2021 wasn’t a terribly exciting year for Nintendo fans and the Switch. There were a few games and other perks that surprised us including the announcement of the Switch OLED. E3 was great but most of the games were slated for 2022. So here are the games we’re most looking forward to for all of 2022.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
Ok, this one is obvious so let’s just get it out of the way. We know it’s been coming since the first trailer was announced at E3 2019, but with the new trailer, Nintendo at least gave us the release year. With Nintendo’s track record of keeping things until they are near perfect though, all dates are subject to change.
Nintendo is keeping the subtitle under wraps as saying what it is would give away too much of the game. The newest trailer shows us quite a bit though and we can assume the game takes place in the same Hyrule, only more…vertically.
There’s not a lot of details to go on other than what we’ve seen in the trailers. All that’s certain at this point is Ganon has somehow been resurrected and is wreaking havoc on Hyrule once again.
Release Date: TBD in 2022
Bayonetta 3
The last time we got to play Bayonetta was back in 2014 for the second installment of the game. Then we were shown a very short teaser in 2017 during a Nintendo Direct, and finally a proper trailer earlier this year.
Bayonetta is back with her usual tricks of arcane power. Usually, she’s busy stomping demons and shooting angels, but this time around the creatures are something else. That’s no problem for the Umbra Witch and she can control monsters of her own making.
There’s still no specific release date for Bayonetta 3, but our guess is early to mid-next year.
Release Date: TBD in 2022
Splatoon 3
The Inklings are back with more ink spraying mayhem. The game has moved away from Inkopolis and into Splatsville, a post-apocalyptic city of chaos. Turf wars have returned as the usual staple of the Splatoon franchise, with the typical four on four battles. There are also new special and main weapons and larger maps.
There’s a new single-player campaign as well titled Return of the Mammalians. It would appear that mammals have returned for this story mode. It’ll have the Inklings and their new buddy Smallfy searching for scraps and junk gems in between turf wars.
Nintendo has been quiet again about a specific release date, but we know it’ll be a big hit next year.
Release Date: TBD in 2022
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
This is the game Pokémon fans have been wanting for a very long time. An open-world journey similar to that of Breath of the Wild and an updated combat system is welcomed changes to the series. Even hardcore fans are excited that Arceus breaks from the 25-year-old formula that Pokémon fans grew up with.
The game is not all new though, after all, it is still Pokémon. This one goes back to the very beginning though. Part of the journey is to help create the first Pokédex. Logging Pokémon data as you battle with them along the way.
The game releases early next year so get prepared to “catch ’em all”.
Release Date: January 28th, 2022
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope
Back in 2017 Nintendo and Ubisoft released a surprising hit together. Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle was a shockingly good strategy game. Of course, it had the standard Mario heroes plus the quirky Rabbids from Ubisoft, working together to save the Mushroom Kingdom.
Sparks of Hope is going to keep that same winning formula but with even more all around. The mission this time around is to rescue Sparks who can help the team in battle with their own unique powers. There will also be new enemies and bosses to encounter. New weaponry will also be introduced so your team of three can unleash chaos on your foes.
There’s still no confirmed release date aside from Nintendo, aside from it will be available next year.
Release Date: TBD in 2022
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby, in a post-apocalyptic, open-world? Maybe. From the trailer, it looks like Kirby and the Forgotten Land allow Kirby to go wherever he pleases, but in some scenes, it looks like a set path. Either way, the game looks beautiful.
The game follows the typical Kirby gameplay. Inhale characters, take their power, defeat enemies, and solve puzzles. Forgotten Land takes place in a new world for Kirby, there will be mysteries to uncover from remnants of a lost civilization.
No specific release date has been announced but look for the pink puffball early to mid-next year.
Release Date: Spring 2022
Metroid Prime 4
Ok, there’s a very, very slim chance Metroid Prime 4 will actually release in 2022. The last information we received was in 2019 that Retro Studios had been given the project (as it should have been from the beginning) after it was taken away from Bandai-Namco.
Prime 4 will most likely take place right after Metroid Prime 3: Corruption and follow the same story. When we last saw Samus at the end of Prime 3 she was being hunted by the bounty hunter Sylux.
Unfortunately, when Retro Studios took over it restarted the whole project, so we’re probably a few years away from completion.
Release Date: TBD
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
A long time ago… we really wanted to play this game. And now, well, we still do. The Skywalker Saga has been delayed time and time again. By the time it finally comes out the fanboys may have successfully removed the movies from canon. All kidding aside, players on all platforms seem to be very excited for this installment of the LEGO games.
These games are always fun with tons of content to unlock. The game spans all nine films and there are currently 300 planned characters to play as or unlock! That’s a lot to collect and multiple hours’ worth of gameplay.
Still no firm release date, but the force will be with you next year.
Release Date: Spring 2022
Triangle Strategy
Triangle Strategy is a grid-based strategy game similar to others such as Fire Emblem. This isn’t just a run-of-the-mill strategy game though. The story will unfold differently based on the choices the player makes in the plot.
The game is beautiful too. Built using the same HD-2D engine that Octopath Traveler used, you’ll never tire of the gorgeous landscapes and battle cinematics. If you’re a fan of strategic grid-based games, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up, early next year.
Release Date: March 4th, 2022
Far: Changing Tides
The sequel to FAR: Lone Sails, Changing Tides follows the story of Toe, a boy searching for a new home. The game is very similar to its predecessor except for it takes place on the water as opposed to being on land. As Toe you will have to conquer dangerous storms and complete puzzles along the journey.
From the breath-taking yet serene landscape to the enthralling music, this game will have you captivated and wanting more. Add all of that to an in-depth story and you have a game worth waiting for.
Release Date: Early 2022
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk
The Switch only got about a 30-second trailer for Bomb Rush Cyberfunk so there’s not a whole to go on here. It looks like an over-the-top skateboard and grinding rails kind of game. It also has you completing challenges in parkour style and spraying graffiti on walls.
The simplistic art style is colorful and fun, and the gameplay looks smooth and easy to learn. The techno brainwave music will be appealing to most fans as it fits well with the Jet Set Radio type of genre.
Release Date: TBD in 2022
