What’s up, gamers? With the weather doing its thing outside, it’s the perfect excuse to hunker down indoors with a hot cup of whatever-you-like, and perhaps… a game?
Nintendo recently dropped a new Direct on YouTube, showcasing all the upcoming Switch games for the second half of 2024 and beyond, with a special spotlight on indie games.
And if you know me, you know I’m all about that Indie World! The indie game lineup on the Switch is chef’s kiss immaculate, and the best part? They often cost just a fraction of those pricey AAA titles.
When it comes to indie games on the Switch, there’s a certain vibe you can count on – think pixel art galore – but what’s guaranteed is a journey that hits you right in the nostalgia, with a modern sense of pizazz.
So, without further ado, here are some indie games to look out for on the Switch for the rest of the year and beyond!
PEGLIN (AUGUST 27)
For as long as you can remember, dragons have been swiping your gold and popping peglins like it’s their day job. But now? You’ve had enough. It’s time to venture through the woods, storm the fortress, and dive straight into the dragon’s lair to reclaim what’s yours and show those dragons who’s boss.
As a Pachinko Roguelike, Peglin challenges you to defeat enemies by launching special orbs and popping pegs to rack up damage.
Peglin combines the addictive gameplay of Peggle with the strategic depth of Slay the Spire. The enemies are fierce, and if you lose, it’s game over – but you’ve got a powerful arsenal of orbs with unique effects, along with relics that can alter both the battlefield and the physics that drive your attacks.
NEVA (OCTOBER 15, 2024)
Described by its creators as “a story of motherhood”, Neva is an emotionally-charged action-adventure where you step into the shoes of Alba, accompanied by the young wolf cub, Neva.
From the visionary team behind the critically acclaimed GRIS, Neva tells the tale of Alba, a young woman bound to a curious wolf cub after a traumatic encounter with dark forces.
Together, they embark on a perilous journey through a once-beautiful world now crumbling around them.
As their journey unfolds, the bond between Alba and Neva deepens, evolving from a tentative partnership to a powerful relationship. The wolf, once a rebellious cub, grows into an imposing adult, seeking her own path and identity – testing Alba’s love and their commitment to one another.
Neva offers a touching exploration of the people who care for and protect us, and how, in time, they may need our care and protection too.
DATE EVERYTHING (OCTOBER 24, 2025)
Let’s be honest – dating can be a nightmare at any age. Some days, doesn’t it just feel like you want to date, well, everything?
Enter Date Everything, a game that takes the dating simulator genre and gives it a wild new twist. After losing your job to AI, your BFA in customer service seems like a lost cause.
But then, a mysterious stranger sends you a peculiar gift – magical glasses called “dateviators” that make everything in your house come alive… and dateable!
Each object you date has its own story, and who knows? They might become your lover, friend, or even your enemy.
With an all-star lineup of voice actors guiding you through this bizarre journey, you’re in for an unforgettable dating adventure.
COFFEE TALK TOKYO (2025)
ASEAN game developers are shining brighter each year. Last year, Coral Island by Indonesia’s Stairway Games snagged the Sit Back and Relax award, and now it’s Toge Productions’ turn to continue that legacy with the next installment of their cult classic café simulator, Coffee Talk – this time, set in Tokyo.
Coffee Talk is all about listening to people’s problems and helping them with a warm drink, crafted from the ingredients at your disposal. It’s a game that portrays life as humanly as possible, though your customers aren’t always human.
Inspired by the cosy feeling of sipping something warm on a cold rainy night, Coffee Talk Tokyo brings that vibe to the backstreets of Japan.
As the barista in an all-night coffee shop, you’ll serve a diverse clientele of humans and fantastical creatures, listening to their stories of love, loss, joy, and sadness, all while brewing drinks that warm more than just their hearts.
MORSELS (FEBRUARY 2025)
In Morsels, you start as a hungry little mouse scavenging in the sewers, but things take a wild turn when you encounter a magical sentient fatberg that grants you the power to transform into a mighty Morsel.
Armed with your new abilities, you venture into the dangerous upper worlds, battling oppressive cat forces and collecting more Morsels as you go.
Developed by Furcula, Morsels is an offbeat top-down creature collector roguelite, packed with frenetic action and quirky characters. You’ll use magical cards to morph into tiny monsters, build a team of monstrous friends, and fight against cat tyranny.
The key to survival? Strategically swap between your captured Morsels in this chaotic, fast-paced adventure.
Whether you’re looking to embark on an emotional journey, dive into quirky adventures, or simply unwind with a cosy game, there’s something for everyone. So, mark your calendars, get those controllers ready, and prepare for unforgettable gaming. – Wardi Wasil
