2023 is going to be a big year for Nintendo, with tons of high-profile exclusives, AAA third-party releases, and sequels to indie favorites. It's also going to be a year that Nintendo needs as well. As the supply chain issues have lessened and more next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox X were able to hit stores, their sales have skyrocketed, so Nintendo needs a good round of hit games to prove that their 2017 console, the Switch, is still a viable contender.
While technically last-gen, the Switch's innovative features and focus on couch co-op have kept the console going strong in the 9th generation, and with a bevy of excellent games on the horizon, there's no sign of the console slowing down in 2023.
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Disney Illusion Island (TBD)
The Switch has proven something unexpected: platforming games are still beloved. Since the 3D era emerged in the late 90s, many gamers argued that the side-scrolling platform era was dead. But successes like Cuphead, Metroid Dread, and Yoshi's Crafted World have proven the genre is still very much alive.
Now, Disney is getting in on the action with Disney Illusion Island. The game is designed to be a co-op platformer where games can navigate as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald Duck. Judging from the game's trailer, it looks decked out in crisp lines and bright colors, giving it the feel of a classic Disney movie.
Pikmin 4 (TBD)
At September's Nintendo Direct event, the company revealed that Pikmin 4 was finally on the way (Pikmin 3 was released an entire decade ago). The games mix real-time strategy elements with a puzzle game, and the setting surrounds players with a lush and vibrant world of indeterminate origin.
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This time though, in the game's announcement trailer, some familiar objects are noticeable... a picket fence, park bench, and pocket watch. It seems that the newest installment of the game might be taking place right here on Earth.
Fire Emblem Engage (Jan. 20)
Fire Emblem is a long-running franchise that many say is one of Nintendo's best RPGs. The first game was released back in 1990, and since then the series has built a massive following around the globe. The upcoming game will feature a new mechanic, "engaging", which will let players inherit looks, skills, and weapons from Fire Emblem characters, allowing gamers to create tons of new, customizable strategies.
With a January release, this JRPG will be one of Nintendo's first major releases of 2023 and most likely, one of its biggest after the success of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, that continues to enjoy strong sales.
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse (Early 2023)
Originally a Wii exclusive back in '08, Fatal Frame (Project Zero for gamers in Europe): Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is getting a full remaster in 2023. Improved graphics and an updated frame rate will help improve the game's fear factor and will really improve the jump scares the franchise is known for. But most importantly, it will have updated controls since trying to navigate a game with the Wii remote was polarizing among the gaming community.
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The Fatal Frame games all center around using a special camera, the Camera Obscura, to see and deter ghosts. The games are very much influenced by Japanese horror legends and are perfect for players who love stories like The Grudge.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe (Feb. 24)
Another Wii remake is coming to Switch in 2023 - Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe. Originally released in 2011, the game is a platformer where up to four players can puff their way through the planet of Popstar. The original is seen as one of the best Kirby games ever made and the Deluxe edition has a complete visual overhaul, a new mecha power, and new mini-game.
Plus, the game's timing is perfect. Earlier this year, Kirby and the Forgotten Land was released to rave reviews and rejuvenated interest in the franchise. Players who loved Forgotten Land will likely be eager to get the chance to conquer this next Kirby game with their friends.
Star Wars: Hunters (TBD)
Originally intended for a 2022 release, Star Wars: Hunters will group players into teams and then throw them into a battle royale. The game is all about customization, allowing gamers to play as everything from Jedis to stormtroopers, Wookies, and more. Plus, there are tons of iconic battle maps to choose from, including Hoth, Endor, and Mos Espa, among others.
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The Switch is also the only console Hunters is getting released on, with the other platforms being iPhones and Android devices. It's also going to be free to play, and seeing the success of games like Apex Legends and Battlegrounds, Hunters could be the next big hit.
Minecraft Legends (TBD)
Minecraft Legends is an upcoming strategy game that takes place in the Minecraft universe. Seeing the success of games like Minecraft Dungeons and Minecraft: Story Mode, it's clear that players want more Minecraft in any form they can get it. The next game will still be in the 8-bit style, but improved graphics and cutscenes will also give it the feel of a massive AAA release.
In the game, Piglins have arrived in the Overworld and are threatening to take charge. It's up to players to form alliances and save everyone from the Nether. For Minecraft fans, the game is a sure bet.
Hollow Knight: Silksong (TBD)
In 2017, the indie game Hollow Knight became a breakout success, becoming one of the best platformer games on the Nintendo Switch, and it even went on to be nominated for numerous major awards. Its sequel, Sillksong, will take gamers back to the cavernous world as a new warrior, Hornet, the princess of Hallownest.
The game will continue the original's Metroidvania-style gameplay while adding in new bad guys, new special powers, and new levels - which are one of Hollow Knight's biggest assets. The game has been praised endlessly for its gorgeous design, incorporating fairytale styles with dark and haunting themes. Every single level is a feast for the eyes, so many players are excited to see what's next.
Octopath Traveler 2 (Feb. 24)
In 2018, Octopath Traveler became a smash hit for the Switch. Gamers and critics praised its RPG gameplay and loved its unique graphical style, which has gone on to become known as "HD-2D" referring to the fact that the game is technically on a 2D playing field, but with fantastic graphical crispness and attention to detail that modern, HD graphics allow.
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Now, Octopath Traveler is back with eight new adventurers in a new world called Solistia. Gamers choose which character they want to play as (all eight have their own stories and special abilities) and then embark on a journey across the new continent. If it's anything like the last game, which went on to be nominated at the Game Awards, Golden Joystick Awards, and SXSW Gaming Awards, this is sure to be another critical hit.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (May 12)
Originally expected to be released in 2022, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom now (finally) has an official release date of May 12th. The game is a direct sequel to what many say is one of the best Switch games ever made, Breath of the Wild.
Nintendo has been incredibly quiet about Tears of the Kingdom, revealing virtually nothing about its story or plot. Though, from its trailer, fans learned that much of the game takes place in a fragmented kingdom floating in the sky.
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