We’ve entered the second half of the year, and it’s time to look at the 20 best Nintendo Switch games releasing before the end of 2022. The last half of the year is always stacked with some heavy hitters and this year is no exception. From huge releases like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet to indies like Bear and Breakfast, there are many games to pick from every month. So here’s a look at 20 games you should keep your eye on when they release.
Bear and Breakfast (July 28)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
For fans of games like Stardew Valley, it’s time to add another sim to your catalog. Bear and Breakfast has you running a makeshift bed and breakfast out of an abandoned shack in the woods. As your money-making scheme grows, so does the mystery around the forest. You’ll spend a lot of time decorating your bed and breakfast and making sure it has all the right amenities to earn you plenty of cash. You’ll be able to pick this game up on July 28.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (July 29)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
Xenoblade can be a daunting and time consuming task for players. Luckily, you will not need to need to know the events of the previous Xenoblade games to enjoy the latest entry. The game features a new world and cast that you’ll get to know over the course of the game. It is shaping up to be an emotional journey with a deep combat system that is sure to satisfy. You can check out our preview of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 to learn more before it releases on July 29.
Digimon Survive (July 29)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
Digimon are the champions. It’s just a fact. Digimon Survive is a new take on the Digimon universe that seems to be inspired by tactical RPGs like Fire Emblem. This game celebrates 25 years of the Digimon anime and follows a new group of DigiDestined. They get transported while on a school camping trip and find a new world full of monsters and danger. If you are a Digimon fan, a Fire Emblem fan, or even both, this is sure to be an exciting game for you. Life is going to be very busy on July 29.
Cult of the Lamb (Aug. 11)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
In Cult of the Lamb, you devote yourself to an ominous stranger who saved you from annihilation. The stranger doesn’t ask for much. All you have to do is start a cult and build a loyal following in the land of false prophets. You will collect resources to build structures for worship, defeat hoards of nonbelievers and rival cult leaders, and train your flock to spread the word of your god. This game should be a delight when it comes to Nintendo Switch on Aug. 11.
Tinykin (Aug. 30)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
If you are desperate for a new Pikmin game, then Tinykin needs to be on your radar. Tinykin looks like the next Pikmin-styled game to check out. It is a bit more of a puzzle platformer, but still has tiny creatures to befriend. Discover 100s of Tinykin and utilize their unique abilities to navigate the giant planet. You’ll be able to pick up Tinykin for the Nintendo Switch on Aug. 30.
Temtem (Sep. 6)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
Many are anxiously awaiting the release of the Gen 9 Pokemon games. Why not scratch that itch a little early with Temtem? Temtem is a Pokemon-inspired MMORPG. This creature collector takes place on an airborne archipelago. As you set off on your adventure, you’ll discover new species, catch, battle, and trade them to collect them all. You can get Temtem on Sep. 6 and enjoy a nice snack before Pokemon Scarlet and Violet come out later this year.
Splatoon 3 (Sep. 9)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
On Sep. 9, the squid kids are coming back and fuzzier than ever in Splatoon 3. Nintendo has given us very little information about the upcoming game but there will be a lot of new weapons, new maps, and a big new story mode. Turf Wars and Salmon Run are making a return, but fans are surely itching to see the Ranked Modes and if there will be some new game modes in general.
Potion Permit (Sep. 22)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
Potion Permit is a life sim is all about using chemistry to concoct cures for the people in town. Use your knowledge to diagnose the townsfolk’s ailments, explore the neighboring forest to gather ingredients for potions, then combine them all to provide remedies for your patients. This game is a wonderful shift away from the management and farming sims that is much appreciated. Play Potion Permit when it releases on Sep. 22.
NieR:Automata – The End of YoRHa Edition (Oct. 6)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
It was only a matter of time before NieR:Automata made it to Switch. NieR:Automata – End of YoRHa Edition is coming to the console on Oct. 6. You’ll be able to experience the high-speed action anywhere, anytime. Follow a story that takes place in the distant future run by machines. Androids 2B, 9S, and A2 attempt to take back the planet where humans were driven out.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns (Oct. 7)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
Marvel’s Midnight Suns was initially planned for release in March but has finally gotten an Oct. 7 date. This game is a tactical RPG that features characters from Midnight Suns, Avengers, X-Men, and Runaways. It continues to be the year of tactics, and this one should be a fun distraction from the disappearance of Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp.
No Man’s Sky (Oct. 7)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
It’s a wonder how anybody got No Man’s Sky to run on the Nintendo Switch, but here it is. Journey through the stars and explore a galaxy full of unique planets, lifeforms, and danger. You get to decide whether to be an explorer, trader, or fighter. Discover what lies at the center of the galaxy when this game releases on Nintendo Switch on Oct. 7.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope (Oct. 20)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
The follow-up to Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is finally coming on Oct. 20. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope presents a brand new adventure for Mario and friends. This galactic adventure features a new cast of Rabbid characters seemingly based around the Mario Galaxy games. Rabbid Rosalina teams up with the crew to rescue the Sparks from the perilous threat of Cursa.
Persona 5 Royal (Oct. 21)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
For as long as the Switch has been out, fans have been begging for Persona to make an appearance. After the arrival of Joker in Smash and Persona 5 Strikers, fans collectively told Atlus this was not enough. Finally, Persona 5 Royal will be making its way from the PS5 to Nintendo Switch on Oct. 21. At a later date, Persona 4 Golden and Persona 3 Portable will also be releasing on Switch.
Bayonetta 3 (Oct. 28)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
Bayonetta 3 has been a long time in the making. The third installment to the Bayonetta series got some great new trailers as it nears its Oct. 28 release date. Meet a coven of Bayonettas and fight as the in-training witch, Viola. With the new Naive Angel Mode, you’ll be able to play the game comfortably from your living room. Maybe even with your parents around.
Harvestella (Nov. 4)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
Harvestella looks like a Final Fantasy farming sim and Square Enix’s response to games like Rune Factory. Enter a world with changing seasons where you can befriend the locals, tend to your crops, and learn the truth behind Quietus. As each season changes, Quietus brings crop-destroying dust. You’ll be able to learn more behind the mystery on Nov. 4 when Harvestella comes to Nintendo Switch.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (Nov. 18)
Best Nintendo Switch Games Releasing Before 2022 Ends
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are bringing a brand new generation of Pokemon in its first truly open world game coming Nov. 18. You will get to train a new starter, meet some of the hottest professors on the planet, and discover some brand new legendary Pokemon. Choose between Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly and explore the world on your own or with friends with online play.
Nintendo Switch Games With 2022 Release Windows
The following games are set to release in 2022 but don’t have a solidified date. While there’s a chance some may get pushed into 2023, they are currently still promised for this year. Here are the upcoming games arranged from most likely to release within the year to least likely:
Kirby’s Dream Buffet (Summer 2022)
Kirby’s Dream Buffet was a surprise announcement from Nintendo via Twitter. Many people are comparing the game to Fall Guys with a Kirby flavor. It looks like you’ll race against friends and play tons of other games to make the plumpest Kirby you can. Be the biggest by the end of each round to take home the victory. This game doesn’t have a release date yet, but it will likely meet its summer 2022 release window.
Ooblets Summer (2022)
Ooblets is a mix of Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and Pokemon. Plant seeds, grow Ooblets, and compete in dance battles. This game takes all the best parts of life sims and creature collecting and stuffs it full of unique quirky cuteness beyond your imagination. It has been in early access for years now, but it will officially be released on the Nintendo Switch this summer. This game is best enjoyed snuggled up in some blankets.
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals (2022)
If you haven’t played Oxenfree, fix that right away. Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is the hotly anticipated sequel for fans of the original. Riley Poverly will return to her hometown to investigate the supernatural occurrences. The events in this game will take place five years after the events of the first. There is a lot of mystery surrounding this game including the release date. It has been announced for 2022.
Life Is Strange Remastered Collection (2022)
Life Is Strange Remastered Collection will have both Life Is Strange Remastered and Life Is Strange Before the Storm Remastered in one package. Of course, after several delays, it has yet to get a confirmed release date on Nintendo Switch. Perhaps if they rewind some moments, they can fix some of our current timeline and make it happen sooner?
What games are you looking forward to picking up on Nintendo Switch? Are you anticipating the big blockbusters like Pokemon and Xenoblade, or are you more excited for the smaller indies like Bear and Breakfast and Ooblets? These top 20 best games coming to Nintendo Switch before the end of 2022 are sure to keep you busy!
