TY the Tasmanian Tiger 4: Bush Rescue Returns is a strong platformer with a uniquely Aussie charm. A lot of care has gone into bringing TY’s fourth outing to life on the Switch, with delightful audiovisuals that immerse the player in the outback.

The appeal of BBG Entertainment’s Astrosmash remake is not in what it modernizes, but in what it retains from the original. Although it looks good and runs great on the Nintendo Switch, its best feature is how accurately it recreates the feeling of playing it on the Intellivision in the early ’80s.

Bokura is a clever co-op game that makes use of an unusual play structure and innovative puzzles to deliver a story about friendship and contemplations about the human existence that stays with you.

While I very much appreciate the efforts game developers put in to entertain (and maybe educate) us, Ultimate Games’ Castle Renovator falls flat in early every way. If one of the selling points is that you can “Choose the shapes and designs of flags and pennants,” you know you’re in trouble.

For history buffs, especially the military history wonks, Company of Heroes Collection falls in “must-have” territory. The game has multiple difficulty levels so you can ease your way into it and replay for a while to test your skills, and the Switch control system doesn’t get in the way as much as you might expect. If you like a good RTS or you like a good WWII game, this is a very good title to have in your Switch library.

Quantum Recharged is likely going to appeal only to the Atari faithful or die-hard retro game players. While it’s a very simple game to learn and play, there just isn’t that much in it to keep you invested for any long amount of time (unless you want to climb the leaderboards). It’s great for a five minute burst, which fits well on Nintendo Switch. Yet, like a lot of the Recharged series, the new additions of things like “Mission Mode” highlight how there isn’t much you can add to these older games. It’s a fun experience that will likely have a limited appeal.

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.

Touhou: New World is the refreshing, fast-paced RPG you didn’t know you wanted. If you’re after something a little lighter and a little different, this one might be worth your time.

Despite a few bugs and oversights, The Making of Karateka has become one of my favorite releases in 2023 and should be considered unmissable. Playing this interactive documentary, packed with history and fun remastered works, can’t help but make one wonder what Digital Eclipse plans next. How about a deep dive into Mechner’s later work, The Last Express?

Whatever the season, Xtreme Sports can offer a bit of fun in the virtual sun. But, you’ll likely play for just a few minutes here and there, spread out over time. The small number of events leads to a repetition, making it struggle to maintain interest. The extras in this Switch port barely register, too.

Dynablaster adds a modern sheen to the original Bomberman gameplay. Key-collecting mode is fun, and there’s some multiplayer value. But this release—originally intended for the Intellivision Amico—doesn’t otherwise do enough to justify its asking price on the Switch.

If you’re a fan of RPGs, then Rhapsody: Marl Kingdom Chronicles will be up your alley. You’ll enjoy the graphics and fun music with simple gameplay mechanics.

My Little Universe is an adventure game in which you explore 9 different planets to restore them back to their original environments by collecting materials and expanding resources. You can upgrade your tools, fight monsters, and discover new materials in this casual tycoon-like game.

A relaxing and satisfying cleaning simulator, Fresh Start channels a serious environmental messages through a simple, if repetitive, tour of a planet.

A Tiny Sticker Tale is a cute game in which you play as a little donkey who explores new areas, collects many stickers, and helps people along the way. The explorative puzzle/adventure gameplay is super fun, and not too challenging; its simple style makes it easy to complete, leaving you feeling accomplished and happy.

BBG’s remake of the Intellivison’s Shark! Shark! works better as a multiplayer game than a solo experience, but you have to be into its simple, chill vibe. Younger/newer players will stick with the game longer than those seeking more frenetic battles and challenges, but it’s priced accordingly.

If you’re a hardcore fan of Deadliest Catch, you might—might—eke some enjoyment from the video game version’s lazy simulation of the tasks. However, you’d have a much better time just watching the show with a controller in your hand, and pretending. You might get a more responsive experience, too.

The ball is still in play in Pinball FX, and we hope it doesn’t wind up in the drain early. While fun, it’s a clear step back from FX3 visually on the Switch, and in terms of content. New players should still have a blast, but for existing fans, Zen Studios has let us down.

Super Bomberman R 2 is a fun return to the world of bomb-toting multiplayer madness. It’s easy to recommend for the Battle Mode alone, but there’s also a solid Story Mode to keep you entertained, despite some design flaws.

Manic Mechanics is a fun party game with friends. Solo adventures can grow dull, but the gameplay is still chaotic with solid controls and unique levels.

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).

Tiny Thor is a cute, colorful 2D platformer with a fun, nostalgic style. But an over-reliance on genre tropes and under utilization of its mythological source material mean it doesn’t stand out from the wealth of similar games.

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.

Overall, Mr. Run and Jump is a colorful, tricky platformer that will get your heart racing. If you relish the challenge of replaying levels until you get them right, or collecting everything in sight, you’ll get a kick (and a run and a jump) out of this one.

A strikingly beautiful game, Chants of Sennaar takes you on a journey through a number of finely crafted cultures that challenge your puzzle skills and absorb you fully into the looming secrets of the labyrinth.

Rune Factory 3 Special is a life/farming simulation game originally released for the DS in 2009. Remade, it’s now playable on the Switch. Fight monsters, grow and harvest crops, sell loot, cook, fish, and raise your relationship levels with the villagers in this very interactive and fun game.

The arcade games that comprise Taito Milestones 2 may not be well-known, but that doesn’t mean there’s no fun to be found here. The collection focuses heavily on shoot ’em ups and platformers, and the best titles come from those genres. The brawlers, unfortunately, are best left forgotten.

Moving Out 2 provides more of the same slapstick shenanigans in a world of clumsy movers and fragile items. The silly humor is present and accounted for with more levels to conquer while you laugh along. The developers have played it safe with minor changes that improve the experience overall.