I always love writing about Nintendo Switch ports of existing games because I love seeing developers work within the hardware confines of the Switch to deliver amazing experiences that people can play on the go or at home. This year has seen some of my all-time favorite PS4 games arrive on Switch along with a few surprises. This feature will highlight best port and re-release of 2022 on Nintendo Switch. This list is in no particular order.
NieR:Automata Ending Version of YoRHa
NieR:Automata sometimes still feels like a dream with its happy ending. It was PlatinumGames’ most successful game ever and remains one of the best games ever. It had technical issues on both PS4 and PC when it launched in 2017, so I never expected it to come to Switch before we had a successor to the hybrid system. Square Enix clearly had another idea in mind, because NieR: Automata arrived on Switch with a great conversion and exclusive cosmetics. While the frame rate target is half that of other platforms, it looks great when docked and handheld despite the image cropping. Square Enix also launched NieR: Automata at a budget price on Switch, making it one of the easiest propositions for 2022.
There is no human sky
Just like NieR Automata, No Man’s Sky is a troubled game on PS4. While it’s in a much better spot on all platforms right now than it was at launch, I never thought I’d see No Man’s Sky on Switch. Hi Games proved me wrong and No Man’s Sky is one of the best Switch ports ever. It has obvious compromises, but is surprisingly good. It also comes with lots of free content updates and improvements. I just hope it gets multiplayer support eventually. Even in its current state, No Man’s Sky is still eye-catching on Switch.
13 Guards: The Aegis . Belt
I loved 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim on PS4, but always hoped it would be released on PS Vita. It was my game of the year when it came out on PS4, and it had a great Switch version a few months ago shining on the OLED screen. While the other games in this article have cut some points, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is perfect on Switch and is the best way to play it right now. If you like sci-fi stories and great characters, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is an easy recommendation on Switch.
Portal Companion Collection
Given that Portal and Portal 2 have never seen console versions or anything after the PS3 and Xbox 360 generations, I don’t expect both to hit the Nintendo Switch at its low asking price with the conversions. such amazing. The Portal Companion Collection is the best way to play both Portal games on console right now and the fact that they are still two of the best puzzle games ever certainly helps. offer this easy suggestion. Out of all of Valve’s games, the Portal release is the only one I want to play on the Switch, and I’m glad it happened in 2022.
Legend of Heroes: Traces from Zero
The Falcom game on Switch has received conversions of varying quality. Games like Ys IX have been downgraded significantly compared to other platforms while Trails of Cold Steel III and IV still offer a comparable experience. With The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero, the Switch version is truly the best console version of the game with huge visual and feature improvements over the PS4 version. I’ve played it on both the Switch and the Steam Deck, but the Switch version is my favorite way to experience The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero these days.
Ogre Strategy: Reborn
Square Enix’s Tactics Ogre: Reborn on Nintendo Switch is basically perfect. It brings the complete Tactics Ogre experience to the Switch with lots of improvements, but the developers went above and beyond to make it feel like it was built for the Switch from the ground up. It has great HD Rumble and looks sharp while running great on Switch both plugged in and handheld. If you’ve ever wanted to give this game a try, the Switch version is a must.
Royal Character 5
Persona 5 Royal on Nintendo Switch is the complete game with nearly all the previous free and paid DLC included from the start. Persona 5 on Switch has been a joke for too long, but Atlus is finally shipping this October. While it doesn’t look as good as the other versions, it shines on the OLED display with its striking and colorful aesthetic. If you want Persona 5 Royal on mobile, this is a great way to experience it.
Live a life
Call Live A Live is a portal that is selling it cheap, but it’s a new version of an older game. Live A Live gets the Octopath Traveler treatment from Team Asano at Square Enix. The full remake with 2D HD visuals is also the first time Live A Live has been released outside of Japan. It’s also one of Yoko Shimomura’s best soundtracks and a great JRPG. I hope we see more Square Enix classics brought to Switch like this one.
OlliOlli World
I wasn’t initially sold with Roll7’s new aesthetic for the OlliOlli line. I’ve loved the first two games on PS Vita for a long time and feel like the new visual style for OlliOlli World failed. Thankfully, now that I’ve played it on every platform, I love OlliOlli World. I also like that the team has gone to great lengths to deliver a great version of the game for the Nintendo Switch that runs well for the most part and looks good in the hand as well. With all of its DLC now available, OlliOlli World on Nintendo Switch is a joy to play.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Chronicles of Hinokami
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles is one of the more interesting Switch ports in recent years. Games on all consoles and PCs are limited to 30fps. The PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC versions have been patched with 60fps mode, but it’s clearly designed for 30fps. Except for the frame rate, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles is one of the most beautiful anime games ever. When a Switch version was announced, I was skeptical of what it would look like. CyberConnect2 and Sega have worked hard to deliver one of the best anime games on Switch with Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles earlier this year. It’s an easy recommendation for fans of arena games and anime games on Switch.
While some people continue to call for the Switch Pro/successor, it’s great to see so many publishers and developers investing in quality ports and remakes for the Nintendo Switch. I’m looking forward to many of the ports we’ll get in 2023, including Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden coming out in a few weeks. What do you want to see in 2023 and what are your favorite releases on Switch this year?
