With another year under its belt, the Nintendo Switch continues to be a big success. Each year has had a handful of standout releases for players to enjoy, and 2021 has been no different in that department. From multiplayer mayhem in Mario Party Superstars to new installments in fan favorite franchises like Metroid Dread, there was something that spoke to all kinds of gamers. This isn't even counting titles yet to be released for the remainder of the year, such as Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
Looking ahead into 2022, Nintendo shows no signs of slowing down with its output on Nintendo Switch, with a solid assortment of games already confirmed for launch next year. Once again, there seems to be a decent variety to cover all genres and interests, ensuring that the company covers all its bases. Even more exciting is that much of 2022 still remains a mystery as far as Nintendo's plans are concerned, so there is no telling what else it has cooked up as a surprise. Based on what's already announced and the possibility of things to come, 2022 could very well be the strongest year yet for the platform.
Confirmed 2022 Nintendo Switch Games
As of the writing of this article, Nintendo has already confirmed a good number of Switch exclusives for the year ahead. From E3 reveals, to presentations during Nintendo Direct streams, the company has made a strong effort to show what is on the horizon for fans of Mario, Zelda and the rest of the gang. Speaking of those two gaming icons, two of Nintendo's most widely beloved mascots will be making an apperance on the Switch in 2022.
Mario+Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a sequel to the surprise 2017 tactics RPG, and looks to improve on everything its predecessor set up. Additionally, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 aims to be another exhilirating open world adventure. A certain cute and cuddly pink puffball will also make a long awaited return with Kirby and The Forgotten Land, a brand new 3D adventure for the franchise which is sure to delight fans of platformers and all things happy-go-lucky.
Bayonetta 3, after years without updates, will finally be available in 2022. The Bayonetta franchise is known for its over the top action, something fans of the series (and genre) won't want to miss. For players that prefer more strategic, methodical gameplay, Triangle Strategy aims to be an engaging tactics based RPG, utilizing the same stunning art style seen in Octopath Traveler back in 2018. Splatoon 3 also aims to ramp up on the zany multiplayer modes the series is known for. This is all without even mentioning Pokemon Legends: Arceus, a dazzling new approach to the established formula of catching 'em all
Possible 2022 Nintendo Switch Games
So far, that counts seven heavy hitters landing on the Nintendo Switch next year. These titles alone, if spaced out evenly enough throughout 2022, could very well carry Nintendo until the end of the year. However, knowing the company's tendency to play things close to the chest and spring surprises on gamers, its likely there are a few other plans in store. While the following is pure speculation, based on past rumors and general release patterns from Nintendo, some educated guesses can be made.
The elephant in the room when discussing upcoming Nintendo Switch games is always Metroid Prime 4. Despite upsetting delays for that title (announced back in 2017) the series has enjoyed some success recently with Metroid Dread. Development progress on Metroid Prime 4 is unclear at this point, aside from it restarting development in early 2019. It could be a stretch, but perhaps the title will be ready just in time for the end of next year.
There have also been rumors of a new Donkey Kong game in active production. It is apparently being created by the same creative team behind 2017's hugely successful Super Mario Odyssey. Considering the extremely polished gameplay in that title, DK and the gang should be in good hands if this title proves to be real. Speaking of Mario, Nintendo's mustachioed hero is due for a new solo game, with enough time having passed for a new idea to have been brought to life. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury has teased compelling new possibilities for 3D Mario games, something which Nintendo will surely follow up on in the future.
