And we are back! Another year done and dusted off; one that was packed with Switch games. It may have been missing a mainline Zelda or Mario, but Pokemon fans got a double bubble in 2022, with Pokemon Legends: Arceus and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet leading and following the year.
In between those powerful Pocket Monster packs, we got a huge helping of Kirby (plus a delicious side dish), a selection of sports (both the Switch variety and Mario Strikers), a trio of excellent games with a ‘3’ in the title (Xenoblade, Splatoon, and Bayonetta), and both Koei Tecmo and Ubisoft taking the reins of Nintendo’s IP with Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes and Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, respectively.
And that’s just the first party stuff. Add in all the quality third-party releases – Square Enix, in particular, was on fire this year with games like Triangle Strategy, Dragon Quest Treasures, and Crisis Core – a flurry of excellent indies, including Citizen Sleeper, Neon White, Tunic, and Chained. Echoes, a great selection of retro collections, and a bevy of quality ports of games big and small, and there just aren’t enough hours in the day to play everything we want.
Which brings us to your picks for the 50 best Switch games of 2022. As always, we’re asking Nintendo Life readers to rate this year’s games and the list below, based on user ratings for each title. in our game database. it is the result. The order can and will change, even after posting, subject to those fluctuating User Ratings, which means it’s never too late to rate your collection (even those annoying late-December arrivals) and influence the listing.
Can’t see your favourites? Head over to our library of Switch games and use the search bar to find what you’re looking for (or scroll to the top of this page to do the same). Note. To be eligible, a game must have been rated by a minimum of 30 users.
Enough waffles. Scroll down and enjoy 50 of the best games of the year, 2022 edition…
Editor: Capcom / Developer: Capcom
As long as you’re okay with its unreasonable lack of online functionality and screen filter annoyances, there are hundreds of hours of fun to be had with Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium. 32 mostly excellent games and another historically notable preservation piece, recalls the essence of what an arcade used to feel like. Getting that feeling, however brief, will be enough to justify a purchase for those with an affinity for gaming’s rich history.
Editor: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo
Nintendo Switch Sports is a lovely but basic offering. It’s not a bad game by any means, but it’s missing a lot of what would make a strong recommendation. Online play is the better option on offer with unlockable customizations and a predictably larger player pool, but its limited scope means you’ll be doing the same thing over and over again. Local play is hampered by a lack of unlockables at all, and with such limited options to change the way each sport plays out, solo play is hard work. It can be fun here, but it’s more about casual 30-minute gaming sessions with friends than anything with big long-term appeal. Nintendo Switch Sports is ‘ok’, then, but little more than that.
Editor: Ubisoft / Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection is a great compilation of some of the most highly regarded entries in the series. Other than some combat that lacks depth and a convoluted story, the three games included here are absolutely worth your time. There’s still plenty of fun to be had if this is your first experience with Assassin’s Creed, with the cities still managing to impress with their sense of scale and historical detail, but some of the dated gameplay elements and glitches may make other entries a better starting point. . point. The Rebel Collection is a great alternative if you want slightly more modern interpretations of the series, with a seafaring bent. However, if you’re already a fan and can tolerate its foibles, old and new, this is an enjoyable trip into (video game) history and an easy recommendation.
Editor: SloClap / Developer: SloClap
Sifu was one of the best games of the year when it released on other platforms, and now it’s no different on Switch. Its intense combat that pushes you to the limit of your skill, combined with clever aging mechanics, makes for one of the most satisfying gaming experiences in the beat ’em up genre. While the Switch port is obviously a bit downgraded from the PS5 version, it’s still a more than worthwhile option for Nintendo exclusive gamers and those who want to try this kung-fu fighting game on the go.
Editor: Return Digital / Developer: massive monster
Cult of the Lamb proves to be a remarkably fresh take on the roguelite genre, not just in its goofy and creepy aesthetic, but in its clever mix of action and survival mechanics. The game stays tense without feeling unfair and a constant stream of unlockables and collectibles ensures that your efforts are always rewarded. It’s a shame that performance isn’t up to scratch, at least at launch, as that’s really the only major gripe we’ve got here. We’d still give a warm recommendation to anyone you think might be right up your alley; It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Cult of the Lamb proves to be a great new addition to the Switch library.
Editor: electronic arts / Developer: Haze light
If you were aware of what’s new in games at the end of 2021, you will already be a bit interested in this game. It’s overflowing with fun, it’s especially committed to cooperative games, it plays solidly and distinctively, and it usually scraps one good idea in favor of another before there’s time to get bored. Standard graphical compromises have been made now for the Switch, and the typical advantage of playing handheld is questionable for an always-split-screen cooperative game. Nonetheless, it keeps the frames moving well enough not to undermine its Game of the Year shine. It Takes Two and the old Switch may not be a perfect marriage, but it’s worth sticking with.
Editor: SEGA / Developer: SEGA
Sonic Origins is, on the one hand, a near-definitive way to experience four icy classics that represent some of the highest peaks of Sonic’s career. On the other hand, most of these games are already out there and there aren’t many new features or additions to justify buying them yet again. The cutscenes, museum items, and missions are all very nice, but they’re also the bare minimum you’d expect from such a prestigious and popular series.
For gamers ready to play these classics for the first time, Sonic Origins is the best way to experience Sonic’s 16-bit heyday. Die-hard 2D Sonic veterans may be less enamored with the package and the small but noticeable differences between the classic modes featured here and the games in their true original settings. Still, it’s nice to have Sonic CD available in a convenient form on the most convenient console. It’s not perfect, then, but it’s a great comfort food game.
Editor: Nintendo / Developer: omega force
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is a thoroughly entertaining mix of Musou mayhem, strategy, and relationship-building aspects that should more than satisfy fans of the two franchises involved here. It improves on its 2017 predecessor in a number of ways, most notably by providing a much more engaging story that features a narrative that’s ripe for several iterations. With an impressively strong performance on Switch and an action-packed campaign that will see you blast your way through tens of thousands of enemies over a good 30 hours in a single game, this is right up there with the best that Omega Force has ever offered. until now.
Editor: Yacht Club Games / Developer: nitrome
Shovel Knight Dig is another triumphant and enjoyable entry into the growing legacy of the popular indie knight, offering exciting and challenging gameplay that will appeal to fans old and new alike. Though it may be a bit short, every minute of Shovel Knight Dig positively oozes quality, be it the snappy action platformer or the fresh 16-bit art style and animation. We’d give this a high recommendation for anyone who enjoyed the original platformers or anyone looking for a tough (but not too tough) new roguelite. Shovel Knight Dig has it where it counts and can hold its own against its noble predecessors.
Editor: bandai namco / Developer: bandai namco
For fans of Pac-Man and his storied pedigree, Pac-Man Museum+ is the best overview yet, spanning decades and featuring his most notable titles. The arcade world is a nice touch, although the frame rate is a big let down and really should have been fixed. And, while you may spend some time playing games and designing your play space, the lure of the gimmick is ultimately short-lived. Presentational shortcomings aside, however, one cannot fault the breadth of the collection, nor the quality of the titles themselves (well, except for Pac in Time). It’s a Pac fest, and while it certainly has limited appeal, it offers countless hours of gameplay fun and an interesting historical insight into the evolution of the yellow orb.