2021 is here, which means the Nintendo Switch has been a part of the gaming landscape for almost four years now. In that time, it has produced an endless list of fantastic exclusives, impressive ports and indie darlings that make it a joyous platform to own. The best part is, it keeps getting better as time goes on.
There’s so many reasons to own a Nintendo Switch right now, whether its The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildor even Animal Crossing: New Horizons, all of which are stellar exclusives which justify a console exclusive in their own right.
Of course, it’s not all about what sits in the past, as 2021 already promises an an array of excellent releases and potential surprises for the platform. So Trusted Reviews has compiled all of the upcoming switch games you need to know about in 2021 and beyond.
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Bayonetta 3
Release date: TBA 2020
With the original duo of titles now available on Nintendo Switch in all of their glory, Nintendo has stepped in once again to help fund and publish a sequel in the spectacular character action series.
Revealed with an expectantly fabulous trailer, little is known about Bayonetta 3 thus far. However, it will once again star the cheeky, sexy and butt-kicking Umbra Witch, as she beats down countless denizens of angels and demons.
Hideki Kamiya, renown for Devil May Cry, Okami and Viewtiful Joe, will be donning his directing shoes for this entry, so you can expect something equally, if not more, extravagant to previous entries.
Metroid Prime 4
Release date: TBA 2020
After its very brief reveal trailer, Nintendo has kept very quiet about Metroid Prime 4 with the exception of a few subtle remarks. At the time of writing, we still know nothing about the game’s setting, story or even developer, for that matter.
We’re hoping the secrecy is warranted and Nintendo is hard at work on something truly special for Nintendo Switch. Samus Aran’s last Prime adventure was over ten years ago, so there’s plenty of new ground to cover for the intergalactic bounty hunter.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
Release date: TBA
Breath of the Wild 2 is something nobody expected to happen. Well, except Nintendo, who took the gaming world by storm when this game was unveiled. Taking place directly after the first game, the trailer follows Link and Zelda (who has an adorable new haircut) as they investigate a source of darkness beneath Hyrule Castle.
They come across what appears to be the corpse of Ganondorf, cloaked in darkness. Link gets too close, seemingly awakening an ancient curse and injuring his hand in the process. Something has been awakened in the Land of Hyrule, and we’ll soon discover what that is. Now, time to cross our fingers for playable Zelda!
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Release Date: 2021
We’ve always had a soft spot in our hearts for LEGO games, and that love goes even further with Star Wars. Combine the two and you’ve got a match made in heaven, one which Traveller’s Tales has milked to death with countless games in recent years. So, you’d assume the well has long run dry. Well, it turns out we were wrong, since The Skywalker Saga aims to complete reinvent LEGO games – bringing them into the modern generation with new visuals, mechanics and more.
The Skywalker Saga will feature all eight films – including the upcoming Rise of the Skywalker. Players can experience the events of each epic story while exploring a sprawling open world filled with collectibles. These aren’t simple ports of existing games, either. Each film has been recreated in a new gameplay engine complete with new mechanics and characters to play as. From the hands-off demo we saw at E3 2019, it’s really something special.
Bravely Default 2
Release Date: February 26, 2021
After creating the excellent Bravely Second and Octopath Traveller, Team Asano returns with another JRPG epic in the form of Bravely Default 2. Despite being a numbered sequel, it will include a brand-new cast of characters and an unrelated story which will introduce the Heroes of Light. A playable demo is currently available on the Nintendo eShop, although it features a story which will be unrelated to the full experience.
Players can expect a grand adventure set across a vast world filled with all manner of locations and characters. Once again, the battle system will be a traditional turn-based affair as you enhance your characters with new skills and abilities. Fans of classic titles such as Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger and the studio’s recent works will love what’s on offer here.
New Pokemon Snap
Release Date: TBA
Fans have been waiting years for a true successor to Pokemon Snap, a Nintendo 64 classic which holds a special place in our nostalgia hearts. Now, it’s finally in the works for Nintendo Switch, and appears to be a faithful sequel to the original experience. You’ll be riding around in a stationery vehicle taking snaps of all manner of pocket monsters.
Having only been unveiled with a single trailer, we’re still waiting to learn specifics about New Pokemon Snap’s story and gameplay. We’d love a dedicated solo campaign with different quests to pursue and characters to interact with, since the universe definitely was so much potential to grow. The biggest question is – can we take selfies with Pokemon?
Monster Hunter Rise
Release Date: March 26, 2021
After the massive success of Monster Hunter World, Capcom is poised to build upon that formula with a new adventure made exclusively for Nintendo Switch. It will adopt many of the more accessible systems from World while also introducing a number of bold new ideas that will push the series forward like never before.
You can once again expect to contend with a bunch of deadly monsters either alone or with a group of friends. Like titles in the past, there will be an endless selection of weapons, armour and gameplay styles to choose from and perfect. Switch is a perfect platform for Monster Hunter, and we’re excited to see it receive a dedicated title beyond an enhanced port.
Super Mario 3D World and Bowser’s Fury
Release Date: February 12, 2021
With the exception of Xenoblade Chronicles, Super Mario 3D World is one of the only major Wii U exclusives yet to receive a Switch port. That all changes this year, with the excellent platformer making a splash on the console alongside a selection of brand-new content.
If you’ve yet to play Super Mario 3D World, you’re in for a treat. It’s a wondrous platformer that is perfect for co-op play, and introduces some cool new ideas such as the cat costume, and many of the visual motifs that really came into their own with Super Mario Odyssey.
The Good Life
Release Date: TBA 2021
The Good Life follows a curious journalist from New York who moves to a small quaint English town known as Rainy Woods. While it looks like the ideal place to live, it’s actually drenched in all sorts of mysteries you’ll be set to uncover.
You’ll use your trusty camera to take pictures of strange happenings in the town, and can even transform into an animal to communicate with the local wildlife, and it seems they have a very unique perspective on things. Fans of surreal adventure games will find a lot to love here.
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends and The Secret Fairy
Release Date: January 29, 2021
Previously a niche franchise in the world of JRPGs, Atelier Ryza saw it fly into the stratosphere and reach a whole new audience of passionate players. This comfortable series is filled with delightful characters and engaging gameplay mechanics, and it seems that Lost Legends and the Secret Fairy will carry on the tradition with ease.
Atelier Ryza 2 will follow the same cast of adventurers as its previous entry alongside a handful of newcomers. Taking place several years after the original story, we can expect a charming yet engaging narrative that pulls us in and refuses to let go.
What Nintendo Switch games are you most looking forward to? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter @trustedreviews.