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."
- Feature: The Garden Path's Solo Dev On Hollow Knight And Final Fantasy Influences
- 'The Garden Path' Is A Cosy Real-Time Gardening Game Designed For Short Sessions
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."
- Feature: From Chrono Trigger To Super Mario RPG, The Varied Influences Of Sea Of Stars
- Gorgeous Chrono Trigger-Inspired RPG 'Sea Of Stars' Get August Release Date, Demo Out Now
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...
Comments (31)
Instantly gonna snap some of these up when they go on sale. Wait, they are already cheap? Sold!
The Plucky Squire looks amazing. Can't wait for that one.
SURELY Silksong has to get released THIS year... Right? RIGHT?!
Tony thor looks creative with the hammer bouncing physics
Holy fuzzy fuzzballz some of these games look adorable. Mineko’s, in particular, has caught my eye.
My partner introduced me to Tove Jansson last year and i read all the books and watched the biopic. So the Snufkin melody game will be preordered.
A couple games not on this list that i am eagerly anticipating, games that are a bit further off, are Wizard with a Gun and Moonstone Island.
Excellent and helpful list here.
Afterimage, Sea of Stars and Plucky Squire are in my list. And now also Little Nemo, I didn't knew there was a coming up game from him. I used to play the NES game and it was really good (hard but really good).
I feel like there is another one missing... what was that game called? "Satin Music" or something? Sequel to "Empty Soldier"?
I dunno... It's on the tip of my tongue. 😏
Plucky Squire looks absolutely fantastic, instant buy
Sea of Stars is my most anticipated game of 2023 after Zelda TOTK and Xenoblade 3's expansion DLC.
Lots of games previously announced but have gone silent. Braid, El Shaddai, Alien Hominid, Kingdom Come, Outer Wilds, etc.
Plucky Duck....
I mean The Plucky Squire. 😅
As a fan of Windwaker, A Short Hike, and Kiki’s Delivery Service, I’m really hoping that Mika and the Witch’s Mountain will be good.
Bo and Snuffkin for me
Snuffkin looks absolutely gorgeous. It's like the best season of Moomins - the anime from the 90s - came to life. It's more than we could ask for.
@Dom_31 Right
...right?
Pepper Grinder looks like a creative and awesome platformer. Looking forward to that one for sure.
Probably need a review for most but they pretty much ALL interest me.
There are sequels to Coffee Talk and Wargrove which will most likely be insta-downloads.The latter is a particular fav of mine in the Indie sector.
Sea of Stars is obviously a strong consideration too as is Cassette Beasts.
As I say though, a lot of strong potential there! Looking forward to reading about them and playing many or most!
Sea of Stars and Pepper Grinder for me. I'm also looking forward to Gunbrella.
Sea of Stars has been on my radar since finishing The Messenger. Really excited about that one.
Sea of Stars has some of the best pixel art I've seen. I wish the writing matched the tone set by the visuals, but given how The Messenger was, I guess it's not a surprise that it doesn't really take itself seriously.
Two upcoming games that deserve mention are Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes and Freedom Planet 2. We should be receiving both this year.
Mika and the Witch's Mountain
@yacsama Yeah, I thought Tiny Thor looked the best these, it would be great to get a physical release.
Well... What's about Braid: Definitive Edition and Alien Hominid Invasion?
Afterimage, Tiny Thor, Plucky Squire, Bo, Pepper Grinder, man, there are some truly awesome indie games coming.
They keep me coming back to my Switch, I have way more indie titles than anything else on my Switch.
I hope they get physical copies.
Keep them coming.
Out of all of the ones listed, I think the ones I would most likely purchase are The Garden Path, Bilkin's Folly, The Plucky Squire, and She Dreams Elsewhere. All of those look up my alley. I am most interested in She Dreams Elsewhere. Something about it intrigues me.
Definitely some fun looking games here.
Sea of Stars and Plucky Squire on the top of my list. Definitely keeping a few others on my radar and will check out the reviews once they drop.
@Magician Alien Hominid Invasion gets semi-regular development updates on The Behemoth's YouTube channel, actually, and just got a 2023 release window as well
Was hoping to see Victory Heat Rally up there. I’m dying for that to come out
Dear Plucky Squire,
Please be awesome and not a letdown.
Sincerely,
Everyone
Some lookers, that's for sure.
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