Last fall's critically acclaimed Super Mario Bros. Wonder was described by some as the Nintendo Switch’s swan song—because a follow-up console is reportedly in the works, and Wonder may well be the last seismic Switch exclusive before a Switch 2 rolls out.
But it’s certainly not the last notable game that’s set to release for the handheld console. Nintendo has unveiled a variety of upcoming Switch games for 2024 that either tap into familiar characters or put a fresh coat of paint on old classics.
While we might not get another huge insta-classic like last year's Super Mario Bros. Wonder or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, there are bound to be some gems on the horizon to keep you playing until the Switch 2 is properly unveiled and released.
Here’s what is still ahead on the Switch that we're excited about. It’s certainly not everything coming to Switch in the months ahead—particularly given the barrage of digital games that regularly hit the platform—but it’s the biggest and most interesting stuff still on the horizon.
Nintendo Switch 2 Preview: Release Date, Price and Launch Games
The Switch is Nintendo’s best-selling home console of all time, and widely beloved for its rich library of games—a dramatic turn from the middling Wii U before it. But it’s been eight years since the Switch launched, and fans are getting antsy for Nintendo’s next big thing. Luckily, it's coming. Following years of leaks and rumors, and even a couple official acknowledgments that the next-gen model was coming, Nintendo formally revealed the Switch 2 console in January 2025—and now we know when we...
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered (Feb. 14)
Lara Croft’s early adventures are iconic and influential, but the mid-’90s games could be tough to appreciate at this point. Luckily, publisher Aspyr is bundling up the first three games in the series with all of their respective expansion packs, plus they’re all getting refreshed graphics. And you can swap back to the blocky original visuals if you please. A trio of games for $30 with various enhancements? That could be appealing.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Feb. 16)
Twenty years after debuting on Game Boy Advance, Nintendo is overhauling Mario vs. Donkey Kong for the Switch. It’s a little more cerebral than the classic Donkey Kong and Mario Bros. games, tasking you with solving puzzles as you navigate the platform-based levels. This fan favorite is being upgraded for a new generation of players, and adding local co-op multiplayer too along with the visual boost.
The Most Anticipated Games of 2025
Look, 2024 was a pretty great year for games, delivering gems like Metaphor: ReFantazio, Astro Bot, Balatro, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Off the Grid, and more. But we’re an optimistic bunch, and we think 2025 could be even better. That’s the vibe we’re getting from the early batch of games expected to launch this year, spanning sequels and original titles alike, ranging from Grand Theft Auto 6 to (potentially) Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and plenty more in between. Wait, let's linger on t...
Unicorn Overlord (Mar. 8)
Vanillaware routinely makes some of the most captivating and distinctive role-playing games, including Odin Sphere and Dragon's Crown, and Unicorn Overlord looks no different. It's a tactical RPG inspired by the greats of the 1990s (think Tactics Ogre and Final Fantasy Tactics), paired with the kind of stunning hand-drawn artwork the studio is known for. After the late 2023 genre barrage, including Super Mario RPG, this might be the Switch's next engrossing adventure.
Princess Peach Showtime (Mar. 22)
Princess Peach has been a mainstay of nearly every Mario game over the years, but rarely has starring roles herself. Now, nearly 20 years after the last attempt, she’s getting her own spotlight again with Princess Peach Showtime on Switch. This original game uses a theatre theme to toss Peach into various game scenarios inspired by stage plays, turning her into a baker, detective, and swordfighter as she battles through action stages.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD (Summer 2024)
Speaking of Mario allies who don’t get their own games very often… Luigi’s had a nice run of lighthearted horror games over the years, and now Luigi’s Mansion 2 (originally Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon) will make the leap from Nintendo 3DS to Switch in 2024. If you missed the previous game before the Switch’s own fun Luigi’s Mansion 3, this upgraded port will serve up a Ghostbusters-esque spooky experience for the whole family.
Nintendo 64 to Get 4K Upgrade in 2024 With New Analogue Console
Ever wanted to play classic games like Super Mario 64 and GoldenEye 007 in blistering 4K resolution? Those not afraid of such sharp polygonal edges may soon get their wish in 2024, as aftermarket console maker Analogue has revealed plans for an upgraded Nintendo 64. The Analogue 3D, an unofficial console capable of playing Nintendo 64 cartridges from around the world, will be released in 2024 according to the company. Analogue has only teased some details from the upcoming hardware, including th...
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (TBD 2024)
As we get deeper into 2024, it increasingly looks like upgraded versions of classic games may be Nintendo’s best option to keep Switch fans happy while likely prepping brand new Switch 2 games in the background. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door brings the role-playing series’ second game from GameCube to Switch after two decades. No date has been set beyond it launching sometime in 2024, but we suspect it’ll be sometime in spring or summer.
Metroid Prime 4 (TBD)
Announced in 2017, Metroid Prime 4 still hasn’t seen the light of day. Realistically, there’s a good chance that it in fact won’t launch on the original Switch at this point, but could instead move onto the Switch 2—or simultaneously hit both, as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild did across old and new platforms back when. Original series developer Retro Studios took over the project from Bandai Namco in 2019, but otherwise we haven’t seen or heard much.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam (TBD)
The fan-favorite Professor Layton puzzle adventure series is slated to come back to Switch with Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, which was announced last year. Few concrete details are known, but the game appears to bring back the titular hero in a new quest set in America. Developer Level-5 is teasing more details to come, so it’s entirely possible that this game will indeed still hit the current Switch.
Edited by Ryan Ozawa
Editor's note: This story was first published on November 23, 2023 and was last updated with new information on January 24.
