Spica Adventure pulls off the unique trick of making you feel nostalgic for a game you’ve likely never played before. Kinetic, frenetic, perhaps even system syncretic, it’s a fun call-back to the heyday of chipper action platformers.

Overall, Back to the Dawn is fantastic. There’s so much to do that you’ll be kept busy for many, many hours. I found myself thinking about my in-game plans before real-life bed – it just gets in your head. The retro graphics, fun characters, and seemingly endless quests all add towards a game that’s well worth your time.

Overall, Tokyo Scramble is a decent survival game. It’s a little rough around the edges, with a few graphical hiccups. The cute dialogue doesn’t always fit in, but then again, this is Tokyo! It’s the perfect setting for such a quirky game, and I enjoyed discovering what was hiding around each corner. I’d prefer a third, easier mode, or some way to mitigate the tricky sections with hints. But otherwise, this was a much better experience than I’ve read about online.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream thrives on chaos, creativity, and offbeat humor, offering a constantly evolving experience that improves on the original. It isn’t deeply structured, but that unpredictability is where the fun comes from. While future updates and larger DLC would help reduce repetition, its charm still holds strong. It’s a unique and worthwhile pick for anyone wanting something fresh and different.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a natural fit for the Nintendo Switch 2 in both presentation and gameplay. It could (and should) have done a bit more to introduce newcomers to the elements of this world, but it offers a charming, occasionally dark adventure that will fully engage players once they settle in.

Dread Delusion is a first-person action RPG that conflicts with the genre at nearly every turn. The visuals, pacing, and gameplay create a wholly unique experience that won’t be for everyone. Those who connect with its general vibe, however, will get a game they’ll want to discuss repeatedly with anyone who’s played it.

Overall, The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest is a fun experience that’s light on the metroidvania aspects. It’s well designed and executed, if a little short. This makes it an easy way to pass a few hours, and it scratches that exploration itch. It might be a little crude at times, but The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest was a game I think I’ll remember in a sea of similar titles.

Trash Goblin is a cozy sim in which you play as a goblin in charge of a travelling cart. You find, clean, and upgrade different kinds of antiques—from trinkets to weapons—and sell them for a profit. Help local townfolk, get to know different creatures, and enjoy the fantasy elements as you upgrade your tools and shop, becoming a master of your craft.

SHINONOME ABYSS The Maiden Exorcist is a roguelite action/puzzle game that changes up the approach to each. It presents a fun environment that challenges players to be inventive with limited resources, creating a rewarding experience for those who aren’t put off by the game’s deliberate pacing.

Overall, the Switch 2 edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a lovely update that provides plenty to do. While some fans will lament the lack of much content for solo players, remember this is basically DLC. I, too, want a new Mario outing; for now, this is a pretty fun addition to a wonderful game.

The roguelite action game, Devil Jam, can be a bit of a grind to start, but it has potential with some interesting strategic elements, battle effects, and heavy metal approach to gameplay. It’s a respectable “not bad”, but it may need a little help.

Dragon Spira will keep you busy with plenty to do in this JRPG, including a solid storyline and fun gameplay mechanics.

As expected from Flynn’s Arcade, Living Dead House is another retro action game that perfectly captures the look and feel of an ’80s arcade machine. The gameplay may start to wear thin after a bit, but like the era it emulates, it offers tremendous fun a few rounds at a time.

Dispatch is a generally well-crafted game with a fun storyline, interesting characters, and clever decision-making mechanics. The dispatch minigame at its core is also genuinely fun, but the game overall would benefit from the possibility of failure to give it higher stakes and make your effort feel truly impactful.

Overall, this is a disappointing port of a promising game. The game is virtually unplayable but I hope a patch will fix these issues, along with a Switch 2 compatibility update.

Woolhaven is a solid addition to the base game, adding so much that it feels like a sequel. The development team has done a fantastic job expanding the lore and keeping fans invested in this cute-yet-deadly world.

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.

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.

Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club has its issues. That said, the Peanuts fan in me could often overlook them. The charm and feeling of childhood innocence that this game offers carries much weight. The formula is a winner and is only a few changes away from being outstanding. I hope to see it return in an expanded sequel, perhaps with difficulty options, and definitely a bit more polish. Don’t let this game fall victim to the Kite-Eating Tree.

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.

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.

Capcom delivers an aesthetically pleasing world that’s fun to explore in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Whether riding your monster, scaling cliffs, swimming, or digging, the game offers variety that keeps you busily exploring. The plot and some gameplay systems can feel slower-paced at times. But a likable cast and entertaining side quests bring balance.

As a fan of the Ridge Racer series, I’m happy to add Rave Racer to my collection. It’s a challenging game that should keep me returning as I aim to shave seconds off my best time. I recommend it to fellow fans, while those less invested in the series should probably wishlist it for a future sale.

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.

Modest though it may be, Poker Night at the Inventory proves to be as fun as ever. And while it’s easy to wish for more, the game is only $9.99. To quote Strong Bad, that’s “Chump change, I say. Chump change!” The game’s charming personality guarantees you’ll be busting it out for a tournament or two every now and again.

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.

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.

The idea behind this game had the potential to be an important game with a genuine message made accessible and engaging, but it undermines its own premise with weird humour, awkward gameplay and far too many sloppy details. It’s clear Saborus was incredibly lazily made.

Prison City is a high-quality game in the NES mold, and its difficulty reflects that. But there are more than enough options, so most gamers will find some genuine enjoyment. And if you were an NES kid, you’ll enjoy this Retroware release even more! Newly updated and now with a physical edition, don’t overlook this game if you initially did. Whether you’re a collector springing for a physical copy or someone looking for a good value digital game, Prison City is great fun for fans of challenging retro-style action platformers.

Scott Pilgrim EX offers plenty of lighthearted fun, fast-paced fighting, character variety, and replay value. Any negatives are very minimal, and usually revolve around varying personal preferences. This is a worthy addition to your adventure/brawler library.

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.

Overall, Resident Evil 7 biohazard Gold Edition is a fantastic return to form for the series. Sure, it’s a few years old now. But if you want the true Resident Evil experience ahead of playing Resident Evil 9 this is a great entry that’s well worth your time. Just keep the lights on if you’re playing at night. What was that sound…?

Clue: Murder by Death is a modern take on the classic board game, bringing 3D graphics and open world exploration to the mystery solving. Investigate the scene, interview suspects, and eventually present your case, all within only two hours. Unfortunately, there are numerous bugs within that timeframe.

Pinball M – Bethesda Pinball is a unique collection of tables that impressively incorporate design and RPG elements of the video games that inspired them. Pinball aficionados may take issue with various elements, but should enjoy the unique challenges each table presents.

Bye Sweet Carole excels at beautiful art that echoes the style of early animation, but its tension is undermined by poor pacing and clunky controls, and any goodwill towards the spooky atmosphere is ruined by the game-crashing bug that freezes the game midway through.

While other compilations are more robust, Super Bomberman Collection is still a blast with its seven games on offer. The solo gamer in you will have fun in smaller sessions, and grab some friends for a local battle or couch co-op (no online play), and you’ll have an even better time.

Overall. Mario Tennis Fever is a terrific entry in this long-running series. It adds a new gimmick that doesn’t distract from the game yet balances the playing field. Plus, you can turn it off if it’s not for you. With plenty of multiplayer modes and a decent solo adventure, this is a title that will satisfy even the most disgruntled of Mario Sports fans.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, while still good fun overall, is a letdown, both as paid DLC and a standalone release. The upgrade pack, though inexpensive, is underwhelming and of questionable value, with most additions feeling minor and unpolished. And if you somehow missed the original game, you’d best have a strong answer to the question “Why start now?”

Revolgear Zero goes beyond the token shoot’ em up in many ways. Its weapon system has depth, and what it lacks in length, it makes up for in replayability. It’s a fun game to play solo, and even more fun in co-op. I’ll keep an eye on Bikkuri Software and hope their next Nintendo release will have its glitches ironed out.

Dark Auction is a graphic novel with point-and-click adventure elements. You play as Noah, a man who enters an auction to avenge his father. Throughout the game, you’ll explore, chat, and complete orders, all while solving puzzles to uncover the mystery behind your father’s life and death.

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.

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.

GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition is a robust, lovingly developed arcade racing game that looks and plays wonderfully on the Switch 2. The live-action story is goofy fun, but the thrill is in the racing, and you get an incredible number of ways to take part.

Cassette Boy is a unique little adventure that will keep you thinking over the course of its short runtime. The classic look sparks nostalgia for older gamers, with a sweet story that could have been fleshed out further.

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.

Ninja Gaiden II remains a memorable and well-made game (great in respects). But it’s showing its age, even among some of its 8-bit contemporaries. This release is recommended for NES fans, especially those who grew up with it, and can better tolerate its accumulated quirks. Others may consider waiting for a sale, unless you want to support Console Archives from the outset, since the game is also available on Nintendo Switch Online.

Console Archives Cool Boarders is a good re-release of a classic title, but it’s best enjoyed in shorter bursts. I truly enjoyed it for the nostalgia of that era, even more than for the game specifically. You might want to wait and see what’s next in the Console Archives pipeline, depending on your tolerance level. But if you were a mid-’90s PlayStation kid like me, “the thrill of navigating cliffside courses” is probably worth $11.99.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is an ambitious game that’ll delight fans of the series and CRPGs in general, but not on the Switch 2. Bugs and performance issues abound, constantly slowing down the already intricate story and party management systems.

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.

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.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins offers thrilling action that looks great and performs wonderfully on the Switch 2. It’s likely the most intense musou combat Nintendo gamers have ever experienced. It’s also the most complex, and the management details will lessen the thrill for some players.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon bends and cracks under the weight of what it must carry as we begin the final chapters of this massive story. But its components—familiar and new—hold up well enough to entertain those who have followed the series so far.

While the story isn’t needed, RANDOMAX is packed with fast-paced bullet hell action with short bursts of addictive gameplay.

Hero Seekers is a solid JRPG. The story is strong, though the gameplay doesn’t quite match its energy and feels bland after a while. But if you like RPGs, this title is worth a try.

Reus 2 is a slow, thoughtful god game where you shape planets and watch civilizations react to the world you create. It focuses more on experimenting and learning than fast action or strict rules. The Switch controls can be a little clunky, but once things click, it’s a relaxing and rewarding experience. It’s best suited for players who enjoy chill, creative strategy games over constant excitement.

Winter Burrow is easily one of the cutest survival games out right now, expertly combining the tension of enduring a harsh environment with a cosy sense of home. The art is adorable, the characters are wholesome and the story is well-written and moving.

Absolum is a strong roguelite with enough content to keep you busy for hours and fun characters to try out. If you’re a fan of beat ‘em up games with challenging bosses, then certainly pick this game up.

Montezuma’s Revenge – The 40th Anniversary Edition is not a pleasant experience. That may be the point, judging from the title. But, save for one key decision, the updates here somehow make this version seem even more dated than the 1984 original.

A Game About Digging a Hole is exactly as it says. So, if you’re looking for something a bit more engaging, I wouldn’t recommend this game. However, if you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and easy game in which you can mindlessly dig, sell resources, and upgrade your tools, it’s perfect.

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.

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.

Adventure of Samsara is a true metroidvania in every sense of the word. Sprawling maps, tricky combat, collectibles, upgrades; it’s got it all. Things may start slowly, but there’s a worthy adventure lying beneath the surface.

Let’s Sing 2026 offers a strong karaoke foundation buried under unnecessary complications and technical missteps that significantly impact the overall experience. If you were lucky enough to get the physical bundle that includes a USB microphone, you might get some enjoyment out of this game despite the unavoidable DLC issues.

While the puzzles could have been done better, the storyline in Call of the Sea is top notch with fantastic voice acting and atmospheric sounds.

A solid, portable way to experience Hitman Absolution. It has a few flaws, but the motion controls, fair price, and upcoming Contracts Mode make the Switch port worth playing.

The gameplay of Dragon Ruins II is as simplified as its graphics, but don’t let that fool you; there is a lot of fun to be found in its gameplay loop. Genre fans may find they actually prefer Gravrobber Foundation’s old-school approach to dungeon crawling.

Gloomy Eyes provides a gently creepy experience that should appeal to younger gamers seeking a light puzzle/adventure challenge. Because of its short playtime and disappointing Switch visuals, however, consider its price (and perhaps other platforms) before exploring its gloomy, yes, but heartwarming world.

The tactical RPG Demonschool was certainly worth the wait after numerous delays on the Nintendo Switch. The game’s puzzle-based combat and comedic tones distinguish it from the retro influences it honors with a loving wink, and it never wears out its welcome.

Williams Pinball: Scared Stiff is a solid machine that makes a fun (although maybe overpriced) addition to your Pinball FX library. Its busy playing field exacerbates the dim lighting that Zen is now forcing us, but Elivra is the Mistress of the Dark, after all.

Elvira and the Party Monsters embraces its campy theme, with a bright and vivid presentation, backed up by an impressive audio package. This table offers plenty to keep you busy, with a range of scoring challenges. It’s arguable if it’s worth the launch price of $9.99. But if and when you pick this up, don’t be surprised if your thoughts line up with Elviras’ invitation, “How ’bout another ball”?

If you’re looking for a lengthy, in-depth driving simulator, you won’t find it with Truck Driving. However, if you want to play something on-the-go or share it with a young kid, they might find enjoyment out of it.

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.

Chicken Run: Eggstraction is a solid movie companion game that picks up where Dawn of the Nugget left off, complimenting action platforming adventure with cinematic cutscenes rich with Aardman’s signature style and humour.

Don’t overlook Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree. It offers the same frustrations common to soulslikes, but its visuals, soundtrack, and story comprise an experience that can and should be enjoyed by a much wider audience. (With help from its friendly difficulty options, mind you.)

Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch may get off to a slow start, but the level grinding as you build up proficiency does bring some pleasant rewards. It may not be quite perfect, and many of the themes are “tried and true”, but this is a solid entry in the roguelike RPG genre.

Overall, Ball X Pit is one of the most fun games I’ve played this year. The bouncing-ball mechanic is a game-changer. Couple the addictive gameplay with the upgradeable characters and light sim elements, and Ball X Pit is easy to recommend.

Bad Cheese is a short psychological horror game that aims to evoke the chilling experience of keeping an abusive parent in a good mood. It has a great, old-school aesthetic, but could benefit from refining its pacing, mechanics and depth of storytelling to offer its fullest impact.

There’s no debating that the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Edition is a great bundle of stellar games. But are there enough improvements and new content here to justify a full purchase so soon after the original releases? That’ll mostly depend upon how much you got out of them the first time (or on how antsy you are for the next Yumia adventure).

The Cabin Factory is a horror walking sim that somehow combines the frights of isolated cabin hauntings with the terrors of the 9 to 5. It does become repetitive and sometimes feels unfair, but remains entertaining enough for the hour or two it’ll take to complete it.

Strange Antiquities is a gorgeously designed game that uses a shop management setting to explore the compelling story of a community ravaged by occult monsters.

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots clearly needed more practice before teeing off on the Nintendo Switch. Thankfully, some necessary updates have significantly improved the game; however, one could argue that even more improvements are desired. I’m glad I held off on this review, because now (as a fan of video golf), I can appreciate it as a pretty good and content-rich title. Those less forgiving of its restrictive unlockable structure might bump it down a point, and wait to grab the game on sale.

If you prioritize up-to-the-minute aesthetics, Pokémon Legends: Z-A — and arguably any title in the series — isn’t for you. Still, I can’t deny how much fun I’ve had playing this game. Its addictiveness triumphs over any minor issues. Real-time battles and entertaining side quests shine in Lumiose City. Launching at $70 with $30 of DLC might give some pause. But if you have a spouse or kids who will play this one too, the value is there, with dozens of hours of thoroughly satisfying adventuring. Don’t miss this release.

Full Metal Schoolgirl offers a sharp, satirical look at corporate life. It’s humorous throughout, but the roguelike, action-oriented gameplay does become redundant. I’d rather my time slogging be spent in an actual office I’m meant to survive, not a virtual one I’m meant to destroy.

Particle Hearts leans heavily into its visuals and overall presentation, and that was probably the right thing to do. The narrative is revealed slowly and with only gentle guidance, leaving players to explore and discover the game’s secrets at their own pace. By all means, take your time with this one.

If detail management is not your cup of tea, your experience with Cladun X3 may end in frustration. With that considered, this is a very well-built action adventure that provides enough fun and depth to occupy dedicated players for quite a while.

Roadwarden is a great, text-heavy, retro-RPG that rewards the player’s attention. Just give yourself a lot of patience with both the nuanced storytelling (great) and the limitations of the Nintendo Switch controls (irksome).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cats and Seek: Kyoto is a relaxing hidden object game that’ll be fun to play on the go. However, there isn’t enough content that’ll hold your attention for too long.

If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy game, Tiny Bookshop is definitely one to check out. It’s slow-paced, but has wonderful visual aesthetics and easy-to-manage gameplay mechanics.

Rise Eterna 2 doesn’t correct the UI issues of the original, but its brisk approach to gameplay and storytelling makes for a compelling and fun turn-based adventure. Fans of classic Fire Emblem games will feel right at home, and—more importantly—will enjoy the strategic elements that make it unique.

In most respects, PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC is the definitive way to play the best-selling sequel. But a few of the level and boss alterations prove questionable at best (especially the latter), and the easy (immune) mode is a sizable step back from its more balanced predecessor. Bandai Namco would be wise to address both in an update asap. The game mostly makes up for these mistakes with its aesthetic and control improvements. Add time trial leaderboards, two-player co-op, and plenty of new and returning extras with some fun unlocakables, and you have an adventure that might keep you playing.

Puzzle Quest: Immortal Edition doesn’t do much to distinguish itself from the previous version it replaces in the eShop. If you have that, you’re fine. If you don’t, this is a surprisingly deep, highly addictive match-three RPG that’s well worth the price.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 are still out of this world. This pair of classic adventures remind us why we love Mario’s 3D outings in the first place. For existing fans, the temptation to replay in this enhanced form is strong. For new players, this is a must-own title.

HYKE: Northern Light(s) places gamers in an attractive world with interesting characters, but doesn’t give them enough to do to really hook fans of retro RPGs. It’s a game worth playing and finishing, but easy to move on from.

Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus blends expert storytelling, interesting puzzles and finely crafted spooky pixel art to create a fantastic prequel game that leaves you wanting more of this insidious, addictive world.