially if you have friends in the room for a party-type setting. But even more solo gamers will have the main story and many unlockables to keep them busy. Whether competing or cooperating, this could be a ton of fun for family gatherings.

Signs of the Sojourner is a good, challenging card game that has more at stake than expected. Replayability is high as you create various decks, befriend new people, and try to get that good ending.

Although the two games that compose the Lara Croft collection are actually Tomb Raider spin-offs, they provide a local multiplayer experience that will entertain arcade-action fans and achievement-seekers alike. They’re also a reminder of what we used to love about the Tomb Raider games.

Shantae and the Seven Sirens is a cute game with funny dialogue and clever puzzles that are interspersed with great mini-games that draw you into the story world at every turn.

Whether you like heavy metal or not, Valfaris presents a package that’s worth your attention. From start to finish Valfaris doesn’t stop to take a breath, and the game’s quick load times keep you coming back for more after every death.

Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is an exceptionally difficult arcade-action game that’s best enjoyed when shared with a friend. This release’s gameplay and visual tweaks modernize the experience a bit, but it’s still likely to appeal solely to those accustomed to the challenges of early ’90s NES action games.

If you’ve already played Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons on another platform there’s not much in the story or in-game achievements to warrant another trip. Playing with a partner, however, creates a whole new experience that’s certainly worth sharing. And if you’ve never experienced this tale before, you should. The puzzles are fun, the story is touching, and it comes together in a way that’s likely to leave a lasting impact.

Pepper Grinder is a platformer that wears its inspiration on its sleeve, with collectibles, checkpoints, and more in tow. It adds a unique spin to the formula with the addition of a drill mechanic, creating a fun-yet-tough experience that’s satisfying to conquer. It’s not a super-long game, but the challenge will keep you busy for some time regardless.

As far as action RPGs go, Astlibra Revision is one of the most surprising I’ve played in quite some time. Outside of the occasional gap where neither the story nor gameplay seem to be progressing, it engages (and challenges) the player in multiple unique ways throughout its somewhat lengthy duration.

It’s a solid beat-em-up with solid gameplay that brings back some of the fun of the arcade classics like Double Dragon and Final Fight. But once you beat it, unless you absolutely have to have the best leaderboard score, you’ll hardly touch it again. If you love old school games as I do, this game isn’t a complete waste of cash for the price. The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors isn’t a bad game, just not a great one.

Stories Untold is about the haunting feelings and stories we haven’t told even ourselves. It’s about unraveling the truth and facing our fears. For players looking for a new episodic thriller, Stories Untold was an amazing way to kick off 2020 on the Nintendo Switch.

With an interesting story and attractive art style, it’s hard to get tired of Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth. Even if you’ve already read the novel or seen the miniseries, being able to interact with the characters, explore its 12th Century English setting, and shape the narrative provides a new thrill. As far as visual novel adventures go, this one is hard to put down.

Resident Evil Village: Gold Edition, offers a tense, action-packed thrill-ride through some wonderfully styled sub-genres of horror. With so much to explore, collect, and fall prey to, it’ll keep fans engaged for quite a while, and rekindle fandom for those who lost it.

If you played the original game on the Wii, you’ll have to ask yourself how much the new extras, admirable though they are, trump the missing multiplayer. However, for those yet to experience it, it’s certainly worth picking up Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn on 3DS. It’s a high-quality package with charming aesthetics and a good amount of content for the price that should keep you playing.

Sagebrush pulls you into the life of a cult by forcing you to follow the story of someone who survived one. Perfect Heaven – and its impact on its members – feels organic and like cults that have lived in times before it. Its pixelated animation style gives you the feeling that you’re exploring the ruins of someone’s memory and the tragedy that followed.

As far as remasters of remakes go, Ys Memoir: The Oath in Felghana is as good as they get. This PSP-era action RPG throwback is right at home on the Nintendo Switch. Its short time to completion helps prevent repetition and occasional aimlessness from being a real problem, making it an adventure worth taking.

While there’s no excuse for this collection taking nine years to arrive on Nintendo hardware, it’s undeniable that this package represents five years of classic 8-bit (and now 16-bit) games that hold up in sheer fun. For an NES kid like me, this is a 10 out of 10 package for the pair of DuckTales games alone, never mind the underrated TaleSpin and the original Rescue Rangers in co-op. I recognize that those without nostalgia might lean closer to the 8 range. After all, the challenge is higher (especially without an NES controller), the bonus content is on the lighter side, and there aren’t any Game Boy versions. So, I’ll reluctantly split the difference and, with my gaming acumen engaged, award The Disney Afternoon Collection a 9 out of 10.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe takes our pink puff out for another platforming romp. While it’s not a completely new game, there’s plenty of content on offer to make it a worthwhile purchase.

While I can’t say I’ll reach for this over its predecessors, Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! Is a good (replayable) entry more often than not, and recommended. Younger players and families who can enjoy local co-op should have this higher on their wishlist than solo players who might wait for a sale (or update with more online options). The new Puzzle Bobble vs. Space Invaders is a sizable draw!

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Into Reverie works best as a thank-you gift for fans of the series. It contains (and often enhances) everything turn-based JRPG fans loved about the previous games, but it’s unfortunately presented in a disjointed manner that may put off those who’d just like to continue with the story. And if you haven’t played a previous entry, do not start here.

As a huge fan of the Yoshi series, in general, I can honestly say Yoshi’s Crafted World did not disappoint me. I really found the details behind the levels to be stunning and highly enjoyable – I can’t stress enough how creative it looks. Despite a few minor complaints here and there, fans of Yoshi games and platformers in general should give Yoshi’s Crafted World a go – there’s even a free demo, so there’s nothing to lose.

Yomawari: Lost In the Dark uses every resource it has to create an unsettling and involving horror puzzle experience. It provides plenty of scares and a surprisingly effective story that should be enough to compel players forward even after the game starts to lose its impact.

Save Tetris and Puyo Pop for when you want to wind down before bedtime. Crystal Crisis is as intense as puzzle gaming gets and has sparked new life into a genre not known for surprises. From the heart-pumping puzzle action to the full-fledged story mode and a roster that screams “fan service,” it would be a crime to call Crystal Crisis anything less than an absolute diamond.

When the Past was Around is a well-made point-and-click adventure. The music and visuals contribute to the captivating, if abstract, tale. The puzzles are just right in terms of difficulty, although the game could be a little longer overall, making it a very good distraction for an afternoon.

In the end, G-Darius HD is a challenging shooter from a time when arcades were still relevant. It still looks good and sounds cool, but it’s not great as a standalone.

Trombone Champ is a goofy, chaotic music sim that never for a moment takes itself seriously. Everything from the gameplay to the song selection to the loading screens is meant to amuse, making it a perfect fit for the Switch. The fun can wear off quickly when playing solo, but it’s consistently entertaining for a full band (up to a quartet, anyway).

New Pokémon Snap is a delightful revision of an N64 icon. The new region is beautiful and invites you to engage with Pokémon you know and love in different ways, with a unique type of challenge.

Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol. 1 will be a letdown for those who’ve already purchased some (or all) of the fighters released prior. But if you’ve been wondering why SNK hasn’t bundled these handheld games together, wonder no more. While very much a mixed bag, there’s enough here for the curious, and more so for fans. Bring on Vol. 2.

Despite its nearly 20-year-old origins, Hitman: Blood Money – Reprisal makes for a fun, violent time on the Nintendo Switch. The aging graphics and cumbersome controls aren’t enough to hamper its core stealth action gameplay no matter what playthrough you’re on.

Blazing Chrome’s gameplay borrows a lot from many arcade classics, no question. But a shorter experience that’d be worth a few quarters in a coin-op might not be worth $16.99, especially with the highly repetitive nature (and communication error popups). For better or worse, this title has the overall feel of a relic. As an older gamer who grew up with arcades, it should hold high appeal to me. Yet I can’t help but find myself thinking more about the games it’s trying to emulate, at least when playing solo.

Gunlord X, although at times seeming difficult, is still a fun run ‘n’ gun game. The variety of weapons and stages is a warm welcome, making it worth the asking price of $9.99.

Lucah: Born of a Dream takes a unique animation style and tells a deeper story. However, if you suffer from any type of photo-sensitivity, this game should be avoided.

I had way more fun with Hidden Through Time than expected. Of course, if you’re not a fan of the hide and seek premise, this game might not change your mind. But this is a bargain when you consider it’s just $7.99 for everything it includes. If the map editor can be enhanced, this very good game would become a great one.

It’s not just the history and nostalgia, but the high quality, sense of discovery, and genuine allure that’s undeniable with this pioneer. It’s proven to be a timeless journey. But this Switch port of realMyst: Masterpiece Edition needs an update, to add some missing features and fix the significant audio glitches, to be genuinely outstanding.

Buddy Simulator 1984 surprised me with the way it morphed from a text-based adventure into a creepy-yet-sweet story. If you’re looking for something completely different, this is one title you should consider checking out.

Goliath Depot effectively pays tribute to early ’80s arcade gameplay, and would’ve fit right in next to the machines that inspired it. Although aimed at classic gamers, modern features such as leaderboards, level randomizers, and a speedrun mode should help it appeal to a wider audience.

This isn’t the least pricey shmup option out there. But for the asking price, R Type Delta: HD Boosted delivers value for money. The game looks good, sounds good, and has replayability. If you like a shmup, go get this one.

Fight’N Rage reminds you of a classic ‘90s arcade game, though the controls don’t hold up. Otherwise, with nostalgic graphics and music, it’d be a great game.

Meg’s Monster tells the story of a big, mean monster who stumbles across the responsibility of caring for a little girl; if she cries, she brings on the end of the world. Playing as the monster, Roy, it is your job to help Meg find her way back home from the underworld by protecting her from other monsters, and playing with her to keep her happy. This unlikely pair forms a sweet relationship in this cute and heartwarming story that is definitely worth a play.

Cult of the Lamb is a unique game in a world full of roguelikes, mashed together with a management sim that is oh-so-much fun. The cutesy graphics help tone it down, but don’t be mistaken – this is a dark game at times; it’s also a must-play title if you’re looking for something a little different.

Who knows how much longer this version of Hyrule (that started in Breath of the Wild) will continue? If this is the end, it goes out on a high note, especially when enjoyed cooperatively. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is an entertaining entry that will keep you busy during the first holiday season of the Switch 2. Heck, packed with content and surprises, it’s one you’ll likely return to when the mood strikes as well.

While the linear design coupled with high difficulty is worth noting, the challenge leads to very satisfying gameplay. Mindball Play is a good-sized game, with polished aesthetics, and high replay value. This marble racer deserves a look.

Warlock’s Tower is a fun puzzle game that’s challenging, but not hard enough to rage quit. As a whole, the game is charming and it’s fun alone, with a friend, or on the go.

River City Girls is a vibrant, colorful, and surprisingly fresh take on the classic beat ’em up series. While small annoyances may hinder its pacing, the overall package from WayForward still packs a few good kicks and punches.

Rabi-Ribi is fun in a lot of ways, it just focuses on being too “cute” and it disconnects the player from any actual storyline. Unless you’re a fan of anime and bunny rabbits I’d probably wait for this one to go on sale.

Train Valley is a relaxing simulation game that still makes you think. While you won’t suck hours and hours into it in one sitting, it’ll always be fun to return to.

F.I.S.T: Forged in Shadow Torch is a great Metroidvania, that does everything it needs to very well without re-inventing the formula.

Lucy Dreaming is a point-and-click adventure game in which you play as a young girl whose determination to end her nightmares sends her on an investigation of a decade-old murder. With its quirky sense of humor and pixel art style, Lucy Dreaming tells a very fun and interesting story that is bound to keep you playing for hours.

Beyond Good & Evil is proving a timeless game, and $19.99 for this 20th Anniversry edition with extras and updates is “beyond” fair. In truth, the original was already great back in the day, though being beloved by critics didn’t translate into high sales. So, I’m happy that this action-adventure is getting progressively more popular with the advancement of time, as it’s an outstanding game not to be missed!

World End Syndrome takes the standard visual novel game and adds graphically stunning illustrations to heighten the creepy factor as you unravel the mysteries behind Mihate Town.

In Astrologaster you play as an unlicensed doctor who helps his patients by seeking guidance from the stars. This visual novel is full of fun choices, characters, and songs, as well as cool spiritual aspects that will keep you somewhat entertained.

A Musical Story is a short rhythm game that stands out with genuinely good original music, a touching story, and amazing visuals. If you’re a fan of music, art, or all things creative, this game is certainly right up your alley.

GRID Autosport is almost in a class of its own on the Nintendo Switch. The game is one of the best looking Switch games and is the best racing simulator experience available on the console. While games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Crash Team Racing lead the system’s kart racing options–GRID Autosport has shot to the top of the list if you want to race in real-world environments. The level of care that Feral has put into the Switch version is apparent with even more options to come. If you’re in the market for a racing sim to take on-the-go, you can’t do any better than GRID Autosport.

However you decide to play Agent A: A Puzzle in Disguise, do it. The game is clever, it’s funny, it’s well-designed, and it’s involving. It’s a great game to share with others, but it’s fun to play on your own, too. Even at twice the cost of the mobile version, the game is well-worth the price on the Switch. The only bad thing about it is the suspicion that we’ll have to wait another four years for the completion of a sequel.

Roundguard is a unique twist on the RPG and puzzle genres. With smooth controls and fun gameplay, Roundguard has some great potential.

It took me a while to realize I wasn’t having quite as much fun with Sonic X Shadow Generations as I expected, given the high praise of the 2011 console original. Such elevation likely reflects the quality of Sonic games declining over the past 20 years, as even the better new titles can’t reach the peak of the ‘90s classics. Combine that with no upgrade for existing owners, and Sega has made it challenging to recommend this one on Switch 2. Many players would be better off with Sonic Mania or Origins. But if you’re a diehard fan who hasn’t played this yet, wishlist it and wait for a discount—you’ll be safe knowing that, even though it’s showing its age more than most would care to admit, you’re sure to find some entertainment.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is an enjoyable mash-up of every single Marvel character you can think of in a unique LEGO environment. It’s not my favorite LEGO game, however the sheer amount of Marvel characters makes it fun for any fan. Keep in mind this is an eight-year-old game, so maybe watch for a sale on this one.

No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES is a wonderfully effective mashup of puzzle-based gaming styles held together by fun characters and a chaotic story. A knowledge of the series is useful, but this entry served as my introduction, and I still had a blast.

Get Mechstermation Force, get a partner if you can, and get ready to save the world. You’re going to frequently die trying, but the process will be a blast.

Overall, the gameplay in DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos got repetitive, and the lack of multiplayer in the story mode was a bummer. However, this title is a solid beat-’em-up with amazing voice acting and comical script writing.

SteamWorld Heist II has so many outstanding core elements that, even chasing new horizons at the expense of some balance, it’s still a recommended sequel. While quirks might make it run out of steam at points, don’t be surprised when it keeps you coming back for more. With a presentation polished as a pearl and some fun twists, this lengthy sequel should find a place in the Switch collections of those up for the challenge.

Music fans should dig Avicii Invector, especially those inclined to appreciate the deep lyrics in these tracks. For non-enthusiasts, an easy difficulty setting makes the game inviting, even for those with limited experience in rhythm games. While the gameplay can certainly get repetitious after time, it’s a fun game to watch even if you pass the controller to a friend. Avicii is on my radar now, thanks to Avicii Invector.

Although some of the new Camera Obscura features exacerbate an already unwieldy control system, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake does more than enough to please fans of this outstanding and highly distinctive series. Play it with the lights off.

While newcomers may find some shortcomings in the whole package, hardcore fans will still find it a delight. Sure, it feels rather dated, but this port of a Neo Geo Pocket Color classic still hits the mark where it counts.

Cotton Fantasy: Superlative Night Dreams is a bit pricey for the time it takes to get to the end. However, it’s a shoot-em-up. It’s not about getting through a story, it’s about shooting baddies and getting a high score. Fans of shmups (and of the recently revitalized Cotton in particular) will have some fun with this one.

River City Girls 2 almost ticks all the boxes: fun gameplay mixed with anime-style aesthetics and a humorous story. The jarring loading screens between each playable area annoyingly slow the pacing. It’s enjoyable, it’s just not as smooth as it should be.

Mortal Kombat 11 offers an extreme amount of customization and replayability all while maintaining its pure enjoyment when fighting.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is an epic game in some ways. It starts excitingly and rarely lets up. If you stink at dungeons and shrines and won’t miss exploring, you’ll find a world that’s still impressive and characters that have proven to endure in the minds of series fans. In the end, it remains predominantly Koei-Tecomo’s Warrior gameplay with Nintendo’s Zelda dressing, so probably not GOTY material. Still, it’s an entertaining way to tide yourself over until the true sequel arrives.

Ibb & obb plays like a smooth, simple platformer with no rough edges to be seen. The characters are cute and the puzzles are difficult enough have kept my husband and I engaged. I recommend this game for a fun, collaborative time.

Neversong is a highly effective release in so many ways. The standout framework and subsequent story building leave room for interpretation, and the apt aesthetics go well beyond mere window dressing. You don’t see one-man studio releases of this high quality very often. Nearly everything falls into place in the best way imaginable.

I really can’t recommend Boomerang Fu enough. At $14.99, it packs a lot of replay value and is one of the stand-out multiplayer games on the Switch. I’d put it up there with other great indie multiplayer co-op games like the Overcooked series and Moving Out (Check out our Overcooked review). If you’re looking for a great, local multiplayer title to play with some friends/family, definitely check out Boomerang Fu.

BIT.TRIP RUNNER holds up pretty well for an indie game from 2010. True, its sequels have spoiled us with checkpoints and leaderboards. But this more modest entry comes at the more modest price of $4.99, making it a worthwhile purchase for fans asking for a challenge.

DARQ Complete Edition is a dark puzzle platformer in which you must help a boy named Lloyd navigate a seemingly endless loop of nightmares. Its lack of story and solid scares may disappoint some players, but it’s a solid pick-up for those seeking a quick, creepy gaming experience.

Unbound: Worlds Apart blends gorgeous design and animation with puzzle platformer challenges that incorporate a number of unique mechanics to create an extensive and exciting adventure.

Hatch Tales: A Heroic Hookshot Adventure had a rough road to release, and the final product reflects that in some respects with a few odd choices. Still, it’s a very good platformer, much more often than not, challenging and content-rich. Releasing late in the life of the Switch exposes it to some of the same risks the original game faced later in the life of 3DS. I hope Hatch Tales secures success and recommend it for a fun time.

Much like its spin-off, Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland, is a great escape from reality, and an even greater entry in the Atelier franchise. Despite its localization issues, it is a great game all RPG fans must experience. With its enjoyable long-lasting content as a result of the new Alchemyriddle system, rewarding gameplay, and visually impressive art style, it is hard not to recommend this title.

Please, Touch the Artwork 2 is delightful. Its beautiful paintings, quirky characters, and lovely music combine to create a playful outing that provides a true form of escape. This short but sweet outing will stick with you after the credits roll.

If you have not played the first Windjammers game and are interested in the franchise, with all of the new additions to Windjammers 2, you can’t go wrong with this one. However, if you’ve played the first Windjammers and are still having a great time with it, I would suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing this entry.

Retro Goal is a solid game that does simple soccer well. It’s got a simple control scheme (thanks to its simple gameplay) and offers a surprisingly in-depth management element. Its simplicity is the only negative I can bring out, as you experience everything the game offense incredibly quickly. Your long-lasting enjoyment of this game will likely depend on your love of soccer. If you’re like me and aren’t a big soccer fan there are a few hours of fun to be found in Retro Goal.

Murder By Numbers puts you into the heart of a detective drama with fun characters to hook you into the story and puzzles that give your brain a decent workout.

I enjoyed Golf Peaks from start to finish. It’s a fun, light game that’s perfectly suited for portable play on the Switch, but is equally engaging in docked mode where it’s easy to have some others help solve the puzzles.

GrimGrimoire OnceMore offers tower defense and RTS fans a level of learning and resource management that engages without ever hitting overload. It’s not my favorite tower defense game, but the quality artwork, interesting story, and solid gameplay should have genre fans (and fans of the original version) pleased with its Switch release.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers on all counts with stunning visuals, an outstanding soundtrack, and solid exploration. While not everyone will agree, at face value this is a wonderfully constructed game that has been worth the wait. If you’re on the fence, do yourself a favor and jump into Samus’ latest adventure.

Ignore the retro RPG trappings of Rise of the Third Power; this is a great game regardless of whether you’re approaching it for nostalgic purposes. Its story is just fresh enough, its turn-based combat unique enough, to keep you firmly planted in 2022, not 1992.

There are much more capable racing games I’d recommend for the Switch, and unless you have some fond memories of the original game, I wouldn’t recommend this remaster until a steep discount happens.

With new features, modes, and various quality of life upgrades from its mobile origins, Part Time UFO on Switch continues to exemplify the fun and quirky sensibilities of HAL Labs without losing a step or grip.

Reviewing this game was a ton of fun. I enjoyed every minute I have put into it. With so much more to be discovered, I can’t wait until the next time I have a chance to play it again. Forager is easily one of my favorite games. Players who enjoy crafting, farming, and exploration should definitely check this game out.

Revita has a lot going for it. Part roguelike, part shooter, part platformer, it has something for just about everyone. Throw in a melancholic story and addictive gameplay, and you’re in for an enjoyable time.

Splatoon 3’s Side Order DLC puts players into a rogue-like single-player campaign as Agent 8, tasked with rescuing Marina and her friends from the mysterious Deca Tower. Each run through the tower offers a new set of challenges and opportunities to customize abilities and weapons, leading to multiple playthroughs and strategic planning. While some levels may prove more challenging, especially with unfamiliar weapons, Side Order offers a refreshing departure from multiplayer chaos with its replay value and different gameplay options.