Games Switch 2 Should Launch With
A 2D “Zelda”
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“Zelda” fans were spoiled with the Switch; not only did we get two massive 3D games, but we also got top-down offerings with “Cadence of Hyrule” and the “Link’s Awakening” remake. While the 3D games are the better sellers, there are plenty of players that would welcome a 2D installment for the Switch’s follow-up. A remake of another classic seems more likely than a new game; my vote would go to “Minish Cap.” And it would be a wonderful smaller title to go along with a big system seller like Mario. But hey, we’d be just as happy to get ports of those HD remasters for “Wind Waker” and “Twilight Princess.”
“Pokemon Legends” Sequel
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While “Scarlet” and “Violet” are still relatively new, enough time has passed since “Arceus” that we wouldn’t discount the possibility of a sequel. Blending the mechanics of “Pokemon” with an open-ended design and setting it far in the past made it unique, and arguably better than the last few mainline entries. It placed more emphasis on exploration, letting players fall in love with the world of Pokemon all the way over. Not only was “Arceus” mostly well-received by fans, but it also sold incredibly well. A new game could follow a different era for a different region. Launching the Switch successor with a “Pokemon” game, regardless of it being a spin-off, would undoubtedly bring in an audience.
“Luigi’s Mansion 4”
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Though it took some time to catch on, “Luigi’s Mansion” has grown into a worthy companion series to Mario’s platformers. There wasn’t a single moment in the third game that we didn’t find, at the very least, delightful. Nintendo purchased developer Next Level Games in early 2021. With the studio’s last release, 2022’s “Mario Strikers: Battle League, behind them, we can’t help but wonder what they’re working on. It wouldn’t be the first time a Nintendo console launched with a spooky Luigi adventure; the GameCube launched with the first game. And while, like the original, it probably wouldn’t be a major system seller, “Luigi’s Mansion 4” would definitely get our money.
A New “Donkey Kong”
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Several rumors have swirled over the years about a new “Donkey Kong” game, the most recent popping up in March, 2023 and claiming the series would go open-world. Regardless of whether those rumors are true, it has been far too long since DK graced our consoles outside of a spin-off. “Tropical Freeze” released in 2014 before getting ported to Switch in 2018. And it’s one of the best entries in the decades-spanning franchise. Donkey Kong’s platformers are often harder than Mario’s, not bringing in as many players but impressing those it does with terrific mechanics and vibrant worlds. Because of that reputation, we’d welcome a new installment with open arms, open world or otherwise.
A New “Star Fox”
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Speaking of franchises that have been gone a bit too long, we’re desperately hoping “Star Fox” hasn’t gone the way of “F-Zero” and many others. The long-thought-dead “Star Fox 2” got a release in 2017, and the gang showed up in the Switch version of 2018’s “Starlink: Battle for Atlas.” But all that really did was whet our appetite for a brand new game. With games like “No Man’s Sky” and “Starfield” promising gigantic, open galaxies to venture into, why not do something similar for “Star Fox?” Granted, it doesn’t need to be quite that big, but an open-ended design with various planets and paths sounds like a great fit for the series.
“Golden Sun”
Remember: should launch with, not could launch with. “Golden Sun” was a refreshing turn-based RPG for the GBA that got two pretty good sequels. Since 2010’s “Dark Dawn,” developer Camelot has only worked on Mario sports games, including the Switch’s “Mario Tennis Aces” and “Mario Golf: Super Rush.” With those sports covered, as well as the aforementioned “Battle League,” why not give the studio something else to do? The Switch has seen a cavalcade of RPGs in all forms, including revivals of long-forgotten classics. A new game seems extremely unlikely. But a port, or dare we say remaster, of the first game would be a great supportive launch game to go along with the headliners.
“Metroid Prime 4” (TBD)
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Look, we’re all thinking it. “Metroid Prime 4” was announced at E3 2017 before production was restarted with original trilogy developer, Retro, the following year. Since then, to say that word has been scarce would be generous. Every brief update has been combed over and discussed by die hard fans. However, the series is now more popular than it’s ever been thanks to the Switch’s “Dread” and a remaster of the first “Prime.” Assuming the team has been hard at work since the changeover, and that Nintendo’s next console releases in late 2024, that would make it a great launch title. It could even bridge the gap between the two, a spot normally reserved for “Zelda.”
“Earthblade” (2024)
Although “Celeste” can be played just about anywhere, the retro-inspired 16-bit platformer just feels at home with Nintendo. And so, when the creators announced a new game, and one that’s a Metroidvania no less, I knew just where I’d be playing it. Not much is known about “Earthblade” yet; it releases sometime in 2024 and, as of writing, it’s only set to release on PC. We’d be extremely surprised if that didn’t change, meaning we fully expect it to launch on Switch. But if Nintendo’s next releases the same year, it would be a shame if “Earthblade” was locked to the past console. The rumors state the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible, though if this indie game is digital-only, that may be an issue.
“Resident Evil 4” (2023)
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Like many of Nintendo’s consoles, the Switch has been criticized for not being as powerful as Sony’s or Microsoft’s. That hasn’t stopped it from getting some surprising ports, although many of the biggest ones come with the Cloud-only caveat. This includes remakes for Capcom’s second and third “Resident Evil” games. However, with the Switch 2 presumably being more powerful, it could probably handle one of the best games of 2023. Having a varied launch line-up would only be beneficial; imagine having the choice of Nintendo’s finest first party titles, some great indies, and a horror masterpiece on launch day! Plus, the original “RE 4” began as a Nintendo exclusive, so it’s time it came home.
A New 3D “Mario”
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There’s almost no better way to sell Nintendo consoles on launch day than having Mario there. Released in 2017, “Super Mario Odyssey” was a joyful, invigorating experience that took Mario around the globe. We think it’s been long enough since the last 3D adventure, and since “Wonder” covers the 2D side of things, launching the next console with one seems like a no brainer. And if rumors are to be believed, Nintendo agrees. Even if a reliable tipster hadn’t claimed a 3D “Mario” is releasing alongside the new console, it would still be something we crave. Whether it’s “Odyssey 2” or some brand new game, the next big Mario game is always cause for celebration.
