2023 is the year we stop pressurizing ourselves about every single thing in games, like the animations or the minor glitches here and there or the constant boss battles every second. We all love the thrill, action and suspense games bring us and it makes us want more of it, but let’s face it: they kind of stress us out when you have to constantly use your brain for every move in Bravely Default II or play out the tenth bad ending of NieR: Automata The End of YoRHa because you went to the wrong path in the amusement park.
To ease your mind and lower your stress levels, here are five cozy Switch games to play in 2023 that will make you smile, destress yourself and keep you from throwing your console across the room (speaking from personal experience).
Animal Crossing: New Horizon
The notable of all cozy Switch games, the Animal Crossing series first came out in 2001 featuring cute animal villagers, a build-your-own island and fun activities to play with your friends. Though Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out in 2020, there are endless relaxing activities you can easily dive into coming into 2023. So go forth revisiting your pandemic days idealizing with Tom Nook and Isabelle, we know we will.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Who doesn’t love the adorable, pink puffball? All Kirby games — with no exception to this one — deliver exceptional coziness. With Kirby and the Forgotten Land, you follow Kirby through his journey in an unknown world as he uses his signature ability to battle enemies, explore the newfound area and save Waddle Dees from the Beast Pack and Elfilin. The colors and easy-going animations keep the game enjoyable and relaxing, not to mention, you can find cute collectibles throughout the game or at the Gotcha Machine Alley to customize Kirby’s house to your liking. Now that’s something you can look forward to after shooting out soda cans at your enemies countless times.
A Space for the Unbound
Releasing January 19, 2023, A Space for the Unbound follows two high school sweethearts, Atma and Raya, on their journey of self-discovery when a supernatural being suddenly threatens to cease their existence and the characters find a way to stop this entity from destroying the world and learn about each other. Its pixel art style and 90s-style graphics give a sense of nostalgia and enough to envelop yourself in the world itself. If you liked The World Ends With You, then this will be a game you’ll adore.
Cake Bash
Just as the name implies, you and four other players fight to be the best cake in town. A little competition doesn’t hurt anyone, but you necessarily don’t need to battle yourself in an arena; Cake Bash has other mini-games to keep you all cozied up such as roasting the perfect marshmallows or dressing your cake in a variety of toppings. Its cutesy characters and facial expressions is a plus to make you laugh and perhaps enjoy some cake.
Bit Orchard: Animal Valley
In this title, think of Animal Crossing, but you’re selling apples in your own orchard and doing daily tasks to ensure you still make a profit. As a definitive version for the Switch, there are various themed items such as Christmas and an assortment of minigames to take your mind off of your orchard. Like A Space for the Unbound, its retro graphics and 2D pixel art make this game charming and reminiscent with simple controls to maneuver the game comfortably.
Valerie is a senior studying Digital and Print Journalism and minoring in French at the University of North Texas. After her cousin introduced her to video games at nine years old, it was love at first sight and plans to experience the world of gaming journalism in the future. Though her favorite game varies, Kingdom Hearts will always forever be her number one game series. Outside of her studies and gaming, she drowns herself in coffee and tries new food places with her friends and family.
