Top Upcoming Nintendo Switch Exclusives 2018

2018 is quickly approaching and with it will come a slew of new video game titles to look forward to playing. With that said, now’s a good time to start marking down what video games to keep an eye on when they officially launch next year. Let us lend a hand, in this list, in particular, we’re going over the top upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusive video games launching in 2018.

Find More Upcoming 2018 Video Game Lists on Gameranx:

Kirby Star Allies

Developers: HAL Laboratory
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: NS
Release: March 16, 2018

Much like our Yoshi pick in this list, Kirby is another fan-beloved character from Nintendo who has starred in his own video game titles for a number of years now.

Kirby Star Allies will have players taking the role of Kirby with the ability to throw stars at enemies to essentially turn them into Kirby’s allies as the big component this time around. Outside of that, you can still expect the same traditional move set from past Kirby titles such as inhale, star spit, slide attack, air-gun, among others.

When it comes to the story players will have to take control of Kirby as he embarks on a journey to rid a curse that has spread across the world, possessing all of our favorite cast of characters.

Octopath Traveler

Developer: Square Enix, Acquire
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: NS
Release: July 13, 2018

Octopath Traveler, is an RPG title by developers Square Enix and Acquire. The video game will be a 2D 16-bit style RPG where players will control a part of eight different characters, all of which will have a role to play and reason for their journey.

This title will retain the classic turn-based battle system with an added ability of a Boost system. The boost system will allow players to attack an enemy multiple times during a turn if enough Boost Points are acquired.

So far the game had become a huge hit both for its art style and gameplay. We wouldn’t be surprised if this game receives a sequel in the near future. If you want a complete breakdown of the game then feel free to take a look at our Before You Buy series upload.

Runner3

Developer: Choice Provisions
Publisher: Choice Provisions
Platforms: NS
Release: May 22, 2018

Runner3 is a rhythm platform video game which is also attached to the Bit.Trip series. Within the game, players will take the role of Commander Video as gamers fly through pathways, jumping, sliding or kicking obstacles that will come their way. If you enjoyed the previous Runner titles within the series then you can expect the same overall gameplay mechanics and style with the added benefit of multiple pathways to reach the level end.

Yoshi (Untitled)

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: NS
Release: 2018

There’s not much we can say at this point when it comes to the untitled Yoshi game. The series is well beloved by gamers of old and new with the character featured in a number of his own video games along with making appearances in others throughout the years.

So far, all we know is that Yoshi will be back into action in a new platforming title exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. Visually, the video game looks to take some cues from the Paper Mario franchise but instead is focused on more construction-grade paper. For now, we’ll simply have to wait and see just what Nintendo has in-store.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb6sNLbPAGQ

Developer: Bandai Namco Games
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: NS
Release: December 7, 2018

One of the biggest announcements to have come from Nintendo’s March 2018 Direct was official word of Super Smash Bros. 2018 will see the delivery of a Super Smash Bros video game title on the Nintendo Switch.

The latest upcoming installment to Super Smash Bros. is titled Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and it seems that the game will feature a massive roster of fighters. We’ve been seeing teases and Nintendo Directors for this upcoming game set to release within the holiday season of this year though the hype may be based around the number of fighters you’ll be able to select from.

Nintendo is bringing every character ever featured within a Super Smash Bros. video game back into this upcoming installment. Likewise, Nintendo is adding even more characters into the collection such as Metroid’s Ridley, Splatoon Inklings, Castlevania’s Simon Belmont and Donkey Kong’s rival, King K. Rool.

But wait there’s more! Turns out that Nintendo is still planning on new character announcements as we closer to the titles launch date. This is undoubtedly a system seller for the Nintendo Switch and we imagine bundles will be bought up rather quickly.

Bayonetta 3

Developer: Platinum Games
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: NS
Release: TBA

Bayonetta is an iconic action series where the third installment of Platinum Games is set to follow the events of Bayonetta 2. While we can still expect to follow our favorite Witch as she battles angels and demons, we’re unsure of just where the narrative will take players.

Regardless, while we only have the teaser trailer, we’re holding out hope that more information will be unveiled for the game along with a release date set before the year ends.

Mario Tennis Aces

Developer: Camelot Software Planning
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: NS
Release: June 22, 2018

The Mario franchise has been known to include a number of sports titles over the years and it seems that we’ll be getting another one for the Nintendo Switch on June 22, 2018. Mario Tennis Aces is an upcoming sports game that follows the Mario Tennis series. Players will be taking control of various characters from the Mario franchise as they battle it out through tennis matches.

We know that there will be over fifteen characters available to play as in Mario Tennis Aces such as Mario, Donkey Kong, and Chain Chomp. Likewise, the game will feature multiplayer both online and locally.

Gameplay will be lighthearted with a more arcade emphasis as players will be able to use a variety of shots and blocks to win a match. An interesting little side note when it comes to Mario Tennis Aces is that gamers will receive a story mode full of missions and boss battles.

Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! And Let’s Go, Eevee!

Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: The Pokemon Company, Nintendo
Platforms: NS
Release: November 16, 2018

Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee! are two upcoming video game titles being developed under Game Freak. For those familiar with the Pokemon video game franchise, these are considered remakes for the 1998 release, Pokemon Yellow.

As a result, players will find most of the mechanics that the series is known for such as battling other trainers, capturing Pokemon, defeating gym leaders, purchasing items and exploring the world. Likewise, because this is a 1998 remake, only the 151 original Pokemon will be featured within the games.

Developers over at Game Freak are also putting a slight spin to that game as well thanks to the Joy-Con controllers. When tossing out a Pokeball, players will have to use the motion controls to get an accurate throw. Similar to how the touchscreen functions are made for Pokemon Go, though it seems that the mechanic system will also work for when the Joy-Con’s are docked to the Nintendo Switch.

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platforms: NS
Release: August 28, 2018

Monster Hunter World may not be on the Nintendo Switch, but Nintendo Switch owners will be getting Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. This is a title that originally only released under the Nintendo 3DS platform but now the game will soon have an HD port.

As a result, players can once again take their Monster Hunting experience on the go. The game features over ten different weapon types and a wide variety of monsters. Not only will fans of the franchise see the return of past fan favorite monsters but there are also new monsters that have yet to be seen.

Also, just like past Monster Hunter video game installments, gamers will find that there is up to four players cooperative gameplay where you can jump online and join the hunt or even use the local wireless function if you’re close enough together.

Super Mario Party

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAuNwjd4O-4

Developer: Nd Cube
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: NS
Release: October 5, 2018

Mario Party is making a comeback on the Nintendo Switch with the upcoming release, Super Mario Party. The video game will be the eleventh main installment to the franchise and developed to make use of the Nintendo Switch motion controls.

Just like the previous Mario Party installments, players will be going through a giant board game where they will collect coins in order to purchase a star that will be randomly placed somewhere on the map. The player with the most amount of stars wins the game.

Of course, one of the more thrilling aspects of the game is the various mini-games available for players to battle through. These mini-games will pin players against each other or team players up after each round is completed during the game board portion.

Likewise, for the first time ever, players will be able to join online and play, however, the full board game mode is unavailable outside of local gameplay. Instead, players will only have the option to compete in mini-games.