With the Nintendo Switch getting rather close, interest in the line-up of games that we can expect this year is naturally starting to increase. We've already produced a breakdown of confirmed games that we periodically revisit and update, but we thought we'd pick out some particularly intriguing titles from third-parties. In this case the intention is to highlight some lesser-known 'Nindie' titles, while also picking out some games from major publishers that only emerged as Switch titles during the recent Presentation in Tokyo.

Some excellent titles naturally miss out, but nevertheless this is a line-up of games coming to the system that offers a variety of game styles; all well worth a second look and potentially a spot on your wishlist.

Super Bomberman R - 3rd March

A welcome surprise from the recent Switch Presentation that'll be available at launch, this is certainly a franchise well-suited to the multiplayer focus of the Nintendo Switch. A key part of the appeal here will be support for up to eight players either locally (bring your Joy-Cons!) or online, while a 50-stage story mode (which supports co-op) is also thrown in.

The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ - 3rd March

This is an interesting one, as it's arriving at retail and on the eShop at $39.99 (US pricing). Afterbirth+ itself is an expansion on platforms like PC, as the '+' makes clear, but this Switch iteration is certainly worth a look and includes content that the New 3DS and Wii U haven't seen. This will have all the content from Rebirth, Afterbirth and Afterbirth+, which is a lot of Binding of Isaac variations and goodies in one place.

RiME - May / Spring

A PS4 exclusive once upon a time, this is now a multi-platform title that's also making its way to the Switch. An adventure game that naturally draws parallels with some major franchises, it seems to put a great focus on exploration and puzzle solving, with some stylish visuals and presentation to boot.

Sonic Mania - Spring

When SEGA hosted its infamous Anniversary party for Sonic the Hedgehog last year this was a reveal that stood out, with Nintendo fans despairing at the lack of any Wii U or 'NX' (as it was at that point) confirmation. Developed by some outstanding Indies, remixing retro Sonic with all-new stages, it's the classic formula spruced up for current-gen systems. We played this recently on Switch and will bring you impressions soon; needless to say Sonic fans should be excited.

I Am Setsuna - March

Expected in March and cited as early support from publisher Square Enix, this was developed by Tokyo RPG Factory and released on multiple systems in the Summer of 2016. Very much a homage to classic JRPGs - with some referencing Chrono Trigger as an inspiration - it involves a lengthy and dangerous journey to the 'farthest land' to appease a fiend; future 'Colosseum' DLC will allow you to also take on other player's teams in combat.

FAST RMX - March

Shin'en Multimedia produced a fantastic Wii U download in late 2015 with FAST Racing NEO, so an expanded release of that title on Switch is very welcome. It features the same core gameplay, which is exciting fast-paced racing, and in total there'll be 30 tracks to speed around; online and local multiplayer will also feature once again.

Has-Been Heroes - March

Developed by Frozenbyte, which is best known for the Trine series, this is an intriguing real-time strategy (with some turn-based mechanics) game due early on the Switch eShop. You manage a team of three and try to utilise a broad range of combos and techniques to fight your way past quirky foes, with permadeath and the danger of going back to the start driving you on. This is talking up its Rumble HD Joy-Con features, too, so it's certainly one to watch.

Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap - 2017

One to grab the interest of those interested in slick action platformers and also those with retro sensibilities; at heart this is a remake of the Master System classic. It certainly seems to boast some tasty HD visuals, while a revised soundtrack is confirmed - one to watch for later in the year.

Disgaea 5 Complete - Spring

A series that only has a sporadic recent history on Nintendo hardware - last appearing on the DS - but familiar to eager PlayStation gamers, Switch owners will get the chance to tackle the 2016 title with all of its add-ons included. A rather unique take on turn-based strategy that delivers an extraordinary amount of content and depth, we adored a demo of this in our recent first impressions article.

Monster Boy - 2017

This is effectively a new Wonder Boy game, with original series creator Ryuichi Nishizawa involved in the project; that naturally puts it in a head-to-head of sorts with The Dragon's Trap. Due this year, it's going to come to Switch the same day as on PS4 and Xbox One.


There are certainly strong titles that missed out, and in the interesting stakes Super Bomberman R only just edged out Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers for a spot, with the fighter also revealed in Tokyo. We did want to focus on games a little less familiar in most cases, which is why Capcom's entry (which is similar to previous HD remixes / re-releases of this classic) just missed the final edit. As the full list of games also shows there are some very welcome (and familiar) major third-party retail titles also confirmed, along with more 'Nindie' titles that are expected to arrive eventually.

In any case, let us know which of these games stand out to you, and which third-party games (included here or otherwise) you're most looking forward to on Switch.