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When the console launched in 2017 the Nintendo Switch took the world by storm. A console that you can simply undock and take with you on the go? This is something many of us dreamed of for age, assuming it was nothing more than our non-tech savvy imaginations running wild. Then it happened and it launched with one of the best games of the generation: Breath of the Wild. But it’s 2019 now and let’s be honest, some of that initial magic has worn off.
As for games, 2018 was an aggressively average year. Nintendo finally launched its paid online service but it definitely wasn’t worth the wait. It may be cheap in price but it’s also cheap in quality and perks when compared to Sony and Microsoft’s offerings.
Fans may never stop asking the world to port everything to switch but the hardware has made its own shortcoming clear when it comes to running major AAA titles like Wolfenstein and Doom. Still, for all its shortcomings the appeal of its portability can’t be overstated. And let’s be real, Nintendo failing at adequate 3rd party support, online features, and the bells and whistles that have long been established as an industry standard isn’t new. Nor is what Nintendo does best, giving us some damn good 1st party titles.
So in 2019, Nintendo has a chance to have a strong year. Franchises like Yoshi’s Crafted World, Animal Crossing, and cult classic Luigi’s mansion are all on their way and hopefully ready to impress, as well as the next mainline Pokemon titles, Sword and Shield. If combined with a good line-up of indies we could end looking back at Nintendo’s 2019 with fondness.
Here’s what you can look forward to from Nintendo’s 2019 line-up.
**Note: These are in order based on release date, followed by release window, and ending in a few notable confirmed games that are under development.
January 2019
New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: January 11, 2019
All the fun of New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U bundled into one cartridge. Those of you who already played one or both of these titles on Wii U might be even more included to get in on this 1-4 player platforming action. Conversely, those who missed these titles completely will want to take this opportunity to catch up by digging into some traditional Mario platforming, something the Switch has lacked outside of retro titles. Packed with 164 levels in the main campaign plus additional game modes and bonus content, New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe will give you plenty to dig into to kick-off 2019.
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
Developer: Bandai Namco
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC
Release Date: January 11, 2019
In celebration of Tales of Vesperia‘s 10 year anniversary, Bandai Namco is bringing the Definitive Edition to Switch, Xbox One, PS4, and PC. Tales of Vesperia is an anime action RPG originally released in 2008, the Definitive Edition provides updated full HD graphics, brand new music, extra mini-games, bosses, and a slew of previously unrelated costume DLC. With the estimated time of campaign completion of the game being 50 hours, handheld mode is going to come in handy when it comes to taking on this lengthy story.
Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes
Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture
Publisher: Grasshopper Manufacture
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: January 18, 2019
This upcoming action-adventure game is played from a top-down perspective and can be played co-operatively or solo. While the new perspective marks a shift in Travis Strikes Again franchise, players can still expect that hack and slash action and cute humor that has become a hallmark of the series. The neon cyberpunk art style and fast-paced action and layered systems will give you a unique, personable experience on Switch. Also, you save your game by using the toilet.
February 2019
Trials Rising
Developer: Ubisoft, Redlynx
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC
Release Date: February 12, 2019
Trials Rising builds on Ubisoft’s established motorcycles flipping, action-packed formula and adds a fresh coat of visual paint on top of its new features. These trials span several continents from natural environments like Yellowstone National Park to urban attractions like the Eiffel tower. Make your way from backyard competitions to the world stage during the campaign. You can customize your bike, outfit, and even make your own tracks. Exhaust all ridiculous avenues by taking advantage of the game new multiplayer mode featuring a Tandem Bike in which each player contributions 50% of the power and balance.
Steins; Gate Elite
Developer: 5pb
Publisher: Spike Chunsoft
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC
Release Date: February 19, 2019
Nine years after the game’s initial release Steins;Gate is back to trying to prove it’s not just relevant, it’s revolutionary in the adventure game landscape. The premise is as follows “Follow a band of tech-savvy young students who discover the means of changing the past via e-mail using a modified microwave. Their experiments in pushing the boundaries of time to begin to spiral out of control as they become entangled in a conspiracy surrounding SERN, the organization behind the Large Hadron Collider, and John Titor, who claims to be from a dystopian future.” Steins; Gate Elite is a remastered and fully animated version of this visual novel in which all your choices matter.
March 2019
Treasure Stack
Developer: PIXELAKES
Publisher: PIXELAKES
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: March 01, 2019
Treasure Stack brings personality to the falling block puzzle game by mixing it with grapple-powered platforming and a roster of cute, customizable characters. Play alone or with up to four people during local or online multiplayer across a variety of game modes.
Yoshi’s Crafted World
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: March 29, 2019
The next entry in the Yoshi franchise is centered on the Sundream Stone. According to legend, it can make the wildest dreams come true. Upon finding out about this, Baby Bowser and Kamek attempted to steal it and the result scattered all the stones across a variety of worlds. Now, more likely than not, it’s Yoshi’s job to seek them out. Building on the aesthetics of Yoshi’s Wooly World, Yoshi’s Crafted World has a similarly handmade aesthetic. Even the backgrounds are colored cardboard cutouts featuring paper cones for the trees. You can jump into this living diorama when the game launches this Spring.
April 2019
Mortal Kombat 11
Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Publisher: Warner Bros. Entertainment
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: April 23, 2019
Despite being known for its exaggerated, disgustingly detailed violence, Mortal Kombat 11 will be making its way to the perceived family-friendly Nintendo Switch (among all other listed platforms). In addition to a roster that’s sure to have everyone’s old favorites, players can make their own customized versions of the line-up thanks to the Custom Character Variation System. Warner Bros. and NetherRealm Studios surprised everyone with its reveal of Mortal Kombat 11 at The Game Awards 2018. Leading up to the release date we’ll surely see more specifics in terms of fighters and how this entry in the franchise will set itself apart from Mortal Kombat X.
Super Meat Boy Forever
Developer: Team Meat
Publisher: Team Meat
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC via Epic Games Store (Note: April 2020 for the Steam release)
Release Date: April 2019
The follow up to Super Meat Boy, a fast-paced platformer and indie hit, will be Super Meat Boy Forever. This sequel puts an autorunning twist on the game’s established formula but with level designed tailored for these new controls, Team Meat promises this game will be even better than the first. In Super Meat Boy Forever Dr. Fetus is still the heinous antagonist but now he’s after Meat Boy and Bandage Girl’s baby, Nugget. Each time you beat a level it reconstructs into a harder version of itself meaning there’s plenty of replay value. Lastly, Meat Boy and Bandage Girl can finally go on the offensive and punch and kick enemies instead of just avoid them.
MAY 2019
Team Sonic Racing
Developer: SUMO Digital
Publisher: Sega
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC
Release Date: May 21, 2019
Featuring online multiplayer and local co-op modes, Team Sonic Racing will be sharing space with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, quite possibly the best Mario Kart to date. But some steep competition never stopped the Sonic franchise before (sort of?). There are 12 players per race with 4 player split-screen available. Modes include Grand Prix Mode, Exhibition Mode, Time-Trial, and Team Adventure Mode. Your race experience will change based on the character and vehicle customization options you use. Choose to race as a team, which includes knocking out the competition and unleashing your team’s ultimate, or go it alone. The car designs seem to draw inspiration from the “future” aesthetic, traditional race cars, and luxury vehicles.
JUNE
Crash Team Racing
Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Release Date: June 21, 2019
Yet another kart racer is coming to Nintendo Switch in 2019 but this one just might be able to go the distance. While its competition, Mario Kart, forever remains in a league of its own Crash Team Racing has plenty of charm to make it a worthwhile purchase. This kart racer includes the use of various weapons throughout the tracks which capture the heart of the franchise well: from avoiding those green nitro boxes to picking up wumpa fruit on the road, Crash Team Racing is a quality ride with some fun callbacks to the mainline games and this remaster brings the visuals into the modern era.
July
Dragon Quest Builders 2
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
Release Date: July 12, 2019
Dragon Quest Builders 2 will continue this crafting heavy, sandbox, action RPG series. This entry will add sloping platforms, the ability to make waterfalls, and allow you to swim underwater. The game will build on existing narrative as it’s tied to the events of Dragon Quest II. There’s a campaign but much like other builder games it’s easy to get lost in the crafting of it all.
EARLY 2019…
Cat Quest 2
Developer: Gentlebros Games
Publisher: PQube Limited
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, PC, and Mobile.
Release Date: Early 2019
Following up the original game, Cat Quest 2 follows the same RPG format with a few key changes to keep fans of the franchise engaged. Watch two previous rival groups come together for the sake of saving the world. You can play alone or co-op, as a cat or dog, as you fight your way across the map.
NecroBarista
Developer: Route 59
Publisher: Coconut Island Games
Platform: PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Release Date: Early 2019
Serve up some coffee to the living and dead alike. This visual novel takes place as the dead return to Earth, indistinguishable from the living for one final night. See things from the perspective of several customers during this point-and-click adventure.
Summer 2019
Fire Emblem: Three House
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: Summer 2019
Fire Emblem is finally making its way to Nintendo Switch with Fire Emblem: Three Houses launching in Spring 2019. This upcoming entry in this turn-based tactical RPG series will feature a new story with new characters. “The game takes place on Fódlan, where the Church of Seiros exercises great power over the land and its people.” As the hero, you’ll meet three main characters: Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude. Each will play an “important role” in the story. In addition to handing things on the battlefield, you will also have opportunities to move the character freely to build relationships with and gather information from other characters.
Sometime in 2019
Kentucky Route Zero TV Edition
Developer: Cardboard Computer
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: 2019
Originally started back in 2013, this magical realist, point and click adventure game finally getting its ending. You can play it all on Nintendo Switch with all 5 episodes and interludes bundled together in the TV Edition. Explore a secret highway tucked away in the caves beneath Kentucky. Meet and team up with the unique and mysterious people that travel across this highway.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3
Developer: Koei Tecmo Games
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: 2019
Back for the first time in 10 years as a console exclusive, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 features heroes and villains united together in their attempt to get the Infinity Stones before Thanos and The Black Order get them. Be prepared to “assemble your dream team of Super-Heroes” from across the Marvel Universe as you dive into this new and original story. Play on or offline with up to 4 players.
Sayonara Wild Hearts
Developer: Simogo
Publisher: Annapurna
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: 2019
The details regarding gameplay are still unclear but expect a level of neon, music based, sensory overload when this game races onto Switch in 2019. This sort of playable music video will involve “being awesome, riding motorcycles, skateboarding, dance battling, shooting lasers, wielding swords, and breaking hearts at 200 mph.”
Shin Megami Tensei V
Developer: Atlus
Publisher: Atlus
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: 2019
A new entry in this RPG series is on its way and aims to create a sympathetic world so that players can reexamine, reflect on, and ultimately related to its depiction of the current times. While demon fusions and other classic elements will remain in the game, Atlus is also experimenting with brand new attributes to add to this storied franchise.
Animal Crossing 2019
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: 2019
We don’t know much about the next mainline Animal Crossing game other than the fact that it’s coming out in 2019 as confirmed by Nintendo towards the start of the year. Like most mainline entries you can expect the gameplay of this simulation title to remain the same at its core but the details are always up in the air. What’s the premise? What’s the location? What (if anything) will Nintendo take from its recent mobile game Animal Crossing Pocket Camp? More information is sure to come close to the game’s release. Perhaps in a Nintendo Direct.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: 2019
Luigi’s Mansion has really picked up steam over the last few years with this GameCube launch title turning into a franchise with the release of Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon on the 3DS in 2013 followed by a port of the original game landing on 3DS just last year. Now fans are getting even more Luigi’s Mansion 3 (working title) coming to Nintendo Switch in 2019. Based on the teaser trailer, this game will feature the same ghost sucking action we’ve come to know and love. Plus the polterpup will be making a return.
Untitled Goose Game
Developer: House House
Publisher: Panic
Platform: Nintendo Switch and PC
Release Date: Sometime in 2019
This indie game gives you a chance to troll the entire neighborhood by running wild as a goose. Take on a series of tasks and challenges until you’ve gotten under everyone’s skin by ruining gardens, shattering pots, stealing hats, and generally getting in people’s faces for no reason at all. Described as “slapstick-stealth-sandbox” this goose simulator will provide a humorous outlet for your aggression.
See Also: Upcoming Indie Games of 2019 & Beyond
2019 or Beyond
Pokemon Sword and Shield
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: TBD 2019
Pokemon Let’s Go Eevee and Let’s Go Pikachu showed the art style we can expect from a Pokemon game on Switch but this remake of yellow is still just a side game drawing on the mechanics of Pokemon GO. A mainline Pokemon is on its way, and we now know that the games will be called Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield, and they’re coming in 2019.
The only trailer we have so far looks fantastic, and we can’t wait to jump into the Galar region. The three new gen 8 starters are Scorbunny, Grookey, and Sobble.
Mineko’s Night Market
Developer: Meowza Games
Publisher: Humble Bundle
Platform: PC and Nintendo Switch
Release Date: 2019 or beyond
Mineko’s Night Market is advertised as a game about “crafting crafts, eating eats, and catting cats” and that’s pretty much what you can expect from this adorable simulator. Drawing heavily on Japanese traditions to create its world, this game is about gathering resources by exploring the connected areas and partaking in various minigames. Goods can be used to sell at your market stall, conversely, you can do plenty of shopping.
Town
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: TBD
Along the same lines, Game Freak is also working on an entirely different RPG. All we know about this brand new IP, Town, is that it exists but its potential comes from the team that’s making it. Game Freak can clearly make quality RPGs and being free of the pokemon name may give them a much-needed chance for some great experimentation.
