1. Pokemon Sword & Pokemon Shield

Release date: November 15, 2019

Platform: Nintendo Switch

In a win for all 20-somethings who still hold this franchise close to their heart, a new generation of Pokemon has been confirmed for Nintendo Switch.

Fans who felt only semi-sated by the release of Pokemon Let’s Go Eevee and Let’s Go Pikachu can be assured a brand new adventure, region, and Pokedex is on its way.

The latest generation remains largely a mystery, but has been schedule for release in late 2019.

2. Final Fantasy VII

Release date: March 20, 2020

Platform: PlayStation 4

More than 20 years after its original release, Final Fantasy VII will be revitalised and brought into the new era of gaming with a remake for PS4.

Remembered as one of the JRPG greats, and one of the best in the FF series, the seventh installment was somewhat limited by the graphics and technology of the time.

Many gamers will fondly remember the challenge of navigating a pixelated fantasy world with the block that was Cloud, but the first trailer for the remake shows just how far the industry has come. Fans were hopeful this title would be seen on shelves by the end of the year, but it has been given a release date in early March. At least we finally have a date!

3. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Release date: July 26, 2019

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

For those who love a bit of tactical gameplay, the Fire Emblem franchise will add a new game to its repertoire in July this year.

Known for offering an array of characters, relationships and alliance choices for the player, the latest installment goes a step further by adding three countries to choose between. This is reminiscent of the earlier Fire Emblem: Birthright and Fire Emblem: Conquest, whose storyline and character development was largely based on which royal family the player chose to support.

You can get your hands on this and start preparing your army on July 26.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

Release date: September 20, 2019

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Another remake we have to look forward to this year, Links Awakening is set to join Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch.

Announced in February, the game’s trailer shows Link’s adventures transcend their low-res Game Boy origins and transform into a high-res piece of art on the big screen.

Game production appears to be in good hands, and involves the same development team (Grezzo) that worked on remakes of Ocarina of Time and Majoras Mask for 3DS.

5. Shin Megami Tensei V

Release date: TBA

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Persona fans rejoice, your craving for a new addition to the series will soon be sated! You’ll have to be patient though, there’s more mystery than news about this game so far.

The initial trailer reveals only that it will be set in Tokyo and similar in appearance to its predecessor Persona 5.Its introduction? “All the fountains of the great deep broke up and the windows of heaven were opened.”

Well, colour me intrigued.

6. Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland

Release date: May 21, 2019

Platform: Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4

The Atelier series is a gift that just keeps on giving, and Lulua is the 20th title to be released since its beginning in 1997. One new game each year over 20 years? That’s math I like to do.

The latest title will maintain the synthesizing, gathering, battling, side questing structure of the last few games, with a little more lenience when it comes to time limits.

Lulua is the adopted daughter of alchemy legend Rorona – who was the main character of the series when it launched on PlayStation – so you can expect many recognisable characters to make an appearance.

7. Catherine: Full Body

Release Date: September 3, 2019

Platform: PlayStation 4

Bearing the marks of an Atlus game, but with perhaps more adult content, Catherine: Full Body will be re-released exclusively for PS4 this year.

It has been confirmed the new version will stick to its origins by featuring the original voice actors, but it will also branch-out with brand new cutscenes and story pathways.

If like me you didn’t get a chance to play the original, here’s an opportunity to get on board, smash out some puzzles and help decide the fate of four characters caught in a “love square”.

8. Oninaki

Release date: August 22, 2019

Platform: PS4, Nintendo Switch

Not only does this game promise to look gorgeous, it has an action-packed story line to boot.

You’ll play as a Watcher. Your task? Giving salvation to the wandering, lost souls of the dead.

This could be a good one for fans of Lost Sphear, but you’ll need to choose between experiencing this latest Square Enix title on PS4 or Switch.

9. Animal Crossing

Release date: March 20, 2020

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Adorable animals and decorative fun will make a return in Animal Crossing: New Horizons next year.

The teaser promises a reunion with some classic characters as well as new faces to befriend.

This game will be a hive for creative minds who enjoy collecting, combining and crafting items to create their own personal world.

10. Rune Factory 4 Special

Release date: TBA 2019

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Rune Factory has been a classic in RPG circles for years, but this year it will come to life on Nintendo Switch. More details to come.