The Nintendo Switch is now settling into plenty of households, building up an interesting library of games in the process. The eShop adds plenty to the system's library, of course, and it's now time for us to revisit a list of what we think are the 'biggest' games still due on the store this year - you can check out our equivalent retail list here.
Encouragingly, it's not hard to find a lot of quality games as contenders, split into a list of 10 'main' games and another 10 honourable mentions. A number of intriguing titles miss out, in addition to a range of pleasing ports that are also on the way. Though not all publishers and developers have yet been able to get involved with the Switch, and while there are a few duds creeping through, there's also a lot to be excited about on the eShop.
In this list we've generally leaned towards exclusives where we can - timed and otherwise - along with other games we think can have the biggest impact. Some titles have missed out primarily because they're now falling under the retail category - these include promising games like Yooka-Laylee, Sine Mora EX and RiME. We're also leaving out anything confirmed for 2018 (Celeste was in our Spring list but is now due in January next year, for example), though admittedly a few in this list could slip from their 2017 targets (such is the nature of Indie development).
So, here are 20 games we think are worth looking out for on the Switch eShop.
Shakedown Hawaii
This is the next title from Vblank Entertainment and a '16-bit' follow-up to the brilliant Retro City Rampage. Expect chaotic action, gorgeous retro-style visuals, and enough pop-culture gags to satisfy any child of the '90s. Also coming to the 3DS, we're looking forward to the mayhem this'll offer.
SteamWorld Dig 2
Image & Form is quite rightly regarded as a developer of sure-fire hits due to the quality it's delivered in recent years. Though SteamWorld Heist is excellent, the experienced studio's big break came before that with the 3DS release of SteamWorld Dig, a clever and engrossing title in which you dig, explore and gradually improve your abilities. It's an excellent formula, and the sequel promises to be bigger, bolder and have lots of new items and features. The developer recently pushed this back a little in order to add important finishing touches.
Runner3
A rare beast in the modern age, this is a genuine exclusive for the Nintendo Switch, with no suggestion - so far - that it'll come to any other systems. Plenty enjoyed the style and quality of BIT.TRIP Presents: Runner 2 Future Legend of Rhythm Alien, so there's huge optimism that this will take that foundation and go further. As we learnt in our feature interview with Choice Provisions, the developer is keen to produce something special with this Switch title. We also enjoyed our recent time with an early demo at E3.
Flipping Death
Wii U eShop aficionados with the taste for quirky and comedic games may have a soft spot for Stick it to the Man, an enjoyable romp from Zoink! Games. This game certainly follows the same style and approach to its writing, seemingly a follow-on or spin-off from that previous title. We're fans of this studio's output so are keen to see how this one turns out - we spoke to the studio's CEO and Creative Director about this game too.
Pocket Rumble
Originally expected in March, the development team recently took to social media to confirm that it's resolving issues with online multiplayer before it launches; it's set to be 'console exclusive' to Switch, which means it may show up on PC in the future. This stylish fighting title draws inspiration from the Neo Geo Pocket era, aiming to deliver two-button controls but deep, involving mechanics.
Rocket League
A title that's been a huge on other consoles and PC, it's pleasing that Nintendo fans will be able to get in on the chaotic car football / soccer action in the Holiday season. As confirmed during E3 there'll be some exclusive customisations, and the online matches should be busy thanks to cross-platform support. Oh, and you'll be able to play it on the go.
The Escapists 2
The original earned a passionate fanbase on PC and then made its name on Sony and Microsoft consoles, so the good news is that Nintendo fans can get involved in the sequel. Beyond its stylish visuals it'll bring humour and challenging gameplay as you seek to break out of prison in imaginative ways.
Overcooked: Special Edition
Another title that's developed a passionate following elsewhere, this is a comedic and chaotic take on running a restaurant as you dash around to satisfy customer orders. On Switch it'll utilise HD Rumble and include all of the previously released DLC, while the system will be ideal for jumping into local co-op.
Dandara
Developed by Raw Fury "specifically with the Nintendo Switch in mind", this is a stylish and intriguing Metroidvania that aims to produce intuitive controls for a touchscreen or gamepad controls alike. Its art style and mechanics are certainly eye-catching, and we're looking forward to seeing more of this one when it lands on the Switch eShop.
Stardew Valley
It's been a long wait for Nintendo gamers to get their hands on this hugely popular title, but the Switch should finally make it happen. This indie farming simulation role-playing game has captured hearts around the world, and Switch will be the first platform to get a new multiplayer mode when it launches.
Honourable Mentions
- The Fall Part 2: Unbound
- Space Dave!
- The End is Nigh
- Golf Story
- Duck Game
- Thimbleweed Park
- Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
- Kingdom: Two Crowns
- Wargroove
- Hollow Knight
Comments 64
War groove!
I can't vote?
I can't wait to play Rocket League on the Switch!
No sonic mania?
When's Shakedown Hawaii getting released?
C'mon Starred Valley, I've been waiting to play this on the Switch.
Overcooked, Stardew Valley, and Rocket League need solid release dates now.
I thought that SteamWorld Dig 2 wasn't coming out in the summer anymore.
I'm hoping for dates for Runner3 and Pocket Rumble soon
Here's my 3 in this order
1-Flipping Death (story and mechanics interigue me)
2-Rocket League (I can finally play online with my Xbox loving little brother)
3-Wargroove (I miss Advance Wars)
If you haven't bought Stardew Valley, do it as soon as possible. Absolutely a must have game for people who like Animal Crossing/Harvest Moon-esque games.
When Hollow Knight makes the "other 10" portion of the list is when you know NintendoLife's judgment could use some refinement.
Hollow Knight #1 for me also.
So many good indies coming out. Can't wait to give Stardew Valley, Overcooked, Duck Game, and Rocket League some more playtime (Own them all on PC), but I'm really looking forward to Wargroove, Steam World Dig 2, and Hollow Knight.
Sonic Mania #1 for me. Surprised it didn't make the list as it seems to be an eShop only title.
Getting Overcooked, SteamWorld Dig 2, Escapists 2, and Rocket League. Maybe some other ones too if they seem fun but these 4 are must buy games for me considering I liked the first Escapists on the PC and with multiplayer it looks great and I enjoyed SteamWorld Dig on the Wii U and have never played Overcooked or Rocket League even though they are considered to be some of the best multiplayer games (or at least on steam).
I can't believe how few people have voted for the end is nigh.
My list is
1: Stardew Valley
2: Rocket League
3: Kingdom Two Crowns
Waiting for Sonic Mania and Stardew Valley. Should be some good times to be had.
I've been replaying Steamworld Dig on 3DS in anticipation... and I don't even have a Switch yet!
1. Sonic Mania
2. Runner3
3. SteamWorld Dig 2
Honourable mention, for me, goes to Space Dave.
Hollow Knight will be the best game on this list by far if they don't mess up the port. If you haven't heard of it - do some googling - this is a very, very special Metroidvania - in it's own way it's definitely up there with Axiom Verge and Ori - if not beyond them Can't believe it's been put at the bottom of the honourable mentions.
Second is Stardew Valley. Thirdly I'm intrigued by Golf Story - the trailer looked like a lot of fun. Of course it may end up rubbish.
Also, it would have been nice if this article had tracked down some up to date release timescales for these game.
Some renowned titles here, but I think (or rather I hope) that Golf Story will be something really interesting.
Pocket Fighters is already on PC as an early access title.
Oh, and where is Sonic Mania?
Anyway, of the games on the list:
1) Stardew Valley
2) SteamWorld Dig 2
3) Wargroove
4) Hollow Knight
5) Pocket Rumble
I got Stardew in a humble bundle, but I've yet to play it: just seems like it'll be a LOT more fun as a game I can take on the go.
Rocket League, Hollow Knight, and Wargroove for me!
Shakedown Hawaii and The Fall 2 mostly for me. There's some VERY good stuff in there, but I will need to see where my backlog, money, time, and the review stands for most of those.
1) Stardew Valley
2) Thimbleweed Park
3) Shakedown Hawaii
4) Kingdom: Two Crowns
5) Wargroove
6) Golf Story
7) The End is Nigh
8) Dandara
Yeah, another one for Hollow Knight and SteamWorld Dig 2. Not sure about the third option, but went with Monster Boy.
I can't wait for Dig 2 and Runner 3!
Nintendo Life Presents: 20 eShop Games Less Exciting than Sonic Mania.
Rocket League is a day 1 purchase naturally. Looking forward to Shakedown Hawaii and Pocket Rumble of course.
Sonic Mania should probably be mentioned too considering it's digital only
I just want virtual console 😩
Waiting for more info on Hollow Knight
If anyone doesn't know, Hollow Knight is amazing. I'm also excited for Rocket League, Steamworld Dig 2, and Thimbleweed Park.
I went for Rocket League, The Escapists 2 and Overcooked! ..but I'll probably pick up Stardew Valley as well - and Death Squared - and Snipperclips - and Fast RMX - and Sonic Mania - and...I think I'm gonna need more yen!
waiting for flipping death mostly out of all those.
@faint The End is Nigh is getting a physical release and should't even be on the list.
Man, Hollow Knight not in the top 10? You guys are smokin somethin today 😃
1 Hollow Knight
2 Rocket League
3 Pocket Rumble
4 Stardew Valley
5 Shakedown Hawaii
6 The End Is Nigh
7 Runner 3
8 Steamworld Dig 2
Those are all games I am 100% sold on and would preorder if I could (in the case of Rocket League and The End Is Nigh, I actually have since they're getting a special physical release).
As for the rest, I'll make a decision once I have more information closer to release, perhaps after reviews drop.
@Nico87 it's still on the list.
Not every game is on this list, but here's mine in no particular order:
1) Rocket League
2) Stardew Valley
3) Yooka-Laylee
4) Sonic Mania
5) Golf Story
Wait, when did Yooka Laylee get a confirmed physical release on the Switch ? i can't find any information about this being the case.
@DonSerrot @Monkeido Woot Kingdom! Can't wait to play that game on my Switch! ^_^
Definitely Steam World Digg 2, as that was one of the most pleasant indie surprise on the 3DS for me (plus playing BotW in part reminded me of what I liked about Digg ^^), and probably Wargroove to scratch that Advance Wars itch - assuming the final game will turn out alright. The rest, I'm either not that interested in (at this time), or I've already own them on another system with little desire to double dip.
I'm not sure when Ironcast is going to be out, but that one I'll probably double dip on - already played it on PS4.
Voted for SteamWorld Dig 2, Pocket Rumble, and Duck Game.
1 Flipping Death
2 Stardew Valley
3 Shakedown Hawaii
I'll probably try some of the others too, but these are my most anticipated!.
Sigh...
I can only vote Overcooked Gourmet Edition, the game that also on PS4 in Physical Blu Ray.
Too bad, still no Portal Knights release date for Switch so far...
Not a great list but there are a few potentially great games. I'd pick:
~ SteamWorld Dig 2
~ Shakedown Hawaii
~ Flipping Death
~ Stardew Valley.
I see Runner 3 has the Hero's Path at launch
That's great list of games there . I'm looking forward to quite a few of them. If I am to choose 3 it would be
Rocket League
Stardew Valley
Hollow Knight
Ill be buying a lot more than just those 3 though.
1. Sonic Mania
2. SteamWorld Dig 2
3. Rocket League
4. Stardew Valley
5. Yooka-Laylee
Still deciding whether I should get Rocket League, Yooka-Laylee, or save up for Super Mario Odyssey. Probably Super Mario Odyssey since that game looks absolutely fantastic.
Excited for most of these, though, Hollow Knight and Stardew Valley get me the most excited. Threw in Overcooked for good measure as well.
@PanurgeJr I would agree with this, excet I bought the big bundle on Switch so am already getting it. I instead went with 3 others I'll bbe wanting separately.
Hallow Knight
WarGroove
Flipping Death
Top Three for me.
I'm still holding out for Switch XL, although I might be waiting a while. I think it will be worth it. Then Stardew Valley and Steamworld Dig 2 will mine. And will eventually pick up Rocket League sooner rather than later.
Definitely buying Steamworld Dig 2, and maybe Rocket League. Already bought Stardew Valley on PS4 and found it quite dull, but I seem to be in the minority there.
For 2017? Hollow Knight-Battle Chasers-Nine Parchments
1. Stardew Valley
2. Overcooked
I just wish we had some actual dates on a few of these games, especially i'm interested in Rocket League although I'm guessing that won't hit til later this year and probably will double dip for stardew valley I really enjoyed it on PC, and interested to try Overcooked because of gameplay I've seen for that interested in checking it out.
Im waiting for
monster boy and the cursed Kingdom
Wargroove
Steamworld Dig 2
I want either metroid dlc in blaster master zero or blaster master 2 (with the Genesis twang)
I want wonder boy 1 AND 2 (WAS there a wonder boy 4?)
For platnium i want w101 and 102
Bayonetta 1, 2 and 3.
@Highlar Are you sure you're thinking of Hollow Knight and not another game? As it hasn't been released I don't think it's part of any bundle yet.
Thimbleweed Park is so awesome. Extremely happy it's coming to Switch.
I feel like I'm at a buffet, I just want to load up my plate with a bit of everything. Definitely Rocket League, Stardew Valley, and Overcooked - but if you let me I'd vote Hollow Knight, & Escapists 2 as well. And those are just the properties I know, half of these I haven't heard of.
@PanurgeJr Yeah, must have been thinking of something else. Hollow Knight DOES look pretty good though, so I guess I'll have to add that one to my list!
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