There’s no denying that 2022 has been a huge year for Nintendo Switch video game releases, but there are a handful of titles that standout as the of the year. From special editions of the Switch and Switch OLED models to major new releases for franchises like Kirby, Pokémon, and more, the sixth year of Nintendo Switch releases was packed full of entertainment for all types of players. As the year comes to a close, and the new arrivals of 2023 start to take the stage, some Switch games released this year deserve the spotlight one more time.
While there have been countless announcements from Nintendo in regard to the Switch, game releases, and more, the question of Nintendo Switch Online's Expansion Pack's worth remains relevant as ever for retro games and online multiplayer games. Regardless of the accessories and expansions revolving around the Nintendo Switch, it’s one of the strongest consoles from Nintendo. As of December 2022, there are over 4,000 games available on the Switch. With that many new releases, it might seem overwhelming to figure out what to play, how to keep up, or even what the best of the year might be. Below, a list of Screen Rant’s best games for the Nintendo Switch released throughout 2022.
Triangle Strategy Reinvigorated Tactical RPGs
Released on March 4 for the Nintendo Switch, Triangle Strategy features a complex, branching narrative, which is among the game's strongest attributes. Triangle Strategy’s various difficulty modes change the gameplay, and the inclusion of a New Game Plus makes the game very replayable. Additionally, Triangle Strategy features a combination of 2D and 3D art, perfect for exemplifying the differences between the three main gameplay modes: narrative, combat, and exploration. Though often compared to games like Fire Emblem and Octopath Traveler, the narrative elements are what make Triangle Strategy one of the best Nintendo Switch releases, as players influence the storyline and engage with various characters through dialogue and combat.
Kirby And The Forgotten Land Broke New Ground For The Iconic Series
Kirby and the Forgotten Land has may unique features, not the least of which is it being the first main-series Kirby game that is rendered completely in 3D. Kirby and the Forgotten Land brought some of the best Kirby as Karby memes, as well as exploration-based level design, copy abilities that can be upgraded, and the new Mouthful Mode, allowing Kirby to inhale larger objects. Without sacrificing the simplicity and beloved features of earlier titles in the franchise, Kirby and the Forgotten Land expanded its reach into an abandoned cityscape, full of adventure and fun for players of any age.
Legends: Arceus Was A Big Step For Pokémon Gameplay
2022 featured two main Pokémon releases, Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet; of the two, Pokémon Legends: Arceus has received a higher amount of critical acclaim. Released January 28, Pokémon Legends: Arceus upended most of the Pokémon formula, creating a new experience that helped it win Nintendo Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards. Pokémon Legends: Arceus proves Pokémon prequels are needed, as the setting of a past region coupled with open exploration, filling out a Pokédex, and more vibrant and expressive Pokémon encounters makes for a much more thrilling adventure. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is unlike any other experience within the Pokémon universe, making the ambitious gameplay that much more exciting, and one of the best Nintendo Switch games of the year.
Dragon Quest Treasures Put An Emphasis On Exploration
Released Dec 9, Dragon Quest Treasures is the most recent and one of the most compelling entries in the Dragon Quest franchise. As its name reveals, Dragon Quest Treasures is all about going for the gold, finding hundreds of treasures, and exploring the vast islands that make up the land of Draconia. An interview with Dragon Quest Treasures producer Taichi Inuzuka shared how the intention for the game was to be a casual experience for players, allowing for treasure hunting, side quests, and monster scouting to be entertaining but not overwhelming or burdensome. The true beauty of Dragon Quest Treasures is how, as main characters Erik and Mia travel and battle throughout Draconia, the player is in complete control, doing only whatever it is the player wants to do.
Bayonetta 3 Rounded Out The Trilogy With New Heights
After five years of waiting and development, Bayonetta 3 was finally released October 28 to widespread praise, even winning Best Action Game at The Game Awards. Though it's the combat system that earns the most acclaim, the biggest Bayonetta 3 story spoilers are also noteworthy, full of intention and attention to the details of previous titles’ storylines. With multiple new mechanics, the kaiju battles of Bayonetta 3 are among some of the finest battle systems of any Nintendo Switch action game. There are a number of feats in Bayonetta 3 that make the game well worth the wait from the initial announcement in 2017. From the largeness of stages to the playable characters and a storyline that involves the multiverse, Bayonetta 3 is a game that is nothing short of epic.
Splatoon 3 Is The Star Of Nintendo Multiplayer
By the end of September, Splatoon 3 was one of the best-selling Nintendo Switch games and the fastest selling Splatoon game ever. Players immediately get to decide which Splatoon 3 game mode to start with, whether it's the witty single player story or an oasis of multiplayer battles. Splatoon 3 is a high point for Nintendo Switch multiplayer functionality, despite it not deviating too much from the winning formulas of its predecessors. Splatoon 3 did, however, expand upon its customization features, making the excitement of Turf War and Salmon Run that much more personable to players. Splatoon 3 is a must-play on all levels, from its intriguing graffiti aesthetic to its various modes, Splatoon 3 stands as the most refined game in the series.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Is Everything A Sequel Should Be
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is the perfect sequel, improving upon Kingdom Battle in nearly every way. Sparks of Hope solves Mario + Rabbids biggest problem too, with more dynamic battles, fully realized explorable worlds, special missions, an improved combat system, and much more. Each character, new and old, has unique weapons and abilities that can be upgraded, creating a customizable experience that lends itself to replayability. The story for Sparks of Hope is much darker than its predecessor, but the absurdity of merging Super Mario Bros. with Raving Rabbids provides plenty of comedic relief. There is so much going on within Sparks of Hope it should be overwhelming, but the game is balanced perfectly, creating an endearing and stellar gameplay experience.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Is One Of 2022's Best JRPGs
Finally, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 rounds out the best Nintendo Switch games of 2022, earning praise from critics and players alike. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 isn’t exactly like 1 and 2, but the game succeeds in being its own, unique entity. The story is a compelling narrative of six heroes battling evil and trying to get along, with engaging subplots for the player to discover. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 has one of the most massive, gorgeous open worlds in the Switch catalog, prompting constant exploration and awe. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 offers an experience meant for longevity, asking players to engage in the flexibility of the class system, the various sub-systems, and the ranging difficulty of battles over hours and hours of gameplay, making Xenoblade Chronicles 3 a masterpiece.
2022 has been a definitive high point for the Nintendo Switch, with even more highly anticipated releases slated for 2023. While there’s always room to discuss how some N64 classics are missing from Nintendo Switch Online or other complaints, it’s also important to bask in the good that has come from Nintendo's current era, including the aforementioned games (and many more). The games released throughout 2022 prove the Nintendo Switch isn’t going anywhere and might even be getting better. Hopefully, the best games released this year pave the way for many more incredible Nintendo Switch games in 2023.