Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Gaming
  3. Features

It’s secretly a killer month for the Nintendo Switch

By

After three relentless months of gigantic new video game releases, April has seemed tame by comparison so far. The closest thing we’ve had to a big video game is Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, which isn’t exactly on the same scale as Elden Ring. As a result, gamers are getting a bit of a lull where they can catch up on games like Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands or Weird West.

But for Nintendo Switch owners, April might be the console’s strongest 2022 showing yet. While it hasn’t gotten any flashy, first-party releases, a slew of ports and cross-platform titles serve as a reminder of why Nintendo’s little hybrid that could still holds a special place in the current gaming landscape.

Recommended Videos

Ports galore

In terms of tentpole releases, the Switch only has one major title this month — though a quiet month makes it gaming’s biggest release by default. Nintendo Switch Sports lands on April 29, bringing Wii Sports nostalgia to 2022. Based on my hands-on time with it at a preview event, its shaping up to be a surprise hit that finally puts the Switch’s underutilized motion controls to good use.

Two sportsmates play badminton in Nintendo Switch Sports.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Even though that’s Nintendo’s only big game in April (and it’s certainly not a Kirby-sized one), the console’s library has gotten stronger every few days this month. Part of that comes from some strong cross-platform releases, which Nintendo was hurting for in 2022. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga and MLB The Show 22 both hit Switch on the same day, kicking off the month. The latter is especially notable considering it’s a Sony-published game that the MLB reportedly pushed to bring to Nintendo’s console.

Related

While new releases are always the most exciting, a slew of strong port choices are really fueling the console this month. Indie hits like Don’t Starve Together and The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe are welcome additions to the eShop. PS5 launch title Bugsnax is coming to Switch alongside its new DLC, which feels like a perfect tonal match for the system. I’ve personally been playing Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition on my Switch, and while it’s a rough port, it’s still lovely to experience an RPG classic in a flexible way.

The Switch’s two best games this month are both ports that benefit from the unique nature of the Switch’s portable design. Former PS4 exclusive 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is now on Switch and it’s the definitive way to experience it. When I first played the mech visual novel, I remember wishing I could play it in the Switch’s tabletop mode so I could listen along while washing dishes or prepping dinner. Had I known it was coming to Switch earlier, I would have waited on it.

A high schooler looks at a mech in 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The same is true for Nobody Saves the World. The cartoon dungeon crawler was already one of 2022’s best video games and it’s a harmonious fit for the Switch. The small-scale action game features several dungeons that can be completed in 10 minutes, making it a perfect portable “time to kill” game. Were I recommending it to someone, I’d suggest they pick it up on Switch, even if they could play it via an Xbox Game Pass subscription.

The Switch’s aging hardware may be dulling its shine, but portability remains its ace in the hole. Certain games just work better in bite-sized, “play anywhere” chunks and several releases feel more natural on the Switch as a result. For those who aren’t playing every new game the moment it releases the eShop has a bounty of new additions this month that’ll give you plenty of reasons to keep your Switch charged.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Giovanni Colantonio
Giovanni Colantonio
Section Editor, Gaming
Giovanni is a writer and video producer focusing on happenings in the video game industry. He has contributed stories to…
What’s free on the Epic Games Store right now?
A Steam Punk circus.

Checking in on the Epic Games Store is one of the easiest ways to grow your gaming library. Epic gives out a free game or two every week, ranging from darling indies to AAA titles. All you have to do is jump on the Epic Games Store to claim the free games and they'll be added to your library to keep forever.

Keeping track of all the free titles and gaming deals can be a pain, so we're monitoring the Epic Games Store for you. We'll update this article every time a new game is made available!
What's free on the Epic Games Store right now?
These games can be picked up on the Epic Games store right now for free. Scroll down to the Free Games section of the app's Discover tab or find the individual title using the search bar. Just find and select the Get button to claim your free game. You do not have to download or install it right away.

Read more
Homeworld 3 preload guide: release time, file size, and preorder
Ships flying by giant purple towers.

A large-scale sci-fi real-time strategy series is finally coming back with Homeworld 3, and its release is imminent. This is the only RTS series that places you in direct control of entire fleets of ships in 3D combat in some of the most beautiful regions of space we've seen. While we have to wait to see if the story has a satisfying conclusion after all these years, there are always the co-op and PvP modes to sink your time into long after the credits roll. Let's make sure your ships are refueled and ready to take off when Homeworld 3 releases.
Homeworld 3 release time
There are two release times for Homeworld 3 depending on whether or not you purchased the Fleet Command or Collector's editions. If you have either of these versions preordered, then you can start playing at 11 a.m. PT on may 10. If not, then the global release will be at 11 a.m. PT on May 13.
Homeworld 3 file size

Developer Blackbird Interactive has stated that Homeworld 3 will be around 40 GB in size,so be sure you have at least that much space to spare.
Homeworld 3 preload options
Unfortunately, there will be no preloading options for Homeworld 3 prior to launch. You will have to wait for your game to download in full once it unlocks to start playing.
Homeworld 3 preorder details

Read more
GTA 5 cheats: codes and phone numbers PS4, PS5, Xbox, and PC
The main characters of Grand Theft Auto V stand side-by-side.

A slam-dunk of a game for the talented developers at Rockstar, Grand Theft Auto V has been out for several years now, but it’s still an extremely popular title. We’re also guessing there’s some renewed interest in the game because the world knows we’re getting a Grand Theft Auto VI in the somewhat-near future. If you’ve ever played a GTA game, you’ll know the going can get a little tough from time to time. This is why it’s nice to live in a world with cheat codes. 

Whether you just want to have a ton of fun with unlimited health and ammunition, or you’re seriously struggling with a certain section of the game, we’ve rounded up all the cheat codes you’ll need to know for GTA V, for platforms including PS4, PS5, Xbox, and PC.
How to use GTA 5 cheats
There are a few ways to enter GTA 5 cheat codes. The first and easiest is to use your cellphone. You can open your cellphone by pressing Up on the D-pad. From there, enter the corresponding number, and the cheat will fire. You can also classically input cheats by following a specific button combination. The combinations are the same across PlayStation and Xbox, but we've split them up to account for their different button-naming conventions, so it should feel more natural reading and entering them.
GTA 5 character cheats
Max Health and Armor

Read more