Top Nintendo Switch Games 2023

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising does exactly what any good companion game should do. Not only does this RPG set the stage nicely for the upcoming Eiyden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, it’s an enjoyable adventure that stands up on its own merits.  It’s true that combat’s a little basic in the opening hours and the optional fetch quests required to unlock some powerful abilities can become rather tedious, but thanks to the dynamic cast of characters, I found myself invested. Its campaign didn’t last terribly long but it left me curious to see where this adventure goes next – and that was its main job.

Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition is a remastered version of the PlayStation-era classic for the Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC, which adds upgraded graphics and other new features.

Triangle Strategy tells a compelling story that connects with the tough decisions world leaders have made throughout history and today—but even with this strong narrative and well-designed gameplay, the long cutscenes and frustrating UI make the game less than perfect.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remake the original Diamond and Pearl for the Nintendo Switch. They're still lengthy, fun Pokemon adventures, but not much has been added, and even the remade graphics are showing their age.

Neo: The World Ends with You is filled to the brim with style and charm, but actually playing the game can get tedious sometimes.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles brings together two classic crime dramas in one lengthy game, available now on the Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Steam.

Samurai Warriors 5 will twist itself to appeal to a wide variety of mosou playstyles. If you want to just blast through the campaign as a guy with a sword, Samurai Warriors 5 is a tight story campaign featuring Nobunaga Oda and a few guest stars. If you’re a returning musou fan looking for a new favorite pastime, the side missions and Citadel Mode will keep you busy for hours and hours, although things do feel toned down when compared to past games in the genre. The new art style should override any worries about redesigned characters, as Samurai Warriors 5 looks like a graphical leap over its predecessor and sets the groundwork for a new batch of expansions, spin-offs, and sequels to hack through in the years to come.

Pioneers of Olive Town recognizes it does not need to reinvent the plow to present a full, relaxing, pleasant farming game. Aside from its sprawling size, there is not much novel about collecting materials, upgrading tools, clearing land, raising animals and crops, and befriending the townspeople – and there doesn't need to be. It is enough to simply have a wealth of interesting things to plan out and do, colored by ridiculously cute animals and interesting characters and fleshed out with piles of new things to unlock over 30 hours and beyond. While the struggling framerate and tedious crafting can be annoying, these are small blips in a pleasantly packed day-to-day cycle of tending to your farm, exploring interesting new areas, and flirting with Bridget...or Reina….or Blaire.

PGA Tour 2K21 is the most flexible and enjoyable golf game since EA’s Tiger Woods series was at its peak. While its career mode could have done with some spit and polish to its presentation and featured more meaningful rewards, it nonetheless serves as a solid 20-hour straightaway to what could prove to be the most thriving part of PGA Tour 2K21’s dance floor in the long term; the online societies. As far as establishing a new sports franchise goes (on the shoulders of the three Golf Club games that came before) this might not be the strongest shot off the tee, but it’s ended up in a very playable lie.

Minecraft Dungeons is the latest spinoff of the bestselling series from Mojang and Microsoft, adding a Diablo-like RPG twist that’s available on the PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.