The Nintendo Switch is set to have an incredible 2022, as the console is due to receive a killers row of exclusives throughout the year. 2021 was a big year for the Switch, with games like Metroid Dread, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and Monster Hunter Rise being well received by critics and selling millions of copies around the world.
The Switch is now competing with the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, but the severe stock shortages and lack of true exclusives (i.e., games that aren't cross-gen titles), means that the Switch is still a highly attractive prospect. The gradual opening up of the world following the lockdowns also means that there is more of a reason to own a portable system than before, and few can argue the quality of the Switch's existing library.
Nintendo has announced a lot of games that are coming in 2022, but few of them have solid release dates. This is likely due to the pandemic causing the company to become wary with giving release dates, as many games have had their production thrown into chaos over the past year. It's likely that there will be a Nintendo Direct in the first few months of 2022, which will flesh out the schedule, and hopefully announce even more games for the year.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus Is Releasing January 26
The Pokémon series is taking a leaf out of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's book, as the next entry involves exploring the wild frontier. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set in the Hisui region, which is the ancient version of the Sinnoh region from Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. The player must explore these untamed lands and battle wild Pokémon, as mankind gains a foothold in the region. Pokémon Legends: Arceus will feature Hisuian Pokémon, which include ancient forms and evolutions for existing Pokémon, such as Kleavor, the Rock-type evolution of Scyther. Pokémon Legends Arceus will launch on Nintendo Switch on January 26.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp Is Coming Spring 2022
The Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp release date was originally set for 2021, but was delayed to next year. Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp contains remakes of the original Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising, which were originally released for the Game Boy Advance. The visuals in the Nintendo Switch version of the game have been revamped while maintaining the cartoonish charm of the originals.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is a turn-based strategy game, where players build up their army and march to war while unleashing the unique power of their COs to turn the tide of battle. The game will feature the extensive story mode of the original Advance Wars titles, with the world uniting against the encroaching Black Hole army.
Bayonetta 3 Has A 2022 Release Date Window
After years of waiting for more news about Bayonetta 3, the game was finally showcased during a 2021 Nintendo Direct. Bayonetta has returned with a brand new look, to face armies of demons and angels, as well as a whole new type of foe. Bayonetta now has the ability to channel the power of her own demons into her weapons, and can even summon them in battle. Creatures like Gomorrah in the old Bayonetta games were used in cutscene-style attacks, but in Bayonetta 3, the player can directly control them, in massive kaiju-style battles.
Kirby And The Forgotten Land Arrives On Switch In 2022
One of the surprise announcements of 2021 was that an open-world 3D Kirby game is in development. Kirby and the Forgotten Land sees the pink puffball exploring the ruins of a post-apocalyptic civilization, which looks disturbingly similar to the real world. The visuals and gameplay style of Kirby and the Forgotten Land have been compared to Super Mario Odyssey, with Kirby exploring massive open levels, and using his Copy ability to steal the powers of his foes, and use them in battle.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild Sequel Is Set For A 2022 Release Date
The most highly anticipated Nintendo Switch game of 2022 has to be the unnamed sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The original Breath of the Wild was a critical and commercial hit, and fans are chomping at the bit to return to Hyrule. The gameplay and story footage that has been released so far has been cryptic, but it seems that Hyrule Castle has been sent into the sky by a new villain, who may or may not be the revived corpse of Ganondorf.
The sequel involves Link traveling between different sky islands, not unlike the kind seen in Skyward Sword, and he will use new powers to deal with foes, which are linked to his arm being enchanted. Nintendo has kept its cards close to its chest with this game, to the point where its BOTW 2's name hasn't even been revealed yet, but it won't be long until the company will have to reveal more. The unnamed sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is currently set for a 2022 release date, but smart money says it's going to be the Switch's big holiday 2022 title.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope Is Releasing On Nintendo Switch In 2022
There's currently no word regarding any new Super Mario Bros. titles in 2022, though the Mushroom Kingdom crew will be appearing in at least one crossover game. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is an upcoming turn-based strategy game that leaves the boundaries of the Mushroom Kingdom and takes Mario and the Rabbids on an intergalactic journey. The story of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope involves an evil entity named Cursa trying to capture the energy of Sparks, which are Luma/Rabbid hybrids. Mario and the Rabbids must travel the universe to save the Sparks, while using their unique weapons and special powers to overwhelm the enemy. The combat in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope has removed the grid from the original game, giving players more freedom of movement in battle.
Splatoon 3 Has A 2022 Release Date For Nintendo Switch
The Splatoon series is returning in 2022, as Splatoon 3 will be taking players on a journey into the dangerous Splatlands, where Inklings and Octolings battle in the desert. The ability to play as Ocotlings was introduced in the Splatoon 2 DLC and it's now becoming part of the main series, as Splatoon 3 will let players choose them from the start. Splatoon 3 takes players to the streets of Splatsville, which is a frontier city in the Splatlands. Players will be able to fight in 4v4 Turf Wars, using a range of new weapons and moves in battle. Splatoon 3 will also have a new story mode, where players team up with Agent 3 to face the Octavian army in battle when it arrives on the Nintendo Switch in 2022.