We’ve been through the 2021 PS5 exclusive games that we’re excited for and now it’s time to turn our attention to the Nintendo Switch. It’s been a strong 12 months for Nintendo. Animal Crossing New Horizons’ timely launch in March last year catapulted Switch sales and was backed up by the one-two punch of Pikmin 3 Deluxe and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity leading into the holiday season. It was a bit of a quiet one in terms of sheer output from the Big N, though each title that did make its way to store shelves had some heft.
This year looks to be quite a bit different, however. Rumours of a Switch Pro seemingly won’t go away, and the sheer promise of some of the titles we’ve been clamouring for might just hit in 2021. As such, here’s ten Switch exclusives (maybe one non-exclusive, too) we’re excited for this year.
Breath of the Wild Sequel
Chance of Releasing: Likely
This one shouldn’t be a surprise (and it shouldn’t surprise you to see it right at the apex of this list). The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of my favourite games of all time and has a special place in my heart. We don’t know too much about the game’s sequel as of yet, bar the fact it’s going to be a whole lot spookier, but I can’t shake the feeling this’ll be the launch title to compliment the Switch Pro.
The sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild doesn’t have a release window.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Chance of Releasing: Definitely
With a February release date already locked in, this looks to be the first big Switch exclusive off the rank this year. Super Mario 3D World was a brilliant entry in the Super Mario series on Wii U, and I’m happy to see it finally get some recognition from a bigger audience. Add to that a neat little expansion of the game in Bowser’s Fury, and Mario fans have a lot to look forward to come February 12.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury launches February 12, 2021.
Bravely Default II
Chance of Releasing: Definitely
Another February exclusive, Square Enix’s widely anticipated sequel to Bravely Default is, by all accounts, shaping up to be a cracker. There’s a demo currently available on the Nintendo Eshop, too, with players receiving some cheeky Nintendo Platinum Points if you play it before February 26. Get on it.
Bravely Default II launches February 26, 2021.
No More Heroes III
Chance of Releasing: Likely
Gee is it great to talk about Travis Touchdown again. No More Heroes I & II made their way to Switch at the tail end of last year, with No More Heroes III being pushed to sometime in 2021. The game was initially announced at Nintendo’s E3 2019 Direct and has been hotly anticipated by fans since. Take your time, Suda.
No More Heroes III is slated for launch sometime in 2021.
Monster Hunter Rise
Chance of Releasing: Definitely
After massive success with Monster Hunter World, Capcom are bringing the ever-popular series back to Nintendo Switch with Monster Hunter Rise – packed full of new monsters and places to explore. The game looks stunning, with a demo launching sometime this month. Rise, alongside Bravely Default and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, caps off a strong Q1 2021 for Nintendo Switch.
Monster Hunter Rise launches March 26, 2021.
New Pokémon Snap
Chance of Releasing: Possible
Now this was a hell of a surprise last year. Announced during the Pokémon Presents direct in June, Bandai Namco are helming the sequel to one of the most beloved Nintendo 64 games of all time. It looks bloody beautiful, too. There’s a chance we see this one this year, though don’t hold your breath.
New Pokémon Snap doesn’t have a release window.
More Pokémon Remakes
Chance of Releasing: Maybe. Hopefully. Please.
With both expansions for Sword and Shield now out for players to enjoy, the focus turns to what’s next for the series. I think we’ll see another Let’s Go game in the same light as Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee. It’s been highly rumoured that we’d see a Johto remake which was heavily teased last year.
Who knows if this is a thing? I hope so. Please.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Chance of Releasing: I’d hope so.
Yes, yes. I know. I’m sorry. This list is supposed to focus on Switch exclusives but I can’t ignore the giant elephant in the room. Every time a direct and partner direct was announced last year I’d message my mate hoping that was the time we’d see Team Cherry’s highly anticipated sequel to Hollow Knight. For now, we’re still waiting. And yes, I know it isn’t an exclusive. However, Team Cherry and Nintendo have a fantastic relationship and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this hit Switch and PC first before other platforms. So, call that what you will. Silksong is right up there as one of my most anticipated titles of the year and I hope to see more of it in 2021.
Hollow Knight: Silksong currently doesn’t have a release window.
Bayonetta 3
Chance of Releasing: Probably not.
We’re probably still going to be waiting a while for this one. However, the initial reveal of the threequel will never not be badass as hell. Platinum can take their time with Bayonetta 3, but gee whiz I hope the wait’s worth it.
Bayonetta 3 currently doesn’t have a release window.
Metroid Prime Trilogy
Chance of Releasing: My mates tell me not to believe.
Here we are again. The beginning of a new year. New hope, new dreams, another reason to be excited at the chance of the Metroid Prime Trilogy launching on Switch this year. Rumours will continue to circulate, and believers will continue to believe. Maybe this is the year when it finally happens? Who knows? It’s time, though. Let us finally enjoy one of the finest trilogies ever on the Switch. Please.
Metroid Prime Trilogy on Nintendo Switch is a dream. It is a hope. It currently doesn’t have a release window (or anything, really…).
