If you had told me years ago that a future Nintendo console would be the home for indie games, I would’ve told you to fix your crystal ball and get back to me. Over the course of the last year and a half, Nintendo has partnered with many in the industry to bring some of the greatest indie games to its newest console. As we cloHypse out 2018, the trend continues on strong with the Nintendo Switch Nindies Showcase Summer 2018, which was released last week.
Marketed as a showcase full of surprises, the late summer Nintendo Direct didn’t disappoint. Here are the games the digital presentation highlighted:
Hyperlight Drifter: Special Edition
Stylish, old school and full of Nintendo Switch-exclusive content, this indie game looks right at home. The title launches September 6.
TowerFall
(Internally screams). I’ve been so excited for this game to arrive on the Nintendo Switch since it was announced well over a year ago. With additional modes (6 players at once?!), all available DLC, a Celeste tie-in (yaaaas) and more, this will bring some much-needed couch coop to the Switch September 27.
Treasure Stack
This game takes Tetris back to medieval times with some added local coop to provide a fun puzzler experience; releasing this winter.
Zarvot
This game full of adorable cubes reminds me of something that would’ve released on the GameCube, and it looks right at home on the console. With added controls perfect for the Nintendo Switch’s gyroscope, this won’t be one you want to miss.
Mineko’s Night Market
Arriving exclusive on the Nintendo Switch, this adorable, anime-stylized game brings some Animal Crossing charm with an added twist. Its art style is reminiscent of a Nick Jr. cartoon, and I’m here for it. With more than 20 hours of gameplay, everyone is sure to find something they’ll love. This game arrives on the Switch early 2019.
Samurai Gunn 2
Part political commentary and part Samurai Jack, this game looks amazing, engaging and perfect for on-the-go play and at-home enjoyment.
Bullet Age
If I’m going to be honest, this game looks like a poor mobile port, and its status as ‘console exclusive’ for the Nintendo Switch — which it arrives to this November — I may add this to the ‘miss’ pile.
The World Next Door
This game mixes art styles, brings an engaging story and a choose-your-own-adventure style of gameplay that looks to seamlessly integrate with real-time puzzling. Definitely more niche, but still worth checking out when it arrives in early 2019.
LevelHead
This looks like it could fit into the Celeste universe, and that’s a good thing. While merging expert platforming with Mario Marker-esque level building, this game looks like it has something for everyone. This title arrives in November 2018.
King of the Hat
Couch coop battles in the most adorable art style — need I say more? This game arrives to your Nintendo Switch in early 2019.
Untitled Goose Game
This game looks like it would stress me out for a variety of reasons, including what appears to be no linear storyline. I’m all for a time-waster, but the payoff doesn’t look worth it. This title is slated for an early 2019 release.
Into the Breach
This tactical game is a fan favorite already, so to see it come to the Switch, which provides effortless portability, is a step in the right direction to get existing fans onboard with purchasing the latest edition.
Honorable Mention
After providing some screen time for the aforementioned indie games and before the final reveal of Into the Breach, the direct takes a turn into montage city, providing a quick overview of games still to come to the Nintendo Switch, including You Don’t Know Jack, Desert Child, Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut, Bastion, The Messenger, Undertale, Jackbox Part Pack 5, Transistor, Dragon: Marked for Death, Light Fingers, and Superbrothers: Sword & Sorcery EP.
Do you have a favorite indie game coming to the Nintendo Switch? Sound off in the comments below.
