Note: This article was updated in September of 2018 to include new titles.
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 Nintendo Switch video games launching in 2018.
Find More Upcoming 2018 Video Game Lists on Gameranx:
- Top Upcoming 3DS Games
- Top Upcoming PS4 Games
- Top Upcoming Xbox One Games
- Top Upcoming PC Games
- Top Upcoming RPG Games
- Top Upcoming Open World RPG Games
- Top Upcoming Open World Games
- Top Upcoming FPS Games
- Top Upcoming MMO Games
- Top Upcoming MMORPG Games
- Top Upcoming Racing Games
- Top Upcoming Horror Games
Attack on Titan 2
- Developer: Omega Force
- Publisher: Koei Techmo
- Platforms: PC, NS, PS4, XBO
- Release: March 20, 2018
The sequel to Attack on Titan, Attack on Titan 2 will be hitting the markets at some point next year. The video game will be based off the second season of the hit anime show, Attack on Titan, where players can expect to hack-and-slash away on a variety of titans.
If you enjoyed the first title then we suggest giving this sequel a try. The game will include additional stories that were under the supervision by Hajime Isayama with cooperative gameplay being supported across all platforms. When you complete the story the game will have a few other modes available to enjoy such as “Another Mode” which gives players challenging scout missions while taking the role of their favorite characters.
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle
- Developer: Arc System Works
- Publisher: Arc System Works
- Platforms: Switch, PS4, PC
- Release: March 31, 2018
The BlazBlue franchise has been a strong fighting series over the years with the latest upcoming release being BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle by development studio, Arc System Works. This time around the video game will feature 2v2 battles with a tag-in system.
There are several fighting video game titles that feature a tag-team system where players are able to go into a fight with multiple characters. During the match players will be able to switch between characters on-the-go or automatically switch to their secondary character once their starter is knocked out.
You can expect a wide range of characters to return from BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth, along with RWBY.
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.
Super Meat Boy Forever
- Developer: Team Meat
- Publisher: Team Meat
- Platforms: NS, PS4, XBO, PC, Mobo
- Release: 2018
It would be hard to imagine running into a gamer who hasn’t played or at the very least, heard of Super Meat Boy. The video game was a massive success and a highly addicting and challenging platform title by indie developers Team Meat.
What was originally meant to be a mobile-only version of Super Meat Boy has gradually turned into a full-fledged sequel. Super Meat Boy Forever will once again have players going through dangerous obstacles, but this time, Meat Boy and Bandage Girl must work together.
In the narrative, Super Meat Boy Forever tells the story of Dr. Fetus who has managed to kidnap Meat Boy and Bandage Girl’s child, Nugget. While the platforming mechanics are present, there are some slight gameplay overhauls made for the upcoming sequel as well. We’re hoping new information along with a specific release date is announced soon, but we’ll of course keep you updated on the latest.
Yoshi (Untitled Game)
- 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.
Okami HD
- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Platforms: PS2, Wii, PS3, PC, PS4, XBO, NS
- Release: August 9, 2018 (NS)
Okami HD follows Japanese folklore in which a white wolf and swordsman fought off an eight-headed demon. Now years later, the eight-headed demon, Orochi is freed once again cursing the lands.
Okami released back in 2006 for the PlayStation 2 and as expected this upcoming release for the Nintendo Switch will see a facelift. Players will be able to use the touchscreen in order to control the paintbrush more directly though its worth mentioning that the Joy-Con controllers will be available if players wish to go through the game with the console docked.
This has been a popular video game title over the years and it can be purchased on pretty much everything from the PlayStation 2 through the latest console release, the Nintendo Switch.
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.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
- Developer: Vicarious Visions
- Publisher: Activision
- Platforms: PS4, PC, NS, XBO
- Release: July 10, 2018 (PC, NS, XBO), June 30, 2017 (PS4)
While already released for the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch is just one of the platforms slated to receive Crash Bandicoot N-Sane Trilogy on July 10, 2018. The video game is a remastered collection of the first three titles of the Crash Bandicoot series.
Players will receive a remaster of Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot: Cortex Strikes Back and Crash Bandicoot: Warped. We’re sure you are fully aware of this iconic and cherished platformer that first got its start back during the days of the original PlayStation.
The game will have a massive visual overhaul but if you enjoyed the first installments of the series when it initially launched then you’ll find that the games will have the same level layouts.
Little Nightmares
- Developer: Tarsier Studios
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO, NS
- Release: May 18, 2018
During Nintendo’s March 2018 Nintendo Direct videos, it was unveiled that Little Nightmares would find its way on to the Nintendo Switch. Originally the game launched on current generation platforms last year, 2017.
Little Nightmares follows a little girl name Six who must solve a number of puzzles and stealthily maneuver around levels from hungry large humans who wish to devour her. The game is often described as creepy, but since its release, Little Nightmares has received positive reviews from both fans and critics alike.
This upcoming release on the Nintendo Switch will include all the previously released DLC along with an in-game costume if players use the Pac-Man amiibo.
Hyrule Warriors
- Developer: Omega Force, Team Ninja
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Platforms: Wii U, 3DS, NS
- Release: May 18, 2018 (NS)
A Nintendo Direct during March of 2018 revealed that Hyrule Warriors will be launching on May 18, 2018 for the Nintendo Switch. This is an older video game title that launched on the Nintendo Switch predecessor, the Nintendo Wii U along with the Nintendo 3DS.
Overall, this is a hack-and-slash video game that is similar to the Dynasty Warriors series. However, the game is features The Legend of Zelda characters as they fight off waves of enemies.
It’s worth noting that the upcoming Hyrule Warriors release will be the Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch. This edition of the game will feature all past DLC that was released for the video game previously when it launched on the Nintendo Wii U.
South Park: The Fractured But Whole
- Developer: Ubisoft San Francisco
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO, NS
- Release: April 24, 2018 (NS)
The latest South Park video game, South Park: The Fractured But Whole, will be releasing on the Nintendo Switch this April 24, 2018. This is an RPG video game played in a 2.5D third-person perspective and follows the events that occurred in South Park: The Stick of Truth.
Within the game, players take on the role of the New Kid during a massive war of rival superhero factions being played by the other kids in the neighborhood. Even though the game has already released on other platforms, there’s still upcoming DLC set to launch for the title.
As a result, Ubisoft will offer gamers the chance to purchase the previously released DLC along with the upcoming expansion known as Bring the Crunch.
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.
Wargroove
- Developer: Chucklefish
- Publisher: Chucklefish
- Platforms: PC, NS, PS4, XBO
- Release: 2018
If you are looking for a turn-based strategy game to enjoy this year then you’ll want to keep tabs on Wargroove. This is an upcoming title by developers Chucklefish who worked on Starbound and publishers of Stardew Valley.
Stated to be an easy game for beginners to pick up and enjoy, Wargroove offers a deep campaign that features over ten commanders from four factions, each of which will have their own campaign, motivations, and personalities.
Outside of the singleplayer narrative campaign, Wargroove is said to include online multiplayer which will feature PvP and cooperative gameplay. Currently, the game is still slated to launch sometime late this year, so keep an eye out for its official launch date to be revealed soon.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Platforms: Wii U, NS, 3DS
- Release: July 13, 2018 (NS, 3DS)
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker was an action puzzle video game that was developed for the Nintendo Wii U and released into the market back in 2014. The game will have players controlling toad as he maneuvers around levels collecting gems and stars while avoiding hostile enemies along with solving puzzles.
This video game for both the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch will see new levels based off Super Mario Odyssey and it seems that the Nintendo Switch version will see a two-player game mode.
Currently, both platforms are set to receive the game on July 13, 2018.
Valkyria Chronicles 4
- Developer: Sega
- Publisher: Sega
- Platforms: PS4, NS, XBO
- Release: March 21,2018
The next installment of Valkyria Chronicles, Valkyria Chronicles 4, is an tactical RPG that continues to follow the same style of strategy gameplay that the previous installments are known for.
Overall, players will have to maneuver their characters around a battlefield while taking out the hostile forces. Within the narrative, players will find that Valkyria Chronicles 4 will take place during the events of the first title, Valkyria Chronicles.
This time, however, players will be maneuvering a new cast of characters set within the continent of Europa. As part of the last chance effort to end the war and capture the imperial capital, commander Claude Wallace along with his squad are set into a battle that will put them against imperial soldiers along with the Valkyria.
Mega Man 11
- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Platforms: PC, NS, PS4, XBO
- Release: October 2, 2018
The long-beloved Mega Man franchise will receive a new main installment in the fall of this year. There is certainly a strong following with the franchise and we know that this eleventh installment will feature 3D characters and environments and not a 2.5D video game.
Players will once again take on the role of Mega Man as he attempts to stop Dr. Wily and his robotic goons. This is still an action platformer where players will have to navigate through the course and battle against enemies along with bosses.
Players also have two new abilities to use towards their advantage. Mega Man will be able to manipulate time and deliver a more powerful attack though both abilities will be limited. Currently Mega Man 11 is set to release in October of this year.
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.
Dark Souls: Remastered
- Developer: FromSoftware
- Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
- Platforms: PS4, XBO, PC
- Release: 2018
Dark Souls released all the way back in 2011 so it’s been available to play for quite some time now. However, if you were uninterested in going back to this highly beloved action RPG simply due to the visual standpoint then you’ll be delighted to know the game will be receiving a remastered edition.
There’s not very much to say about this upcoming title if you’ve already enjoyed it on last generation consoles. This remastered edition will retain the same gameplay mechanics but there will be a facelift to help give the game a nice touch up for modern day consoles. Likewise, the game will receive improved framerate, resolution and the Artorias of the Abyss DLC.
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.
Victor Vran: Overkill Edition
- Developer: Haemimont Games
- Publisher: EuroVideo Medien, Wired Productions
- Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO, NS
- Release: August 28, 2018
Victor Vran from development studio Haemimont Games has already made its rounds across various platforms. Originally the game was released on the PC platform where it was later ported over to the PS4 and Xbox One. Now the Nintendo Switch will soon be able to play this game in August of this year.
Within the game, players take on the role of Victor Vran who is a demon hunter. Victor finds himself aiding a fallen city called Zagoravia that past demon hunters have failed to cleanse, making it dangerous for civilians to roam outside.
This is an action RPG mixed with dungeon crawling. Players will battle monsters while collecting loot and equipment. However, unlike some of the other action RPG titles, our protagonist will not directly tied to a specific character class. Instead, players will be able to shape the character freely with consumables, weapons, and spells.
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.
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNbM5OiyDZA
- Developer: Digital Eclipse
- Publisher: Capcom
- Platforms: NS, PS4, PC, XBO
- Release: May 29, 2018
If you enjoy the Street Fighter franchise then you will want to pick up the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. The game released this year for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One platforms which includes over ten arcade versions of Street Fighter titles.
Within the mix is the original Street Fighter, a variety of Street Fighter II releases, a Street Fighter Alpha collection, along with three installments made for Street Fighter III.
Also included into the game is the ability to have a save state and slew of bonus features such as concept art, pitch documents, an interactive timeline, background information for characters, and a music player to enjoy tracks made within the included video game installments.
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.
Octopath Traveler
- Developer: Square Enix
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Platforms: NS
- Release: July 13, 2018
Project Octopath Traveler is an RPG title by developers Square Enix and Acquire. The video game is 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 a reason for their journey.
Currently, Octopath Traveler is available to purchase exclusively on the Nintendo Switch where it has become one of the best-selling games for the platform. If you want to check out some of the gameplay footage and hear our impressions for the game then I suggest taking a look at our Before You Buy posted up above.
Payday 2
- Developer: Overkill Software
- Publisher: Sumo Digital (NS)
- Platforms: PC, X360, XBO, PS3, PS4, NS
- Release: February 27, 2018
Payday 2 finally made its way to the Nintendo Switch platform this year. The video game had originally released back in 2013 for the PC and last generation platforms. Overall within Payday 2, players can work together in a cooperative FPS as they go through elaborate heists.
Within these heists, players may have to rob banks, shops and armored cars. In the main hub, players will find various contracts to take on which will showcase the job details and while the game offers AI to help you along the heists, most will find it more entertaining to join up with friends online.
Jobs are meant to be done in a more stealth like matter where players are avoiding the attention of security or police. With that said, if players trip the alarm, the gameplay will become difficult where focus shifts from gathering loot to escaping with your life.
Currently, the developers are working on a third installment which is slated to release on PC, PS4 and Xbox One platforms.
Starlink: Battle for Atlas
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Platforms: NS, PS4, XBO
- Release: October 16, 2018
Starlink: Battle for Atlas is a new space adventure title developed under Ubisoft. The video game is also one of the few titles lately to use the toys-to-life game model where players can purchase physical tops that can be used in conjunction with the video game.
Overall, the game is set in the future where players find Equinox, their mothership, being shot down by an unruly force known as The Forgotten Legion. The center of the controversy is Wardens, a since expired race that has ancient technology left behind in ruins. It’s with this technology that The Forgotten Legion aims to study and use for their own advances.
Most of this game will be exploring worlds, meeting alien species to form an alliance along with building up your ranks. Also, as mentioned, the game does feature a toys-to-life component which means you can purchase various packs that will help equip specific upgrades to your ship or add in characters.
If you do decide to purchase the game on the Nintendo Switch then you’ll find that there is an exclusive character. Nintendo has teamed up with Ubisoft once again where they have allowed the developers to include Fox McCloud along with the Arwing within the game.
Diablo III: Eternal Collection
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment Team 3, Nintendo, Iron Galaxy
- Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
- Platforms: PS4, XBO, NS
- Release: Fall 2018 (NS)
Blizzard is including their latest Diablo installment for Nintendo Switch owners. If you have yet to play Diablo III and own a Nintendo Switch then you’ll soon get the opportunity to purchase a copy to play on-the-go. Diablo III: Eternal Collection is Diablo III along with the inclusion of Ultimate Evil Edition and Rise of the Necromancer pack. This particular edition of the game released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One last year but the Nintendo Switch version that launches in the Fall of this year will have some unique bonuses.
Included for the Nintendo Switch release is the Legend of Ganondorf cosmetic armor set, Tri-Force portrait frame, Chicken pet, and lastly, the Echoes of the Mask cosmetic wings. When it comes to the performance of the game, it appears that Diablo III: Eternal Collection will be able to run at 60 frames per second while display 720p when not docked. Docking the console will present gamers with 960p.
Currently, Diablo III: Eternal Collection will be launching at some point in the fall of this year.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
- Developer: Arc System Works
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Release: September 28, 2018
- Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO, NS
Dragon Ball FighterZ was developed by Arc System Works, who may be best known for their Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series.
The video game will have players choose three characters to fight and switch through during matches. However, for the story narrative, the game will follow a newly revived Android 16 and his army of androids that are designed to look like various characters.
While the video game originally released in January for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC platforms, a port of the game is heading for Nintendo Switch owners on September 28, 2018.
Find More Upcoming 2018 Video Game Lists on Gameranx:
- Top Upcoming Survival Games
- Top Upcoming Survival Horror Games
- Top Upcoming Third Person Games
- Top Upcoming Action Games
- Top Upcoming Adventure Games
- Top Upcoming Action RPG Games
- Top Upcoming Action-Adventure Games
- Top Upcoming Simulation Games
- Top Upcoming Strategy Games
- Top Upcoming Zombie Games
- Top Upcoming Platformer Games
- Top Upcoming Fighting Games
- Top Upcoming SCI FI Games
- Top Upcoming JRPG Games
- Top Upcoming CO-OP Games
- Top Upcoming Exploration Games
- Top Upcoming Switch Exclusive Games
- Top Upcoming PS4 Exclusive Games
- Top Upcoming Xbox One Exclusive Games
- Top Upcoming Narrative Games
