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. Pocky & Rocky Reshrined (Switch)

Despite obvious comparisons to the Super Nintendo game, Pocky & Rocky Reshrined is, for the vast majority, a completely new entry in the series. Tengo Project, well aware of the original’s pedigree, was smart enough to only use it as inspiration, rather than attempt to follow its lead beat-for-beat. Within this modern framework, the developer has constructed a thrilling tapestry of light, colour, and action-packed junctures for hardcore gamers to get their teeth into. Is it better than Natsume’s venerable 1992 outing? No, but it’s about on par, albeit for slightly different reasons. Pocky & Rocky: Reshrined is a blessing, a gorgeous-looking, delightfully artful new interpretation of a much-loved classic.

49. Cult of the Lamb (Switch eShop)

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 smart blending of action and survival mechanics. Gameplay remains tense without ever feeling like it’s unfair and a steady stream of unlockables and collectables ensures that your efforts are always rewarded. It’s just a shame that the performance isn’t up to snuff, at least at launch, as that’s really the only major complaint that we have here. We’d still give this a hearty recommendation to anyone who thinks it might be up their alley; it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Cult of the Lamb proves itself to be a great new addition to the Switch library.

48. 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.

47. Lunistice (Switch eShop)

Presenting itself modestly as “a simple and short experience”, Lunistice has masses to offer. A first run is maybe a handful of hours, but the thirst to retry is so strong it’s almost hard to move on to each new stage. Add the challenge of finding all the cranes and hidden items, avoiding resets, and setting faster times, plus unlockable characters with different moves, and it's a full and generous package. Launching at $4.99 or your regional equivalent, weighing in at a lean 600MB, and having a demo on the eShop, Lunistice is simply a must-try game.

46. Nobody Saves The World (Switch eShop)

Nobody Saves the World is a thrillingly well-paced and enjoyable action adventure that Switch owners won’t want to miss. An addictive quest system, surprisingly deep class system, attractive art style, and punchy combat all come together to make for a varied and engaging experience that oozes quality at every turn. If you’re a fan of RPGs with a lot of customization, old-school Zelda games, or classic arcade beat ‘em ups, Nobody Saves the World is absolutely a title you need to add to your library.

45. Sonic Origins (Switch eShop)

Sonic Origins is, on one hand, a near-definitive way to experience four stone-cold classics that represent some of the highest peaks of Sonic's career. On the other, most of these games are already readily available and there aren’t many new features or additions to justify buying them yet again. The cutscenes, museum elements, and missions are all very pleasant but they're also the minimum you would expect for a series this prestigious and popular, and the disappointing Plus DLC/Version adds in playable Amy and a dozen Game Gear titles.

For players ready to play these classics for the first time, Sonic Origins is the go-to way to experience Sonic’s 16-bit heyday. Die-hard 2D Sonic veterans may be less enamoured with the package and the small but noticeable differences between the Classic Modes presented here and the games in their true original configurations. Regardless, it's sure nice to have Sonic CD available in a convenient form on the most convenient of consoles. Not perfect, then, but great comfort-food gaming.

44. MLB The Show 22 (Switch)

If Nintendo's console is your main or only platform and you're happy playing CPU and offline games, then the MLB The Show 22 isn't bad on Switch and holds things together just enough for gameplay to be enjoyable. It also serves as a solid 'on-the-go' version to accompany a more powerful home console version, perhaps on Game Pass. If you want to mainly play online in Diamond Dynasty, though? No, this isn't the way to go. MLB The Show 22 is admirably packed with content and features, but it's not entirely comfortably packed into the diminutive Switch. It lacks the fluidity and crispness found elsewhere, which is perhaps expected but doesn't change the fact. If you're happy with the compromises, though, then step up to the plate.

43. The DioField Chronicle (Switch)

Despite its shortcomings, The DioField Chronicle is a decent tactical RPG experience with enough JRPG tropes to interest fans of both genres. The unique gameplay provides plenty of challenge, though it can require a lot of grinding to keep pace with the difficulty curve. The art style is beautiful both in and out of combat but the characters and plot fail to live up to the same standard. In this case, the game's ambition outstretched its means and it ended up falling just short of where it wanted to be. Still solid, though, even if it falls short of greatness.

42. Capcom Fighting Collection (Switch)

Capcom Fighting Collection does exactly what it sets out to do, and bar a few very minor presentational oversights, is a product with years of longevity. It’s a shame to lose those bonus characters present in previous console releases, and you do need to consider what appeals to you when considering a purchase. If you want the best Darkstalkers collection, look no further. Bar Red Earth, however, this isn’t the first time these games have been released, and it surely won’t be the last. A purchasing decision comes down to whether or not you just want the most polished, accurate, easy-access versions to date on your TV or on the go. If the answer is yes, it’s a no-brainer.

41. Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition (Switch eShop)

It’s a shame that the release of Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition means we likely won’t see a comprehensive remaster or even a full remake of this underrated gem for a long while, leaving us with a somewhat underwhelming version on Switch that isn’t much beyond a straight port. Regardless, the portability of the Nintendo's console and the inclusion of Radical Dreamers still makes this the best and most convenient way for fans and newcomers alike to play this classic and its pseudo-prequel. It's a good game and having easy access to it is a boon — just don't go in with more than modest expectations when it comes to the remaster effort.