The best Nintendo Switch games coming in 2024: The ultimate pre-order guide
From "Super Mario RPG" to "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom," the iconic Nintendo Switch console boasts an impressive and ever-expanding library of games. But if you're a true fan, you've probably got your eye on all of the new Switch video games set to release later this year. Many of them are available to pre-order right now, so you can play them as soon as they drop.
Some of these yet-to-be-released games offer all-new adventures featuring characters we know and love. Others offer totally original adventures -- the likes of which we've never seen before. Whether you connect your Switch to a gaming monitor or TV, or you prefer to use it in handheld mode, you've got plenty to look forward to.
We've curated this roundup of Nintendo Switch games that'll be released over the next few months and that are available for pre-order right now.
The best Nintendo Switch games to preorder in 2024
If you're looking for the next bestselling Nintendo Switch game, it'll definitely be one of these five titles, now available for pre-order.
- Best overall game: "Princess Peach: Showtime!"
- Best role-playing game: "Sea of Stars"
- Best tactical role-playing game: "Unicorn Overlord"
- Best classic role-playing game: "Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes"
- Best baseball simulation: "MLB The Show 24"
Meanwhile, if you're looking for a new game to get your hands on right now, check out our in-depth reviews of "Mario vs. Donkey Kong," "Super Mario Bros. Wonder" and "Super Mario PRG" -- all of which are current bestsellers.
Best overall game: 'Princess Peach: Showtime!'
Release date: March 22, 2024 | Genre: Action-adventure | Rating: E10+
Princess Peach hasn't starred in her own game since 2005, and it's high time she gets another one. Sure, she's been a playable character here and there, but "Princess Peach: Showtime!" is something very new and very unique.
In this all-new adventure, it's Princess Peach who's the hero. You'll control the Mushroom Kingdom's ruler in an all-new escapade that allows our favorite princess to take on a handful of roles and overcome a bunch of very unusual challenges.
Each of Peach's new outfits give her unique abilities essential for kicking butt and taking names. She can morph into a baker, a ninja, sword fighter, ice skater and other forms that give her powers like you've never seen.
This is one of the few games that features a female hero. It'll be a light-hearted and colorful fantasy adventure that'll both entertain and challenge players.
Best role-playing game: 'Sea of Stars'
Release date: May 10, 2024 | Genre: Role-playing | Rating: E10+
Set sail on an epic journey with "Sea of Stars," a turn-based RPG that pays homage to the classics while charting its own course.
Set in the universe of another game, "The Messenger," "Sea of Stars" follows Zale and Valere, two mysterious children who use powers stemming from the moon and sun to foil the evil plans of a dark alchemist.
This RPG goes beyond just modeling the classics. It serves up some strange, mind-bending puzzles as well as strategic combat, where you can lead a party of up to six characters.
Though "Sea of Stars" is already available on other platforms, this release will mark its Switch debut. When you've finished it, you can go on to enjoy "The Messenger," because these two stories are linked. "Sea of Stars" also works as a standalone adventure. If it's been a while since you've played a traditional RPG, this is a good place to re-start.
Best tactical role-playin game: 'Unicorn Overlord'
Release date: March 8, 2024 | Genre: Tactical role-playing | Rating: Teen
The newest offering from Vanillaware marries hand-crafted 2D graphics with challenging, turn-based, tactical RPG mechanics. In "Unicorn Overlord," you'll journey across a vast and open world while completing objectives and recruiting new players. Except you'll be doing it in style, because Vanillaware's stunning artwork enhances the game in a way that makes it a visual masterpiece.
Battles take place all across the game's sizable landscape, which turns into a combat arena when you run into foes. It merges exploration with methodical combat for an interesting combination of gameplay. That makes it a much different beast from previous games like "Odin Sphere" and other Vanillaware titles.
Whether you're into the game's eye-popping aesthetic or you want something a little more hardcore, a la "Fire Emblem" and other strategy games, "Unicorn Overlord" is definitely one to watch, both figuratively and literally. It's absolutely beautiful, based on what we've seen so far. And if you pre-order it right now, you can be among the first to play it in early-March.
Best classic role-playing game: 'Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes'
Release date: April 23, 2024 | Genre: Role-playing | Rating: Pending
As a successor to the "Suikoden" RPG series, "Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes" follows two comrades who once shared a vision of harmony, but are now divided by conflict.
This role-playing adventure adheres to the classic JRPG rules, with a six-party-member combat system set against a backdrop of immersive 3D environments. It has an impressive roster of 100 characters you can recruit as well -- an echo of the original "Suikoden" that fans cherished on the first PlayStation console.
Playing through the game while recruiting all the characters you possibly can is an exciting way to shake things up. This feature alone should make for some serious replay value. Each party member adds a little something new to the story.
For veterans of "Suikoden" and newcomers alike, this RPG will be an exciting addition to your Switch library, especially if you've been waiting for a new "Suikoden" game to finally be released.
Best baseball simulation: 'MLB The Show 24'
Release date: Match 19, 2024 | Genre: Sports simulation | Rating: E
If you're a baseball fan and crave a video game featuring some of the biggest legends in MLB history, you'll want to check out this exciting simulation. "MLB The Show 24" gets released on March 19, but can be pre-ordered right now.
In storyline mode, players relive historic moments in baseball with an interactive, role-playing element -- as well as the action-oriented baseball simulation you'd expect. You select a player and lead him from the minor leagues to the MLB World Series. In franchise mode, however, you'll take on the role of team manager.
The more you know about baseball, the better you'll be when playing "MLB The Show 24." It will offer a very different twist on the traditional sports simulation games.
Is pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch game worth it?
Pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch game definitely has its perks. By reserving your copy ahead of time, you'll make sure you get your new game in your hands ASAP, so you don't have to worry about whether it's in stock. Plus, more often than not, you'll get a bonus by buying early, whether that's an in-game perk or a physical item that you can use in real life.
What are the other benefits of pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch game?
Pre-ordering isn't just about making sure you reserve inventory. There are other benefits too, like pre-loading the game, which means you can play a digital copy of a new game the instant it goes live. For those sought-after special editions, pre-ordering might be the only way to ensure you get one.
Does pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch game save money?
Price reductions for pre-orders aren't a given. Sometimes you can save a few bucks, or get some extra goodies instead of cash back. Standard game pricing typically remains consistent with new games. The real savings manifest in the form of bonus content and merchandise that come with pre-orders.
How far in advance should I pre-order a Nintendo Switch game?
If you're eyeing a hotly anticipated title, it's smart to pre-order as soon as it's available to get those special bonuses. For regular editions, you have more flexibility, but you should grab limited editions whenever they go live for your best chance at getting them. If you like living on the edge, placing a pre-order even just a day before release can still secure your spot in the gaming action.
