Summary
The various rumors springing up about aNintendo Switchsuccessor make it seem as though the console is all but officially confirmed at this point. An important factor associated with the launch of any new gaming hardware is what games will be available to play immediately after the system hits shelves, and Nintendo has a lot of potential with its various franchises to give theSwitchsuccessor a major launch.
Of all the franchises to consider for the launch of the Nintendo Switch successor, it makes the most sense to balance realism and idealism. As much as many would like to see anewF-ZerogameandEarthboundin the next generation, it’s much more reasonable to expect games from the IPs that Nintendo seems invested in keeping alive right now.
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Mario Kart
Mario Kart 8 Deluxewas one of the initial Switch titles that brought many players on board. The game has proved to have an extreme amount of longevity in comparison to other titles in theMario Kartseries, staying fresh through its DLC updates and maintaining its status asthe best-selling game on the Switcheven six years later. Considering how much successMario Kart 8has brought the Switch, it makes sense that the ninth main series entry would join a new Nintendo console day-one.
Pokemon
The frequency of newPokemongames has only increased in recent years, with the Switch getting a major release almost every year since 2018. The system-selling franchise was notably missing from the Switch for the first year of its release, but considering themassive sales success of the recentPokemonmain series entries, it seems unlikely that Nintendo would want to launch its next console without some newPokemongame.
Fire Emblem
TheFire Emblemseries has continued the hot streak it started on the 3DS with its new Switch titles. The series has so much potential when it comes to its more recent popularity in the West, considering how many titles are Japan-exclusive as of right now. Overall, it seems as though Nintendo and Intelligent Systems are primarily focused on making newFire Emblemtitles rather than reviving old content, but the long-awaited English port of the originalShadow Dragon and the Blade of Lightgetting a limited release in 2020 is a good sign that further ports or remakes could potentially be in the pipeline. A remake ofGeneology of the Holy WarorThracia 776would definitely haveFire Emblemdiehards lined up for the Switch successor.
Super Smash Bros.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimateis one of the best-selling Switch titles of all time. Its release in 2018 was one of the major factors that cemented the Switch as a console destined to outshine its predecessors. Nintendo will obviously want another game in the series for its successor. The status of aSmash Ultimatefollow-up is a bit up in the air, though, as thedirector of all previousSmash Bros.games, Masahiro Sakurai, is uncertain about the franchise’s future. Sakurai has been saying he’ll retire from directingSmash Bros.for years, but he always seems to return to make another, so anything could happen.
Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime 4was announced when the Nintendo Switch was still an upcoming console. Now the successor is approaching and the fourth game in the critically acclaimed shooter series still hasn’t even shown any gameplay. Nintendo did recently confirm thatMetroid Prime 4is still coming, and even confirmed that it will be launching on the Switch. If a new console comes out in 2024,Metroid Prime 4could potentially be a launch title that’s available for both systems, similar toTheLegend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildbeing on both Wii U and Switch.
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