After the absolutely mammoth success that was The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (a success that’s only going to keep growing, we have no doubt), the Nintendo Switch seems to be sitting pretty atop a throne nobody else can challenge.
Tears of the Kingdom is going to take some serious beating, not only from Nintendo itself but also from other triple-A challengers, and so nobody could blame Nintendo and its console for taking a victory lap in July. However, there are still more great Switch games to come, so let’s take a look at the best Nintendo Switch games headed your way in July 2023.
Gimmick! Special Edition (July 6th)
The original Gimmick! was released in 1992 by perennially underrated NES developer Sunsoft, who also created excellent games like Batman, Blaster Master, and Alien Syndrome for the platform. This re-release of the adorable platformer comes complete with a rewind function and other modern improvements, but otherwise, it’s the same relentlessly addictive mixture of cutesy visuals and rock-solid movement mechanics. Grab this one if you’re on a retro kick in July.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie (July 7th)
After The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV seemingly wrapped up the Cold Steel arc, Trails into Reverie is here to conclude both the Crossbell and Erebonia storylines of the long-running Trails sub-series. If you’re confused, don’t worry; this is a labyrinthine series full of many spinoffs and addendums, so you’re not alone. Trails into Reverie might not be the best place for a newcomer to begin, but it’ll serve as the perfect way for longtime fans to say goodbye to some of their favourite characters and places.
Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals (July 12th)
Taking place five years after the events of the first game, Oxenfree 2 sees protagonist Riley heading back to her hometown to discover the source of some mysterious and ominous radio signals. If you’ve played the original Oxenfree, you’ll probably be able to guess where this is heading, but Oxenfree 2 should still provide a great narrative experience, especially if you’ve been missing the original’s unique mixture of teen drama, supernatural horror, and visual storytelling.
Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg (July 13th)
Are you in the market for a cosy, comforting JRPG? If so, then you’ll probably want to check out Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg, which is, believe it or not, a remake of the original Atelier Marie. Boasting improved visuals, better animations, and revamped gameplay to bring the game up to modern standards, this remake should be perfect for both Atelier newcomers and hardcore fans of the series alike. Even if you’ve played the original to death, the new content in this remake should make it worth a look.
Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening (July 20th)
You may be more familiar with the Nobunaga’s Ambition franchise than you think. If you’ve played the 2012 DS title Pokemon Conquest, then you’ve already experienced a version of the strategy gameplay on offer in Koei Tecmo’s long-running RPG franchise, although obviously, Awakening won’t feature any cute Pokemon characters (not to our knowledge, at least). What it will offer is tactical RPG gameplay combined with grand strategy management, so if that’s your bag, make sure to keep this one on your wishlist.
Pikmin 4 (July 21st)
The Pikmin series’ greatest coup is getting those who aren’t traditionally interested in real-time strategy to give the genre a try, and Pikmin 4 looks like it’s going to continue that run of form. Pikmin 4 was first revealed in 2015, but a lack of subsequent updates led many to believe the project was dead. However, Shigeru Miyamoto announced the title once again in 2022, and now it’s set for a July release, so get ready to once again pluck these little plant creatures from the ground and use their unique abilities to traverse a hostile alien world.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons (July 27th)
What better home for a beloved retro franchise like Double Dragon than the Nintendo Switch? This modernised reboot of a beat-’em-up classic adds current-gen flourishes like roguelite elements, but you (hopefully) won’t see a microtransaction or a loot box anywhere here. Instead, you’ll play through a series of dynamically-evolving missions as a host of different characters, including original heroes Billy and Jimmy Lee, as well as their friends and associates. Grab a friend and get ready for some co-op mayhem.
Radiant Tale (July 27th)
The Nintendo Switch has managed to make itself the home of classic and obscure visual novels alike over its six-year lifespan, and Radiant Tale is no exception. This previously Japanese-only otome game is making its way to the West in July, bringing with it a vibrant tale of a young lady who crosses paths with an unusual circus troupe. You’ll already know what follows if you’re familiar with the genre, but if you like great art, romance, and an emphasis on narrative, then you’ll want to check this out.
Disney Illusion Island (July 28th)
Four iconic Disney characters – Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald – team up to take on a variety of levels in this Rayman Origins-inspired platformer. Using various abilities (which don’t change from character to character, so you’re not missing out no matter who you play as), you must run, jump, and fight your way through the world of Monoth in order to save its inhabitants from impending doom. A lighthearted tone and sumptuous visuals should mean this one’s perfect for adults and kids alike.
