Mystic Pillars is a challenging but fair puzzle game, offering strong visuals, music and story to accompany the puzzles. For anybody who enjoys a fresh challenge Mystic Pillars is worthy of your time.

Dust and Neon is a fun and engaging twin-stick shooter that set in a futuristic world featuring gunslinging robots. Its addictive action is sure to keep you busy.

Bahnsen Knights does a great job at keeping fans of visual novel adventures involved. It’s fun and unique story, visuals, and occasional minigames make it hard to put down, and it never feels repetitive or slow across the few hours it takes to complete it.

OFF is one of the most out-there titles I’ve played. It’s a creative game that’s sure to leave an impression. The turn-based battles are satisfying, the puzzles are some of the toughest and most creative I’ve seen in recent years, and the visual style stands out. If you’re a fan of quirky titles, this one is worth checking out.

It’s hard to be mad at a game like Summer Catchers that has such a sweet sense of humor and such an interesting way to present a simplistic gameplay design. If you’re looking for the next indie platform that’s not just a character jumping from ledge-to-ledge, I definitely recommend Summer Catchers.

You went spend a lot of time in the escape room puzzles of The Star Named EOS, but the time you will spend there is fun, creative, and captivating.

Alder’s Blood is a wonderfully crafted game with an intoxicating story. Its missions are simple but your strategy can’t be if you want to survive.

The gameplay mix intrigues, but it’s weighed down by overemphasis on all too familiar rogue-lite tropes. I want to love Void Terrarium, but fine ingredients don’t always make for a satisfying dish if they aren’t balanced well. This game is too heavy-handed on tedium, and progress coming from random chance rather than skill.

A turn-based tactical RPG set in a medieval fantasy map, Battle Brothers isn’t the most original premise, but it is well executed and easy to get hooked on.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the gift that keeps on giving. Who knows what the future holds for the franchise? For now, this latest wave provides more fun and excitement to tide us over until the final round of tracks heads away later this year.

Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic is fun, but some significant issues (at least on Switch) make it fall slightly short of its predecessor. It might be better to grab this one on sale or when DLC arrives (hopefully with a performance patch). Creative types might not want to wait that long.

One Line Coloring was a fun game while it lasted. I think there could have been more puzzles or maybe had different difficulty settings for each puzzle. That would have made it more engaging for me. I still got addicted to solving the puzzles, though, so it did its job. If you’re looking for something quick and fairly mindless to play, One Line Coloring is a great option to get.

As management sims go, Discounty has the perfect balance of job tasks to make the game challenging and downtime to keep the game relaxing and cozy. The style is adorable, your character is customizable, the dialogue is funny, and the story is entertaining.

Pitfall Planet is fun for sure. But the shorter length, higher cost on Nintendo Switch, and no option for solo players must be factored in. All things considered, I recommend adding this to your wish list for a future sale.

So, what we’ve got in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a well-designed game that’s poorly developed. A championship-caliber team that needs another few months (or perhaps another year) of training camp. 505 Games has promised to fix the glaring problems, but I can’t review a game based on promises. There’s still some fun to be had here, but it shouldn’t have been released in its current state. Wait for the updates. If they don’t come, wait for a sale…and stay away from the bookshelves.

Super Kirby Clash is a fun game that makes fighting somewhat adorable. The battles with AI and local friends and fast and fun, although a little on the repetitive side. Online battles are too slow to be truly enjoyable but overall this is a free game that provides entertainment in short bursts as you level up your Kirby.

There’s a lot to be said for keeping it simple, and this game is a testament to that. Jump King only tries to do one thing, but it does it so incredibly well without compromising the challenge.

When all’s said and done, though, Centipede is so classic that it’s almost always enjoyable on any system, and the same is true here. I hope Atari tries harder with future Recharged installments, but I can’t deny that this mixed version is still fun. If you have someone to play co-op with, grab the game and hope for Millipede: Recharged to follow.

Ash of Gods: The Way is a unique take on the deck building genre that fans of said genre should check out. It follows the usual “collect cards and build a better deck” that most deckbuilders follow but with the fun twist of leaning more into tactical strategy battles. Add in the potential to have different characters in a battle, which may change the rules of said battle, and you’ve got yourself a game that never has two of the same battles. Ash of Gods: The Way does make you feel like you’re always at the disadvantage going into literally every battle, regardless of the deck you’ve built. Regardless, Ash of Gods: The Way is a fun enough take on the deckbuilding genre that you should definitely give it a look.

Overall, ProtoCorgi is a fun shooter that’s deceptively difficult. The builder mode adds some longevity, especially at its budget price. The retro cartoony design is also great, creating an overall enjoyable shooter that stands out from the crowd.

NBA 2K26 should look and perform better on the Switch 2. It should also tone it down with all of the microtransaction noise on top of an already $70 game. But if you’re willing to overlook those issues, you’ll get a game that’s a lot of fun to play and provides many ways to play it.

Darkwood is a simple but hugely satisfying top-down horror survival game that will have you jumping at shadows.

Shantae was released in 2002, and it’s a little less than perfect, especially compared to its many sequels. Despite being one of the most beloved Metroidvania series, this GBC cult classic may be a little too clunky for modern gaming palettes. If you’re looking for a Metroidvania fix, I would look elsewhere. However, it’s a definite must-have for all Shantae completionists looking to see where the magic all started.

WiZmans World Re;Try is a good JRPG that you’ll be able to put hours into. However, the gameplay may get repetitive after a while.

Princess Peach: Showtime! is a welcome return to the spotlight for our favorite princess. It oozes charm, with loads of variety, providing plenty to do across multiple transformations, levels, and modes. It’s not super difficult, but it’s so entertaining that I don’t care. There are also multiple challenges and collectibles to keep players coming back for more.

Ooblets is a fun game that will keep you busy for days. But some parts can be overwhelming and feel unbalanced at times.

The gameplay here is satisfying enough to feel like it was worth your hard-earned cash, although I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who is looking for a game with all the elements of a modern day game–you will not find that here.

All things considered, there is nothing that really negativity impacts these three games to a great degree. They have hours of solid gameplay, challenge, and fun made even better by VASARA 3’s four-player co-op. Having one great shooter is cool, having three in one bundle is epic. I tip my hat to the developers and publishers for some great arcade ports For genre fans, these make very good additions to the Switch’s library.

Coffee Talk is a fun game that offers entertaining conversation and chilled ambiance. For what it’s worth, the game’s setting and premise require very little from the player, but that also takes away the experience of playing a game. I recommend Coffee Talk to anyone interested in a relaxed time on the Switch, even if the choices you make along the way are minimal.

For some, it’s a favorite, while others have it middle of the road. For me (and some of my colleagues), BIT.TRIP VOID is near the bottom of the pack. It doesn’t impress me much in 2020. But with six original games, not every series title will make the same impact, nor have the same staying power.

APICO might start off slow, but it becomes intriguing pretty quickly. It’s a chilled experience that allows you to complete the game at your own pace. The crafting and building features are easy to pick up on and enjoy, allowing you to design the island to your liking. But what makes APICO stand out is the beekeeping aspect, breeding different bees to get desired traits and ultimately discovering new bees. The game sneaks a bit of science in the fun, and I’m all for it.

Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is a well-made, quality game that’ll prove mostly entertaining for fans well-versed in the series. But it reflects plenty of choices here that are tough to wrap one’s head around, especially when other Shantae games surpass this one in both pace and polish. The restrictive 4-player mode disappointingly fails to live up to the hype. And the inexplicable lack of a map (or any typical hint system) makes this game feel antiquated next to its other entries. Thus, what should be a great game is just a good one. Wait for a sale, and make this Shantae your Half-Price Hero.

Battle for Neighborville: Complete Edition is a fun, colorful, silly game with a good amount of content to keep the player busy. While the game is older, this updated version is the obvious choice for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher surprised me by its addictive nature. Who knew raising Kaiju could be so engaging? This simulation title makes giant creatures loveable companions, with plenty to keep you busy. I enjoyed this guilty pleasure.

Potion Permit is a unique cozy game with adorable pixel graphics that will keep you busy for hours. The difficulty is relatively easy, but the gameplay is still fun and engaging.

Hypercharge: Unboxed is a fun and unique addition to the small library of shooters already on the Nintendo Switch. Digital Cybercherries’ debut title on the platform offers fun and addictive wave-based shooter gameplay for all ages. With the game’s cute art style and smooth performance, it is hard to go wrong with picking up a content-filled game like this.

The Alliance Alive is a slightly above-average game that’s dwarfed by the myriad JRPGs already available for and coming to the Switch. It can serve as a decent filler between them, but there’s nothing in this HD remaster to make it a better option than its original 3DS release. Save yourself some cash and go that route if you can…just be sure to rotate those save files.

Afterparty is a hilarious bar hop through Hell. I had a blast meeting all the demons and people roaming the streets and crashing Satan’s house party. I highly recommend this game for anyone who is looking for a humorous take on life and death. Night Club Studio knocks another one out the park.

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is likely to overwhelm even the most experienced of SRPG aficionados at the start, but that’s by design. Its depth and uniqueness will delight those choosing to stick with it, while others can just lower the difficulty to push through this colorful and charming adventure.

Yes, Your Grace is a short but absorbing game that strikes a sweet balance between the concerns of a kingdom and a family.

Is Just Dance 2020 “the ultimate dance game”? Probably not; while an improvement over last year, there are better entries in the series. But it still offers fun exercise and enjoyable family entertainment. Just be sure to be subscribed to Just Dance Unlimited as that’s what will keep you dancing beyond the first month. Happy anniversary, Just Dance.

Overpriced DLC and the odd omission aside, the fact is that the five games in this collection are stone-cold classics, and they’ve never played better. Those without nostalgia may understandably wait for a sale and a further bit of polish. But Sonic Origins will be a great trip down memory lane if you were a Genesis supporter back in the day of the 16-bit schoolyard debates. They are infinitely replayable.

I usually like puzzle games more than high-action games, but this one left me a bit flat. If you want to add an official GoT item to your game collection, this one is only $3.99; so no huge investment and you can while away some time as you wonder, “What if I sat on the throne?”

Professor Lupo and His Horrible Game has a lot of creativity and humour, but it is let down by its clunky controls.

Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity is pretty to look at and easy to pick up. It gives you everything you need to challenge yourself and a story that is genuinely moving.

If you’re considering Railway Empire because you love the sound of a train in the distance, you’re not likely to enjoy the game. This is a management seem that digs deeply into the technology, the business strategy, and the economic acumen required to tame America’s landscape and reach the pinnacle of what this nation’s all about: corporate power.

While Asteroids is iconic entertainment, this installment (like the Recharged series in general) is too conservative to vouch for at launch price. When I can say versions of these games from 40 years ago are just as fun, if not more, there is a problem. This series is running out of steam and needs a change in approach to revive interest.

Flutter Away is a very peaceful and relaxing collection game in which you explore the rainforest, capture new butterfly species on camera, and befriend capybaras. Though it is a very simple and quick playthrough, Flutter Away provides a warm and fun environment to explore while it lasts.

Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is a ridiculous little game with a twisted sense of humour, uncomplicated gameplay and a surprisingly absorbing plot.

Simple yet effective, Overwhelm takes the concepts at the very core of the horror genre and presents them in the form of a nostalgic and addictive game.

Create over 300,000 hybrid animals, make moral choices, and run and design your own zoo all in one game. A best-of-best-worlds mix of creativity and business management, Let’s Build a Zoo provides a lot to do, a ton of people to meet, and a crazy number of animals to adopt/splice.

Silent Hope is a simple action RPG that provides plenty of fun even if it doesn’t pose a substantial challenge. Paying all playable characters equal attention will lead to redundancy, but shifting your focus to just a few will help the quick combat and hero customization to carry you through.

In lesser hands, Harvestella’s balance of JRPG and farming sim could’ve ended up as a bland mishmash. Instead, Live Wire and Square Enix have created a solid blend. Its effective gameplay loop and engaging story push you down surprising paths that are fun to travel.

The Cruel King and the Great Hero is a heartwarming adventure game told in a children’s storybook style. Follow Yuu on her quest to become a great hero, just like her father. Whether she’s helping the monsters in her kingdom, doing good deeds for those around her, or fighting enemies to keep her kingdom safe, her tale is always charming and fun.

With its methodical, unforgiving gameplay, Aragami: Shadow Edition is not for everyone. However, it doesn’t try to be. It’s aimed squarely at the Tenchu crowd, with whom it should be a hit. If you’re a younger gamer who’s never tried a true stealth game, Aragami is a great place to start.

There are only small segments of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition that feel like a Lara Croft adventure, but the game is still quite fun once you accept this reboot of the iconic character. It’s definitely a trip worth taking, even if the Switch 2 version doesn’t offer everything it could have.

If you are new to this series or simulation strategy games in general, expect to spend a couple of hours just in the tutorials of Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV: Diplomacy and Strategy Expansion Pack. The gameplay is complex, but not overly convoluted. As you gain experience and get familiar with the available options and the general flow, it becomes a satisfying adventure.

Indigo 7 Quest for Love is ok. The story is fun and charming and the puzzle mechanics work well in solo mode. Throw in a CPU and there’s suddenly an unbalanced difficulty level that’s just too frustrating. The addition of local multiplayer could still entice some players.

Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian is a series callback not just with its familiar characters, but in the simplified exploration, synthesis, and turn-based combat, too. Fans of older Atelier games may welcome the change, but it may have simplified too much for those seeking a challenge worthy of its price tag.

Forestrike is a fun and rewarding fighting game where the foresight mechanic makes each encounter feel unique. Its blend of strategy, timing, and experimentation with moves and cards keeps gameplay challenging and varied. Fans of martial arts or anyone looking for something different on the Switch will find it worth trying.

Descenders ended up being a really fun, challenging game. Even if you’re not great at sports games, or you have young children that might not understand the goal, this is one that the whole family can enjoy.

Mainframes leaves me with an overall impression of muddledness, albeit executed with a sincere passion. It throws in ideas about platforming, collecting, and environmental manipulation. But maybe some of the excess should’ve been left on the cutting room floor so the rest could be more polished and its potential better realized. While I admit a measure of satisfaction in getting past the trickiest parts, there is nearly equal amounts of relief, which is not a good ratio. The difficulty spikes (even with accessibility options) never feel “cozy.”

Kunai does so much with so little. From the minimalist art style to the polished grappling mechanic, it’s hard not to recommend this entry to fans of the metroidvania genre, or anyone looking for a fresh offering on the Nintendo Switch.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate brings a new way of playing to fans of the green, teen heroes. The story, visuals, and gameplay are all great, though a few bugs hamper the experience. The simple roguelike elements won’t be too jarring for fans of the typical side-scrolling style of gameplay.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the loop of hunting monsters and collecting their parts to craft better weapons and armor. That being said, its performance issues in the open-world hub and the inability to earn any substantial amount of platinum through regularly playing the game inhibits me from giving further praise. However, with some improvements, this game could be a sleeper hit within the library of free-to-play Nintendo Switch games.

Wildfire is a unique stealth game that’s fun to play with a friend. With short levels, you can pick up and play this title anywhere.

The Colonists is a solid game with a less-than-solid feeling port. However, it still is good fun on Switch.

While lacking in certain areas, THOTH remains a really fun game at a very affordable price. Pick it up.

The new version of Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water comes with improved graphics and some new content, but it would be a game worth playing even without them. Although it’s occasionally more frustrating than scary, the clever gameplay and its dedication to tone and story make it one of the best survival horror games available for the Switch.

If you’re a fan of side-scrolling beat ’em ups then look no further than The Takeover.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are fine enough remakes for reliving some memories and sharing them with the next generation. But beneath the glow of nostalgia, there’s a carelessness about their build that makes them fall short of expectations.

Cinders breathes new life into a tired fairytale in a way that is smart, dark and funny.

The puzzles in Iris.Fall can sometimes be momentum killers, and they will likely cause some players to leave the game unfinished despite its short duration. However, those who stick with it will be rewarded with an experience that never ceases to visually delight (and reward) the player.

John Wick Hex was a great experience. Players looking for a straightforward third-person shooter should probably steer clear of the game. But it was so much more than I expected for a game based on a movie since they decided to add the strategic element rather than a straightforward third-person shooter. The strategic component of it is where the game shines.

Remember when Fire Emblem games focused more on story and combat than on fishing, construction, and class studies? So do the developers of Dark Deity, an SRPG that survives some annoying bugs and UI issues to provide a satisfying, briskly-paced adventure.

Cute, quirky and playful, Togges is a light-hearted romp around a fun and colorful universe that encourages you to think differently.

The Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse remaster is a constantly creepy, often infuriating survival horror game that has the misfortune of following the superior Maiden of Black Water on the Switch. Fans of the series and Japanese horror in general should be glad they finally get to play it, but those with low patience thresholds will do better to not step foot on Rogetsu Isle.

While technical issues can hinder the experience, they don’t eclipse the overall brilliance of the turn-based RPG, Virgo Versus the Zodiac. With some patches to address glitches and the addition of an auto-save feature, this game could reach even greater heights.

If you’re a fan of puzzle/exploration, or sci-fi games and you don’t have the money to afford a spaceship, I highly recommend checking out Deliver Us The Moon. While the game lacks typical sci-fi stuff like alien creatures and other-worldly monsters, it’s a fun adventure filled with surprises, that will make you want to keep playing.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S is a colorful combination of two popular puzzle games with plenty to keep you busy. A robust story mode and chaotic multiplayer matches are very entertaining. If this was a new gane, it would receive higher marks. I’m glad it’s on the Switch 2, but it’s a shame there’s no upgrade option for owners of the original Switch version.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is a fun game fans of the 3D platforming genre should check out. It’s easily one of the best licensed games to come out in a number of years. Visually, the game looks like an episode of the TV show, with super vibrant colors and worlds that are full of life. There’s also the great humor found within the game, reminiscent of the early seasons of SpongeBob when the jokes felt clever. That said, it’s not without its faults. Ultimately, the puzzles and combat—two major areas of gameplay throughout Cosmic Shake—aren’t great. The puzzles are incredibly simplistic and never change as the game goes on, and the combat just feels off throughout the entire game. Neither thing is a game breaking element, but they do take away from a fun experience. In the end, if you’re a fan of 3D platformers or fan of SpongeBob SquarePants, there’s enough fun to be had in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake that you should check out.

Altogether, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 innovates upon the original titles, creating the first fully-rounded Ultimate Alliance title. The depth provided is welcomed, even if it did leave less time to polish synergy attacks and the camera controls. Whether you are looking for a Marvel game or just want a fully-fledged RPG, there is fun to be had with Ultimate Alliance 3.

Considering the limitations of the Switch’s small screen and physical setup, Colors Live offers a pretty good range of tools and functionality for a low-cost painting game. It doesn’t have the capabilities serious artists will want, but its accessibility and daily challenges provide a fun way to get some drawing practice in and stay creative.

With better aesthetics, all DLC included, and new puzzles, this 3DS port has a lot going for it. LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy – Deluxe Edition is a great series debut on the Nintendo Switch, and it should excite fans of LEVEL-5’s long-running series. It’d even be a good starting point for first-time Layton players.

Overwatch is an awesome looking game and a pretty good addition to the Nintendo Switch’s library and with more than enough content to keep any player busy for a long time. While versions on other platforms feel more precise, this Legendary Edition is worth the $39.99 cost if you’re a fan of the genre looking to play both at home or on the go.

Etrange Overlord is one of the more unique action RPGs I’ve played in quite some time; hard to not be when the game is basically a musical set in hell. Its unique gameplay elements, cast of characters, and sense of humor carry it through when the action and setting start to wear thin.

SNK GALS’ FIGHTERS will find success on the Nintendo Switch by appealing to nostalgia. Those who can appreciate what this 2D fighter did back in the day should still appreciate it now, shallowness and all. Especially at only $7.99, considering an original cart could find you spending hundreds.

While the gameplay gets repetitive after a while, Monster Prom XXL has unique characters, a fun art style, and interesting twists for the dating sim genre.

If you want your fix of Sherlock and don’t feel like whipping a book open, this game is a safe bet to whet your appetite. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments has a ton of charm, uniqueness, and freedom, and with the right gamer, this will be a dream.

Overall, Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon EVERY BUDDY! is a fun game to play, though the story and some of the characters could have been done better.

Confusing marketing and a visual choice that impedes while in motion will probably alienate potential customers. The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED] is targeting a narrow audience, with a 2-bit CGA graphics gimmick. Some will enjoy it a great deal. Others, like myself, will develop eye strain, and end up reaching for FLASHBACK instead.

Misc: A Tiny Tale is a very cute game with a surprisingly profound and impactful story that transforms cleaning up the world around you into an adventure.

Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Heart of The Forest offers adventure and visual novels fans a slow buildup of character development, interpersonal relations, and plot, then a really quick finish with an anticlimactic ending that left me wondering, “Was that it?” Its saving grace is that you play through more than once to see where you can take the decisions and how your character will end up.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are fine enough remakes for reliving some memories and sharing them with the next generation. But beneath the glow of nostalgia, there’s a carelessness about their build that makes them fall short of expectations.

I was really looking forward to Mario Strikers: Battle League, and for the most part it has been a worthy successor, but it’s a little hampered by the complexity of the gameplay. Even scoring goals can be a bit difficult overall. Soccer is definitely not known for high-scoring affairs but it is simply too difficult to score goals in the time allotted. This does seem to be different from what I remember in the previous games. It was a bit easier to score goals and that is definitely missed. There’s a balance that sports games need to strike, but Battle League does tend to be just a bit more difficult. Still, there is a lot to love about Mario Strikers: Battle League, but it almost made me want a remaster of the first two games more than anything.

Shady Part of Me is a game that puzzle platformer enthusiasts will most likely enjoy. But when all’s said and done, it looks like this will stay in the shadows compared to the indies it takes ideas from. It’s fun at the time, but ultimately forgettable.

The Perfect Pencil mixes a really cool hand-drawn style with a dark, symbolic story about inner struggles. The gameplay follows a familiar Metroidvania formula, but creative enemy designs and the analysis mechanic keep it engaging. Frustrating save points hold it back a bit, but it’s still a solid and slightly unsettling experience.

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain is a fun way to exercise your mind, with short and sweet activities presented in a cute and cartoony way. It plays similarly to previous entries, but it’s still enjoyable, especially for new audiences. Or even if you’ve just missed Dr. Lobe’s style of brain training.