Back in April we listed the Biggest Nintendo Switch Retail Games of 2017 in our Spring Edition, so now it's time to reassess and update for the Summer. A number of the games that featured in that previous list have since been released while E3 and so on have also brought us fresh announcements, ensuring that we have some interesting new arrivals to consider.
Our usual criteria apply - only confirmed games are included, no rumours, and we've tried to stick to games with a 2017 release date or window. Some are expected in 2017 and make the list, and one notable 'honourable mention' is Japan-only and not currently confirmed for the West; we wanted to get a list of 20, but release windows could shift in a few cases. We'll have a separate list for the Switch eShop.
Below, then, are what we think are the ten biggest Switch retail games due this year, along with some honourable mentions that are jostling for a position.
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.
Splatoon 2 - 21st July
The next major Switch release, in recent weeks and months we've learned that this sequel has quite a lot to offer that'll distinguish it from the Wii U original. There's the co-op Salmon Run mode along with new weapons, stages and outfits for online play, while the single player campaign looks full of potential. There's a Splatoon Direct on 6th July that'll reveal more for this months' release.
Fire Emblem Warriors - Autumn / Fall
Nintendo and Koei Tecmo solidified a development relationship with Hyrule Warriors, which brought The Legend of Zelda and the Omega Force-led Warriors franchises together. Along with a lot of DLC that release was evidently a success, so there's optimism that Fire Emblem will be a strong fit for that formula; this one will also have a version on the New Nintendo 3DS. It showed relatively well at E3, and we shared our thoughts on the demo.
Super Mario Odyssey - 27th October
After an exciting reveal at the start of the year, E3 brought us much more of this game as we saw how the next 'sandbox' Mario title will work. With Cappy and the ability to control various items and characters at its core, this looks wildly inventive and fun to play, and we're keen to see whether it'll revolutionise the series in a big way. We enjoyed our time with it at E3.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Winter
Nintendo is continuing to stick to its 2017 window for this one and we saw quite a lot of it during E3. It's a return to the styling of the original Xenoblade Chronicles - which explains its positioning as a direct sequel - and blends familiar battle mechanics with some new ideas. The world looks enormous, the story looks to be full of drama, and we're rather excited.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle - 29th August
Though leaked long ago, this reveal during Ubisoft's E3 press conference certainly had an impact. The high quality on show, the humorous style and the smart strategy gameplay has made a mark, making believers out of some that doubted the merging of the two franchises. It's surprisingly close to release, too, and we think it is full of potential.
Pokkén Tournament DX - 22nd September
Though not necessarily the Pokémon game that Switch owners wanted the most this year, it's nevertheless a welcome chance for the arcade / Wii U game to impress. It includes all of the content from the original (including arcade exclusives), along with new modes, fighters and assist characters. One welcome bonus is that local multiplayer seems to clock along at 60fps now instead of 30fps; we felt it was shaping up relatively well in our first impressions article.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Holiday
We were a bit hesitant about putting this in the 'biggest' ten, but it should be acknowledged that it's one of the most acclaimed games of the past five or so years, and it'll be playable on Nintendo hardware and on the go. It had a new trailer during E3 (above) which showcases an exclusive Link outfit and weapon activated by amiibo, along with motion controls utilising the Joy-Con. It could, if the port is well optimised, be an enthralling experience for Switch owners late in the year.
FIFA 18 - 29th September
This could be one of the most interesting EA releases on Nintendo hardware for some time. Not quite 'current-gen' with all of the Frostbite engine bells and whistles, this version is touted as a 'custom' game that makes it the most advanced portable entry in the series. Ultimate Team is a notable inclusion, for example, while EA is keen to stress that it's an experience designed to make the most of the Switch; we had mixed feelings in our initial impressions from E3.
NBA 2K18 - September (19th in North America)
It'll be fascinating to see how this one shapes up on Nintendo Switch, having famously (infamously?) featured as a concept in the original system teaser trailer in 2016. The positive sign is that the Switch appears to be getting a fully featured entry, including special editions with incentives and goodies for the online modes.
Sonic Forces - Q4 2017
As with every major Sonic game, fans are daring to dream with this title. Very much taking the Generations approach in bringing modern and classic Sonic together, it also features an extended cast of allies and enemies. In addition players can create their own characters with distinct abilities, which is sure to lead to some interesting fan art.
Honourable Mentions
- Fate/EXTELLA: The Umbral Star
- Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition
- LEGO Worlds
- LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2
- The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game
- Steep
- Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
- Minecraft: Story Mode - The Complete Adventure
- Touhou Kobuto V: Burst Battle
- Monster Hunter XX (Currently Japan-only)
Yes, Monopoly missed out.
So there you have it, ten main titles and another ten 'honourable mentions' that we think highlight some of the best retail games coming to Switch. 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 98
AmazonLife.
I'm one of those weird people in a weird spot where Sonic Forces is actually one of my most anticipated games.
They got a good line-up going this year though. The future's looking bright for the Switch!
Could you guys do a similar sum up for indie games ?
Still can't find a Switch so I'm not sure it matters how excited I am about these games.
Probably the only games from that list that I'm gonna be buying are Splatoon 2 and Mario Odyssey. I might consider Mario + Rabbids depending on the reviews, though.
Looks like my PS4 will get more usage this year than I expected. Definitely looking forward to next year's Switch lineup, because I'm not really excited for anything this year aside from the two games mentioned above. I would be all over Skyrim, but I've already put hundreds, if not thousands of hours into that game.
Maybe there will be an indie game or something that surprises me, though.
What about Sonic Mania?
After a pretty slow start, this list is an impressive one. Still lacking third party stuff, but let's hope it continues to get better. Me personally, Splatoon, Xenoblade and Mario Odyssey are must buys. I'll likely get Rabbids and Skyrim too to show my 3rd party support. Between this, and the other offerings on 3DS like Metroid and Hey Pikmin, I think Nintendo is going to have a very good year.
@MisterKorman
If you look at the difference between the art style of X against 2, plus the fact it doesn't have game pad connectivity, Internet access, or personalised avatars, I think it's easy to see they've saved themselves a huge amount of work and time, so I would guess it's possible for a xmas release.
1. Super Mario Odyssey
2. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
3. Pokken Tournament DX
@Elanczewski I don't have anything against having some advertising and this one is not too intrusive and really fits the content.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to double check on Amazon if I pre-ordered Mario Odyssey, xenoblade chronicles 2 and mario+rabbids kingdom battle
I just sent my Switch in the mail last night to be repaired. I'm praying it comes back in time for Splatoon 2!
RedOut might be in my Top 5 . . . still coming August 29?
And is Steep really coming this year? Ubi was disappointingly silent about the Switch version at E3....
@Tibob Nah they can sell you indie games through amazon to make more money for the site.
They've somehow made the faces in XC2 look worse than the previous two iterations!
Super Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade and Splatoon 2 are the main 3 here that interest me.
Already have Splatoon 2, Super Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle preordered.
Will probably get Skyrim, maybe buy Rayman Legends again, possibly even Sonic Forces if it's any good (which I'll always be skeptical about with a new Sonic game). The rest don't really interest me I don't think.
A full-featured version of NBA2k18 that I can play on the go, Mario Odyssey, and Pokken Tourney DX- only played one pokemon game (alpha s) but love fighting games (Swampert needs to be a playable character).
@Rhaoulos Me too, that was a joke (not really funny I think). But one thing. These links do not work properly for me - they always open Amazon.com site, even if I click price on the price in pounds. Does anyone have this problem too?
What happened to Retro's game? Are there working on 2 games simultaneously? Are they being lazy? C'mon Ninty, throw us a bone.
Oydessy, Splatoon 2, and Fire emblem Warriors. Rabbids can wait and Sonic I'm not too crazy about.
Mario and maybe Rabbids. Don't want any ports. I wish I like Emblem but it's not my type of game. Splatoon is fun, but I prefer other shooters.
Looking forward to Splatoon 2, Super Mario Odyssey, and Sonic Mania.
I don't have a Switch yet but booooy do I need one before FE Warriors comes out.
That said, also super excited for Mario+Rabbids, Mario Odyssey and XBC2!
nba, xenoblade, splatoon and mario and rabbids.. 3 selections are way to few
The games of this year for me will absolutely be Mario Odyssey, Skyrim and Sonic Mania. Sonic Mania is not a retail game but for me will be much better and more important than many of these. Other than that, if reviews are favorable and I will see interesting gameplay videos I'll probably buy Sonic forces, if not I could buy Rayman legends which is a masterpiece visually but a little boring in terms of gameplay. I'm interested in Splatoon 2 too but I play only in single and I'm afraid it could be not satisfying enough this way.
for me.
i'm also interested how skyrim turns out. Already own it, but maybe it will be worth it.
I'm guessing you guys are just making too much money via affiliate links to not include games AAA releases for October and November in a feature entitled "The Biggest Nintendo Switch Retail Games of 2017 - SUMMER EDITION".
I want Xenoblade 2 to be good. The art style isn't my favorite unlike how I loved the artwork on the first one so that starts it in a bad place. I hope it just isn't rushed out this year though because as a wise Miyamoto once said "A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad"
All the other games are looking pretty good. I'll get all the Nintendo games this year along with Sonic Forces, maybe a few LEGO games, Fifa, and Monster Hunter
Super Mario Odyssey and Splatoon 2 for me. I want Mario + Rabbids as well (and Sonic Mania, and Skyrim, and Xenoblade, and...), but I'm really trying to break up the backlog I've accumulated over the years on other devices, so I'm not sure if I'll get it out of the gate.
@Bunkerneath "Retail" releases. Even the physical special edition only comes with a download code and not a cart.
Just super mario oddysse and FIFA 18
@Julien "SUMMER EDITION" means its an update in the summer to a previous article, highlight big games for the rest of the year - updated with new announcements made in the past month or so. It doesn't mean it only focuses on summer releases.
Splatoon, Mario, and Xenoblade for me! Pokken looks fun, but it comes out the week after Metroid and I already have it on Wii U anyway 😣
1. Mario Odyssey
2. Skyrim
3. Sonic Mania (not listed)
Is Monopoly not a physical release?? I would have voted for that! I guess Farming Simulator isn't a physical release either?
I voted for:
Super Mario Odyssey
FIFA 18
Skyrim
but I'm also picking up
Splatoon 2
Rayman Legends
It's good to see Skyrim is right behind the big Nintendo releases!
FIFA and Steep can fulfill my sports needs until next year when we get Madden.
Other than that there's a lot of goodies coming.
@ericflapjack Good point well made. My bad. Just got a bit fed up with all these affiliate links masquerading as features, especially that Amazon Prime promotion.
But I suppose if it's either that or no NintendoLife then it's an annoying necessity that I'll learn to live with.
Hoo boy, there's a lot of games I want. I'm definitely buying Spla2n, Pokken, Xenoblade, and Mario Odyssey. I'll probably get Fire Emblem Warriors, Sonic Forces, and Xenoverse 2. Rayman Legends is a maybe, but I'll probably pick it up digitally. Mario and Rabbids is also a maybe, though I'm leaning more on the no side. FIFA and NBA are almost definitely no's, as I do not enjoy sports games, but I might pick up one of them for my friends and I to play.
Then, of course, there's digital games. I'm definitely getting Sonic Mania, might get Shantae: Half Genie Hero and Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack, and there's a small chance I'll buy Minecraft.
I said back in March that my wallet was going to implode by 2018. At this point, I don't think my wallet will make it to 2018.
seriously only can pick 3 only one isnt on wish list
You cant just allow us to pick 3 only...come on.
Switch isn't on any of my store shelves so IDC
Please let NBA 2K18 be good, I know Mario Odyssey is gonna be good.
Am I only one whos gonna get Fate/Extella?!
How are more people not excited for Lego Marvel 2? The first game was amazing. I have high hopes for that one...
@Justifier no on preorder for me.
Gone with Odyssey, Xenoblade 2 and Monster Hunter XX, which just edged out Sonic Forces. The question was which games are we most excited about, not which games we are most likely to buy - and I won't shell out for MHXX until either a) it gets an English-language release, or b) I learn competent Japanese. But I'm still more excited about it.
Pretty keen on Fifa (but that's some price), and will have an eye out for Mario + Rabbids, Splatoon 2 and Skyrim.
IDK, I just can't get excited about the same games I've played with a few new DLC, but i just have to buy the game again...
Skyrim
Mario
Mario Rabbids
Xenoblade
Fate Extella
Burst Battle
And fe warriors for me
Sonic Mania should be on that list instead of Forces, other than that I'm only really looking forward to Mario and Xenoblade 2. A real Fire Emblem/Pokemon game and that's a different story but I'll also be keeping an eye on Skyrim if it plays well though at the moment that'll be competing with the PSVR version
@ericflapjack great minds.
@Julien Understandable.
Sonic Mania looks good, Crash has came back, and Mario Odyessy looks great...this is a good year for platformers....except for Bubsy.
Both Japanese niche games at 0%, I will stick with vita for Japanese games, if they don't sell on switch you can kiss goodbye to many Japan niche games been localised, the list of results was predictable
Super Mario Odyssey is my top choice, just looks absolutely amazing! Super excited about this game.
Monster Hunter XX, I just want this game to be announced for the west! My switch needs this MH game!
Mario + Rabbids, I was shocked out how good this game looks, I was expecting something dumb, but I was pleasantly surprised and it's now a must buy for me!
Is Sonic Mania not confirmed for a physical release? SM looks WAY better! Looks like classic Sonic at his finest.
I never would have thought this would be the case in the first year, but there is too many great looking games. Think I will need to sell a kidney to keep up with buying them all.
@Elanczewski lol AmazonLife and have you been to sister site PushAmazon?
Very hard to pick 3.
Got my eyes on:-
Splatoon 2
Mario v Rabbids
Mario Odyssey
XC2
FIFA
Skyrim
NBA
Sonic Mania
Redout
Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2
@raygboyd333 what are you talking about? A majority of this list are new titles, there's only 3 in the poll that are ports.
@ShadJV
There are 7 ports in that list
Super Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and Skyrim all pulled my votes. They all look promising and will be fun to play on the go.
In order to play the games you first need to find a console!
I held back buying Minecraft story mode on my tablet waiting for the Wii U version, then I never got around to getting it before getting a Switch. I wonder if I´ll ever get that thing
Mario + Rabbids looks really fun.
Planning to pick up all the first party titles, and Mario Rabbids which I guess is 3rd party. Only really have budget for one first switch game a month - may pick up some of the other stuff like Skyrim down the line
I went with Mario, Rabbids, and Skyrim. I love Rayman but I don't need to buy that game again. And I'm not gonna import Monster Hunter.
@DiscoDriver44 thats right, there is gonna be a new Bubsy game. I still didn't see that coming lol.
For me it's Splatoon 2, Mario + Rabbids and Super Mario Odyssey, although I'll also pick up Skyrim and Fire Emblem Warriors, and maybe Rayman Legends and Pokken, too (if my poor wallet can afford it). There's just too many good games coming out on Switch in the next few months, how is one supposed to choose?!
@shonenjump86
No one did.
@ShadJV We already have Mario Kart and now we have Pokken and DB Xenoverse 2. Just tired of rehashing more games and then exploiting them like they're brand new games... Wouldn't a Mario kart 9 be better than an 8 Deluxe?
Splatoon 2 mario odyssey and skyrim. Mario and rabids might ibterest me but i will wait for reviews. It might be a game where the second iteration is more refined, its anew game and concept so we'll see. Im super excited for mario odyssey and skyrim - because i still have not played it yet.
@raygboyd333 I'm sure we'll get MK9, just MK8D took less time so they could get some games out to fill the launch window - and honestly with how bad the Wii U install base was, there was a lot of people who never played 8. It's not taking time away from 9, it was a quick port, and nobody is making you buy it.
Also I'm stoked for Pokken, it came out so late on Wii U that I didn't care, I pretty much stopped using the console and was hoping they'd just port it to their next console... which they did. So now I get to play it. Once again, with such poor install base, most people didn't play it and it takes almost no resources, it's not taking away from the other releases, we'd likely not be getting any additional games this year if they didn't bother with Pokken, porting takes little time and effort.
@shonenjump86 yeah i cant get excited for rayman again. I bought it for wii u for $19 Australian 3 months ago...
1 Monster Hunter XX
2 Xenoblade Chronicles 2
3 Super Mario Odyssey
4 Mario Kingdom Battle
5 Splatoon 2
6 The Elder Scrolls V
7 Fire Emblem Warriors
8 FIFA 18
9 Pokken Tournament
10 NBA 2k18
Note
Will be excited for Steep if it's a quality port and includes a non-online-mandated mode given Switch is a portable console. And despite it being on every platform, Rayman Legends is a fantastic game, and considering Vita is the only handheld version, and I've moved on from Vita, it's kind of a necessary purchase for Switch. One of those games you just gotta own portably, even if Wii U will always be the definitive version.
And Sonic Mania... that game is hype. And Hollow Knight, BIG time.
@ShadJV I still see this as way to get a lot of there fans to pay for a game we already have again. It bothers me and makes me (since this is my opinion) feel like they're taking the easiest route to make more money...
Super Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Splatoon 2 and Mario + Rabbids are my most anticipated games. If FE Warriors turns out well, I'll probably get that as well.
@raygboyd333 a lot of people didn't get the Wii U. Those same people won't get the Switch if there's not enough games on it and it's not backwards compatible so, unlike the last couple gens, Nintendo can't rely on a previous console's library to pad it out for the first year. If people don't have anything to play they won't buy the Switch and if not enough people buy the Switch... well you saw what happened with the Wii U, the system would die early and that means no new games after a couple years either. You are not the target demographic of these rereleases if you got the games on Wii U - whether you choose to pay full price for the same game twice is your prerogative but Nintendo definitely isn't expecting a lot of people to do that, their target with the rereleases is to sell to people who didn't have a Wii U and build an audience again, and they can do it faster if they use some of last gen's games. If the system was backwards compatible, you wouldn't see this as much because they'd be able to put up a sort of Greatest Hits line of Wii U games so Switch owners can tide themselves over with games they missed. Sadly that's not an option and the Switch library needs all the padding it can get for the first year or so.
tl;dr you aren't the target audience for these rereleases, don't buy them if you don't want the same game twice. I'll be quite happy with my copy of Pokken Tournament DX because I missed that game so I fall into the target audience there.
For me, the list is just too big and I know I will not be ABLE to get all I want that is coming out.
Splatoon 2 is already paid for, just waiting for release.
Skyrim is a must have for me, especially being able to play in portable mode.
Mario Odyssey because...Mario sandbox game!
Xenoblade Chronicles 2...loved the first one...double dipped on the N3DS version...loved X...can't wait for another from Monolith!
Sonic is actually looking really promising.
Fifa 18...haven't ever owned a Fifa game before...this will be my first.
Monster Hunter XX (REALLY hoping this will be released over here at some point)
Mario + Rabbids...was VERY surprised to find what it really was, and E3 got me hooked into wanting it NOW.
Lego Marvel Superheroes 2...have the first on Wii U...great game...portable version will be killer fun!
I would add Lego Worlds to the list...but...have it on PS4...not nearly as impressed with it as I thought I'd be...runs not the best either.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. Again...have the first on PS4 (got it over a Christmas special sale for my daughters, really cheap with ALL DLC included)...and having the second will be tons of fun on the go.
Pokken Tournament DX. Passed this one up on the Wii U. This newer version looks even better. Loved watching the tournament at E3.
(And I've still yet to get ARMS, MK8DX, etc.)
And this isn't to mention anything of possible indie and eShop only digital releases that are coming as well! This first launch year lineup of games for the Switch is...to me...the BEST launch year of any console I've seen.
I think Battle Chasers will turn some heads when it comes out.
From the survey I chose Odyssey, Xenoblade, and NBA2K
Mario and Xenoblade are the only truly exciting new things on offer. The other games are ports or re-skinned versions of games you've already played.
Oh and Battle Chasers, im looking forward to that one.
@Elanczewski I know it's a joke. There was a funny discussion about it not long ago.
I don't have the same problem with the links. I always get sent to amazon.co.uk. I'm not sure how it works though. I'm pretty sure it's because I have a UK IP. It can't have anything to do with my amazon account because I'm logged on amazon.fr, .co.uk and .com
@Rhaoulos Ahh, that's probably it. I have Polish IP, so...
@ShadJV I understand what you're getting at, but I'm hoping you understand the dilemma of just having these games moved over to the switch for people who purchased it for the Wii U.
@raygboyd333 shouldn't be a dilemma though, no one is making you buy it again.
Only 2% of you checked NBA 2K?!? DANG IT! It'll be the Wii U all over again. Almost nobody bought it so 2K Sports decided it wasn't worth doing NBA 2K14 the next year.
@YANDMAN @Reignmaker I've never heard of this Battle Chasers. I guess I'll have to look into it
@ShadJV @LegendOfPokemon @BezBot @Wichtel @xerador @BenAV @crimsontadpoles @Anti-Matter @MrGawain @MoonKnight7 @MisterKorman Xenoblade Chronicles didn't sell sell and Xenoblade Chronicles X didn't sell well, but I LOVED them both. I'm really hoping this Xenoblade game finally sells well
@leo13 Xenoblade Chronicles is my favourite RPG of all time and Xenoblade Chronicles X is my least favourite RPG of all time. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is looking really good from what I've seen so I have some confidence in this one so I'm with you there, would be nice to see it do well.
@BenAV Really?!? That's very surprising to hear. I will admit that are very different in some ways, but they are very similar in others so it's surprising to me that they could be the 1st and last place, but that's interesting.
For me Xenoblade Chronicles is my all time favorite game, but I also really like Xenoblade Chronicles X (a lot).
From what I've read Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will be closer to Xenoblade Chronicles 1 which is exciting to me because I liked the first more. However, I really don't like the art style. I wish they would have stuck with the old look, but that certainly won't keep me from buying it (I already pre-ordered it)
@MisterKorman if you can trust VG Chartz (which I keep hearing you can't, but I figure they're probably at least in the ballpark) X and the original Wii disc both sold just short of 1 million. If you add in New 3DS copies then the original is closer to 1.5 million.
I'm hoping Xenoblade 2 is on par with the original and that it sales 5 million across the life of the Nintendo Switch. That would be awesome for this series to finally get some decent sales.
@leo13
I'd look at it this way. They certainly aren't blockbuster titles in any way, but they must be doing OK enough to keep going.
@BenAV what is the big difference between the 2. I also feel they were different experiences, but not anywhere near that different to say one is your favorite and the other is your least favorite
@Fred13 @MisterKorman I would have never guessed X sold that well. I would have guessed 400000.
@MoonKnight7 is it that, or is it Nintendo knows that there are people like me that love the franchise so much they'd buy a console for it (I wasn't sure I was going to get a Switch until then announced XENOBLADE 2)?
@leo13
Well I think it might be a bit of both our thoughts. Given that Xenoblade X took so long to make, and was constantly delayed, I find it very likely it could have lost money. Especially with a small install base on the Wii U.
I think the reason we have Chronicles 2 is cause Nintendo wanted something for fans like yourself, that wasn't Mario or Zelda to round out their lineup. I do remember the developers saying during treehouse live, that they were able to get this game out much more quickly because they borrowed or reused assets from X. Therefore this game is probably a much smaller financial risk than X was.
@leo13
Btw, my wife had the same exact reaction you did. Once she saw Xenoblade was coming, she turned to me and said, "welp, we gotta get a Switch now." Haha
@MoonKnight7 your wife has good tastes!
Mine was most excited about Splatoon 2
@Fred13
Haha, she does indeed. Splatoon is my favorite new IP, so I'd say we all win!
Zelda Breath of the wild was just worth it in owning the switch by itself a master piece!
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