Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a joy to see out 2020 while we wait for the next Zelda.

It’s not flawless, but what they’ve done here is take a character who’s been out in the wild and bring Donkey Kong back home, with Nintendo putting its own stamp on DK in a fresh new way. Like Breath of the Wild and Odyssey, Nintendo has taken a cornerstone character, thrown out most of the rulebook, but kept the soul. Donkey Kong Bananza feels like a blueprint for DK’s future, and a reminder of how ambitious and richly designed Nintendo’s games can be. Bananza is here now, though—and it’s really something special.

Capcom has lovingly crafted a collection of some of their best fighting game work. Everything runs as it should, and you can customise it to look how you want. It's adjustable for those who have been playing these games their entire lives, while still being welcoming to someone who just wants to see what all the fuss has been about.

Wargroove has given us the closest thing we’re going to get to a new Advance Wars. Nintendo could’ve brought the developer onboard and branded this as an Advance Wars spin-off and made long-suffering fans very happy. I am very happy what we got with Wargroove, if anything I want more of the characters and that gameplay. Who knows, maybe through the campaign creator there’ll be even more stories shared through the community that do the proper story justice.

Death's Door tightly packs a challenging action-adventure into some of the more enjoyable ten hours of 2021. It's a game deserving of the hype and spots on game of the year lists. Unfortunately, there aren't any difficulty options to help make the game more accessible. While it is a challenging game, it's a challenge that you feel you can overcome as you unravel what is going on in the department.

Quake is still a fantastic game all these years later; it's a pure first-person shooter experience without the fluff. Like the Doom ports before it, we've got a complete package here. An extra stuffed campaign, cooperative play, deathmatch locally and online, voice chat, and display options are all for a meagre price tag. Quake is a lesson on presenting an older game so everyone can enjoy it now and into the future.

Company of Heroes is another one of those Switch ports you probably didn't expect, nobody asked for, but in the end, you're happy it's here. We've got this real-time masterpiece on the Switch. It won't be for everyone, and learning the controls can take a bit, but it looks great and is still fun to play, even without a keyboard and mouse.

So, like, well done Hyper Jam. It’s mirror polished, competent and great fun. It’s maybe not quite complex enough to devote your life to mastering but I think it nails the best quality a game like this can have - I pulled my non-gamer housemates out for a few rounds and they were able to pick it up and even start beating me within fifteen minutes, so I spent an hour practicing on bots afterwards to make sure it wouldn’t happen again. That’s how you know you’ve got some good multiplayer on your hands.

Nintendo’s bold gambit of trusting one of their most precious franchises with Brace Yourself Games has paid off in creating an essential Switch experience. Cadence of Hyrule is a wonderful musical adventure, giving The Legend of Zelda series a delightfully fresh perspective. Also, if you didn’t already know Danny Baranowsky, you do now. It’s a bloody good time to be a Zelda fan.

Sam and Max: Beyond Time and Space is an exceptional throwback to the glory days of Telltale Games. Foiling schemers and scammers’ deviously stupid schemes and saving the world has never been so entertaining. The game was hilarious in 2007 and holds up far too well today, frankly. Along with added touchscreen support on the Nintendo Switch, Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space is a first-rate remaster of an adventure classic.

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is a brilliantly niche title. Apart from Jet Set Radio 20 years ago, it seems no one has attempted to capture this kinda 90s/2000s skater-graffiti counter-culture in a video game since. And I'm glad that Team Reptile did, because Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is just what I was hoping for! Fully sick!

Far from being yet another deckbuilder, Nowhere Prophet cleverly innovates on established gameplay elements to produce a heartily challenging and compelling card game worthy of standing alongside the best of the genre.

Enter the Gungeon is dangerously easy to jump back into for ‘just one more game’. It’s been out for a while on other consoles, but it is the perfect fit on the Switch as you can try and squeeze in another run for the gun wherever you may be. With great pixel art filled with personality, appropriate music, and fun gameplay, it’s not hard to sink many hours into Enter the Gungeon.

Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 are tremendous games and remain among the best Mario experiences. The packaging here on Switch between the two games is a little mixed, with controls never quite matching the originals and odd graphical quirks that ideally should be fixed. However, the games themselves do all the talking, and playing them again is an experience you simply need to have.

Fe is just a beautiful, ambitious game that takes a lot of established ideas and puts it all together to make a thoughtful, enjoyable experience. While there are a few moments of frustration, the game still trusts you to learn and grow in your own time, making for a unique package.

I’m not sure definitive edition does it justice, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive edition is the ultimate version of what was already a great game. How many other games can be replayed as a traditional top-down 16 bit RPG?

Persona 3 Portable is probably the best game in the Persona series, even if it feels a little dated at times. A fantastic story told with restraint and great care, tackling some heavy themes and doing an incredible job. It’s compromised, sure, but it’s wonderful nonetheless.

Ori and the Blind Forest remains delightful on Switch in 2019 with a near-flawless port of one of the most beautiful games made in recent years. Playing this in handheld is an absolute treat.

Persona 5 Royal is, as Persona 5 always has been, an incredibly solid experience on Switch. Royal is the very best version of the game, with tweaks and additions that make it a big step up from the original. It’s still far too long, and the added content certainly doesn’t ease that pain, but if you can push through it, you’ll find a game that stands at the top of its genre.

Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is hands down one of the best titles in the puzzle platformer genre. It’s packed densely with charm, enjoyable gameplay, and some damn good puzzles. The combat leaves a lot to be desired, and there are times when it can be unbearable, but that’s a price worth paying when the rest of the game is so astonishingly good.

If you couldn’t tell by this point, I love Killer Queen. I had no trouble getting into it and I know there’s so much to learn in terms of strategies and gameplay styles that I could never be done with it. Everything plays super tight and nearly every match I played gave me those Good Sports Endorphins that come with a down-to-the-wire struggle. Play this one. You’ll have a good time.

Overall I highly recommend Dungeons of Dreadrock 2 for anyone who likes pixel games, mystery or puzzles! You’re in for a challenging yet fun time that you can pick up and put down without any worry.

Golf Story is a completely charming game and is packed with great humour, tons of content and simple but fun Golf mechanics. Even if you don't particularly like Golf there's still a ton of fun to be had. Golf Story offers one of the most compelling packages on the Switch eShop and is up there with the best the store has to offer.

Resident Evil Requiem manages to keep the series moving forward, even when it looks back to its past. Seeing how good Requiem looked and how well it ran, I have hope in seeing new Capcom games continuing to hit the Switch 2 day-and-date with the more powerful consoles. If you love Resident Evil games, then you don’t need me to tell you to get this game. If you’re looking for the right time to dip your toe into the Resident Evil waters, then Requiem gives you enough of the scary and shooty parts the series has kept going this long.

Mario & Luigi Brothership is a joy to play, as well as an excellent entry in the Mario & Luigi series. Even as the Switch era is sailing towards new waters, it is a real treat to see them release such amazing games. I hope it gets all the attention it deserves in spite of being released on the tail end of the Switch's lifespan. If you haven't had the opportunity to play a game from the Mario & Luigi series, this is as good a jumping-in point as any, and this is a must-own for long-term fans of any of the Mario RPG entries.

I’ve dragged myself through Pokémon games in recent years, but not with this one. Pokémon Arceus Legends is the future of Pokémon games. It’s the game we’ve all been waiting for for years, with a new and fun way to catch Pokemon, a story that adds to and pulls from Pokemon lore and a region you can genuinely get lost in. Pokemon Legend Arceus is Pokémon, evolved.

With plenty of challenge and freedom to play the way you want, Mark of the Ninja’s staying power as one of the best stealth games available is a testament to its incredible design. Packed with all the previously released content, Mark of the Ninja: Remastered on Switch is perfect for first-timers, plus anyone looking for another playthrough.

Paradise Killer is absolutely bonkers weird in the best possible way. It is soothing to play at your own pace, with a brilliant soundtrack, rewarding collectibles and a deep, complex mystery to unravel. It is one of the best games I have played this year.

Astral Chain is up there with Platinum’s best games. Once jumping into the story I wanted to keep playing, looking forward to seeing where it would go next. For everything I’ve written here, there’s still so much I feel I’ve left out. While it’s a long wait for Bayonetta 3, Astral Chain is an outstanding game on its own. If you’re a fan of action games or sci-fi anime, Astral Chain is a must buy.

Overwhelm, to me, is one of those small, must-play games that does so much with very little. I’m surprised by how much I genuinely enjoyed the game, and hope more people will give themselves the opportunity to play it. The game isn’t long - with unlimited lives and ammo switched on, it can be beat in under an hour - but replayability with default settings and new game+ will keep hardcore players busy. Overwhelm is one of those small, hidden gems that I’m really hoping won’t be so hidden after all.

Pokémon Sword and Shield are not without their problems. But beyond the rubbish online play and uninspired late-game routes, and beyond the controversy surrounding them, they’re simply the most fun I’ve ever had with Pokémon. The story is wonderful, the creatures themselves are all fantastic and adorable, and Max Raids will absolutely never not be great fun. And if you can overlook the fact that these games aren’t the generational leap that some expected, you’re sure to find something special in them.

Pokémon Sword and Shield are not without their problems. But beyond the rubbish online play and uninspired late-game routes, and beyond the controversy surrounding them, they’re simply the most fun I’ve ever had with Pokémon. The story is wonderful, the creatures themselves are all fantastic and adorable, and Max Raids will absolutely never not be great fun. And if you can overlook the fact that these games aren’t the generational leap that some expected, you’re sure to find something special in them.

Pokémon Sword and Shield are not without their problems. But beyond the rubbish online play and uninspired late-game routes, and beyond the controversy surrounding them, they’re simply the most fun I’ve ever had with Pokémon. The story is wonderful, the creatures themselves are all fantastic and adorable, and Max Raids will absolutely never not be great fun. And if you can overlook the fact that these games aren’t the generational leap that some expected, you’re sure to find something special in them.

Super Punch Patrol is a simple game. Its visuals are simple, its gameplay is simple, its music is interesting but largely unassuming. But despite its simplicity, it manages to be something a little bit magical. Sure it's quite challenging, and sure it may kick your butt more than a few times — but it's a game where everything just feels right. It might not be for you, and it might not even be for me, but it'll always be fun as heck.

Rocket League is an indie success story, and to have it in the Switch's library year-one is terrific. Look at all the jaggies you like and mock the lower resolution the game runs at if you feel the need, but this is Rocket League, portable and it runs beautifully. Everything is here, nothing has been missed and there are bonuses for Switch owners not only with exclusive Mario cars and hats but also the ability to take it anywhere. A feature that cannot be overlooked. Rocket League is a really deep game. Following the clichéd easy to learn, hard to master approach holds Rocket League in good stead. You're going to want to put in the hours to be the best you can - but the only thing that's really going to stop you is sleep. You're not going to put this one down.

Loco Motive is a fun and funny murder mystery adventure. For the small quibbles, it is a really enjoyable trip. I recommend Loco Motive in a heartbeat to anyone who enjoys a good point-and-click adventure, or even if you just thought the game looked fun. With such a good first release, I look forward to seeing what Robust Games comes up with after this.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined revitalises an old classic with a loving overhaul to allow everyone to enjoy this adventure across time. This new take comes with a lovely visual style and other additions and tweaks to bring this story to a new generation. I definitely wouldn’t complain if Square Enix continues with the Reimagine for some of the following sequels stuck on older Nintendo handhelds.

Xenoblade Chronicles is exactly what it purports to be; simply the best way to play a beloved classic. A decade on, Xenoblade Chronicles is just as fantastic on Switch as the day it launched, despite some minor failings. Sure, it can get a bit ugly at times, and it's still a bit rough around the edges, but at the end of the day, between its gigantic quality-of-life changes and a fantastic new story chapter for long-time fans, there's little else you could ask for.

GRID Autosport is an easy game to suggest to anyone who is a car fan, as there is just so much content to experience. The number of racing types is large and while there is not a lot of variety in them, as you can move from one discipline to another, it means you are not stuck in one for 12 hours. The game manages to run quite well, with visuals that are some of the best on the Switch, especially with the high-res pack installed and while there is no multiplayer, yet, there is still plenty of events you can enjoy on your own.

The World Ends With You has always been a fantastic game, and it's at its best in the Final Remix on Switch, even if the optional motion controls don't quite do it justice. Its story, presentation, battle systems, and music are all incredible, and there's nothing out there quite like this. Whether you're a newcomer to the game or a veteran from the DS days, there's no better time than now to play TWEWY.

On paper, it might not look like there's a lot to this game, but with the addition of two new worlds, time attack, co-op play and the ability to scale the difficulty should you get stuck - there's plenty on offer for everyone. Now, a new generation can experience Mario vs. Donkey Kong.

Bowser’s Inside Story is a colourful, innovative and witty RPG adventure with a thoroughly engaging combat system; one of the best Nintendo DS games is now one of the best Nintendo 3DS games. Bowser Jr.’s Journey is a welcome - if light - addition to the package. However, most importantly, the main game remains the ultimate Mario & Luigi experience for many more reasons than introducing us to Bowser’s love of fried chicken and cheese.

Planetarian won’t be for everybody, but don’t mistake it for just another story of dating waifus or shock horror. planetarian is here for those who crave a good read, a short story with a tremendous amount of heart and sincerity that will leave you with something to ponder for years to come. It’s as heartwarming as it is heartrending, and it’s bound to leave even the most hardened readers shedding tears by the end.

Tropical Freeze is a pinnacle of modern 2D platform games, offering an immense challenge while improving on the original, much revered original trilogy. Funky Kong’s inclusion is clearly well-intentioned. If you know you’ll need it, Funky is a fantastic way to open the game to new audiences who might have bounced off the game’s difficulty.

Nightdive knows what they’re doing with these releases, and it’s great to see Heretic and Hexen updated for a modern audience—whether that’s people discovering them for the first time, or people like me coming back after too many years. There are plenty of changes here for the better, though a few weird ones too, like some maps being different. Still, that shouldn’t stop you from having a great time if you’re a fan of the era.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is Kingdom Battle but all grown up. The battle system has evolved to something more dynamic, and the game's overworld, characters, and presentation have been taken to the next level. You don't have to be a big strategy nerd to enjoy Sparks of Hope, as there are difficulty and accessibility options to let you enjoy just the funny story. Sparks of Hope has a lot of heart, is funny and fun to play, but that shouldn't be a surprise anymore.

If you're a fan of horror, willing to accept some gameplay elements left behind by modern games and somehow haven't played any of the previous versions of Resident Evil, you really owe it to yourself to give this a try.

Unravel Two is a sheer delight. You can feel the love and care that went into crafting every fibre of this heart-warming adventure, and the emotional bond between the Yarnys resonates every step of the way. With a stunning range of sights to see, a beautiful soundtrack and a meticulous blend of challenging yet accessible puzzles, you can’t help but fall in love with this game. This is still worth your time if you’re playing solo, but if you have a co-op companion to join you, this game should be an essential part of your Switch library. Don’t miss it.

WarioWare Gold serves as both an excellent tribute to the series’ fifteen years of absurdist humour as well as the perfect entry point for new fans. Comprising of some of the best microgames the series has had to offer, WarioWare Gold represents the best way to experience the zany eclecticism that is WarioWare. It’s just a little bit of a shame that if you’re not into chasing scores, it’s all over all too quickly.

Eastward is a masterful title sure to put Pixpil on the map. The pixel art and animations are top notch, the characters are brilliantly well-written and the story intriguing. The gameplay is perfect blend of RPG and action-adventure and there’s so much game to play. Not to mention the entirety of Earth Born. Eastward should be high on any indie fan’s watchlist!

If you’ve been waiting for a Thousand-Year Door remaster/remake for many years, let’s not pretend you’re not already getting this when possible. If you are still reading because you just want to be sure, you can relax; Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is still a great game. Paper Mario is not only still a great game but remains one of, if not the best, Paper Mario games. If you haven’t had the chance to play this game when it was first released, you’re in for a treat. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is not only a classic Mario RPG but a must-buy for the Switch.

The Great Ace Attorney feels like a passion project where Shu Takumi gets to explore his interests in Japanese history and classic literature, while developing a new cast with no baggage. His team also gets to flex their muscles with improved technology and a bigger budget, providing a keen sense of style that’s unlike anything else in the series. It shakes up the foundation of the Ace Attorney formula with a gripping story bolstered by interesting mechanical improvements. While Ryunosuke and Susato have a clear, contained story across the two games I would love to see more of their adventures in the future.

Returns is great, but I am so ready for a new Donkey Kong, whether it be a Country game or something else. We’ve had this game for 15 years and yes it stands up, Tropical Freeze we’ve been treated to twice as well. Now Returns is available to play in the best way possible, so if you’ve never dipped in there’s no better time to, but if you’ve already played this before there’s nothing new here really for you. Still a modern classic.

If you've played Skyrim before, you'll have a pretty good idea of what you're getting into here. It's the same game you know and love, and even after six long years it still holds up amazingly well. Despite suffering from the same issues that have plagued Skyrim since it first launched, the Switch version of Skyrim is an amazing game, filled with lore and adventure and tonnes of dragons. If you haven't played Skyrim yet, the Switch is the perfect place to start, with portability and exclusive features making this one of the best portable RPG experiences on the market.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a great remake, made even better by being on the Switch. While the skaters and stages may have aged, they’ve still got it. Hopefully, this is the game to revitalise the Tony Hawk games; even some more remakes would be excellent. With Vicarious Visions now working on other projects, hopefully, Activision can keep the momentum going and usher in a new era of great Tony Hawk Pro Skater games. It might’ve been a wait, but the Switch is the best way to sneak in another run.

Metroid Prime Remastered gives a classic game a new lease on life whilst simultaneously building anticipation for the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4. For now, we all need to keep our fingers crossed that Nintendo is giving Prime 2 and 3, and more GameCube games, this level of remaster treatment. If you've only gotten into Metroid in more recent years or played Prime back in the day, this game is worth checking out.

Burnout Paradise Remastered is nearly everything you would want from not only a racing game but a Switch port as well. Paradise City is a car playground and filled with fun. The Switch port looks, runs and sounds almost perfect. Glad to have Burnout back on a Nintendo system, and in such good form.

Intelligent Systems and Koei Tecmo have come together to create an absolute masterpiece of a strategy game. RPG elements have been seamlessly integrated into the Fire Emblem series and all the additional activities that can be partaken in just add more to the characters in this world. The main draw for the Fire Emblem series, the combat, is the best it has ever been. It has its minor issues, but what game doesn’t? I can’t recommend Fire Emblem: Three Houses enough, it is one of those titles that we will still be discussing in a decade’s time.

Pepper Grinder is a great little title. I truly enjoyed my time churning my way through the sand and sea as this drill duo. And I usually prefer salt!

There's a lot of fun to be had in What The Golf. Don't like golf? Neither does the game itself; the golf is just the delivery method for some entertaining puzzles. I don't often go back and go for full completion with games, but What the Golf made me do this for the first time in a while. Great fun from beginning to end.

Pokémon Pokopia is a surprisingly thoughtful love letter to the Kanto region, and the Pokémon world as a whole, wrapped up in delightful, cosy sandbox gameplay. It gracefully walks the line between familiar and fresh at every point, taking few missteps along the way and delivering one of the best Pokémon spinoffs in decades.

Pikuniku is a strange little game. It’s unique, hilarious, and extremely fun, but it shines most when it’s played with a friend. It’s a little on the short side, and some of the campaign’s level design is basic at best, but there’s no shortage of charm on display, and it’s hard not to walk away with a smile on your face.

Fast Fusion’s least exciting mechanic might actually be the one in its name — the fusions themselves are fine, but let’s be honest: we’re all here for more anti-gravity racing that pushes the Switch 2 to its limits — and we’re only a couple of weeks into the system’s life. For the hardcore, there are the added challenges of Time Attack and Superhero modes, but for everyone else who just loves a good race, Fast Fusion still delivers the fun.

Hitman: Blood Money - Reprisal is exactly what I was hoping for. A classic stealth game that still holds up. Easy to pick-up and easier to replay. It's a stable experience and even brings something new to the table, but isn't in your face with it. But additions, tweaks and whatnot aside, it's just bloody great to have Hitman: Blood Money on the Switch.

FAR: Lone Sails is one of those special games that does so much with the small amount of time it asks for. Completing it in one or two sittings feels entirely achievable, and has just enough depth to its gameplay to feel engaging without being bothersome. The experience it delivers is a wholesome jaunt through the end of the world that put a smile on my face and warmth in my heart.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD manages to smooth over practically every rough edge of the original release and offer a vastly better experience from start to finish. I truly expect this remaster will bring the game's reputation from the maligned place in history where it currently sits up towards the upper echelon of the series where it belongs. Much like how the small town of Skyloft sits in the clouds above an enormous world below, looking beyond the surface of this remaster reveals a revitalised adventure with so much more to enjoy than you expect. Even if you didn't like it ten years ago, I implore you to give it another chance. It just might surprise you.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World takes the best Kirby game ever made and builds on it, cementing the game’s place as the turning point for the series towards loftier goals. Improved graphics and a bump in frame rate make the game’s already excellent art style look and feel even better, and the new stages, while more of the same, are even more fun than the base game. It’s a brilliant game made better in just about every way, and well worth the upgrade.

It feels like Pikmin 4 revitalises the Pikmin series. Bringing Oatchi along for this new adventure improves navigating the oversized world and its many dangers. Nintendo has managed to make the series more approachable than ever whilst not holding back on swiftly wiping out your entire party if you get caught up in a surprise attack. Not only is there plenty to do, but it's all enjoyable enough you want to 100% every area. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a fair wait until the next Pikmin game, but it'll be hard to top Pikmin 4.

Graphite Lab have crafted something really special on the foundation of a classic. A tight puzzle-platformer with an unique and expertly executed premise, qomp2 is a stroke of genius 50 years in the making.

Link's Awakening, all these years later, is still an amazing Zelda title, it's a flood of nostalgia for those who have played it before, and if you haven't it's not one of those "old games" that people say were good, but they're just clouded by nostalgia. The slowdowns in the framerate is a little blemish, as that's the kinda thing that doesn't hold up over time. But with the limitations of the Game Boy removed, modern graphics and art, all new music — Link's Awakening continues to the littlest Zelda title with the biggest heart.

This magical mashup of genres is certain to impress fans of both twin-stick shooters and old-school action-adventure games. With a sweet story and setting to boot, definitely keep Trigger Witch on your radar.

Backpack Hero is an excellent roguelike. With its unique inventory mechanics, cute cast of characters and seemingly endless gameplay possibilities, this is one game you oughta stuff into your backpack!

If price is no issue to you, and you’re looking for one of the best narrative-based shooters in modern gaming, BioShock: The Collection is an absolute banger of a bundle. In total, you’re looking at at least 40 hours of game time, with each entry building upon what came before. And if you’ve never played the series, with Switch being your main gaming device, you’re sure to have an experience unlike anything else that’s come before or after.

If you’ve played New Super Mario Bros U at all before, there’s not a whole lot of reasons to go back. It’s still terrific 2D Mario title, and it’s aged gracefully, with only the slightest of nips and tucks along the way. Just don’t go in expecting anything more than what you got in 2012. On the other side of the coin, if you’ve never played it before - you’re in for a treat. It’s a more accessible Mario if you need it to be, and if not, the difficulty is still there if you’re a longtime fan. Still, a new, New Super Mario Bros. after all this time would have been nicer.

Citizen Sleeper is rich with ideas and atmosphere, and loves to tease you into its world. Don't be put off by the text-heavy gameplay if you enjoy a dystopian sci-fi setting with solid worldbuilding and some tight role-play mechanics.

Hades is a triumphant take on roguelites and without a doubt a top-shelf example in the genre. The game is always unfolding and you always feel like you’re progressing, even if you get smacked down a short way in. It’s aesthetically beautiful and challenging enough to spur you onward without feeling impossible. I can’t recommend this enough to anyone looking for a new single-player dungeon crawler.

Fire Emblem Engage is an adventure I wanted to keep going, with characters you want to get to know even while the land is becoming mired in war. It feels like a celebration of the series’ past combined with a whole new story. I recommend Fire Emblem to fans and anyone who likes a good strategy RPG.

Dungeons of Dreadrock is a fantastic puzzle game that's unlike anything else I've ever played. It's a truly unique experience, twisting genres and building on its own mechanics to create an experience that is both incredibly satisfying and near-impossible to put down. It's one of the best puzzle games on the Switch, and easily in the top ten on PC and mobile too.

Ender Lilies artfully weaves the Metroidvanias and Soulslikes genres in a dark fantasy setting, inviting the player to fully explore all of the secrets (and endings) of Land’s End.

Despite it being all these years later, Advance Wars fills the same spot in my life as it did when I was a kid. A game I can play on and off whenever I have a chance - the reasons for it have just changed with a small child now. With a refreshed looked and sound and just a sprinkling of quality-of-life updates on top of two amazing games, Advance Wars: Re-Boot Camp continues the trend of remade games from Nintendo's past that are solid but just need that little freshen-up for the modern player. Re-Boot Camp is suited for newcomers to the series and veterans alike. Come join the Advance Wars fan club; there are dozens of us.

Star Wars Outlaws is a wild space adventure. It feels like a part of the Star Wars universe as opposed to just trying to shoehorn Star Wars into a mismatching game. If you get overloaded on big open-world games, that is still a risk here, although finishing the game isn’t dependent on getting too bogged down either. Star Wars Outlaws is another great game to show off what the Switch 2 can do when devs get the opportunity to make it work for the hardware.

Dredge is a dark, engaging Switch experience that, unlike some of the three-eyed creatures you may pull up from the depths, feels perfectly sized. It balances serenity with risk, exploration with accumulation. A dreadfully good experience that cements Black Salt Games as a developer to watch in future.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a more than competent and enjoyable racer. Even with its big CrossWorld mechanic, it still feels pretty traditional when compared to other big mascot racers like Mario Kart World and Kirby Air Riders. While it does have its fair share of flaws, ultimately most of them won’t matter while you’re having a high-speed, multi-vehicle race through Sonic-themed race tracks.

A DK-lover’s delight, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Donkey Kong Adventure condenses the best parts of the base game into a single, self-contained experience. A narrower focus on three characters enhances the strong tactical experience while keeping the goofy Mario & Rabbids charm. Musically, Kirkhope’s best-of compilation elevates DK Adventure to a must-play for Donkey Kong enthusiasts.

It really can’t be overstated how significant it is that we have a working, portable, fully-fledged edition of Madden on the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s incredible that the game works as well as it does. There are trade-offs such as lower resolution and lower frames than other consoles, but those don’t allow you to play the game portably this well. The on-field action is smooth, and every mode allows for significant investment. I highly recommend picking this up, especially to see EA continuing to support the Switch 2 with its sport games.

Sam & Max The Devil’s Playhouse wraps up the (formerly) Telltale Games series, giving us more of the Freelance Police duo while changing up enough to keep a third game fresh. The remaster treatment makes the game look and sound better, but is still very much the same game. Luckily, it also happens to be a good one! If you haven’t played one of the games in the series before, this is a strange point to jump in – go play the other games first. For longtime Sam & Max fans, you’ve likely been waiting for this re-release already, but it’s worth checking out this conclusion to the series.

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is the biggest shake-up of the Lego game formula while also cramming nine movies into one game, like stuffing Luke into a Tauntaun. It won't be the way you remember the old levels for long-term fans, but they give you the universe to traverse in between adventures to keep you busy for hours.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War was a great and necessary story and game in 2014, and that stands for 2018 too. Not everything is perfect and it’s not for everyone, but there is great value in the story it tells and what can be discovered about a time overshadowed by the Second World War. If you want a game that’s doesn’t celebrate War but wants to teach you the futility of War, then Valiant Hearts is that game.

It will be entirely up to you whether the writing and redeeming elements of the battle system suit your preferences, but I am absolutely glad I was able to give Paper Mario: Color Splash a chance.

Despite first appearances, I truly think Ironcast is something special. It's remarkably in-depth in everything it tries to achieve, and it pulls it all off without breaking a sweat. The steampunk setting is absolutely beautiful and executed well, and the game is an absolute joy to play over and over and over again. My only gripe with the game is that people will pass over it just for the match-3 mechanics it includes, and that's truly a tragedy.

Perfect for fans of intricate time-looping narratives, The Sexy Brutale is a brilliant mystery puzzler brimming with extravagant character. It's unfortunate this masquerade romp couldn't mask its technical issues on the Switch, but if you enter this mansion of debauchery with a dose of patience, the reward will be a memorable tale orchestrated by a roaring soundtrack.

All in, SteamWorld Heist is a fantastic entry in the turn based strategy genre. The visual style is trademark SteamWorld and shines on the Wii U, while the gameplay feels more direct and impactful thanks to it’s reliance on player aiming rather than chance.

Little Nightmares is a dark, gripping and unsettling horror game. It succeeds in transporting you to a place where you’ll be biting your nails and sharing every pounding heartbeat with your on screen counterpart. Some frustrating sections can pull you out of the moment and the game mechanics themselves are not particularly original, but the much like the grotesque inhabitants of the Maw this game will grab you and not let go until the end.

Fae Farm breaks the mould by introducing a variety of elements that work in the context of a farming RPG, while at the same time introduces many fantasy elements that just make this different enough to stand out from the crowd. There are some technical hiccups that can be ironed out in future patches, but even if you’re sick of farming on your Switch, I do recommend checking this one out.

Framed Collection is a welcome addition to the Switch eShop. If you've ever played them before there's no real reason to play them again on the Switch as there are only minor changes. For those who haven't, it's terrific fun while it lasts but you'll probably want to play it handheld. A terrific package.

PGA Tour 2K21 is all you could want in a golf game, the relaxing yet sometimes maddening game of golf is recreated here perfectly in digital form. This year's game with the 2K flair and added authenticity of real players and even more real courses propels the game further. If you're at all into golf, you'll be into this, and if like golf just a little bit you can now get into HB Studios's golfing mastery.

Stacks On Stacks (On Stacks) is a simple concept that's made even more fun with silly and fun presentation — and being able to play it with someone else at the same time. Stacks never lets itself get stuck on one idea for too long, which is good, but you'll blast through the entire game, possibly in a lazy weekend. Stacks of fun while it lasts.

Get this one for Colour Picross - it's great fun and worth a bash if Picross is your thing at all. If you're new, get this for the great amount of content. It'll keep you busy for 30+ hours and it's only $15! No-one's going to judge if you skip Mega Picross though.