The Nintendo Switch, like many consoles from the storied company before it, revolutionized the way people play games at home and on-the-go. It's also been a surprising opportunity for tons of indie and low-budget games, as well.
From first-party games straight from Nintendo itself to third-party titles from some of the biggest names in the industry like Koei Tecmo, Square Enix, and Capcom, there will be plenty game options This summer is surely going to be one to remember and might even beat out this fall’s lineup. Only time will tell but for now, let’s run down the hotlist.
Updated on June 29, 2021, by Juliet Childers: Nintendo remains mum about any potential Switch Pro releases. But the Summer roster for games isn't letting up at all! From Monster Hunter releases to games inspired by classic JRPGs like Chrono Trigger, there are plenty of titles to keep even the most avid gamers busy for the rest of the summer months.
10 Ys Ix: Monstrum Nox
Release Date: July 6, 2021
Price: $59.99
There are an impressive amount of games in the Ys franchise now. Each game offers a variation on the JRPG experience and the world is rich with lore. This entry sees Adol Christin, a Monstrum who can exorcise monsters, team up with fellows Monstrums to thwart the Grimwald Nox shadow dimension.
9 Aria Chronicle
Release Date: July 8, 2021
Price: $39.83
With an art style somewhere between Final Fantasy Tactics and World of Warcraft, Aria Chronicle looks to be an interesting hybrid. The game pairs RPG features with rogue-like elements including dungeons, unique skill trees, and more. The main character can wield one of 14 job types while players can have up to five teammates.
An important addition to this game is a mentality mechanic that must be monitored. For better r worse, it can affect hero performance.
8 Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings Of Ruin
Release Date: July 9, 2021
Price: $59.99
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin will release for Switch along with PCs. It is a spinoff sequel to the 2016 3DS original in Japan which got a 2017 launch in the West. Perhaps Monster Hunter fans and Pokemon fans alike will check it out since it is like a combo of the two franchises. Initial reviews from TG's own Jade King bill it as a "comforting RPG" which may be what people need right now.
7 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD
Release Date: July 16, 2021
Price: $59.99
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Switch release marks almost ten years since the 2011 Wii original launched. It is the last 3D game in the series to get a remake which is about time. Fans everywhere are excited to relive the experience without Fi telling them to recharge their Wiimotes every five seconds this time.
6
Cris Tales
Release Date: July 20, 2021
Price: $39.99
Described as a "love-letter to classic JRPGs", Cris Tales aims to emulate Final Fantasy 6 and Chrono Trigger. Players experience time simultaneously as they can look into the past and alter the future. The game features turn-based combat, an Empress' dastardly plot for world destruction, and great companions. Cris Tales also features a hand-drawn world full of color and personality.
5 Neo: The World Ends With You
Release Date: July 27, 2021
Price: $59.99
Neo: The World Ends With You is set to release for Switch along with PS4. The first game launched on the DS in 2007 in Japan and a year later in North America. Now, there are not only mobile ports and an anime adaption of it but, this new game, too. It has a lot to live up to so hopefully the 14/13-year wait won’t be met with disappointment.
4 The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
Release Date: July 27, 2021
Price: $39.99
The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles will release for Switch along with PS4 and PCs. This will mark it as the first time both games in this collection will hit the West.
The 3DS original launched in Japan in 2015 while its sequel released in 2017. It’s kind of like how the original Phoenix Wright games launched as Game Boy Advance titles in Japan before hitting the West on DS.
3 Blaster Master Zero 3
Release Date: July 29, 2021
Price: $29.99
Blaster Master Zero 3 releases for Switch along with PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PCs. The NES game reboot originally released in 2017, but no one thought it would get a sequel let alone two more. It just goes to show how good Inti Creates is at making modern retro games and how much fan support matters.
2 The Falconeer: Warrior Edition
Release Date: August 5, 2021
Price: $29.99
Releasing for Switch, PS5, and PS4 at the same time, the open-world aerial combat game is pretty epic. This new edition includes all previously released DLC, an updated tutorial prologue, the Edge of the World content pack, and revamped voice work. It was even nominated for a 2021 BAFTA Game Award, but did you really need another reason to pilot a gigantic bird?
1 No More Heroes 3
Release Date: August 27, 2021
Price: $59.99
Though Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes released in 2019, the last main entry was all the way back in 2010 on Wii. The first two games have gotten re-releases as recently as last year, but fans have wanted a new main game for quite some time now. There's sure to be more over-the-top superhero action in this Suda51 game featuring work from Bayonetta artists.