October 2023 is shaping up to be an excellent month for the Nintendo Switch, not least because we’re finally getting a new game from one of Nintendo’s longest-standing mascots.
The arrival of side-scrolling platformer Super Mario Bros. Wonder in October is just one of the many highlights Switch owners have to look forward to in what is turning out to be a jam-packed month for the little console that could.
Here are the best Nintendo Switch games coming to the console in October 2023. If you’re not a Mario fan, don’t worry; there’s plenty more to check out besides!
Front Mission 2 Remake (October 5th)
Front Mission 2 Remake marks the first time that this tactical mecha RPG will be available outside of Japan, so if you played and enjoyed the first Front Mission Remake, you’ll want to pick this one up as well.
It continues the political saga begun by the first game, preserving the original game’s mature, complex story while updating many of its more outdated technical aspects.
The Switch has no shortage of great tactical RPGs, but Front Mission 2 Remake’s impressive pedigree should make it one to watch when it arrives at the start of October.
Detective Pikachu Returns (October 6th)
Part of the movie, it seems odd that many people don’t realise Detective Pikachu was, in fact, a tie-in to a 3DS game. Admittedly, it wasn’t a particularly widely-played 3DS game, but it’s getting a Switch followup nonetheless!
Detective Pikachu Returns once again takes place in Ryme City, where detective Tim Goodman and his partner Pikachu must solve another spate of mysteries relating to the city’s Pokemon population.
This is a quirky, off-beat Pokemon spinoff that should appeal to those who think the main series is a little too saccharine for their tastes.
Batman: Arkham Trilogy (October 13th)
It’s fair to say that Batman: Arkham Trilogy represents immense value for money. You’re effectively getting three near-perfect games for the price of one, so if you haven’t enjoyed these games already, this is a must-buy.
Arkham Asylum is the most linear and focused of the three, offering a Metroidvania-style experience set in the haunting, gloomy halls and gardens of the titular institution.
Arkham City opens things up, letting you explore a section of Gotham City, and Arkham Knight is the largest and most sprawling of all three. Prequel Arkham Origins isn’t included here, but you’re missing absolutely nothing by not playing it.
Sonic Superstars (October 17th)
If you’ve got any nostalgia for old-school Sonic – or, indeed, if you’re a more recent convert disappointed by the, shall we say, variable quality of 3D Sonic entries – then Sonic Superstars should be on your radar.
Developed by Sonic Team and Arzest, Sonic Superstars is a 2.5D sidescrolling adventure that harkens back to the original Sonic trilogy, albeit with much sharper visuals and more varied gameplay.
In short, if you’re looking for a fast-paced platformer with a focus on multiplayer, this looks like it will do the job, although Sonic Team’s track record should be cause for at least a little concern.
Endless Dungeon (October 19th)
Endless Dungeon is a followup to 2014’s roguelite tower defence title Dungeon of the Endless, and it promises to offer a similar action-packed experience, albeit with updated visuals and design.
This time around, there’s a stronger emphasis on playing alongside your friends, but there is still a solo play option available if you’d rather take on the procedurally generated dungeons by yourself.
If you enjoy games like Dungeon Defenders, then Endless Dungeon is going to be one to watch, as it seems to be scratching the same multiplayer tower defence itch.
World of Horror (October 19th)
Despite the rather on-the-nose title, World of Horror promises to be an offbeat and exciting horror experience thanks to its lo-fi visuals and obsession with seminal authors Junji Ito and H.P. Lovecraft.
In essence, World of Horror is a spooky adventure game that calls to mind titles like Ben “Yahtzee” Croshaw’s The Consuming Shadow or indie hit Darkest Dungeon.
Each of its mysteries is randomised, so you’ll likely never encounter the same exact story twice, and its unforgiving turn-based combat and disturbing aesthetic should keep you up well into the night.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (October 20th)
Mario’s newest adventure is a little weirder and more out-there than you might be expecting. While it promises to offer traditional sidescrolling Mario thrills, the addition of the Wonder Flower mechanic makes things a little more outre.
Wonder Flowers could do anything from tilting levels to switching perspective, so when you pick one up, it’s anyone’s guess how it might augment or change the action.
Thankfully, the new badge system gives you access to a wide range of additional moves you can use to navigate stages, and the multiplayer mode also means you can enjoy the whole experience alongside your friends.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 (October 24th)
Here’s hoping that the “Vol. 1” on the end of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection indicates the arrival of a second volume at some point in the future, as we’d love to revisit Metal Gear Solid 4 and Peace Walker at some point.
For now, though, we suppose we must content ourselves with three of the greatest games ever made in the form of Metal Gear Solid and its two PlayStation 2 sequels.
That’s in addition to several retro Metal Gear experiences, all of which should give you more stealth fun than you’ve ever needed when added together, especially if this will be your first time through Hideo Kojima’s idiosyncratic masterpieces.
