There is no way to spin this in any other way, the Nintendo Switch is a great console that needs an upgrade. Launched in 2017, its age is really starting to catch up with it, with not as many graphically impressive games able to handle optimizing for the Switch. Regardless, here are some must-play Switch games released in 2023.
Hogwarts Legacy
Despite its many, many delays, and anticipated cancellation, Hogwarts Legacy was eventually released to the Switch with skeptical excitement. Switch players wanted to explore the Wizarding World for themselves, and that’s just what Portkey Games had in mind when releasing this fun little whimsical RPG.
Sure, it might not be as fancy as the competing console versions, but the fact it could even find a place on the Switch is impressive in its own right.
Sonic Superstars
Sonic Superstars was definitely overshadowed by fellow releases across all platforms. Released on October 17, it was only a day later that a new Hellboy game released, two days before Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged, and only three days before Sony and Nintendo released new entries to some of its most recognizable IPs — Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Super Mario Wonder.
Needless to say, despite this little blunder, it wasn’t a terrible game, if you wanna head back to the 2D roots of the Sonic franchise, Superstars has you covered.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Speaking of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, can you really truly go wrong with a Mario game? It feels like Nintendo has refined its releases to the point that even a bad Nintendo game is still enjoyable at the end of the day. And for the price it’s going for, it’s not a bad deal if you’re a hardcore Mario fan.
Super Mario RPG
It’s been actual decades since the debut and subsequent muzzling of Super Mario RPG. Nintendo has always liked spinning off its favorite plumber to do various different tasks across the Mushroom Kingdom, but with this one, it was different. It struck accord with a niche group of RPG lovers who definitely felt abandoned when the game fell to the wayside.
This year, however, fans got their wishes. Nintendo heard their pleas, and a remake of Super Mario RPG released.
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
We couldn’t possibly forget the second poster child of Nintendo and his latest adventure across Hyrule. Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is among not just one of the greats on the Switch, but also one of the greats of the year itself. It built upon the mechanics put in place by its predecessor and improved upon them.
It included new mechanics, an engaging story, and a building system that’s left many feeling like they’re part of a tight-knit community… or they’ll just build a man with a giant *1up sound effect* because why not?
