Best New Nintendo Switch Games Of 2022
Hey gaming enthusiasts! 2022 was a fantastic year for the Nintendo Switch, brimming with a diverse range of new games that kept us glued to our screens. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the Switch family, this article is your go-to guide for the best titles that graced the console in 2022. We're talking about everything from epic adventures to charming indie gems. So, grab your Joy-Cons, settle in, and let's dive into the year's most memorable gaming experiences. We'll explore various genres, from action-packed RPGs to cozy simulation games, ensuring there's something for everyone. This list is not just about popularity; it's about the quality, innovation, and sheer fun each game brought to the table. Get ready to discover your next favorite game! It's going to be a wild ride, and trust me, you won't want to miss out on any of these incredible titles. Let's get started and unwrap the treasures that 2022 had in store for us, shall we?
The Blockbusters: Defining 2022 on Nintendo Switch
Alright, let's kick things off with the big hitters – the blockbuster games that dominated conversations and topped sales charts. These are the titles that defined the year, setting new standards for graphics, gameplay, and storytelling on the Nintendo Switch. First up, we have Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This game completely revamped the Pokémon formula, throwing players into a vast, open-world setting where they could catch, battle, and research Pokémon in a whole new way. The exploration was thrilling, and the gameplay loop was incredibly addictive, earning it a spot in the hearts of Pokémon fans worldwide. The game's innovative approach to the series' core mechanics was a bold move that paid off, making it a standout title for the year. The open-world setting allowed for unprecedented freedom, letting players explore ancient Sinnoh in a way never before seen. The unique gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to directly engage with Pokémon, added a layer of depth that made it a must-play for any fan. The success of Pokémon Legends: Arceus paved the way for future iterations, demonstrating the potential of open-world exploration within the Pokémon universe. The game's critical and commercial success underscored its significance as a defining title for the Nintendo Switch in 2022.
Next, we have Kirby and the Forgotten Land. This was Kirby's grand debut in a fully 3D world, and the results were absolutely delightful. With colorful environments, charming characters, and the ever-so-satisfying ability to inhale enemies, this game was a joy from start to finish. The introduction of Mouthful Mode, where Kirby can interact with the environment in unique ways, was a stroke of genius, adding a layer of creative gameplay that kept things fresh. The vibrant graphics and imaginative level design made it a visual treat, while the gameplay remained accessible and engaging for players of all ages. Kirby and the Forgotten Land expertly balanced the series' traditional charm with innovative gameplay, making it a must-have for Nintendo Switch owners. The game's success highlighted the enduring appeal of the Kirby franchise and its ability to reinvent itself while staying true to its core identity. Its cheerful atmosphere and engaging gameplay made it a perfect choice for both casual and hardcore gamers. Moreover, the game's cooperative multiplayer mode allowed friends and family to enjoy the adventure together, enhancing its appeal.
Then there's Splatoon 3, which continued to solidify the series' reputation as one of Nintendo's most creative and competitive franchises. With its vibrant paint-based battles, unique weapons, and stylish aesthetic, Splatoon 3 delivered an experience that was both frantic and strategic. The new stages, weapons, and customization options provided plenty of content for players to sink their teeth into, while the revamped single-player mode offered a compelling story campaign. The game's online multiplayer, with its Turf War and Ranked Battles, provided hours of entertainment, and the constant stream of updates and events kept the community engaged. Splatoon 3 not only met but exceeded expectations, demonstrating that the series' blend of shooter gameplay and colorful presentation had found its loyal audience. The game's emphasis on teamwork and strategic gameplay made it a refreshing take on the competitive shooter genre. The introduction of new gameplay mechanics and weapons also added depth, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience.
Indie Gems: Hidden Treasures of 2022
Beyond the big-budget titles, 2022 was also a goldmine for indie games, offering unique experiences and innovative gameplay mechanics that often get overlooked. These smaller titles often bring a fresh perspective to the gaming landscape, and they're definitely worth exploring. One shining example is Stray, a third-person adventure game where you play as a cat navigating a cyberpunk city. The atmospheric visuals, intriguing story, and unique perspective of controlling a feline protagonist made this game an instant hit. The gameplay focuses on exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth, offering a different pace from the action-heavy blockbusters. The game's beautiful world and engaging story, combined with the novelty of playing as a cat, made it a standout title. Stray captured the hearts of gamers with its unique concept and immersive atmosphere. The game's ability to create a deep emotional connection with the player through its story and the feline protagonist's experiences was truly remarkable. The game's success underscores the importance of indie developers and their contributions to the gaming world.
Another must-play indie title is Tunic. This action-adventure game takes clear inspiration from the Legend of Zelda series, but with a unique twist. Players control a small fox exploring a mysterious world, piecing together the story through cryptic in-game manuals. The challenging combat, beautiful art style, and clever puzzles make Tunic a rewarding experience for fans of classic adventure games. The game's distinctive art style and cryptic storytelling added a layer of mystery that encouraged exploration and discovery. Tunic expertly balanced the familiar elements of the genre with innovative twists, making it a standout title for the year. The game's challenging combat system and intricate puzzles kept players engaged, while the cryptic manual added a layer of complexity that kept them coming back for more. The sense of discovery and accomplishment that comes from solving the game's mysteries is incredibly satisfying.
Then there's Cult of the Lamb, a unique blend of roguelike dungeon crawling and town management. You play as a lamb who must build a following while fighting through hordes of enemies and managing your cult's resources. The game's charming art style, addictive gameplay loop, and darkly humorous tone make it a standout title. The combination of resource management and action gameplay made Cult of the Lamb a uniquely compelling experience. The game's blend of dark humor and engaging gameplay created a fun and memorable experience. The game's success highlights the potential for innovative indie games that push the boundaries of genre conventions. The game's addictive gameplay loop and charming art style made it a hit with critics and players alike, solidifying its place among the best indie games of 2022. The game's replayability is high, thanks to the procedurally generated dungeons and the endless possibilities for cult customization.
RPGs and Adventures: Exploring New Worlds
2022 was also a great year for role-playing games (RPGs) and adventure titles, offering immersive experiences and captivating stories. Triangle Strategy from Square Enix, is a tactical RPG with a compelling narrative, beautiful art style, and deep strategic gameplay. Players make critical choices that affect the story and the fate of its characters. This game allows you to explore the intricacies of political intrigue. The game's strategic combat, with its focus on positioning and exploiting enemy weaknesses, keeps you engaged. Triangle Strategy offers a satisfying and intellectually stimulating experience for fans of the genre. The game's branching narrative and strategic combat provided hours of entertainment. This is a must-play for fans of the tactical RPG genre, offering a depth and complexity that is sure to keep you hooked. The game's beautiful art style and memorable characters add to the overall experience, making it a standout title. The emphasis on player choice and the consequences of those choices adds a layer of depth that makes the game highly engaging and replayable.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a sprawling JRPG that continues the series' tradition of vast open worlds, deep combat systems, and epic storytelling. The game features a massive world to explore, a rich cast of characters, and a complex narrative that will keep you engaged for hours on end. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 delivers a true RPG experience, offering a world rich in detail and lore, along with a deep combat system that rewards strategic thinking. This game offers a fantastic JRPG experience, with its compelling story, memorable characters, and engaging gameplay. The game's massive scale, with vast open worlds and a large cast of characters, provides hours of entertainment. The combat system, with its depth and strategic options, keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting. The game's intricate narrative, with its complex themes and plot twists, ensures you are captivated from start to finish.
Live A Live, a remake of a classic Super Famicom RPG, brought a unique anthology-style narrative to the Switch. The game features multiple protagonists, each with their own story and gameplay style, allowing players to experience a wide variety of gameplay mechanics and narratives. The game's innovative approach to storytelling, with its multiple interconnected stories, makes it a unique and unforgettable experience. This title is a must-play for fans of classic RPGs, offering a charming aesthetic and memorable characters. The game's engaging gameplay and compelling narrative make it a must-have for RPG fans. The game's innovative approach to storytelling and its charming characters make it a standout title. The game offers a fresh perspective on the RPG genre, making it a standout title that is sure to appeal to fans of all ages.
Action and Fighting Games: Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
For those who love fast-paced action, 2022 delivered some fantastic action and fighting games that kept the adrenaline pumping. Bayonetta 3 is a stylish action game that continues the series' tradition of over-the-top combat and outrageous scenarios. This game is a must-play for fans of the genre, offering a dynamic combat system and incredible visual flair. The game's over-the-top action sequences and inventive level design make it a visually stunning and engaging experience. The game's combat is complex and rewarding, offering plenty of opportunities for players to show off their skills. Bayonetta 3 is a must-have for action game fans, delivering an experience that is both challenging and exhilarating. The game's over-the-top action sequences and inventive level design make it a visually stunning and engaging experience. The game's combat system is complex and rewarding, offering plenty of opportunities for players to show off their skills. Bayonetta 3 excels in delivering a high-octane experience that is both challenging and exhilarating.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is a love letter to the classic beat 'em ups of the arcade era. The game features retro-style graphics, cooperative multiplayer, and a cast of beloved characters, making it a nostalgic trip for fans of the franchise. This title is a must-play for fans of the classic arcade games, offering hours of cooperative fun and a satisfying gameplay experience. The game's retro-style graphics and cooperative multiplayer make it a nostalgic trip for fans of the franchise. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is a must-have for fans of the genre. The game's charming art style and satisfying gameplay loop make it a standout title. The game offers a pure, unadulterated beat 'em up experience that captures the spirit of the arcade era.
Family-Friendly Fun: Games for Everyone
No matter your age, the Nintendo Switch is known for its family-friendly titles, and 2022 was no exception. Nintendo Switch Sports brought back the fun of the Wii Sports series, offering a collection of sports that are easy to pick up and play. This game is a perfect choice for family game nights, offering simple, engaging gameplay for all ages. The game's motion controls and variety of sports make it a fun and accessible title for everyone. Nintendo Switch Sports offers a perfect blend of fun and exercise, making it a great option for families. This is a must-have for families looking for a fun and engaging gaming experience. Its intuitive controls and social gameplay made it an instant hit, providing hours of entertainment for players of all ages.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, a turn-based tactical RPG, offers a colorful and charming experience that is fun for the whole family. The game combines the strategic depth of XCOM-style gameplay with the whimsical world of Mario and the Rabbids. This game offers a fun and engaging gameplay experience with colorful graphics, making it a must-have for family fun. The game's strategic depth combined with its charming aesthetic makes it a standout title. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope expertly blends strategic gameplay with a vibrant world, making it a must-play for families. The game's accessible gameplay mechanics and engaging story make it fun for all ages. The game’s colorful visuals and creative level design make it a standout title. The combination of strategic depth and charming aesthetics makes it a must-have for family gaming.
Conclusion: The Legacy of 2022
In conclusion, 2022 was a landmark year for the Nintendo Switch, delivering a diverse and engaging library of games. From blockbuster titles like Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Kirby and the Forgotten Land to hidden indie gems like Stray and Tunic, the year offered something for every type of gamer. The platform continues to thrive, delivering experiences that are accessible to a wide audience. Whether you're a fan of RPGs, action games, family-friendly fun, or anything in between, the Nintendo Switch in 2022 provided an unforgettable gaming experience. As we look forward, we can only anticipate even more incredible games to come, continuing to solidify the Nintendo Switch as one of the best gaming consoles on the market. Happy gaming, and enjoy your journey through the incredible world of Nintendo Switch games! So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and start exploring the vast and exciting world of Nintendo Switch gaming! Don't forget to share your favorites in the comments below! Let the gaming adventures continue! The Nintendo Switch legacy of 2022 will be remembered for its innovation, creativity, and the sheer joy it brought to gamers around the world. So, grab your controllers, gather your friends, and get ready for another round of fun on the Nintendo Switch! Until next time, keep gaming, and keep exploring the amazing world of video games! Cheers to the next gaming adventure! Let's get gaming!