The iconic and much-loved Nintendo Switch may be in its 6th year of life, but its game catalog is far from slowing. It’s clear the cozy game genre is just getting started! This list of my top 6 new Nintendo Switch games proves that.
No matter how long it’s been around, the Switch continues to be a must have console for cozy gamers. From highly anticipated remakes to brand new adventures, Nintendo continues to deliver games for a wide variety of audiences. After all, not all cozy games are, or should be, just farming.
Whether you want to live out your fae alter-ego in a cozy, wholesome world or build, create and farm with friends, there’s bound to be an upcoming Switch title that speaks to you. Let’s dive into some of the most promising upcoming Nintendo Switch games for 2023 and beyond!
Fae Farm (September 8, 2023)
One of the most highly-anticipated cozy simulation games of the year, Fae Farm has captured the attention of many! It’s easy to see why, with its diverse characters, vibrant art style and engaging gameplay look amazing on the Nintendo Switch!
“As you nurture and grow your homestead, you’ll get to meet charming characters, foster deep relationships and discover ways to infuse magic into everything you do. Customize your character, master the arts of crafting, cooking, potion-making and discover so much more.”
Sounds like Fae Farm promises to provide a magical single-player experience, in addition to both local and online multiplayer for up to 4 players.
Fae Farm currently has a September 8 2023 release date set!
Palia (late 2023)
Cozy gamers looking to play with friends have an adventure awaiting them in Kilima Village. The wonderful world of Palia is oming to PC beta August 2 with Switch release anticipated by end of year. This cozy game’s focus on multiplayer is what truly sets it apart in the generally single-player genre.
Fish, farm, hunt, craft and cook and decorate with friends. What sets Palia apart is its extensive “deep decoration” customization system, where you can create your own home base, personalized just for you.
Also a bonus, Palia will be free-to-play and will bring new content with each patch. Like many free games, Palia will monetize cosmetic items, which is nothing new when it comes to the f2p monetization model. My hope is that Palia offers a robust game experience with plenty of content without the need to spend. This is the case with one of my beloved F2P games, Genshin Impact.
According to the official Nintendo eShop, Palia is set to release Holiday 2023 on the Nintendo Switch.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time (by 2023 end)
Millennials are really living their best gaming life right now. Especially when it comes to remasters and remakes of beloved classic games. An example of that is the release of Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, a new entry to the beloved and highly-rated Fantasy Life on the Nintendo 3DS system.
Similar to the original Fantasy Life, this adventure life sim provides multiple life paths. Meaning, you can explore and participate in activities that interest YOU! I personally love this idea, and while I’ve played a bit of Fantasy Life on the 3DS, I’m interested to see how it plays out in this 2023 version.
Some highlights from the official Nintendo Switch page:
- Explore the island with whatever Life (occupation) suits you
- Travel between the past and present to unravel the mysteries of this ruined island
- Popular characters from the series make a return
If you’re interested in this throwback, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is currently slated to be released in 2023, with no set release date.
Mineko’s Night Market (September 26, 2023)
Let’s see what the creators of this gorgeous, art-forward game have to say about what to expect:
“Play as Mineko, a curious girl who has just arrived at her new home on a struggling Japanese-inspired island at the base of Mount Fugu. The superstitious locals on the island worship the Sun Cat, Nikko. What was always thought to be a long-told myth has the town puzzled, as sightings of Nikko have begun to surface among the residents of the island in recent days.”
If you’re looking for an emotional, story-driven game with Japanese culture and LOTS of cute cats, then look no further than Mineko’s Night Market.
This gorgeous adventure game brings a much-needed breath of fresh air to the cozy gaming community. It focuses on a main character’s story while still maintaining the cozy vibes and satisfying gameplay “chore loop” we’re all looking for in a social simulation sim.
In addition to following Mineko, you will have your much-loved tasks and challenges to help restore the village. After all, It wouldn’t quite be a cozy game without chores, would it?
Currently, Mineko’s Night Market does not have a set release date. However, it’s slated to arrive on the Nintendo Switch by the end of 2023.
Rune Factory 3 Special (September 5, 2023)
Long-time farming sim enjoyers will be happy to see that Rune Factory 3 Special will be remade for a new generation on Nintendo Switch this fall!
Released in 2020, Rune Factory 4 Special was my first introduction to Rune Factory. I quickly fell in love with the breathtaking art style, fantasy elements and absolutely gorgeous marriage candidate options!
Similar to RF4, Rune Factory 3 Special will add a new Newlywed Mode. In other words, once you get married in game, this unlocks special cutscenes and romantic abilities that I won’t spoil here!
If romance and dating is one of your favorite things to do in cozy sim games, Rune Factory is some of the best out there with unique and diverse dialogue. Did I mention gorgeous character designs?
While Rune Factory 3 Special is already available in select regions, it should be coming this September to the North American Nintendo eShop.
My Time at Sandrock (Summer 2023)
The sequel to My Time at Portia, this “wholesome, post-apocalyptic” crafting simulation is perfect for those who love the grind in games like Stardew Valley. For example, there are tons of recipes, materials, machines and more to unlock and discover, plus tons of NPCs to romance and befriend.
The game has been in Early Access on PC for quite a while; earning rave reviews and paving its way to be a staple in the cozy gaming community.
Both My Time at Portia and My Time at Sandrock successfully accomplish what other cozy games sometimes lack – a complete, polished package with tons of different content to explore. It’s a very satisfying gameplay loop that lovers of crafting, collecting and chatting with villagers will enjoy.
The gameplay loop is addictive, but similarly, the environment and music are to die for!
My Time at Sandrock should be arriving any time now – originally slated for a Summer 2023 Switch release.
That wraps up my list of the Top 6 Upcoming Cozy Switch Games to look for in 2023! Let me know what you’re most excited for in the comments, and if there are any I missed that deserve the hype.
In other words, please let me know what I need to wishlist immediately!
I hope this gives you some ideas whether you’re gifting a new cozy game for yourself, or a loved one.
Want to keep up with Nintendo Switch game releases, cozy gamer accessories, hacks and more? Follow me on Pinterest at @geminook!
