2020 is currently shaping up to be a big year for the gaming industry, as everything from high-profile launches and next-gen consoles -the PS5 and Xbox Series X- are currently on the doc. Yet that doesn’t meanNintendois going to be left out of the spotlight; it’s quite the opposite, in fact. From software to hardware and some surprises in-between, there’s plenty of reason for Nintendo fans to be excited for 2020.
After all,Nintendohas already kicked off the new year with a Pokemon Direct, and there’s a good chance that the hits keep coming. Here are just a handful of things that Nintendo Fans can be looking forward to.
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A New Lineup of Games
As all gamers know, it’s often less about the hardware and more about the games a platform can tout. And while there’s still some questions as to what is coming to the Switch throughout the latter half of 2020, there are quite a few possibilities such asBravely Default 2and perhaps others likeBayonetta 3.It’s also likely Nintendo has some cards hidden up its sleeve, but knowing a new lineup of games is coming is always one of the most exciting parts of a new year.
Animal Crossing Comes to Switch
Set to release on Jul 14, 2025,Animal Crossing: New Horizonscomes to Switch. Considering its cult following, there’s a high probability many are just waiting to get their hands on it and check out the franchise on the Switch. This hype like runs even deeper when one considers all thefeatures coming inAnimal Crossing: New Horizons.
64GB Cartridges
Currently, an increase in cartridge size falls to the wayside of “maybe,” but there is indication that Nintendo Switch fans can expect to see bigger cartridges for the game. The current 32 GB cartridges don’t currently seem to be enough, considering some games have released physical versions that are just a download code due to their hardware limitation, yet Nintendo is reportedly on the market to receive64 GB Switch cartridgesfrom AnandTech in 2020. The effects of such a move may not be immediately felt, depending on when and if this does happen, but it seems safe to say that it would have long-lasting effects.
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Development Update
AlongsidePokemonandMario,The Legend of Zeldais one of Nintendo’s flagships, so whenBreath of the Wild 2was announced, it’s not surprising how one little trailer built up so much hype. This is likely to carry over into 2020, but that’s not to sayBreath of the Wild 2would likely launch in 2020. It’s still a far way off in the likeliest scenario, yet that doesn’t mean its presence will just be forgotten in 2020. Whether it’s a new trailer, an update, or perhaps even an official release date/window announcement, fans can reasonably expect to see something from the franchise in 2020.
Metroid Prime 4 Development Update
Perhaps even less likely than an update onBreath of the Wild 2is an update onMetroid Prime 4, but it doesn’t seem like a good strategy to leave fans in the dark. All signs point toward its development being restarted in January, meaning its release is still far off, and some development of the game may have been outsourced. It was first revealed all the way back at E3 2017, so it seems safe to say fans are ready for this development hell to be over with.
Nintendo Switch Online Expansions
There’s a good chance thatNintendo Switch’s online servicescontinue to expand in 2020, as fan demand for it has apparently been brought up at investor meetings. What the next step is and when that could be are all up in the air, but if Nintendo 64 or GameCube games one day made their way to the Switch, that’s really only a win-win for those invested in the hybrid console.
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Nintendo Switch Pro
With the original release of the Switch occurring in March 2017, it seems safe to say that it’s about midway through its development cycle, where it’s not uncommon for new takes on the hardware to be revealed and released. Nintendo has already unveiled and released a “Lite” version of the console, so the next logical step is a “Pro” version of the Switch, which could likely happen sometime in 2020. One industry analyst has predicted that it would release some time after the Summer, with theSwitch Pro having 4K, bigger cartridges, and beefier features, but if that proves to be the case remains to be seen.
Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Expansion Pass
Announced at the Pokemon Direct just a couple of days ago, Nintendo fans playingPokemon SwordandShieldhave a lot more content headed their way throughout 2020. This Expansion Pass includes two major DLCS,the Isle of Armorand the Crown Tundra, that sees new and old Pokemon (including legendaries) coming to the game, new areas to explore, new stories, and new Gigantamax forms. In other words, it seems that this DLC is honing in on resolving some of the biggest complaints of this generation, all while offering players content comparable to a third installment or sequel.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC Characters
Speaking of DLC runs, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is far from being done with its DLC characters. Many are currently awaiting the fabledSmash Ultimatefighter 5of the current set of DLC characters, but it won’t end there. More characters are coming after that, likely meaning the fan-favorite fighting game’s popularity will continue to be strong through 2020 and hopefully beyond.
Switch vs. PS5 and Xbox Series X
Many may see the Switch as a competitor to the PS5 and Xbox Series X, but that’s really not the case. It’s marketed and treated in a different manner, with statistics that indicate that it is more of a supplemental device than an actual competitor. As such, the PS5 and Xbox Series X coming out won’t likely hurt the Switch’s bottomline, at least not for long, but it will breed new innovations, new games, and the Switch will be finding its way forward after these two consoles release. This rising new gaming atmosphere will likely shape the Switch as 2020 comes to an end and it moves in 2021, and that seems like a good thing for everyNintendofan involved.
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