Overall, Pine Hearts is a short and (bitter)sweet title. If you’re looking for a new cozy adventure that tells an amazing story in a sensitive manner, then certainly give this one a go.

Bird Game + is a pleasing experience with a beautiful soundtrack, simple graphics, and fun mechanics in the gameplay. It’s serene with some intense moments. It’s something different and definitely worth a try.

Dandy Dungeon ~Legend of the Brave Yamada~ is hilarious and fun! Anyone in the family can pick this game up and have a good time. This game is best played by lovers of humor and RPGs.

Alien Isolation provides an utmost emotionally pulling experience, and runs flawlessly on the Nintendo Switch. The game truly is a testament to what can be done by third-party developers and porting studios.

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.

From great musical and visual presentation, to smooth fluid gameplay and unlockable content, bundled with online co-op play, Streets of Rage 4 is an absolute blast to play. Not disappointing in the least, it’s more than just the finest addition to the series; it’s the best in the genre, in my opinion.

Game Dev Tycoon is the business simulation strategy game you never knew you needed, providing smooth controls, well-balanced management, and fun gameplay.

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.

Kraino Origins is a brief platforming game that allows plenty of room for replayability. It’s challenging enough to keep going without wanting to rage quit. The graphics are charming, the music is fun, and the controls are simple and smooth.

I don’t give many games a score of ten. That is reserved for experiences that are so gripping and mechanics that change the landscape of a franchise. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope does just that. Every moment I wasn’t playing Sparks of Hope, I was thinking about it. And for a studio to take a proven formula, shake it up, and try something new is risky but rewarding. I can’t recommend this game enough.

Metroid Prime Remastered is an amazing return of Metroid Prime and one of the best video games released for Nintendo Switch. Its masterful remaster takes an already amazing game and enhances every detail for modern audiences. Its amazing graphics, improved environmental and character details, smooth gameplay presentation and modern control scheme make Metroid Prime Remastered perfect for anyone wanting to get into the series or longtime fans looking to get back into its high point. There’s really nothing bad to be said about Metroid Prime Remastered. It’s one of the best remastered games Nintendo’s ever done and at $40, it’s an absolute steal for the high quality experience you’re going to get. Don’t hesitate for a moment, go out and buy Metroid Prime Remastered.

It’s the compelling interplay of thrilling story, memorable characters, enjoyable puzzles, and stunning presentation that ensures Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged will become a top choice for a new generation of players. Let’s hope the sequel (and the rest of the series) finds a home on Nintendo hardware. It’s 2024, and my game of the year is a graphic adventure first released in 1996. Go figure.

Pokémon Pokopia is cuteness overload with low-stakes, but still an intriguing story. You’ll never run out of anything to do and put hours of fun into this game.

It’s the compelling interplay of thrilling story, memorable characters, enjoyable puzzles, and stunning presentation that ensures Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged will become a top choice for a new generation of players. Let’s hope the sequel (and the rest of the series) finds a home on Nintendo hardware. It’s 2024, and my game of the year is a graphic adventure first released in 1996. Go figure.

Death’s Door is a fun and unique action-adventure game with appealing scenery and music. You can pick it up and play on the go, and although the controls require skill, it’s easy to master.

In 2019, I thought I’d seen everything that top-down action-rpgs could dish out. Sparklite is nothing short of a happy surprise, offering new spins on a time-honored genre. From its beautiful graphics to its addictive gameplay, giving this fresh entry anything less than a perfect score would be criminal.

Jisei: The First Case HD is a classic murder mystery with amazing art and voice acting. The story is intriguing and engaging, yet not too complex. If you enjoy visual novels and murder mysteries, this game is a must.

Will You SnAIl? is an expertly crafted action platformer, with gripping gameplay, a heart-wrenching futuristic story and a villain you can’t help but love to hate.

So maybe Nintendo will never make a truly great Paper Mario ever again. Lucky for us, Moonsprout Games may have cracked the chemistry of what many fans actually want from the series in Bug Fables. If you’re still mad about Sticker Star, or you’re still reeling about Color Splash, do yourself a favor and nab this masterpiece as soon as possible, and see what all the buzz is about. Rest assured, that even if Origami King turns out to be a dud, 2020 will see at least one great game with Paper Mario mechanics…even if it doesn’t bear its name.

Northgard is a fantastic, well put together title. I found it to be challenging enough to keep me at it, but not over the top and unbalanced. Vikings conquering, smashing, and crushing enemies is a lot of fun! Get this game if you’re an RTS fan, it’s a must-have.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with The Turing Test and have no complaints about it. I think it was a solid port from Square Enix Collective and it gives me hope for their future games that come to the Nintendo Switch. The puzzle gameplay is some of the best in the genre and it’s further enhanced by the creative level design. If you are looking to learn more about Alan Turing’s famous test or just simply want to add a puzzle game to your Nintendo Switch collection, The Turing Test is a no-brainer. Honestly, The Turing Test is one of the best puzzle games I’ve ever played! It is literally ‘out of this world’.

This game holds a fun, mysterious narrative with quirky characters. Expelled! will keep your attention for many hours.

The Swords Of Ditto: Mormo’s Curse a very fun RPG that’s well thought out and excellently put together. For RPG and Zelda fans, this is a must-have for a modern take on a retro theme.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed is an absolutely essential component of the Xenoblade Chronicles trilogy. Combat and exploration are tightly refined to keep things moving along, so there’s never a dull moment unless you choose to take a breather. The story relies heavily on nostalgia for its emotional moments, but fans will be pleased that some of the loose ends are finally tied together, albeit with knots they likely didn’t expect.

Fans of the original are sure to enjoy this excellent, faithful update with quality additions and improvements. Yet, I’m even more excited for those who’ve never played this one. Beyond the notable balance and pacing successes, this game excels with characters, locales, and plot developments. With little to complain about and much to celebrate, Super Mario RPG is a delight, one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played on the Switch. Not to be missed.

Don’t look at Chained Echoes as a throwback to the 16-bit JRPGs of yesteryear, just look at it as an amazing game with an engaging battle system and wonderfully paced story. You can also look at it as one of the best Nintendo Switch games of 2022.

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.

Tents and Trees is a phenomenal logic puzzler with a never-ending amount of content.

Mario Kart has been the king of kart racing for a long time. These latest additions only serve to further cement this title, with stunning visuals and engaging gameplay that bring a smile every time; it’s just that good.

Deponia is full of humor, funny puzzle-solving, and with a setting that I thoroughly enjoy in fiction. For anyone who likes point-and-click adventures, this series is one for you.

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood is an immaculately constructed game, with gorgeous design, realistic characters, rich emotional punches, and choices that genuinely resonate through the narrative.

OneShot: World Machine Edition is an awesome game with memorable characters and an interesting story that will challenge your brain and make you think. If you like Undertale, puzzle games, or a great story, then I highly recommend checking out OneShot!

Hades is a complete package. The writing will make you laugh, the gameplay will make you smile, the bosses will frustrate you, and the art will make you stare in awe. All of which combined makes Hades a must-play, and once you start, you won’t want to stop.

Altogether, My Friend Pedro is a speedrunner’s paradise, offering a charming story with good gunplay for its price tag. But if you are looking for pure replay value you won’t find that here (unless you are a speedrunner).

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Luigi’s latest adventure. The Nintendo Switch is already home to plenty of great games, but Luigi’s Mansion 3 falls under the “absolutely essential” category. If you own a Switch, you simply have to give this game a whirl.

I can tell a lot of passion went into this game. There are just so many details, and the character’s personalities are really reflected in body language and vocals. I would highly recommend you check out Tange Tower. It’s amazing!

There are some aspects of Pokémon Sword and Shield that feel like they’ll reach their full potential in the next generation, but overall the game is fun, pretty and has a universality to its appeal that is genuinely impressive.

Gorgeous from start to finish, The Cub is a short but hugely entertaining 2D platformer that has been crafted with love to be not only a fun game to play, but a fantastic piece of satirical art that does not pull its punches in its critiques of contemporary reality.

There are some aspects of Pokémon Sword and Shield that feel like they’ll reach their full potential in the next generation, but overall the game is fun, pretty and has a universality to its appeal that is genuinely impressive.

There are some aspects of Pokémon Sword and Shield that feel like they’ll reach their full potential in the next generation, but overall the game is fun, pretty and has a universality to its appeal that is genuinely impressive.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD gives a misunderstood title in Nintendo’s celebrated franchise a well-earned second shot. If motion controls and lack of polish turned you off this game the first go around, now’s your chance to give this adventure a try. Like all great remakes, it’s got some serious QoL upgrades and not an insignificant amount of graphic upgrades as well.

Neva is a stunningly beautiful game, with jaw-dropping artwork, a heartbreaking yet hopeful narrative, and incredibly creepy enemies that are very satisfying to destroy.

Unicorn Overlord is one of the best tactical strategy RPGs to have been released for the Nintendo Switch. Maybe one of the best games, period. No matter which series first made you a fan of the genre, Unicorn Overlord will help you discover that thrill all over again.

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.

Those with no interest in the Japanese idol industry may be alienated by how deeply Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE: Encore digs into it (I’m sure I missed a lot of jokes), but I can’t imagine there are Nintendo gamers out there who aren’t interested in Japanese entertainment. Don’t seek this one out specifically as a Fire Emblem game, but fans of Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, or JRPGs in general should love it.

Overall though, Metroid Dread is excellent. MercurySteam has more than proven themselves to be a worthy steward of the 2D Metroid games. They understand the genre and what fans are looking for from Nintendo’s bounty hunter extraordinaire. Metroid Dread is simply a must-play title for newcomers and fans alike.

While a few nitpicks hold it back from absolute perfection, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is an amazing collection and a definite must-buy.

Teslagrad Remastered heightens and celebrates everything that made the original 2D puzzle platformer special in a way that has ported expertly to the Switch without losing any of the charm or magic.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons hit every checkbox for me. It’s clear in their handling of New Horizons that Nintendo truly cares about this series and understands its value to its audience.

As poignant and important as its predecessor, Not Tonight 2 utilises its addictive gameplay and rich storytelling to tackle some of contemporary America’s most divisive issues in a way that manages to stay fun and humorous.

Donkey Kong Bananza is one of the most creative and fun titles. Ever. The smashing, music, co-op, upgrades. The smashing. This must-play Switch 2 title has set the bar for years to come. Do yourself a favor and play Donkey Kong Bananza as soon as possible.

Pikmin may be a somewhat overlooked Nintendo franchise, but it’s also consistently one of their best. Pikmin 4 is arguably the best game in the series, making it a perfect place for newcomers to start. And if you’ve played the previous games, it’s a fantastic reward for your patience between releases.

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.

With over 100 levels to battle through, plenty of loot to collect, numerous bosses to take down and even some prisoners to rescue, Barbearian will keep even the most seasoned of adventurers very busy and highly entertained for quite some time. Besides, who doesn’t like hacking at sword-wielding skeletons?

The pitching mechanics have improved, the base-stealing is light-years better than before (it actually takes good timing and skill to execute), and the game’s performance is excellent. There were only a couple hiccups I experienced, but that was in online play which could’ve just been connection related. If you’ve been looking for a great baseball game to play on the Switch, Super Mega Baseball 3 should be your first choice. They’re also offering a free demo that allows you to play the online Pennant Race mode, play the Exhibition games, and access to player customizations. Hope to see you in-game sometime soon!

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a gorgeous game with fast-paced action, an enormous, beautiful world to explore and a solemn story crafted very well.

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.

If you’re a fan of either the Borderlands or Payday series, this game is a must try for you.

I have yet to play a game that needed a Definitive Edition as much as Xenoblade Chronicles, and it fully delivers. It’s a game no JRPG fan should miss, and a version that no JRPG fan should bypass for a second or third play-through.

Horace is a pitch-perfect puzzle platformer that expertly balances addictive gameplay with its moving tale of a robot trying to discover himself in a world that makes no sense. It knows why we love video games, and it confirms we’re right to do so.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses was a long time in the making and, thankfully, was well worth the wait. It’s impossible to put down, bringing a deep story that involves true character development across a diverse cast, all voiced to perfection. It looks glorious and has epic turn-based battles to boot. This is a must-own game for every Switch owner.

With circuits spanning new and old entries in the series, Wave 6 marks a well-balanced end to the Booster Course Pass. From humble beginnings on the SNES to the most recent Tour courses, this collection feels like the perfect combination.

Fire Emblem: Engage will be welcomed by longtime fans who’ve felt disenfranchised by the direction of recent Fire Emblem games. The battlefields are clever and challenging, the visuals are outstanding, and the social stuff—although mostly unnecessary—isn’t so invasive as to bog down gameplay. The story may be perfunctory, but it’s hard to care when you’re having so much fun unleashing Twin Strike on your enemies.

Spellbreak is the battle royale-styled action-adventure title that magic wielders have been waiting for! Its vibrant and beautiful landscapes make the world feel like something out of Breath of the Wild, and the unique classes and abilities make each hard to pick a favorite.

What it lacks in an actual narrative, FILMECHANISM makes up for in everything else. With its addictive puzzles, simple yet thought-provoking mechanics, catchy soundtrack, and retro but modern 8-bit world, you have the complete package when looking for a 2D puzzle-action game.

Super Mega Baseball 4 has a bit more competition on the Nintendo Switch than it used to with the likes of MLB The Show 22 and MLB The Show 23 but it’s still the king of arcade style baseball games. Since MLB has moved beyond the R.B.I. Baseball series, there’s really not much else in this genre. If you’re looking for a fast, fun, easy to pick up and play baseball game, Super Mega Baseball 4 is gonna be right up your alley!

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town, I’m happy to report, strips away the fat, leaving behind the sort of lean mean farming title fans crave. The new additions and streamlining made an already fantastic experience on the GBA into a near-perfect one on the Switch.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World breathes new life into this fantastic platformer. Whether you enjoyed the original outing or missed it the first time around, do yourself a favor and check out this game.

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.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land takes the Kirby series into 3D in a wonderfully designed, bursting with personality adventure. It might not be the most challenging game you ever play, but there are enough secrets in the game to leave anyone going back for more. Its beautifully designed environments, characters and overall humor make Kirby and the Forgotten Land a game that leaves a smile on your face. Its co-op mode is a bit of an afterthought, lacking any power-ups or true definition of what the second player is doing on your adventure. However, those with smaller kids wanting a first-time platform in a game to play, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is perfect for them. If you’re planning on playing solo, then Kirby and the Forgotten Land is one of Nintendo Switch’s must-play 3D platforms. It’s simply too fun of an experience for anyone to miss!

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.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma’s greatest accomplishment is its ability to pile so many gameplay elements into one big adventure, and to make all of them feel integral and organic. Whether you’re farming, fighting, exploring, or romancing, every task—like the game itself—feels like it’s worth completing.

Unlike many remakes glutting the market, the existence of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World makes complete sense. After all, many gamers in the west never got to delight in what is likely the best entry in the Wonder Boy/Monster World series. How does this fancy remake play? Imagine for a second that Zelda II: Return of Link was good. That’ll get you pretty close.

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.

Please Touch the Artwork is a colourful and clever puzzle game that you can power through in an afternoon or so, but lingers with you for a long time afterwards.

Astral Chain is a wonderfully fun and ambitious action title with a great gameplay hook that improves the more you master the basics. It’s yet another example of why PlatinumGames continues to be one of the best in crafting a unique action-adventure hack-and-slash.

Zen Studios bring a top-notch level of quality that you’d expect from a company established in video game pinball supremacy. Whether you’re a casual fan or a pinball enthusiast, you’re bound to find enjoyment with Star Wars Pinball. This package is a real bargain on Nintendo Switch too, with replay value as high as Bespin’s Cloud City. Zen Studios has done the Star Wars license proud.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the Mario game we didn’t know we wanted. This long-running series is no stranger to new mechanics and Wonder adds to the list with a completely fresh take while staying true to its roots. Simply put, it’s a joy to play.

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.

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!

Zeroptian Invasion is a fun game to pick up and play on the go. The controls are easy and the levels themselves are challenging, making for a good time.

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.

Although the storyline is a little dry, and the graphics could use some work, Pokémon: Legends of Arceus is an extremely entertaining title. It hooks you, inviting you to research every inch of the game. It’s challenging, and the Pokémon are fun.

Viewfinder provides a visually appealing, aurally relaxing environment in which to work through some very clever puzzles; the way you get from A to B is a really nifty twist. If you like the “wander around and figure things out” kind of puzzle game, I can give this one a hearty recommendation.

It Takes Two is a great co-op game to add to your Nintendo Switch library. It could even be something fun for you and your special someone to do on rainy days, or even a weekly date night. I would have really loved some side quests, or collectibles, but I still had a great time playing It Takes Two.

Simulacra is a very clever game that, despite the simplicity of both its premise and gameplay, immerses you into it and doesn’t let you go until you’ve solved the mystery.

A provocative and technical feat, Terra Nil stands out from games with a similar environmental setting. It requires you to think creatively and intelligently about the challenges faced by the natural world, and it leaves you with a realistic vision of what humanity needs to do to change the world for the better.

Stilstand is an interactive graphic novel that accurately captures the minutiae of despair and loneliness through a darkly funny and absurdist story.

If you haven’t made room in your crowded wish list for DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age, do so now. You don’t need to take my word that it’s one of most enjoyable Switch releases of the year, you can hit up the eShop for the demo and let the game’s first 10 hours speak for themselves.

Banner of the Maid is a highly unique entry in the shoulder-to-shoulder “thin red line” of turn-based JRPGs available for Nintendo Switch. Its alternate take on the French Revolution provides a wonderful backdrop for some of the best strategic gameplay I’ve experienced since Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn. Vive la France!

Arcade Paradise—a mashup business sim / retro arcade throwback—is one of those indie gems you look forward to telling other people about. If you’re a fan of the ’80s laser and chrome aesthetic, put on your puffy jacket and download it today.

Cook, Serve, Delicious! 2!! Is the ultimate food tycoon-management game, and the best one on the platform to date. I would recommend to anyone looking for a game like this to ignore those cheap budget food tycoon titles springing onto the Eshop as of late, and instead, save up a few more dollars to purchase this game instead.

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

Liberated tells a poignant story through a beautifully drawn series of comics that seamlessly integrates simple but captivating gameplay.

As a whole, the Nintendo Switch version of Sifu is very good. The action fighting game has a reliable theme, good visual elements, interesting combat with smooth mechanics, a decent challenge level with a multitude of controls/moves, and a solid story.

Dollmare is a deliciously creepy game that executes simple gameplay in a thoroughly effective and unsettling way. The unnerving story combined with an absorbing routine makes for a fun, if brief, experience that delivers a lot for such a low price point.

The Switch 2 port of Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is nearly perfect. It looks beautiful, plays wonderfully, and will keep tactical stealth gamers engaged for playthrough after playthrough. We need more games like this.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a splendid return to form for the series. The developers have done a terrific job with an original story and a visually impressive title that’s well implemented on the Switch. The smooth gameplay, terrific map system, and satisfying combat and exploration make this a must-play for genre fans.