Updated at: 05-06-2023 - By: Leo Hall
Here are some of the most anticipated upcoming titles for the Nintendo Switch. Take a look at the latest trailers and videos of actual gameplay.

The games available for the Nintendo Switch range from first-party exclusives like Zelda: Breath of the Wild to independent smashes like Stardew Valley.

This makes it a great system for multiplayer games, tough platformers, and role-playing adventures.

Here, we’ll take a look ahead to 2022 and highlight the best Nintendo Switch games that have been confirmed for release that year.

To make sure we don’t forget any of your anticipated Switch exclusives, we’ll be adding more games to this list in the near future.

Nintendo Switch Sports

Date of Publication: April 29, 2022

Given the phenomenal success of the original Wii Sports, it’s only fitting that a port be developed for the Switch.

Nintendo Switch Sports is a new take on the classic minigames from Wii Sports, developed exclusively for the Switch.

In a later update planned for this upcoming Fall, fans will see the return of fan favorites like bowling and tennis alongside the addition of new sports like volleyball, soccer, and golf.

This is a must-have if you missed out on the first Wii Sports or are just looking for a new game to enjoy with your loved ones.

Two Point Campus

Date of Publication: May 17th, 2022

You’re in charge of a college campus in Two Point Campus, which is the latest management simulation game from developer Two Point Studios.

In this educational simulation, players build their own campus, complete with dorms, classrooms, and extracurricular activities.

Two Point Campus on Steam

The great thing about the Two Point games is how customizable they are in terms of how much involvement the players have.

In keeping with this tenet, the game introduces brand new, user-friendly tools that make it simple to create pathways and set up other landscape features like plants, fountains, sculptures, and more.

Mario Strikers: Battle League

Date of Publication: June 10th, 2022

The announcement that a new Mario Strikers game, Mario Strikers: Battle League, will be released later this summer was a welcome one for Strikers fans.

A 5v5 arcade soccer game with power-ups, special attacks, and more, the series eschews realism in favor of chaotic, over-the-top gameplay.

Customizable armor sets that affect player performance will be one of many new features introduced in Battle League.

Also, up to 20 players can form their own seasons and leaderboards in the game’s “Club Mode” of online multiplayer.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes

Date of Publication: June 24th, 2022

An upcoming hack-and-slash title, Fire Emblem: Three Hopes is both a sequel to Fire Emblem Warriors and a spin-off of Fire Emblem: Three Houses.

Action-oriented gameplay and role-playing elements reminiscent of the Dynasty Warriors series are combined in this sequel.

The war depicted in Fire Emblem: Three Houses serves as the backdrop for the story, which takes place on the continent of Fódlan.

Players will take on the roles of Byleth, Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude, the game’s main protagonists.

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series

Time of Publication: July 8, 2022

Fans may not have been expecting Nintendo to announce the remastering of Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series during a Nintendo Direct.

For the convenience of both new and longtime fans, Klonoa: Door to Phantomile and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil have been combined into a single box set.

The player runs and jumps through levels, grabbing and tossing enemies with the help of a wind ring as they embark on a quest to save the world.

The remaster adds both two-player local co-op and a difficulty slider, allowing for a variety of playthroughs.

Live A Live

When: July 22, 2022, for release

Live A Live, an RPG developed by Square and only available in Japan, is getting an HD-2D visual upgrade for the Switch.

The game’s seven narrative arcs feature a wide variety of protagonists, settings, and game mechanics.

The stories can be experienced in any order the player chooses, and more can be unlocked as the game progresses.

Despite being praised for its innovative gameplay and story in 1994, the original game didn’t sell enough copies to be considered a commercial success.

Front Mission 1st: Remake

Date of Publication: Summer, 2022

A remake of the classic Japanese tactical RPG Front Mission is coming to the Switch this summer, as announced in a recent Nintendo Direct.

The story takes place in 2090, and centers on Captain Royd Clive’s search for his missing fiancée.

Along the way, Royd will cross paths with a large cast of characters and face off against the villains fueling the war.

The series is well-known for its mature storytelling, which delves into topics like political unrest, war, and the repercussions of both on society.

Splatoon 3

Date of Publication: Summer, 2022

The third installment of the offbeat third-person shooter series, Splatoon, will have Inklings and Octolings alike returning to the Splatlands.

In addition to expanding the series’ lore, the new sun-blasted setting will feature new maps, modes, weapons, and abilities.

The trailer for the new weapon, shaped like a bow and firing ink, and the dynamic new dodge moves that allow the user to cover more ground are the two main attractions.

Even though it won’t be out until “2022,” we can’t wait to see how much better it is than Splatoon 2.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Due out in September of 2022

The third entry in the long-running JRPG series Xenoblade Chronicles is coming to Switch later this year.

The protagonists, Noah and Mio, return in this follow-up to 2013’s acclaimed Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for Wii U.

As political unrest between Keves and Agnus continues, the pair is thrown into the fray.

In this new world, players will travel with six characters from around the world as they try to bridge the gap between XC and XC2.

Advance Wars 1 2: Re-Boot Camp

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

There hasn’t been an Advance Wars game in over a decade, despite the series being one of Nintendo’s most cherished.

Thankfully, that will change in the spring of 2022 when Advance Wars 1 2: Re-Boot Camp is released for the Switch.

With improved visuals and gameplay, it is being billed as a remake of both Advance Wars and AW2: Black Hole Rising.

It has players commanding the Orange Star Army into battle using ground, air, and sea forces to seize cities and destroy enemy units.

Neon White

Date of Publication: Still Uncertain

Coming soon from the same one-man dev team that gave us Donut County is the action-platformer Neon White.

You play as Neon White, an assassin from Hell who is chosen to compete against other demon slayers for a spot in Heaven in this game set on the edge of the afterlife.

The game is played from the first-person perspective, and its combat system centers on gathering and using cards as attacks against demons.

Shortcuts can be made by combining Soul Cards in various ways, or they can be discarded for special mobility-based abilities.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Date of Publication: Not Currently Known

The developers of the acclaimed Metroidvania Hollow Knight, Team Cherry, have been unusually quiet about the sequel, leading us to believe that they are still toiling away at it.

Many of the core gameplay elements from the original Hollow Knight will be carried over into Silksong, though they will be utilized somewhat differently.

Player characters take control of Hornet, a curious bug-like creature that fights with a needle, as she is kidnapped and taken to a mysterious haunted kingdom.

Instead of leaving the kingdom by going down, players will have to make their way up and encounter over 150 brand new creatures.

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

Fans of Night School’s phenomenal 2D indie horror game Oxenfree, which places a premium on narrative-driven gameplay, have naturally been anticipating a sequel.

In Oxenfree II: Lost Signals, players accompany Riley as she travels back to her native Camena in search of answers about the origins of the mysterious radio signals that have been plaguing the area.

Anyone who has played the original can guess that she will discover more than she bargained for and will need to look into Camena for answers as to what is going on.

The sequel will utilize dialogue-driven choices, this time through a walkie-talkie chat system, to shape the story and Riley’s connections to other characters.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns

Date of Publication Not Yet Determined

Firaxis Games’ next title, Marvel’s Midnight Suns, is a tactical turn-based game that aims to stand apart from the studio’s other titles, particularly XCOM.

Midnight Suns’ most noticeable change is its card-based combat system, which limits heroes’ abilities to those found in randomized decks of cards.

You play the role of a playable hero named The Hunter, who joins forces with other Marvel heroes to prevent the demon queen Lillith from awakening a dark lord reminiscent of Cthulhu.

Save 50% on Marvel's Midnight Suns on Steam

There’s a central hub area where you can hang out with your party and build rapport with them to gain advantages in battle, like new team combo attacks you can use.

TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

Arcade brawlers, especially those based on well-known properties like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, are a dying breed in today’s gaming industry.

Given this context, we can’t help but chuckle at how much Shredder’s Revenge owes to classic beat ’em ups and the original TMNT cartoon from 1987.

Players take charge of the Turtles as they traverse New York City and take on familiar foes like the Foot Clan, Krang, Bebop and Rocksteady, and Shredder.

The game will have local and online multiplayer, so you can band together with your fellow pizza lovers to take on the bad guys.

River City Girls 2

Time of Publication: To Be Announced

WayForward Studios and Arc System Works are hard at work on the sequel to the popular brawler River City Girls.

In this sequel, Marian and Provie join the original’s Misako, Kyoko, Kunio, and Riki in taking the fight to the streets with the aim of beating up more thugs and punks.

The sequel adds online and local co-op and a plethora of new features, including abilities, enemies, and pixel art environments.

As the game progresses, the player gains access to new moves, items, and the option to recruit fallen foes as allies.

Mario Rabbids: Sparks of Hope

Discharge Date: Not Yet Determined

In Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle, the zany Rabbids made cameo appearances alongside Nintendo’s iconic cast of characters in a tactical RPG.

Despite the game’s success, Mario Rabbids: Sparks of Hope caught everyone by surprise when it was announced at E3 2021. The developers, Nintendo and Ubisoft, are at it again.

In it, Mario and company enlist the aid of the Rabbids once more, this time to fend off an intergalactic menace and rescue some cute Spark allies.

New enemies, abilities, and skills will populate the game, and the combat system will be improved to give players more room for tactical maneuver.

Bear and Breakfast

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

Bear and Breakfast is being marketed as a chill management game in which players are tasked with running a B&B for passing travelers.

The catch is that you’re really a bear because, well, why not? Furnishing rooms, entertaining guests, and feeding them are all part of your job description.

In order to earn money and keep customers coming back, you need to cater to the specific preferences of each individual guest.

You are free to investigate the enigmas of the Wilderness whenever your duties allow.

Card Shark

Date of Publication: To Be Determined

The upcoming indie game Card Shark combines elements of action-adventure narrative with traditional card game play.

You take on the role of a con artist in 18th century France who is hoping to rise to the very top of French society by any means necessary.

Before moving on to the high-stakes games among royalty, you’ll get a crash course in fleecing opponents using various card techniques in local card parlors.

You’ll need to watch your step if you don’t want to lose your life if you’re caught cheating as the situation develops.

She Dreams Elsewhere

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

She Dreams Elsewhere is a dream-based RPG with a retro-inspired art style that’s reminiscent of Undertale.

You take on the role of Thalia, a woman in a coma due to anxiety, as she tries to overcome her inner demons and regain consciousness.

Despite its focus on story, the game also includes a turn-based combat system in which you must face off against a variety of terrifying monsters.

Thalia has access to a system called “Connection,” which she can use to forge stronger bonds with the characters she recruits into her party.

Sports Story

The exact date of its release is still unknown.

One of 2017’s best indie sleeper hits, Golf Story tells the inspiring story of a down-on-his-luck golfer who finds redemption by rediscovering his childhood passion for the sport.

The development team is back with a sequel, and this time they’ve increased the number of sports-related features and minigames available.

Sports Story, set for release later this year, continues the 2D visual style of its prequel while introducing new playable characters and environments.

These include a prestigious castle where you’ll meet the queen and a world-famous tennis academy where your character will hone her skills.

Mineko’s Night Market

Date of Publication Not Yet Determined

Like Animal Crossing before it, Mineko’s Night Market is an endearing adventure game with colorful settings and an abundance of cats.

In this game, you take on the role of a young woman who is adjusting to life on a Japanese-style island near the foot of Mount Fugu.

The game places a premium on narrative and discovery as you try to figure out what’s going on on the island and learn more about the legend of “Abe,” a Sun Cat God.

Daily activities like crafting items, breeding cats, and running a shop are central to the gameplay.

Bayonetta 3

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

PlatinumGames’ Bayonetta is a stylish hack-and-slash series, and its third installment has been in development for quite some time.

At The Game Awards 2017, a brief teaser was shown to get fans excited for the game. There hasn’t been much news since then.

Even though Nintendo and Platinum have said development is going smoothly, a cinematic trailer or gameplay footage would help drum up interest.

We can only hope that 2022 will be the year we get to play Bayonetta 3, as it is one of the most anticipated Switch exclusives.

Metroid Prime 4

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

There hasn’t been much talk about Metroid Prime 4 since it was announced at E3 2017, despite the fact that it’s one of the most anticipated Switch releases.

However, in an unexpected move, the company has decided to lift the veil and inform fans that the game’s release date has been pushed back because development has been handed off to Retro Studios.

In addition, the project is being led by Metroid Prime veteran producer Kensuke Tanabe.

The Prime subseries is well-known for reimagining the standard Metroid formula by using a first-person perspective and experimenting with new game mechanics.

Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sequel

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

We’re getting closer and closer to being able to play Nintendo’s follow-up to 2017’s The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

The recent E3 2021 teaser revealed a lot of new information about what players can expect, but it also left us with more questions than answers.

Teleportation and the ability to manipulate the stasis of objects are just two of the many new abilities and tools that expand Link’s mobility and combat options.

Since the game’s reveal, its gloomier undertones have only grown stronger, implying that Ganondorf is more formidable than ever.

Fall Guys (Switch eShop)

Epic Games is the publisher, and Mediatonic is the developer.
Date of Publication: June 21, 2022 (USA) / 21st Jun 2022 (UK/EU)

Mediatonic’s Fall Guys (previously titled Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout) is a battle royale game in which you take control of a colorful creature and compete in platforming challenges, races, minigames, and more against up to sixty other players. Back in August of 2020, it was released for PC and PS4, and its frenetic multiplayer fun quickly became something of a sensation, with players looking for a lighthearted social outlet in an otherwise solemn year finding it in Fall Guys.

The developers at Mediatonic have since been absorbed into the Epic Games family, and the Switch port was supposed to arrive in “Summer 2021,” but the release date has been pushed back repeatedly. On June 21st, it was released in its new free-to-play guise, and if you’re looking for some bean-based party fun, the Switch version will do the trick. If you want to know more, read our review.

Sonic Origins (Switch eShop)

SEGA published and developed the game.
On June 23, 2022, the release of (USA) / 23rd Jun 2022 (UK/EU)

Since the official announcement of Sonic Origins’ June 23 release date, many fans have been counting down the days until the 31st anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog’s Mega Drive debut.

True, these are some of the most ported games in history, but this collection brings Sonic 3 back into the mix on console for the first time in years, and we had a great time with it despite its flaws and the fact that we’ve played these games many times before. Find out what we thought by reading our review.

AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative (Switch)

Developer and publisher are both named Spike Chunsoft US.
Date of Publication: June 24, 2022 (USA) / 8th Jul 2022 (UK/EU)

Mystery-solving action In AI: The Somnium Files, which came out for Switch in September 2019, you play as a detective in near-future Tokyo who uses mind-delving technology to investigate potential suspects, access their memories, and piece together clues in order to catch a serial killer. Kotaro Uchikoshi and Akira Okada return with another excellent (and gory) mystery in AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative. Our review has all the details, and it’s available right now.

Confession: we’re big fans of this one, too!

Life is Strange Remastered Collection (Switch eShop)

Square Enix Europe published it, and DON’T NOD created it.
Timeline: Second Quarter 2022 (USA) / 2022 (UK/EU)

The release date of Life is Strange: Remastered Collection has been pushed back from 2021 to 1st February 2022, and the Switch version has been pushed back from this year to “later this year. The Life is Strange sequel, True Colors, was a lot of fun, and now we’re eager to play the first two games in the series again on our favorite portable hybrid console.

By the way, we’re discussing the Nintendo Switch. Geez. True, it is rather obvious.

Outer Wilds (Switch)

Due Out in 2022USA)

Outer Wilds, a 22-minute timeloop game we’ve been looking forward to on other consoles for some time, was finally announced for Switch in late 2021 — although it obviously missed that window.

While The Outer Worlds is already available on Switch, Outer Wilds was one of the games we hoped would get a Switch port at the beginning of 2021, so we’re excited that we’ll be able to play it on the go in the early months of 2022.

Live A Live (Switch)

Nintendo publishes games developed by Square Enix.
Date of Publication: July 22, 2022 (USA)

Square Enix’s HD-2D reimagining of the Super Famicom RPG Live A Live looks every bit as good as Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy. We could spend all day looking at pictures like these, so we’ll definitely be checking this out on July 22nd when it comes out.

19 Surprising Things Your Nintendo Switch Can Do

1. Turn on Your TV

The Switch can be used to automatically change the channel or input of your TV when you power it on. The device can be wirelessly booted up. If you have a Joy-Con or a Pro controller, just press the Home button. Settings > TV Settings > Match TV Power State is where you can disable the feature if you don’t like it (not all TVs support it).

2. Find a Lost Joy-Con

The Switch has a worry-free way to track down a missing Joy-Con controller. To locate the controllers, go to the main menu and select the gray Controllers button. From that menu, you can set the vibration strength for any paired Joy-Con or controller. Get the Switch and creep around while turning the vibration feature on and off.

3. Make Friends and Play With Them

The Switch has an online service, but it’s still annoyingly difficult to play with others. In most cases, you’ll need to exchange texts or meet them in person to obtain their friend code before you can play together. Select your Mii at the top left of the home screen, then select Add Friend to access your friend code. Select the Friend Code Search option and enter the numbers. Your friend code is always viewable in the bottom right of the screen. After you and a friend have connected online, you can play a game together if you both own it and log into the game’s client. If you want to play multiplayer games online or save your progress in the cloud, you’ll need a Nintendo Online membership.

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4. Voice Chat With Friends

When you have made someone a Friend (as described above), you can use the Switch Online mobile phone app to have a voice chat with them. Some games, like Fortnite, have built-in console chat features, but others, like those made by Nintendo, require the Switch Online app or a mobile device. When starting a game, everyone should have it up so they can communicate via their phones. Certainly not the simplest or most natural method out there.

In both our Best Gaming Headsets and Best Wireless Gaming Headsets guides, you’ll find suggestions for headsets that work with the Switch.

5. Pair Bluetooth Headphones

After much delay, Bluetooth audio support has arrived on the Switch. System settings > Bluetooth Audio > Pair Device will allow you to listen to your games without the hassle of a wire dangling from your ears. You can find the perfect wireless headphones or wireless gaming headset by reading our in-depth guides.

6. Pair Joy-Cons With an Android Phone, Mac, or PC

The name “Joy-Cons” is not misleading. When I learned that I could connect either the Joy-Con or the Pro Controller to my Android phone, I couldn’t help but smile. It’s even compatible with Windows and Mac computers (though you’ll need a program like JoyToKey to properly map the buttons on Windows). Nintendo’s use of Bluetooth makes this possible. For the controllers to enter pairing mode, simply hold down the sync button on top of each of them for a few seconds. You can locate them in the device’s Bluetooth settings menu.

7. Remap the Buttons on Your Joy-Cons

You can now remap any button on the Switch if its current configuration is inconvenient for you or if you simply wish to optimize your layout to achieve a better Hades time. Navigate to the system’s controller and sensor settings, then click Change Button Mapping. In this section, you can swap out any button for another. Switching ZL and ZR is optional, as is remapping one of the triggers to act as a jump button. You can also switch the default orientation of the left and right control sticks.

8. Check Your Battery Life Anytime

Having an OLED screen allows the Switch OLED to have slightly longer battery life than the original Switch, but neither will last so long that you won’t need to check the battery every so often. If you’re playing a game and want to check the battery life or make some other adjustments, like changing the volume or the brightness, just hold down the Home button. A moment later, you’ll see the menu appear. By pressing ZL and ZR at the same time, or by permanently activating the option in Settings > System > Console Battery (%), you can have the Switch display the exact percentage of battery life in the top right corner of the home screen.

9. Save More Battery by Changing Sleep Settings

The Switch’s screen, like that of most other electronic devices, will be its biggest power hog. Docking the Switch solves this issue, but playing in handheld mode results in the screen staying on for only 10 minutes before going to sleep. Turning this down will significantly reduce energy waste. In the Switch’s System Settings, select Sleep Mode, and then select Auto-Sleep (Console) to put the system to sleep after a specified amount of time has passed without any input from the user.

10. Make Weird, Fun Sounds on the Unlock Screen

If you press any button on the Switch three times, it will unlock. Trying it out yet? This hidden feature in the program will be obvious to you. The left and right sticks, as well as the ZL and ZR triggers, make unique and amusing noises, reminiscent of a clown horn. You can also see if the Switch responds to pressure by tapping anywhere and hearing a clicky noise. Depending on how hard or softly you touch it, the tone changes pitch.

After the initial excitement wears off and you’d rather just unlock your Switch without going through the screen, go to the system menu, select “Screen Lock,” and turn off the “Lock Console in Sleep Mode” option.

11. See How Long You’ve Played a Game

How many hours have you spent playing Zelda? It can be easily verified. To access your Mii profile, select it from the Switch’s top left menu. Once inside, select Profile to get a ballpark figure for how long you’ve spent farming Korok seeds. You can also check out what your friends have been playing recently if you’ve added them (you’ll need their Friend Code for this). In the menu, select Settings > Users > [Your Name] > Friend settings to create a profile or disable game sharing.

12. Change Your Region to Access Region-Restricted Games

Some Japanese video games once required a special Japanese-only gaming system, but those days are long gone. Changing your system’s region is as simple as going to Settings > System > Region. Video games are usually made available worldwide, but there are exceptions. If you’re looking for a particular game, this list could be useful. Some games, such as Breath of the Wild, have different box art depending on the region. Another option is to make a new user for each geographical area.

13. View the Menu in Dark Mode

Select “Basic Black” from the Themes menu in the Settings menu to try out the Dark Mode. If you’re using the Switch handheld, this color scheme could be more comfortable on the eyes than the standard white.

14. Attach a USB Keyboard or Headset

The Switch dock has three USB ports. Most USB keyboards will recognize the input and allow you to type in passwords and other information via menus. Bear in mind that the keyboard is not a suitable gaming device. Bluetooth USB headsets can also be used. Some of our PS4 headsets worked with the Switch to our pleasant surprise.

15. Make Another Profile for an Extra Save Slot

Quite a few games only provide a single save file location. There’s a simple solution if you want more. Create another user (Mii). To create a new user, go to Settings > Users > Add User. Once created, it will be an option in many games. If you select a different user, a new save file will be made for them.

Alternately, you can have the system always use your primary account by toggling the option “Skip Selection Screen” to “On” whenever you launch a game.

16. Transfer Data to a New Switch

You can transfer your profiles, game save data, screenshots, and recordings from your old Switch to your new Switch OLED (or any other Switch, for that matter). Make sure you have both consoles on hand before you begin; we have a comprehensive guide to the process here that you should read in its entirety, as there are steps you won’t want to do out of order.

17. Move Game Save Data to Your MicroSD Card

Your Switch’s internal memory is where your saved games will be kept. Game saves can be transferred to a MicroSD card if you’d like to free up internal storage space. Select “Move Data Between System / MicroSD Card” from the System Settings > Data Management menu. When you go to “Move to MicroSD card,” you can pick and choose which games to transfer.

The MicroSD card will be used to save your progress, but unfortunately you can’t just swap it out for another Switch and load your saves there. If you recently purchased a new Nintendo Switch, you may be interested in reading our tutorial on transferring save data from one console to another.

18. Perform a Hard Reset if It Freezes

The Switch is generally reliable, but it can freeze every once in a while. Typically, you can power down the Switch by holding the Power button for a few seconds, at which point the restart menu will appear. The best option if that doesn’t work is to perform a hard reset by holding the power button for 12 seconds or so. Wait 30 seconds after turning it off before turning it back on.

If you still experience issues after turning it on while holding the power button, you can enter Maintenance Mode by simultaneously pressing the left and right volume buttons until the Nintendo logo appears. This will allow you to wipe the device completely while still attempting to retrieve your data. Have fun!

19. Use Your Joy-Con Like a Wii Remote

Some games support motion controls using the Joy-Cons, perfect for when you’re in the mood to relive your childhood. Download World of Goo from the Nintendo eShop, then launch it using the Joy-Con controller. Place the Joy-Con on a flat surface and point it at the screen, as instructed by the game. Once you’ve done that, you can use it in the exact same way as a Wii Remote, complete with an on-screen cursor.