Best Switch Games Of 2022
Image: Nintendo Life

And we're back! Another year done and dusted, one that was jam-packed with Switch games. It might have lacked a mainline Zelda or Mario, but Pokémon fans got double bubble in 2022, with Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet topping and tailing the year.

In between those potent Pocket Monster packages, we got a large portion of Kirby (plus a tasty side dish), a selection of sports (both the Switch and Mario Strikers variety), a trio of excellent games with a '3' in the title (Xenoblade, Splatoon, and Bayonetta), and both Koei Tecmo and Ubisoft taking the reins on Nintendo IP with Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes and Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope respectively.

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Best Switch Games Of 2022
Image: Nintendo Life

And that's just the first-party stuff. Throw 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 deluge 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 simply aren't enough hours in the day to play everything we want to.

Which brings us to your picks of the top 50 best Switch games of 2022. As always, we asked Nintendo Life readers to rate the games this year, and the list below — as governed by the User Ratings for each title in our games database — is the result. The order can and will change, even after publication, subject to those fluctuating User Ratings, which means it's never too late to rate your collection (even those pesky late-December arrivals) and influence the list.

Can't see your favourites? Head to our library of Switch games and use the search bar to find what you're looking for (or scroll to the very top of this page to do the same). Note. To become eligible, a game needs to have been rated by a minimum of 30 users.

Enough waffle. Let's scroll down and enjoy 50 of the very best games of the year, 2022 edition...

50. Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden (Switch eShop)

Arriving mere months after its predecessor, Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden proves itself to be a satisfying and endearing sequel. It’s mechanically almost an exact copy of the first Voice of Cards, but things like the new setting and Mark Atherlay’s narration help to make it feel like a distinctive entry that stands well on its own. We’d give Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden a high recommendation for anyone looking for another ‘cozy’ game to add to their collection or for players who want to try an engaging, but not overly demanding JRPG. For all its brevity and minimalism, Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden is an unforgettable experience.

49. Tinykin (Switch eShop)

As a whole, Tinykin is more than just a wholesome, stress-free 3D platformer or 'Pikmin Lite'; it's a lesson in appreciating the simple things in life, including the help from those around you. Even with a mass of collectibles and a free-flowing storyline to follow, Tinykin never feels cluttered or overwhelming. Despite feeling a lot like a certain Nintendo series when you first pick it up, the game has enough of a unique identity to separate itself from the pack, offering a pleasant, pure platforming spin on Pikmin.

48. Radiant Silvergun (Switch eShop)

Radiant Silvergun remains, despite its uncompromising nature, deservedly celebrated. The game wears its hardcore credentials on its sleeve, and its depth in both technical and artistic terms is astonishing. As stimulating and rewarding as it is exhausting, it’s a labour that has transcended not only the genre but the medium to some degree.

Regardless of its difficulty — and in that difficulty, its lack of immediate connection — those who learn to fell the game proper can say they truly lived Radiant Silvergun. That’s an experience worth fighting for.

47. Beacon Pines (Switch eShop)

Beacon Pines presents a rich world filled with deeply considered, not to mention adorable, characters. The beautifully crafted art, paired with a soundtrack that both captures and sets the mood, make for a wholly enjoyable experience.

It might not be for those who prefer action, but it is a lovely and compelling story that sees Luka, Rolo, and Beck delve into a bevvy of unique situations. You might finish it in less than a workday, but it’ll stay with you for much longer.

46. Sophstar (Switch eShop)

Sophstar is a competently assembled title: smooth, clean, and enjoyable. What it lacks in gravity and bravado it makes up for in balanced scoring mechanics and an interesting teleportation twist. While its Cadet Mode is its brightest spark, the main campaign shoots for the stars but falls just short of reaching them.

45. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (Switch)

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax offers up an approachable, yet incredibly deep 2D fighting combat system, and a neat RPG-lite mode that guarantees solo players will have lots to do. All this is presented in Arc System Works’ signature and striking hand-drawn art style, showcasing the best of the Guilty Gear developer's skill with the genre.

While the story mode is a complete bore and there’s no rollback netcode in this version, we think P4AU on Switch is still worth your time, particularly if you like the portability, although if you're going to be playing online, you'll likely want to investigate the game on other platforms first.

44. Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth (Switch)

Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth doesn’t take too long to beat — even the most curious/thorough/careful player is unlikely to go over the 10-hour mark — but when the adventure’s this much fun and as densely packed with creativity, does it matter?

At the end of it all, you’re far more likely to feel satisfied than short-changed, and Deedlit’s tale is a surprisingly touching one regardless of how much or little you already know about Lodoss. If you're after something with the flavour of Symphony of the Night that doesn't feel like a shallow knock-off, this is a fine alternative.

43. Zombie Army 4: Dead War (Switch)

Zombie Army 4: Dead War is a surprisingly solid Switch port of one of our favourite Rebellion titles thus far. There's a ton of zombie Nazi-slaying sweetness to get stuck into here and, although the graphics have taken a hit and the frame rate has been halved in comparison to other platforms, what's here is eminently playable in both docked and handheld modes.

Whether you're taking on Hitler's undead hordes alone or with a few friends in tow, this one's a ton of schlocky B-movie fun that gets a great big thumbs up from us.

42. Dungeons of Dreadrock (Switch eShop)

Dungeons of Dreadrock is a simple little game with a Minish Cap-style aesthetic that's been compared to a dungeon crawler, but this is really a puzzler with swords ‘n’ sorcery set dressing. It's well-designed and cleverly builds on its formula throughout its brief run. Those looking for a good game to wind down with before bed may want to give this a look.

41. Coromon (Switch eShop)

Coromon takes aim at one of the greatest series of all time and, while it isn’t any threat to Pokémon’s worldwide domination, it is a charming and fun nostalgia trip for fans.

Excessive grinding and a story that takes its time to get going mar what is otherwise a worthwhile journey, but if you're a fan of old-school Pokémon, that shouldn’t put you off investigating this title. Whether you’re a new trainer or you’ve been catching 'em all for years now, Coromon has something for you to enjoy.