In the span of just under two years, the Nintendo Switch has established itself as a fantastic system. With exclusives like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the hybrid console has an exciting library that can entertain anyone. The good news is that the game selection will only get better with time and that there are plenty of fantastic looking games releasing later this year. With that in mind, check out the Nintendo Switch games releasing in 2019 that you should keep an eye on!
Most anticipated Nintendo Switch 2019 games – Animal Crossing
Very little is known about the upcoming Nintendo Switch installment of Animal Crossing, but the series is enough of a known quantity at this point. While it’s easy to not expect any groundbreaking changes from the series, it will be interesting to see what slight tweaks and quality of life additions Nintendo winds up making. Either way, players can look forward to getting into a ridiculous amount of debt to Tom Nook and slowly paying it off while making animal buddies at the same time. Most players wouldn’t have it any other way.
Most anticipated Nintendo Switch 2019 games – The Caligula Effect: Overdose
The Caligula Effect is one of the PlayStation Vita’s most underrated role-playing games and its touching story (which deals with more taboo themes such as various forms of mental illness from body dysmorphia to chronic depression) has not been experienced by nearly as many people as it should. While some technical issues pushed the Vita’s hardware to the limit, Overdose fixes those issues and gives players a better looking title in the process. This is a true hidden gem, and its unique rhythm-based combat system isn’t one to be forgotten when it releases March 12.
Most anticipated Nintendo Switch 2019 games – Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem is finally coming back to home consoles after a decade away. Three Houses will feature four different protagonists in an interweaving story and the traditional tactical gameplay that fans have grown to love over the years. The series has been on a roll since adapting its gameplay to be more accessible to newcomers, and this entry is shaping up to be a great role-playing game that fans will be able to sink dozens of hours into when it releases in the second quarter of this year.
Most anticipated Nintendo Switch 2019 games – Luigi’s Mansion 3
Beyond a rather fantastic announcement trailer, not much is known about Luigi’s Mansion 3. However, the Switch exclusive will continue one of Nintendo’s quirkiest series. Nothing quite matches its charming brand of horror and it’s not like the gameplay is played out considering there has only been two games since 2001. Fans are probably ready to strap on the Poltergust and get to sucking up some ghosts later this year.
Most anticipated Nintendo Switch 2019 games – Pokémon
Game Freak has been extremely quiet about the untitled Pokémon game it is currently working on. Since both Let’s Go titles are finally released, we can expect to see the curtain taken back in the near future. Set to cater towards more hardcore fans, it will be nice to see how the developer will continue to take advantage of the more advanced hardware of the Switch. Hopefully some lessons from the previous entry will be learned as well.
Most anticipated Nintendo Switch 2019 games – Steins;Gate Elite
If you have not played developer 5pb.’s Steins;Gate then you are in for a treat with Elite. This time travel visual novel has an emotional story to tell and this version uses footage from the anime adaptation in order to further the action. It also comes with a new title called 8-bit ADV Steins;Gate, which is a throwback adventure game in the style of a Famicom title from the 1980s. That means there is something to look forward to no matter if it’s your first time with the time travel visual novel or if you’re just revisiting it. It comes out on February 19.
Most anticipated Nintendo Switch 2019 games – Team Sonic Racing
Developer Sumo Digital has established itself as one of the best racing game studios over the past decade and 2012’s Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed was its finest work yet. The studio will look to build upon that formula with Team Sonic Racing, which will provide Nintendo Switch players with a Mario Kart alternative that isn’t All-Star Fruit Racing. This isn’t just another kart racer, though, as it has the potential to be truly great in its own right when it releases May 21.
Most anticipated Nintendo Switch 2019 games – Trials Rising
The highly challenging gameplay of the Trials series is a perfect fit for Nintendo Switch as its constant mix of failure and retrying difficult jump is seemingly made for a handheld device. Developer RedLynx also has something to prove, as their last couple entries in the series (including the mobile-only Trials Frontier and futuristic spin-off Trials of the Blood Dragon) haven’t quite reached the highs that Trials Evolution. reached on Xbox 360.
While the core formula stays the same, the sequel does introduce a new local multiplayer mode called the Tandem Bike that has two riders attempting to control a single two-wheeled vehicle. This is either going to make or ruin a lot of friendships when it comes out on February 26.
Most anticipated Nintendo Switch 2019 games – Umihara Kawase Fresh!
Debuting at Tokyo Game Show 2018, the latest entry in the long-running Umihara Kawase series will shake up the grappling hook-based platformer. New to the series is a Metroidvania-type world, which will bring an added sense of exploration. It seems like it could be a great mix for the returning puzzle-platforming action that has won fans over.
Most anticipated Nintendo Switch 2019 games – Yoshi’s Crafted World
Good-Feel’s highly anticipated follow-up to Yoshi’s Woolly World brings a new graphical style, but it’s one that is just as impressive looking as the last game. The same 2.5D gameplay of past Yoshi titles return, but there is a new mechanic where players can flip the camera and see behind objects. Cooperative multiplayer will also return, and this looks to be one of the most promising early releases for Nintendo Switch. Thankfully, fans won’t have to wait long as it releases March 29.
