Indies
Image: Nintendo Life

We've updated this list with lots of new entries for 2023, and included release dates on some long-awaited titles. Happy wishlisting!

2022 is dead, long live 2023. Let's hope this year is better and brighter than the last, eh? We've already rounded up our most-anticipated games for 2023, but that tends to cover the big dogs with gigantic marketing budgets, so, why not shine our spotlight on some of the smaller-but-brilliant games coming to the Nintendo Switch this year?

There's a little bit of overlap with our big 30 upcoming games, but you won't be seeing a few upcoming hits on here Outer Wilds, Metal Slug Tactics, Advance Wars 1+2, or Hollow Knight: Silksong here. Instead, we hope you'll find some games you didn't even know about before — we certainly did!

Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly - 20th April 2023

"In a time where people are isolated from each other, Coffee Talk is a place where we can reconnect over a cup of warm drink. It’s time to revisit your favorite late-night coffee shop and reconnect with your fantasy friends over a warm drink or two. You are a barista, and your customers aren't always humans, listen to their stories and influence their hearts with a warm cup of coffee or two."

Afterimage - 25th April 2023

"Reveal the hidden secrets of a fantasy land in Afterimage! Explore the magnificent landscapes and ruins of an ancient metropolis, meeting mysterious colossal beings and adorable roaming spirits along the way. The thrilling adventure of this marvelous 2D hand-drawn world awaits you!"

Dordogne - Spring 2023

"Explore Dordogne landscapes of a thousand summer colors, within sumptuous hand-painted watercolor environments. During your adventure, recall the moments, the panoramas, the scents, the sounds, and the sensations. Recount these vivid memories in your journal as a recollection of Mimi’s family past that’s unique to your experience and a nostalgic, touching reflection of your journey."

The Garden Path - Spring 2023

"A slice-of-life sim about the joy of gardening, and the small pleasures that follow. Whether you're fishing, growing, trading or just hanging with new friends, a wonderful and wistful adventure awaits when wandering The Garden Path."

Tiny Thor - Q2 2023

"Unleash the bouncy power of Mjölnir in this retro platformer. Use the mighty hammer and many other power-ups to travel the realms of Asgard. But watch out! Some mythical creatures will do everything to stop Thor from growing up."

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk - Summer 2023

"Start your own cypher and dance, paint, trick, face off with the cops and stake your claim to the extrusions and cavities of a sprawling metropolis in an alternate future set to the musical brainwaves of Hideki Naganuma."

Sea of Stars - 29th August 2023

"Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG inspired by the classics. It tells the story of two Children of the Solstice who will combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force capable of fending off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer."

Bilkins' Folly - 2023

"Bilkins’ Folly is a narrative adventure game about a boy and his dog. Team up with your canine best friend to uncover every nook and cranny of this region. With the help of Percy’s expert cartography skills, you can customize your map to help you solve puzzles and unlock other secrets. But be warned: some puzzles in this world are harder than others, and you might need to return to them later in your journey."

Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus - 2023

"Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is a hand-drawn 2D Metroidvania platformer based in a colorful world of Japanese folklore. Use your legendary bō staff to bounce and move fluidly through a delightfully-demonic East Asian fever dream. Use the tight movement and reset system to reach areas efficiently and gracefully or recover chaotically while floundering for footing"

Cassette Beasts - 2023

"Collect awesome monster forms to use in turn-based battles in this indie open-world RPG. Combine any two monster forms using Cassette Beasts' Fusion System to create unique and powerful new ones!"

Fall of Porcupine - 2023

"FALL OF PORCUPINE is a unique story adventure. The collision of work and daily life and an exciting reflection of an unhealthy healthcare system. Not only is there a lot to discover in the old hospital, but also in the small town of Porcupine itself. Take the time to meet the villagers and have a beer with them in the local pub, or take a trip to the nearby forest, where mysterious castle ruins are hidden."

Loco Motive - 2023

"On the eve of a landmark speech by the wealthy heiress Lady Unterwald, a straight-laced lawyer, a crime novelist-turned rookie detective, and an undercover spy find themselves embroiled in a murder, a mystery, and worst of all… an adventure! Now stuck onboard a luxurious steam train, within stabbing distance of a cold-blooded killer, the race is on to prove their innocence once and for all!"

Haven't quite got your fix yet? Don't worry, there are more indie gems over on the next page...