August, you ask? Yes, apparently that entire month flew by in what felt like a week and once again we're back to take a look at the Switch games coming soon to your favourite Nintendo console.
It's gotta be said that things are looking a bit slim at the time of writing. To be fair, Nintendo's recent habit of dropping surprise Mini Directs means that we've got more than enough to play at the moment, with a host of incredible indie games lining up on the Switch eShop to tempt us. Which is just as well!
Still, if you're a sports fan you may find something to your liking below; we've got high hopes for the first title on the list. You'll also see the return of a Wii U favourite at the very end of October, and there are a host of incoming physical versions of games that were previously digital-only.
Given the disruption caused by the global pandemic this year, it's hard to be too sore at the lineup, and it would be most strange if there weren't more surprises to come, so keep an eye out for announcements. In the meantime, let's take a look at the games and accessories coming over the next couple of months...
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NBA 2K21 - 4th September
This year's model of 2K's basketball series, we're expecting great things from NBA 2K21. Load times and intrusive microtransactions aside, last year's entry was a winner and while real world sport adapts as best it can to the unusual situation 2020 presents, we're excited to see if 2K has upped its game this season.
The 'Legend Edition' of this year's entry has been replaced by the 'Mamba Forever' edition in honour of Kobe Bryant, who passed away earlier this year. This more expensive option comes with special MyTeam and MyPlayers bonuses and other extras including the Damian Lillard Digital Collection and Kobe Bryant Digital Collection.
WWE 2K Battlegrounds - 18th September
We'd be lying if we said this was on our Switch eShop Wishlist because WWE 2K Battlegrounds isn't looking brilliant. Featuring over 70 WWE superstars past and present, all in cartoon-y big-head form, this is an over-the-top comedic take of the famously dour, down-to-earth sport of professional wrestling.
Who knows? It could end up being a GOTY contender. We'll be approaching it with an open mind when it releases mid-September. Who wouldn't want to see John Cena throwing a Dragon Punch? Still, probably best to wait for the review on this one, unless you're an absolute die-hard fan.
FIFA 21 Legacy Edition - 9th October
Hmm. Well, if team roster and kit updates are vital to your being, FIFA 21 Legacy Edition provides just that... and very little more. Yes, once again Nintendo gamers are getting shafted with a 'new' game which offers only cosmetic updates over last year's edition, so it's entirely understandable if you'll be passing on this one this year.
As you can probably tell, we're not fans of EA's approach with the series on Switch. On the other hand, the base game is a strong one - if you've yet to play a FIFA on Switch, this will likely be much more attractive (and expensive, of course) than previous iterations. If you can't live without everything being up-to-date and accurate--whatever that means in 2020--you'll want to get your feet on this.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe - 30th October
A surprise announcement from Nintendo at the start of August, this port of the Wii U original is a very welcome beacon of light on the otherwise featureless horizon that is Nintendo's release schedule for the remainder of 2020. We're certain there's more surprise first-party goodness to come, of course, and thankfully Pikmin 3 on Wii U was a rather good game that many people will have missed.
The Switch edition of this most approachable of Real Time Strategy games features all the DLC from the previous version, as well as some exclusive new side missions. We're psyched to return to PNF-404 and look at all that lovely HD fruit at the end of October.
More Awesome Nintendo Switch Games
Aside from the highlighted games above, there are lots more Switch retail games which might take your fancy in September and beyond.
![Hardcore Mecha [Fighter Edition] (Multi-Language)](https://images.nintendolife.com/products/12493/300x300.jpg?v=68c61efbf8dcde0e3fc25379f97a0c25)
Awesome Accessories For Your Switch
And finally here are a selection of the finest Switch accessories coming up in September and beyond, for your consideration.
So that's it for September and October - did we miss anything? Let us know with a comment and also tell us if you've pre-ordered any of these goodies!
Comments (70)
I've been hoping that Touhou Spell Bubble would get an English release ever since it came out in Japan so I've got that preordered. Also Tomoyo After which isn't listed here.
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin looks good but none of the websites I buy from have preorders for it yet.
Just Pikmin 3 currently, hopefully there's a Direct in September like there has been in previous years.
Terrible months. There's nothing really interesting for Switch. I'll probably get Ys Origins, but in a sale. I already have Pikmin 3 on WiiU.
Nothing else for me on Switch until... somewhere next year. So sad.
The games that caught my attention: 😀
1. Pode
2. My Universe: Fashion Boutique
3. My Universe: School Teacher
4. My Universe: Cooking Star Restaurant
5. Instant Chef Party
6. PAW Patrol Mighty Pups
7. Untitled Goose Game
Actually not quite a barron as I first thought, a few good options.. The XIII remaster I had forgotten about which is on my radar, hoping a surprise or two get announced in the run up to the end of the year...
I'll wait for the Nintendo Direct next month.
The Wii’s only weak year was 2012
The Switch’s only strong year was 2017, and its still getting worse, this is s crisis.
@LilMuku You can't call a year with the Switch number 2 best selling game weak. (Animal Crossing) Also there will be a Direct soon enough. (There usually is one in september)
Wow, shocking next couple of months, only one il be getting is shin megami and maybe moero crystal
Yuck. NBA 2K games are awful and predatory. Disappointed they would be shipped here.
Otherwise looks like a barren period for switch. Fine by me! I've got no shortage of games.
This makes me sad (but thanks for the article). Accessories and amiibo tempt me more than the software overall. That's not a good sign for those months for me - though there are like 2 or 3 in that list I am interested in I think.
Direct.....
@LilMuku 2019 was perhaps as strong as 2017, but it just didn't have the masterpieces that 2017 had.
Pretty sure Journey to the Savage Planet has already been released.
Unless somehow I was given a physical copy ahead of time by mistake lol
@roboshort Without the masterpieces, it's not as strong though. Expecting 2017 levels of quality games would be setting the bar way too high though. That was just an absurdly good year. They really learned their lessons from the 3DS and Wii U lackluster launch periods.
Wow shocking.....
That's a pretty poor list, especially when you compare it to last year's Autumn line up.
Astral Chain, Luigi's Mansion 3, Links Awakening, Dragons Quest XIS, The Witcher 3....
I am mighty tempted by the Hori controller. I don't care about rumble or any of that stuff. It might work well with NBA 2K, Monster Hunter, and games where I have to really pound the controller.
I've had NBA 2k20 for a few months, was able to fully customize and create the 1994 1995 roster ( which anyone can download if you search under custom roster) and found the base game bug free, and the smoothest iteration yet on Switch. I'm not getting NBA 2k21 because there should have been a Kobe mode ala the Jordan Mode from NBA 2K11.
Otherwise, very quiet September. I'm expecting a huge, huge direct in the next week or two.
Ordered Y’s Origin and Sakuna.
Never played a Pokemon game despite having both on the Cube, their Wii enhanced versions and the 3rd in Wii U. Do the Wii versions offer much of an enhancement? As they are still both sealed.
The majority of reviews on other sites really disparage NBA 2K20. I was going to download the demo but I think I will hold off. Plenty of other stuff to play.
Why can't ea put Madden on Switch for crying out loud! ea are a joke
NL..To be fair, Nintendo's recent habit of dropping surprise Mini Directs means that we've got more than enough to play.
There is one thing to be patriotic, but a bit of objectivity would not go amiss.
Let's know what we are defending before we make judgements. We don't know why Nintendo are not releasing games and it's unfair to think it's due to covid. If it was Nintendo like other companies would say so.
The Mini Directs games are not comparable to AAA games, and not everyone wants to download games.
NL should stop humouring us.
Pikmin 3 and Cadence of Hyrule for me. Couldn't care less about any of the rest. Doesn't say much about the lineup that the only two I'm interested in are re-releases, and I'm well aware that many won't be interested in these two due to already owning them.
Nothing of interest really. I love dead cells but I’m not buying that collection.
@Cyberbotv2 agree on the Kobe mode 100% every year should have a had a mode like that. 11 was a classic.
I’ll download your roster for sure
Better to wait the next Direct i guess
What a miserable display !!! Nintendo please wake up
The hori split pad pro is amazing, I do miss rumble and gyro, but they are so comfortable. I might grab those red ones
Better than the last time because of October games, but still..we need a Direct.
I believe RPG Maker is coming out as well.
It's looking increasingly likely I won't be giving any more money to Nintendo this year. In a way I'm relieved. More time to get through the backlog.
@Stocksy : I hope you like the roster! For certain teams that didn't exist, like the Grizzlies, Raptors, and Pelicans, I left blank so folks could add whoever they want. I just used 3 classic 60s and 70s teams, the Lakers, Knicks, and Bucks to fill those rosters, and it's worked out well watching young Kareem beat me down in the post.
@ferryb001 : How durable are these things? Did you find them comfortable for long game sessions? Just wondering!
That wwe game looks like it has some potential but then again it's 2K sports so I have a feeling it will be super middle of the road. I just want fire pro world on switch.
That's not really too bad for a couple of months. If the months were February and March. For September and October... eh not so much.
@Grumblevolcano When I turned on my PC this morning I was thinking about how nice it would be to start off this week with an announcement this morning of a Direct on Wednesday. Could dominant the whole weeks worth of gaming news. Next Monday is Labor Day and then all the US kids get to go back to school into a roaring pandemic that they were sent home to avoid back in March. So this week seemed like the best time to have it. Oh well, guess they could announce it Wednesday for Friday still. I'm planning a long weekend starting Friday so it would figure.
But yeah, sometime in September. If only to announce the big Black Friday Switch sale of $30 eShop credit for every Switch, $20 eShop credit for every Switch Lite.
@Ghost-Piece Different dates for different regions, looking at the prices.
@rjejr The last general Direct was September 4th 2019 so we're approaching the 1 year anniversary of no general Directs.
@Anti-Matter Please tell me the other ones were a joke
@Grumblevolcano Which would be Friday, so a nice anniversary gift.
Which makes me realize if i am going to go away next, now this, weekend I really better get on those hotel reservations. After I find out which states and I can and can not travel too, I'm in New York, our governor is very particular about such things.
The only definite for me is Pikmin 3, along with the Joker and Hero amiibo. I’ll keep my eye on WWE. If it’s any decent, I’ll wait for a sale.
@batata
I wasn't joking.
I'm serious with my choices.
The games on number 1 until 7 were caught my attention.
I like casual, kiddie and girly games from the list above.
Those are casual games like during Wii / NDS era.
Going from the PushSquare list to this just drives home why my Switch went back on the stand after Paper Mario.
Still no performance reviews for Captain Tsubasa on Switch.
Slim pickings. The only thing that’s caught my interest is the Turrican collections. Dont know when those are scheduled for release and the pricing is so ludicrous I’ll probably only buy the first collection.
There are still quite a few things on my want list though so it’s not code red just yet!
Pikmin and Jurassic world evolution for me.
Really quite crap. Pikmin 3’s a good game but I’ve got the disc in a cupboard, I can pop that in whenever I want. SMT Nocturne’s also a great game but I’m getting that on PS4 for the trophy support. This month really puts the ‘port’ in sports games.
My Fall Line-up:
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin (preordered divine editions for both Switch and PS4)
Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory
Piofiore: Fated Memories
Stardew Valley
Shin Megami Tensei III
Cadence if Hyrule
Joker and DQ Hero Amiibo
Also waiting on my collector’s edition copy of Shantae from LRG
Wish we’d get info on Bravely Default 2 unless it got delayed beyond its vague 2020 release (ready to snap up whatever CE they make). And, it’s beating a dead horse but, I’d like to know about Bayo 3
Being a Switch owner post March has been terrible.
I'm back on Xbox most the time now.
Just a lot more happening on that platform.
@doctorhino Have you seen Retromania? It's the official sequel to the old WWF Wrestlefest arcade game. It's coming to Switch
@Madder128 Jeez really, thought that console died many moons ago...
@Cyberbotv2 lol very little game "pounding" ability wit a good old joycon, it just falls over and drifts away...and the replacement price is insane...
@Cyberbotv2 I will get your roster too. So cool that you did that thanks!
I don't understand the hate for 2K. The at least try and deliver for Switch.
The mtx are completely optional and not different from other games.
Oh well, its nice to see Touhou in any way on switch! it seems to be an exclusive in fact, tho i dont think it will bring any new people in, specially at that price... oh well. Here´s hoping its good at least, puzzle bobble and rhythm seems interesting enough
Weirdly, just Untitled Goose Game for me. I wrote it off as a Goat Simulator-type novelty until that 2-p announcement trailer. Now I think it looks like my daughter and I will have some silly fun with it.
Pikmin 3 is a great game but my wife was obsessed with it on Wii U for a spell so I’m good for now. Maybe in a couple years if they don’t come with 4 by then...
Hmm... Ys Origin has me intrigued. I'll have to do some more research. It takes me so long to finish JRPG's, I'm always caution starting new ones. Sakuna of Rice and Ruin also looks good. It reminds me of a Vanillaware game.
disgrace of a list for the upcoming months.
I'm really excited about the physical release of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (when Microid's PR originally stated that it was going to be digital only). Judging by the screenshots, the game doesn't look too hot, but as long as it plays well, I'll be chuffed.
I'm also keen on Cadence of Hyrule, Untitled Goose Game, Void Bastards, and while I'm generally not interested in Pikmin, I may consider grabbing Pikmin 3 Deluxe.
I’m genuinely blown away by the $60 price tag on that Kingdom Hearts game...
I’ve never played a Pikmin game before so maybe I’ll check out a gameplay video of the Wii U to gauge my interest. Otherwise I’ll continue to play through my backlog collection- My collection has grown more as I just picked up Donut Country and Gargoa on sale the other day 😃
Nintendo you MUST wake up....
@Zidentia As someone who has played most games from the franchise, I would tell you to just get 2K20. I think it’s going for $5 right now and 2k21 is basically the same game with different scenery. There’s really no point in buying the newest edition and this is coming from someone who played 16,17,18,19, and 20
@Grumblevolcano Perhaps then a September 4th Direct is incoming!
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin looks amazing. A programmer is detailing all of its little intricacies on Twitter and it has such thoughtful design! They're really going the extra mile for this one. Pre-ordered the Divine Edition, and I even wish I could afford importing the Japanese version.
I'm also waiting on Ryza 2 footage running on Switch, since I missed out on the first and I still love the cozy aesthetic of the Ryza games. I'm worried the localization will be pushed back until 2021 though.
This fall I'm considering purchasing a couple of games I missed out on, like Paper Mario, Pokemon, Dragon Quest XIS, Mario Maker 2, Astral Chain, even Mario Kart 8, etc. Not really sure which ones I'll allocate some funds for, since I still haven't completed my backlog satisfactorily! Every time I want to buy Panzer Paladin I remind myself I haven't played enough of Megaman Zero/ZX Legacy Collection, and every time I think of buying Astral Chain I remind myself I still haven't started Monster Hunter GU.
Moonlighter is also on a great sale for $8.41 on the eShop, so I will have to pick that up! Can't miss out on getting it like the last time I missed it when it was under $10.
@Cyberbotv2 to me (having big hands) they improve my enjoyment massively. They only work in portable mode and ergonomically really they do feel like a portable and split up version of the pro controller. The texture feels more plasticky but the good durable kind.
They don’t have batteries which makes your switch super light as well, which I didn’t expect to enjoy that much but I do! Also the turbo buttons are great for crafting in animal crossing and chatty villagers.
Downsides were: my Zr trigger used to make a squeeky noise, but since a few weeks it stopped doing that, so I guess problem solved.
@ferryb001 : Perfect! This will definitely help prevent cramping in my hands. Thank you!
@Stocksy @Yanina
The NBA 2K20 roster name is 1994-1995 under nickname Cyberbot. I also uploaded a 1990s playstyle under cpu/user sliders. Just search my nickname or the file name 2ndtry
Alot of the slider settings are based off of a user on operation sports Schnaidt1. He's spent so much time on it, and I modified a few things, but the speed and feel is very good. I hope you guys enjoy!
@sanderev one game doesn't make it a good year
@roboshort 2019 only had Fire Emblem and Pokémon
2017 wasnt even that great, only carried by Splatoon, Xenoblade 2 and Mario Odyssey
RPG Maker MV comes out on September 8, please add it.
I have Untitled Goose Game pre-ordered already. I'll also be picking up Cadence of Hyrule and Pikmin 3 Deluxe. Looking forward to whatever else gets announced!
Getting joker and hero amiibo. Getting pikmin 3 dx.
Cadence of hyrule is a naybe.
For sure getting jurassic world evolution complete edition for my nephew!!
@Anti-Matter Well, that's great! Have fun with the games you enjoy!
Boxed editions of Cloudpunk, Kunai, and Sakuna?
That's mighty tempting.
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