Most anticipated Nintendo Switch games of 2023 and beyond so far

Here are the most anticipated Nintendo Switch games of 2023 and beyond so far. It promises to be another banger for the hybrid console.

As with most of my list, the feature has been restricted to a set number of Nintendo Switch titles. However, for the most part, they will mostly be exclusive or time-exclusive.

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Credit: Nintendo

It should also be noted that release dates and windows often change at a moment’s notice. The Nintendo Switch might not have as a packed schedule as its rivals.

However, that won’t stop the hybrid console from having some of the most highly anticipated games of 2023. That being said, here are my most anticipated Nintendo Switch games of 2023 and beyond (so far).

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

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It doesn’t matter what the generation is, The Legend of Zelda is always one of Nintendo’s biggest releases and Tears of the Kingdom will be no exception. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel to 2017s Breath of the Wild which was released for Nintendo Switch as well as the Wii U.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom promises the gameplay mechanics, challenging boss encounters and the freedom of exploration of its predecessor, and then some. 

Initially, much of what will be in Tears of the Kingdom is what director Hidemaro Fujibayashi and producer Eiji Aonuma were unable to implement in Breath of the Wild and its DLC. However, they will now get that opportunity in the sequel.

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Credit: Nintendo

At this time, we know little about Tears of the Kingdom, other than our assumptions. However, we do know that the sequel will feature floating islands to explore, perhaps taking inspiration from Skyward Sword

Link will also be able to soar the skies via some kind of mechanical bird, again, similar to Skyward Sword with the Loftwings. It also seems that Princess Zelda will also have more of an active role in the sequel.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will release for the Nintendo Switch on May 12th, 2023.

Metroid Prime 4

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Metroid Prime 4 is somewhat of an enigma at this point. Announced at E3 2017, it’s fast approaching six years since its initial reveal. Even at the time of writing, we’re still yet to see any gameplay. All we’ve been treated to is a trailer featuring a logo. That’s it.

Unfortunately, one of the main reasons why we’ve seen practically nothing on Metroid Prime 4 will be down to its troubled development. When the game was announced in 2017, it was being developed by Bandai Namco Studios.

However, in 2019, it was announced that Retro Studios will take over development. This means that the property was back in the hands of the developer that has been with this series since 2002.

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Credit: Nintendo

Metroid Prime 4 has had a troubled development

We have decided to re-examine the development structure itself and change it,” said Shinya Takahashi of Nintendo in 2019.

We have decided to have the producer, Kensuke Tanabe, work in trust and collaboration with the studio that developed the original Metroid Prime series, Retro Studios in the United States, and restart development from the beginning,” Takahashi explained.

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Credit: Nintendo

He continued: “We did not make this decision lightly. This change will essentially mean restarting development from the beginning. So the completion of the game will be delayed from our initial internal plan.

We strongly recognize that this delay will come as a disappointment to the many fans who have been looking forward to the launch of Metroid Prime 4.

Following that news in 2019, it’s all been quiet on the Metroid Prime 4 front. Hopefully, as we move into 2023, Nintendo might have news as to when Metroid Prime 4 will finally be released.

Pikmin 4

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Pikmin 4 arrives in 2023!

The Pikmin series is one of the most beloved and strange real-time strategy franchises out there, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

By the time Pikmin 4 arrives for Nintendo Switch, a decade would have passed since its last mainline entry. That’s excluding 3DS, mobile and remaster releases in between.

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Credit: Nintendo

In 2015, Pikmin creator Shigeru Miyamoto told Eurogamer that the fourth mainline entry was in development and it was “very close to completion”. Since that time, we’ve had further reassurances and knockbacks. However, it wasn’t until a Nintendo Direct event on September 13th, 2022 that we knew Pikmin 4 was officially on the way.

We were only treated to a brief 30-second trailer, but at least we could take comfort in knowing that the next instalment of Nintendo’s oddball RTS series was near. 

At this time, we do not have an exact release date for Pikmin 4, but we do know it will release for Nintendo Switch in 2023.

Octopath Traveler 2 (PC/PlayStation/Nintendo Switch)

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I know that Octopath Traveler 2 isn’t a Nintendo Switch exclusive but bear with me. When the first game was released in 2018, it launched first on the Switch before arriving on PC, Google Stadia and Xbox at a later date.

However, for me, Octopath Traveler always felt more at home on the Switch and I believe that the sequel will be no exception.

Octopath Traveler is an RPG adventure that pays homage to the JRPG of the Super Nintendo era with an entwining story, an immersive world, a charming cast of characters and beautiful “HD-2D” sprite visuals.

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Credit: Square Enix

Octopath Traveler 2 brings players back to the world of Solistia, only with a cast of new playable characters and what looks to be a more modern setting. As opposed to the original game which had more of a mediaeval tone. 

Octopath Traveler is one of our most anticipated Nintendo Switch games when releases on February 24th, 2023.

Pokemon Game

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This is a strange one, we know. Especially as a Pokemon game hasn’t even been announced yet for 2023. However, we all know it’s coming. That being said, we hope that Nintendo and developers Game Freak learns from the mistakes of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

While fundamentally good games, both Scarlet and Violet were plagued with glitches, bugs and apparent downgraded visuals compared to the likes of Pokemon Legends: Arceus which was released in January 2022. 

How many Pokemon games will arrive in 2023?

Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Credit: Game Freak/Nintendo

Then we had Scarlet and Violet later that year. Was three full-fledged Pokemon games in the same year too much for Game Freak? We can only speculate, however, we’re sure it didn’t help matters.

No doubt a new Pokemon game will be announced in 2023 and if/when it does, perhaps it will be time to release one game at a time on the ageing Switch hardware. Regardless, we’re always super excited for the next Pokemon game, we just hope it launches without any major hiccups.

So that concludes my list of the most anticipated Nintendo Switch games of 2023 and beyond (so far). Many games never made this list, so be sure to let us know your favourites across our social media channels.

While you’re here, be sure to check out our video of the week. 10 of the scariest horror games of all time are shown off. What is your favourite horror game?

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