We're now into May, which means the countdown to Summer - and, alright, E3 - continues; yet these are still Spring months for many, with the days gradually getting longer and warmer. A month ago we produced our Spring list of the biggest Nintendo Switch retail games due in 2017, and now it's time for our eShop equivalent.
It's an exciting list, too. With a number of intriguing developers on board Nintendo's been stacking up a range of titles due before 2018 rolls around, some that are exclusives and others that will put the Switch alongside console rivals.
In this list we've generally leaned towards exclusives - timed and otherwise - along with those games we think can have the biggest impact. Ten games are profiled and we've also selected ten honourable mentions; such is the breadth of games on the way, however, that some excellent titles have missed out entirely. You can, of course, be the champion of any games missing in the comments.
For reference even though it's coming to the eShop first we have left out Minecraft: Switch Edition, as it appeared in our retail list. Also, please remember we're focused on 2017 releases, so the likes of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night - planned for 2018 - aren't eligible.
So, here are 20 games we think are worth looking out for on the Switch eShop.
Shakedown Hawaii - 2017
Planned to come to the Switch eShop first, 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 - Summer
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 Switch will be the first platform to see this one, and it's certainly one to watch.
Runner3 - 2017
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 recent feature interview with Choice Provisions, the developer is keen to produce something special with this Switch title.
Flipping Death - 2017
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 recently.
Pocket Rumble - 'Coming Soon'
Originally expected in March, although this is seemingly on ice at present we're still eagerly awaiting its arrival; it's also '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.
RiME - 2017
This beautiful adventure title was once a PS4 exclusive but is now rolling out on all current-generation systems. Unfortunately the Switch version is coming later than others and looks set to cost more; while that's not ideal this is a game to be intrigued and excited about, with positive vibes around it ahead of its arrival. It'll be interesting to see how it shapes up when it lands on other platforms later this month.
The Escapists 2 - 2017
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 - 2017
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.
Celeste - 2017
From the makers of the brilliant TowerFall Ascension, which is also getting a port on Switch, this looks like an incredibly challenging but satisfying action-platformer. The visual style is eye-catching, and if the controls are as solid as in TowerFall we're in for a treat with this one.
Stardew Valley - Summer
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
- Yooka-Laylee
- The Fall Part 2: Unbound
- NBA Playgrounds
- Thumper
- Space Dave!
- Enter the Gungeon
- Duck Game
- ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove
- Tumbleseed (out on 2nd May)
- Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
Want to know more about these honourable mentions? Check out this feature from early March which includes trailers for a number of these titles.
So there you have it, ten main titles and another ten 'honourable mentions' that we think highlight some of the best eShop games coming to Switch. To be fair some potential beauties haven't even made that list of 20, which has certainly given us a reminder of how many intriguing titles are already confirmed for the Switch eShop.
Let us know which games you're most looking forward to in the poll and comments below, and also remind us of anything blindingly obvious that we've missed!
Comments 73
Steam World Dig 2
Runner 3
And Enter The Gungeon are day one for me.
STARTS ARGUMENT ABOUT YOOKA-LAYLEE AND PLAYTONIC AND JONTRON
Sticking to just May, NBA Playgrounds and maybe Minecraft are at the top of my list. Hopefully some gems like Kamiko will pop up but I'll have to wait and see.
No love for Hollow Knight? It's met rave reviews on Steam.
The Fall 2, RiME, and Shakedown Hawaii. I'd have voted for SWD2 but it will deservedly get a lot of love so I decided to see that others that deserve it got some too.
Can't wait for Tumbleseed tomorrow! I'll also be grabbing Minecraft next week, for sure. Then, MAYBE Playgrounds if it reviews well.
Voted for Tumbleseed, Stardew Valley, and Runner 3 since those will all be Day 1 purchases for me. So much to be excited for!!!
Looking forward to NBA Playgrounds, since that comes out soon (May 9th).
I hope Pocket Rumble and Shakedown Hawaii come sooner rather than later as they both missed their initial release target and they both look absolutely excellent.
@ThomasBW84 It should probably be pointed out that Pocket Rumble is currently in early access on Steam, so it is indeed getting a PC release.
Looking forward to many of these and Dandara, not mentioned here, too.
so many to be excited for why can I only choose 3? But anyway
Steamworld Dig 2
Shakedown Hawaii
Yooka Laylee
How are you gonna make me choose only 3? 😭
1. RiME
2. Yooka-Laylee
3. Hawaii Shakedown
3. Pocket Rumble
3. Monster Boy
Shakedown Hawaii
Pocket Rumble
Enter the Gungeon
Honorable mentions:
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
The Escapists 2
Thumper
SteamWorld DIg 2, The Escapists 2, and Overcooked: Special Edition are my day 1 games.
I still can't believe that I'll be able to play the masterpiece that is Stardew Valley on the go! I honestly cannot wait despite having sunk hundreds of hours into the PC version.
I've never in my life been interested in eShop games, except for BoxBoy!. I legitimately will pick up almost all of these. Good job, Nintendo!
5 years ago if you asked me what I thought about "indies" I would have said they're smartphone game shovelware and not to waste your time with them.
Now? I'll be buying almost every game on the list, even the honorable mentions. And Hollow Knight, my goodness that game is seriously lauded and looks to rival even the great Ori & the Blind Forest... yet it's not listed
Sweet, Enter the Gungeon, Runner 3 and steamworld dig 3. When is Enter the Gungeon coming to switch? That game looked f-ing amazing.
What is space dave?
I want Overcooked: Gourmet Edition released on physical too for Switch.
Actually, I have already owned the Physical version on PS4 version.
But, I wanna double dip again for Switch version.
@JaxonH My Kickstarter instincts are far from perfect but they were spot on for Hollow Knight. So excited for that game.
Stardew Valley and Yooka-Laylee for me!
Overcooked and RiME, though the latter is based on reviews. Seems a bit all over the place at the moment.
I hated Yooka-Laylee and will most certainly not be re-buying it as I intended.
NBA Playgrounds might be fun. I'll look into it more, and Flipping Death is on my radar. Gives me Rayman vibes, for really no explainable reason. I guess the art style, but even then....
@MarioPhD I have been waiting for Tumbleseed myself! Tomorrow is almost here...
As for the other two selections I made, also can't wait for Shakedown Hawaii and Pocket Rumble!
Seems their plebty of good games coming to eshop soon
Plenty look great. Over cooked is fantastic even just two player with one friend. Celeste looks right up my ally as well.
NBA Playgrounds looks fun, but I'll be waiting until Charles Barkley is added so I can slam with the best.
I was looking forward to NBA Playgrounds but I looked up the dev and their previous track record has me feeling less confident. Will wait to read about how it plays before getting too excited about that one.
Yooka-Laylee, Stardew Valley, and Steamworld Dig 2 are the ones I'm most excited about. Still, there's a lot of stuff to love here. I'll get several of these for sure.
Celeste, RIME, and Runner 3 for me.
Gamefly shipped me Yooka-Laylee this morning so that's taken care of.
I am a bit confused why YL is on the list but Minecraft isn't, Minecraft is more a digital game to me, at a digital price, than on disc YL, but whatever.
Indies are the games that I don't usually get hyped about, I just play the ones that people are still talking about a year after release. Usually 2 years after that. Of these, besides the much hyped YL which I've been dieing to play on Wii U for 2 years, I'll probably be playing RiME in 2020.
@PanurgeJr @JaxonH. I helped back Hollow Knight and am so glad I did. The game is fantastic. I even bought an extra copy for a friend.
@sketchturner @PanurgeJr
I'm really impressed with Hollow Knight. I also backed it, but had no idea how good it would turn out. Can't wait til it releases on Switch.
For me, I'm excited about Flipping Death and NBA Playgrounds!
I'm super excited to get the latter next week!!! As long as it gets decent reviews (mostly 7s or higher) I'll snag it for sure.
@Fred13 Fred you nailed it. I couldn't have said it any better myself
Anyone that hasn't played Stardew Valley and won't buy it on the Switch is a heretic.
@Boidoh people still think this is coming to the Switch? They're going to silently cancel it and then make an announcement like BP after the Gulf oil spill - "we're sorry"
A few decent games in there, nothing I would delegate as "exciting" though.
Not a single mention of Duck Game in the comments. One of the funnest multiplayers games I have ever played.
Runner 3 and NBA
Have to say, there is pretty much only one game on the list (not including the honorable mentions) that doesn't interest me. Overcooked looks pretty underwhelming.
Stardew Valley, Overcooked and Yooka Laylee are musts for me
The Fall 2 (very excited when this first got announced) & Steam World Dig 2. Also Yooka-Laylee cause kickstarter
Voted for Shakedown Hawaii, Pocket Rumble, and The Escapists 2, but I'm definitely picking up NBA Playgrounds next week as well.
SteamWorld Dig 2
For Pocket Rumble: "It's also 'console exclusive' to Switch, which means it may show up on PC in the future"
The game is already on Steam, albeit on early access. But 'in the future' makes it sound like it MIGHT come to steam, even though it's already on the shop.
Is Yooka Laylee still coming out? I have not heard anything from Playtonic since the game was released on the other platforms.
I thought Nintendo was mistreating indies in this generation. How weird, this article almost makes it seem like we are getting a good collection of quality indie titles on Switch. I don't know what to believe anymore, this or your previous article.
I really like the way nba playground looks.
No one mentioned WarGroove, best indie title in development
RiME
Celeste
Enter the Gungeon
Though I'm loathe to support a title that's coming later than other versions and for a higher price. If I have enough to play by that point, I probably wont get it. But knowing me, I'll get it just because I can...
SteamWorld Dig 2, Celeste, and Duck Game. Though I'm also looking forward to Pocket Rumble and Space Dave.
1. Shakedown Hawaii
2. Runner 3
3. NBA Playgrounds
Honorable Mention:
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove
My three votes went to Runner 3, Stardew Valley, and Pocket Rumble. They'll be Day 1s if priced competitively, otherwise I'll wait.
As above, the same goes for Hollow Knight.
@BravelyDavid
Has WarGroove been given a release date yet? I'm excited for that game too!
Poor Space Dave!
I miss Wargroove in this list...
Wow Flipping Death is full of typos.
1. Steam World Dig 2
2. Stardew Valley
3. RiME
Not on the list (Not even sure when it's coming out) but I'm really looking forward to Wargroove.
@faint I never understood the love for Enter the Gungeon. It seemed fun enough, but I always thought Nuclear Throne was quite a bit better. Maybe I need to give it a second chance?
@roadrunner343 it's all about the co-op. If you find someone to play it with in person it will click and you will love it.
@faint I may try to revisit. A friend and I played a lot of Nuclear Throne, and when we tried Enter the Gungeon, we found ourselves wanting to go back to that instead. It didn't feel to me like there was much there to differentiate it from Nuclear Throne. Admittedly, we only played for about an hour before going back =)
@ThomasBW84
Sorry to bring this up again, but this was my reason for not understanding why you thought this was broken, as although I wouldn't buy any of these there does seem plenty of scope for people.
What Minecraft is doing is pretty appalling. Yet this is probably the version (digital) that I'm going to get. I missed it on Switch and am intrigued by the Mario DLC content
Anyone who did not vote for Toejam & Earl has no soul. Just saying.
I didn't vote for Steamworld only because they're talking about a physical release, and I'd much rather hold off for physical for that one....the first game had so much potential but became shallow and repetitive very fast. This game looks to address that problem, and should be worthy as a retail game (doesn't that make it NOT an eShop title qualifier though?)
The rest of the list looks ok....the first half of the list looks excellent...the second half, honestly, looks to include some shovelware. But the first half makes up for it. Now that the real retail games are arriving its easier to be a little more selective about giving "this looks like it could be shovelware" games a wider berth.
Seems no one is looking forward to TumbleSeed, though it somewhat interest me.
Can't wait for Stardew Valley, Steamworld Dig 2 and Yooka Laylee
I'm most looking forward to Yooka-Laylee. I would also be with Stardew Valley, but I got impatient and got it on Steam, and I think I prefer it on PC anyway.
I was also interested in Rime, until I saw the stark pricing. If there is ever a sale or if I find a discounted used copy, then I may get it then. Granted I'm the person who also paid full price for Super Bomberman R, so eh.
If the new Toejam and Earl is close to being as good as the original, I'll be VERY excited. It is still my opinion that the original TJ&E is the greatest local multi-player game ever made.
A lot of other games on that list look attractive as well. Yooka Laylee will definitely get my money as long as it performs decently (720p or higher resolution and very few framerate drops)
Man, that is a lot of goodness on the list. I am looking forward to NBA Playground, Shakedown Hawaii, Runner 3, Steamworld Dig 2, and Flipping Death the most. I am glad I bought a larger SD card. Take care everyone.
@PanurgeJr @sketchturner @JaxonH
Thanks for bringing up Hollow Knight! I thought I'd been tracking it, but missed its release in March! I think if I'd known I would have bought right away, but now I have enough backlog I think I'll wait until release on Switch and support it there. Glad to see all the positive reaction to it, I had high hopes... now to stop talking about it before I give in.
Good games but no release date for almost every single one.
...Dear Nintendo and Nindie devs. Can I just have like a few months to actually save my money? I mean do you HAVE to make great games that I can't stop myself from buying? Help a sister out here, I have no self control.
I want a number of these games but I am hurting for Stardew.
@Kogorn733 it's a place holder. Jeez
In no particular order my top five games are:
Stardew Valley
RiME
Yooka-Laylee
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
Minecraft
Ok but where are the really good or excellent games? I mean apart from the major Nintendo releases.
So far, the rest of the upcoming titles consist of boring sequels, indie retro titles (like those mentioned in this article) or remakes like Street Fighter.
The only exception in this list might be Rime, it looks rather interesting.
Apart from that, I don't see any non-Nintendo titles for the Switch that I could envision myself playing for more than two minutes.
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