I occasionally see people respond to my weekly [Upcoming Releases](https://old.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/uzp2ef/full_list_of_upcoming_games_on_the_nintendo/) posts with comments like “it’s just a buncha’ shovelware”, and I don’t think people realize the potential in some of the games they’re dismissing.
Because of this, before we jump into the next month, I’m going through the list of upcoming games for that month *that we know about*, and highlighting the ones that have a strong chance of being worth paying attention to, as well as a brief snippet about the game explaining why it’s worth watching.
I will specifically *only* be highlighting games that have a reasonably strong pedigree, or that are otherwise particularly noteworthy in some way beyond “this looks good, it *could* be interesting…”. This means that I’ll likely be mentioning a lot of ports, as it’s easier to know a game will likely be good if it was already good on another platform (I’m including games that scored 75 or higher on Metacritic on other platforms, 85% positive or higher on Steam, and/or 4 or higher rating on Google Play store). I’ll also mention games whose developer has a decent track record for producing quality.
Oh, and before getting into the games, I should note that this is just the list we have available right now – there are likely to be new games announced after this list comes out, as well as games on this list that get delayed. Also, I should note that this is *not* a list of the *only* games worth getting on the Switch this month – just the ones that I feel can be backed up with more than just “feels” given what we know now. And of course, since these games aren’t released yet, I obviously can’t *know* they’re good, they just look promising.
I’m continuing the use of “Buzz Picks” to indicate titles that, while they have no clear established pedigree to indicate they’ll be good or bad, they are nevertheless highly anticipated or noteworthy for other reasons.
Anyway, on to the list!
**[6/1/2022 – Deathrun TV](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/deathrun-tv-switch)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tLBu95D2_Y)) – Developer Laser Dog has an excellent track record with an average career Metacritic score of 80 thanks to critically-acclaimed games like HoPiKo. Their newest game is a fast-paced, action-packed 2-Stick Shooter that evokes the classic Arcade game Smash TV. Hopefully this will prove to be just as fun!
**[6/1/2022 – The Big Con – Grift of the Year Edition](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/the-big-con-grift-of-the-year-edition-switch)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVhugZpuon4)) – When The Big Con released on PC in 2021, it got a Metacritic score of 77, with critics praising it for its story and 90s aesthetic.
**[6/2/2022 – Clan O’Conall and the Crown of the Stag](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/clan-oconall-and-the-crown-of-the-stag-switch)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c_5r9vXCtU)) – When this game released on PC in 2021, it got a Metacritic score of 78, with critics praising it for how well it balances puzzles and combat, and for its character-swapping mechanic.
**[6/2/2022 – Card Shark](https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/card-shark-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-DxwvR11fc)) – Developer Nerial has established a strong reputation with its Reigns series, with an average Metacritic career score of 78. This upcoming game looks to mix their penchant for mechanics-driven storytelling with card games. Hopefully it proves a winning combination!
**[6/3/2022 – Wonder Boy Collection](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/wonder-boy-collection-switch)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh3ex9cja-4)) **Buzz Pick** – This is a compilation of the first four Wonder Boy games, which are undoubtedly more dated than the highly-celebrated Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, but fans of that excellent game may find it worthwhile to look up this old-school collection when it releases.
**[6/8/2022 – Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEhYnI1MqxI)** – While not quite as highly-revered as the first Knights of the Old Republic, this sequel is nevertheless generally seen as an excellent follow-up. The folks at Aspyr did a solid job porting over the first game, and have promised that soon after launch this sequel will be followed up by additional free DLC. If you’re a fan of Star Wars and/or RPGs, this is definitely a game you’ll want to be on the lookout for.
**[6/10/2022 – Mario Strikers: Battle League](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/mario-strikers-battle-league-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usvf-N17TgA)) – Possibly the most highly-anticipated release in June, this installment in Nintendo’s series of soccer games looks to introduce league play. A demo is currently available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers who want to get a feel for its tutorial, with an online test scheduled for June 3. If you’re a fan of soccer or Mario sports games, you should give it a try!
**[6/16/2022 – Cloud Gardens](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/cloud-gardens-switch)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy3CnZrG0nM)) – Developer Noio is probably best known for the critically-acclaimed Kingdom: New Lands/Two Crowns series, but this is something else entirely. This is a Puzzle game that has you transforming post-apocalyptic dioramas by adding lush green overgrown plant life among the junk. Critics overlooked this one when it came to PC in 2021, but players loved it, giving the game an overwhelmingly positive 96% user review score on Steam with over 1400 users weighing in. They all seem pretty unanimous about this game’s appeal, too – the words “relaxing”, “calming”, “simple”, and “beautiful” repeatedly come up in those reviews. Keep your eyes on this one – it may be the sleeper of the month. I should note that this game was delayed from its original release date last month.
**[6/16/2022 – Redout 2](https://twitter.com/redout2game/status/1527635390877818880)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MElaBg29PuQ)) – The first Redout earned Metacritic scores ranging from the low-70s to the low-80s, although it should be noted that the Switch Metacritic score was the lowest of the bunch. Still, hopefully this high-speed futuristic racing game sequel will be a bit more polished and give Switch owners a better experience. Here’s hoping!
**[6/17/2022 – Omori](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/omori-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVJXZR5ahYA)) – When Omori released on PC in 2020, critics absolutely loved it, praising this game and comparing it to Earthbound and Undertale. If you’re looking for an offbeat RPG (albeit one that tackles some serious themes of loss), definitely keep your eyes out for Omori.
**[6/21/2022 – Fall Guys](https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/fall-guys-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqPqmP93PPE)) – When Fall Guys released on PC and PlayStation 4 in 2020, it got Metacritic scores in the low-80s and became a minor cultural phenomenon… which then subsequently faded away. Many felt this online multiplayer-focused game would be a perfect fit for Switch, and so many are frustrated that it’s taken this long to get to Nintendo’s platform. However, perhaps to revitalize interest in the game, the Switch launch of the game will coincide with the game going free-to-play, meaning there’s little reason *not* to give it a try when it releases in June. Perhaps it will become a cultural phenomenon all over again!
**[6/21/2022 – Shadowrun Returns](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/shadowrun-returns-switch)**, **[Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/shadowrun-dragonfall-directors-cut-switch)**, **[Shadowrun: Hong Kong – Extended Edition](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/shadowrun-hong-kong-extended-edition-switch)**, and **[Shadowrun Trilogy](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/shadowrun-trilogy-switch)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKCEbwAJXTY)) – This trio of cyberpunk RPGs got Metacritic scores ranging from the mid-70s to high-80s when it released on PC. Players looking for a great sci-fi story are in for a treat in June getting not one but *three* of them!
**[6/21/2022 – Wreckfest](https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/wreckfest-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4NphpXr55U)) – When this demolition derby-themed racing game released on other platforms last year, it received scores ranging from the low-70s to the low-80s, with critics praising both its destruction elements and its racing gameplay. Hopefully the Nintendo Switch version will be just as good!
**[6/23/2022 – Sonic Origins](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/sonic-origins-switch)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzHXjAJ86Zw)) – There’s some argument to be made that Sega’s decision to make multiple editions of a retro game compilation to try to squeeze more money out of consumers is a bit… grotesque? But regardless of what you think about that, it still remains the case that this is the first time Nintendo Switch owners will see the release of Sonic 3 & Knuckles and Sonic CD on Nintendo’s handheld… and the third time we’ve gotten Sonic the Hedgehog and the fourth time we’ve gotten Sonic the Hedgehog 2… okay, so yes, there’s clearly some double-dipping going on here too. In any case, these are classic Platformers regardless of how they’re packaged, and it will be nice to finally have the blue blur’s early adventures all in one place. Well, except Spinball… and 3D Blast… and Knuckles Chaotix… and the Game Gear games…
**[6/24/2022 – AI The Somnium Files: Nirvana Initiative](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/ai-the-somnium-files-nirvana-initiative-switch)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN-qr1Kvv34)) – When the first AI: The Somnium Files game released in 2019, it got Metacritic scores ranging from the high-70s to the high-80s, with critics praising the game’s bizarre, anime-style take on a serial killer murder mystery crossed with an Inception-style mind exploration. This sequel finds the mind-investigators’ efforts turned to a new serial killer, one who cuts bodies in half. Fun!
**[6/24/2022 – Capcom Fighting Collection](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/capcom-fighting-collection-switch)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr0DzEcdkvg)) – This compilation of ten classic Capcom fighting games includes five games from the Darkstalkers franchise, along with Hyper Street Fighter II: The Anniversary Edition, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix, Cyberbots, and the first home console port of Red Earth. If you’re a Fighting Game fan, this collection is sure to be an absolute must-have.
**[6/24/2022 – Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/fire-emblem-warriors-three-hopes-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZyZB-Zjxxo)) – Much like what happened with the Hyrule Warriors series, the first Fire Emblem Warriors game was a musou-style action game loosely based on the Fire Emblem franchise as a whole, while this follow-up is specifically a storyline sequel to Fire Emblem: Three Houses. With any luck, this will have the same high quality we saw in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (and hopefully a better framerate too?).
**[6/24/2022 – Pocky and Rocky Reshrined](http://www.natsume.com/news/news_pdffiles/pid_318_PRR_ReleaseDate%20Announcement_Final.pdf)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BltxeJj9HVc)) **Buzz Pick** – This top-down Action game has been getting some good early reviews, though not enough to get a Metacritic score yet. This is a sequel in a classic game series from the SNES days.
**[6/28/2022 – Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/birushana-rising-flower-of-genpei-switch)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZeqFERPR6w)) – Once again, these lists apparently wouldn’t be complete without a Visual Novel game. Developer Otomate has a sterling reputation within the genre, having an average career Metacritic score of 78, with previous titles like Code: Realize, Collar X Malice, Olympia Soiree, and this year’s Variable Barricade. Their newest addition to the Nintendo Switch library, Birushana, focuses on two warring clans and a young warrior for one of those clans hiding a Mulan-style secret as she aims to take down the opposing side.
**[6/30/2022 – Rabbids: Party of Legends](https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/rabbids-party-of-legends-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKj8Rb87EsA)) **Buzz Pick** – For their first outing on Nintendo Switch *not* involving Mario and XCOM-style Strategy-RPG gameplay, the screaming rabbit-like Rabbids return to their Party Game roots, this time with a distinctly Chinese-flavored theme. Hopefully the break these critters have had from the genre (their last Party Game was 2014’s poorly-received Rabbids Invasion) will have given them an opportunity to prepare something worthwhile.
**[Spring 2022 – Post Void](https://www.gamespress.com/POST-VOID-is-coming-to-PlayStation-Nintendo-Switch-in-Spring-2022)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWmSmXWsWpM)) – When this brightly-colored FPS released on PC in 2020, it got a Metacritic score of 76, with critics praising its great gameplay and unique aesthetic.
**[Q2 2022 – Circuit Superstars](https://www.gamespress.com/en-US/SQUARE-ENIX-COLLECTIVE-ANNOUNCES-CIRCUIT-SUPERSTARS-IS-COMING-TO-PLAYS)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOWyVXPELyc)) – When this Top-Down Racing game released on other platforms in 2021, it got Metacritic scores ranging from the thigh-70s to the low-80s, with critics praising its fun gameplay and high level of polish.
**[Early 2022 – Grotto](https://www.gamespress.com/Grotto-PC-release-date-confirmed-for-mystical-first-person-narrative-a)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRKIatBL7Zs)) – This game got a Metacritic score of 75 when it released on PC in 2021, with critics praising the game’s unique story where players take the role of a soothsayer imparting advice to the people of their village.
**[Early 2022 – Oxenfree II: Lost Signals](https://twitter.com/nightschoolers/status/1423366166127468545)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0f0LdibJcQ)) – The original Oxenfree delighted critics, getting Metacritic scores in the high-70s to low-80s. Hopefully the follow-up to this excellent Graphic Adventure will feature a similarly great character-driven plot with creepy sci-fi elements.
**[Early 2022 – Strings Theory](https://www.gamespress.com/en-US/SILEN-AUDIO-ANNOUNCES-OUR-FIRST-OFFICIAL-SHIPPED-GAME-LESS-THAN-EIGHT-)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rncXYKG0c1U)) – This game went overlooked by critics when it released in 2021, but those few who have played it are unanimous in their praise, giving the game a 100% positive user review score on Steam with over 30 reviews. Players praised the game for its puzzle design and aesthetics.
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Anyway, that’s what I could find for the month of June on the Nintendo Switch, but no doubt some of you have specific games you’ve got your eye on this next month as well. Please feel free to give a shout out to any game you feel deserves attention! 🙂