The clock is ticking on the Switch. Nintendo is set to reveal the Switch 2 sometime before March, with the next-gen system presumably launching later in 2025. And a few weeks ago, Nintendo showcased what are likely its final heavy hitters for the current console.But Nintendo games aren’t the only reason to buy Nintendo consoles. Today’s Nintendo Direct featured an Indie World and Partner Showcase that highlighted awesome Nintendo Switch games coming soon from third-party studios big and small.
Indie Games GaloreIndie game reveals are a double-edged sword because they’re fresh and unfamiliar. Fortunately, the Indie World had a good mix of exciting and surprising independent projects, even if Hollow Knight: SIlksong was a no-show.Pizza Tower promises madcap, Wario Land-like platforming to Switch. Ingenious card game Balatro is partnering with other franchises, including Among Us, Dave the Diver, Vampire Survivors, and The Witcher, with its free Friends of Jimbo update. Date Everything lives up to its title by letting you romance everything in your house from clocks to toilets. And we’re especially stoked for Metal Slug Tactics and The Plucky Squire.
Retro Games ReturnWithout next-gen horsepower behind it, the Nintendo Switch has been a great home for older games that don’t need dozens of teraflops to deliver a great time. This Nintendo Direct revealed more retro revivals.Tetris Forever bundles multiple historic versions of the iconic puzzle game. Castlevania Dominus Collection resurrects three classic Nintendo DS games. Capcom Fighting Collection 2 brings back more beloved fighting games, including Capcom vs. SNK 2, Power Stone, and Project Justice. Suikoden I & II HD remasters the retro RPGs. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy is a shooter that resurrects irradiated, Eastern European wastelands.
Something for EveryoneNintendo Directs sometimes receive deserved criticism for being full of filler, with long stretches featuring games few players care about. However, this showcase also featured bigger names that appeal to wider audiences.
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For example, Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the first entry in the now-omnipresent franchise. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is the latest installment of the legendary strategy-simulation series. Lego Horizon Adventures still looks like the most visually pleasing Horizon game. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azume reinvents fantasy farming. These Switch games reassure us that there’s plenty to play before the Nintendo Switch 2 arrives.
For more on summer gaming showcases filling this year’s E3-shaped hole, check out our favorite trailers from Gamescom, IGN Live, PlayStation’s State of Play, and the Xbox Games Showcase.
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About Jordan Minor
Senior Analyst, Software
In 2013, I started my Ziff Davis career as an intern on PCMag’s Software team. Now, I’m an Analyst on the Apps and Gaming team, and I really just want to use my fancy Northwestern University journalism degree to write about video games. I host The Pop-Off, PCMag’s video game show. I was previously the Senior Editor for Geek.com. I’ve also written for The A.V. Club, Kotaku, and Paste Magazine. I’m the author of a video game history book, Video Game of the Year, and the reason why everything you know about Street Sharks is a lie.
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