The Nintendo Switch is set for a promising year in 2022, with plenty of exclusives for fans to look forward to. It's already proved to be one of the consoles that boast the most visually stunning games, with the new crop of games arriving this year, that doesn't look to be changing any time soon. With the new OLED model enhancing the image further, it's a great time to pick up a Switch.
From stylized, cartoony adventures, to realistic-looking sequels and brand new original concepts with stunning aesthetics, there's a wide range of releases from Nintendo, each of which features really unique looks. Thanks to advanced graphics and new technologies, these are really benefitting visually from these innovations.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
The Pokémon series has often been considered the feather in Nintendo's cap and a great display of what can be achieved on their platforms. The most recent titles have ushered in a new generation of the video game series and Legends: Arceus is looking like another huge leap forward featuring the titular legendary creature.
In regards to the environments on show, Game Freak has shown a gorgeous range of settings to explore. The character designs are better than ever and the Pokémon themselves feel realistically enhanced, despite the stylized graphics on display. It's a real visual treat for any fan of the saga.
Mario + Rabbids: Spark Of Hope
Mario + Rabbids was a surprise success as these two beloved properties teamed up for a fun series of missions. While die-hard fans of the Mario saga will know how gorgeous the games really are, the sequel takes advantage of all the developments within the gaming industry.
It's perhaps the kinetic energy of the piece which grabs the most attention, but the 3D rendering of these iconic characters is nothing short of mesmerizing. For newcomers to the series, they'll get to see the absolute best from Ubisoft who are on top form here.
Bayonetta 3
Bayonetta is often a display of impressive cinematic storytelling, but the third installment of the franchise has pushed the developers further than ever. There's a realistic edge to the quality of the animations and graphics, which really helps to immerse the audience.
In the past, the series has not been a Nintendo exclusive, but it's clear that PlatinumGames feels that the game looks best on the handheld device. The personality in the character designs helps to ground this action-adventure in even more reality.
Zelda Breath of the Wild 2
The first Breath Of The Wild title managed to give fans a really expansive universe to explore, with a stunning level of detail and the lore of the world really entrenched in every pixel. It's perhaps one of the prettiest games to look at on the Switch.
But so many of those creative choices actually aid in the storytelling as well. Link has really been reborn here and the sequel is only going to continue with that tone. There are plenty of fan theories about Breath of the Wild 2, but one thing is for certain, early footage indicates it will be just as visually stunning as its predecessor.
Kirby And The Forgotten Land
Kirby's games are always vibrant and full of life. It's that color palette that appeals to fans, as Kirby, an adorable Pokémon-esque character, flies across the screen with complete chaos unfolding behind it. There's a whimsicality to the visual design of these titles and the latest iteration looks to be no different.
The Forgotten Land takes players to a luscious and rich fantasy world, which might not include as many details as other Switch games but more than makes up for it in terms of the imaginative concepts that create the foundations here. HAL Laboratory hasn't held back in the scale of the piece.
Splatoon 3
The Splatoon franchise is also no stranger to chaotic imagery and the third part of the saga looks to be as bright as ever as these classic characters return for a new adventure. The visual style is certainly cartoony but it's now well-established.
It's quite impressive to create such a unique look in the video game world today, considering everything has already been done. But the games are so gorgeous because of how different they are. Nintendo is taking the reigns on this project to ensure the Switch's capabilities are used to their fullest extent.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
Advance Wars is totally different from so many other exclusive games coming to Switch in 2022. For starters, this is a far more tactical title and the images are simplified to enhance the mechanics. Secondly, the title is going to be a remake of the two previous games.
But that's where the genius aspect of WayForward and Nintendo's plan comes in. The games already stood out in their particular genre thanks to the gorgeous level of design. The remake is superior to that, improving graphics and bringing the player into the action in a much more authentic way.
Metroid Prime 4
Metroid Dread, with its complex and challenging levels, has proven that the Metroid series really thrives on next-gen consoles. The title's gameplay is stellar and its sci-fi cinematography is easily the defining piece of the series. It has never looked better.
As development continues on the fourth installment of the franchise, it's clear that lessons are being learned from earlier releases. The technology has only improved which means that when the game comes out this year, it's likely going to look even more visually stunning.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Team Cherry's masterful rendering of this side-scroller is truly mesmerizing. It's a standout of the genre and indeed the console, with the mechanics almost taking a backseat to the incredible journey fans are taken on thanks to the visual display.
Elegant shapes help to paint the picture here but every scene feels just like that; a painting that has been handcrafted, with every stroke of the brush holding intense meaning. The protagonist design alone speaks volumes for the style of this game.