January 3rd 2025.
Can we predict what kind of games will be available for the Nintendo Switch 2 at launch? As we eagerly await the official reveal of the console, it's natural to speculate about its potential launch line-up. While the launch date of 2025 is not set in stone, it seems likely based on recent leaks and rumors about the console's design.
But beyond the console's launch date, the most intriguing question is what games will be available for the Switch 2 upon release. While there have been leaks about the console's hardware, there is still very little information about the games that will accompany it. As we know, it's the games that ultimately sell consoles, and Nintendo is well aware of this fact. With the potential expense of a new console, customers will want to know what games they can look forward to.
Of course, predicting what Nintendo has in store is always a challenging task. But that won't stop us from trying! So let's take a closer look at some potential games that could be part of the Switch 2's launch line-up. Keep in mind, this is just speculation and wishful thinking, mixed with a few rumors and whispers.
First up, we have Mario Kart 9 and Donkey Kong. It's been a long seven years since the last 3D platformer, Super Mario Odyssey, and it's safe to assume that Nintendo has been working on a new one ever since. There have been rumors about a Donkey Kong game in the works, and with recent remasters of Mario Vs. Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Country Returns, it's not hard to imagine a new game featuring both Mario and Donkey Kong.
But perhaps an even bigger draw would be a new Mario Kart game. While it may be difficult to persuade players to drop Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which is still a top seller, a new game with fresh tracks and features could entice them. Plus, there has never been a brand new Mario Kart game on the Switch, making this a highly anticipated possibility.
Next, we have Pokémon Legends Z-A and a potential new generation of Pokémon games. It's no secret that Pokémon is one of Nintendo's biggest sellers, and with the announcement of Pokémon Legends: Z-A in 2025, it's likely that this game will be available on both the Switch and Switch 2. However, it's unclear if this will be a mainline entry or a spin-off. And with the success of Pokémon Dread, it's hard to say when the next mainline game will be released.
Another highly anticipated game is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. With its expected release window of 2025 and the recent trailer, many suspect that it will be a cross-gen game for both the Switch and Switch 2. This would undoubtedly please Metroid fans, old and new, and could potentially attract new players to the franchise.
And let's not forget about the possibility of remasters and remakes. With the popularity of these types of games, it's not surprising that Nintendo may have some in store for the Switch 2. Some fans have long awaited a Twilight Princess port, while others hope for an HD remake of Ocarina Of Time. And who knows, maybe we'll get a surprise remake of a niche title like Famicom Detective Club or Another Code.
Of course, third-party support is also crucial for the success of a console. And while we can't predict which games will be available from third-party developers, we can hope for some exciting titles. Perhaps we'll see a new installment from a beloved franchise or a surprise hit from an indie developer.
In the end, we can only speculate about the launch line-up for the Nintendo Switch 2. But one thing is for sure, we can't wait to see what games Nintendo has in store for us. Whether it's familiar favorites or unexpected surprises, we're sure to be in for a treat when the console finally hits the market.
Can we really predict what Nintendo has in store for us? With an imminent official reveal just ahead, what can we possibly expect from the launch line-up of games for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2?
Scheduled to be released sometime in 2025, the arrival of the Switch 2 is not set in stone, as is the case with anything related to Nintendo. However, it seems very likely, especially with the recent influx of leaks that have given us a pretty good idea of what the console will look like.
Despite the leaks, there are still a few unanswered questions such as the exact release date and the purpose of the mysterious new button. But for me, the most intriguing question is what games will be available during the initial launch period of the Switch 2.
When it comes to predicting Nintendo, it's always a futile effort, but I'm going to give it a shot anyway. I'll take into consideration the usual suspects, some wishful thinking, and a few rumors floating around.
The first question that comes to mind is which of Nintendo's main franchises will be represented at launch. It's too early for a new Legend of Zelda game, as the last one, Tears of the Kingdom, took a whopping six years to make and was released in 2023. So, could it be everyone's favorite plumber, Mario, taking the spotlight?
Mario has always been a staple for Nintendo's launch titles, and with the franchise's recent surge in popularity thanks to the 2023 animated movie, it's a strong possibility. It's also been over seven years since the last 3D Mario platformer, Super Mario Odyssey, and it's safe to assume that Nintendo has been working on a new one since then.
In fact, there have been rumors circulating since before the pandemic that a new Donkey Kong game is in the works, possibly featuring Mario as a co-star. While there's no solid evidence to support this, it's worth noting that Nintendo has recently remastered Mario vs. Donkey Kong and will be releasing Donkey Kong Country Returns HD in January.
Another exciting prospect would be a new installment in the beloved Mario Kart series. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was one of the first games released for the Switch and remains one of Nintendo's top sellers. Convincing players to switch from Deluxe to a new entry may be a challenge, but with the right gimmick and promise of new tracks, it could be a hit.
It's worth mentioning that while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a remaster of the original Wii U game, there has yet to be a brand new Mario Kart game on the Switch. Combine that with rumors of Mario Kart 9 being in the works and set for a launch title, and it becomes a very plausible scenario.
Next to Mario, the Pokémon franchise is another major seller for Nintendo. We know that Pokémon Legends: Z-A is scheduled for release in 2025, making it a likely cross-gen game for both consoles, especially since Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will have backwards compatibility.
It's worth noting that Nintendo has never launched a console alongside a new Pokémon game, except for the racing spin-off, Pokémon Dash, which coincided with the release of the Nintendo DS in Japan and Europe. However, with no gameplay footage yet for Legends Z-A, it's unclear if Nintendo is being secretive or if the game is still in need of more development time.
Speaking of Pokémon, there's also the question of when the next mainline entry will be released. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet came out in 2022, and with only three years between that and Sword and Shield, a 2025 release for Generation X of the series is a possibility. However, developer Game Freak has admitted to releasing games too quickly in recent years, resulting in a decline in quality, so it may not be a safe bet.
One highly anticipated game with a potential launch on both the Switch and the Switch 2 is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. With a release window set for 2025 and a new trailer released in June, many believe it will be a cross-gen title. The Metroid franchise has a loyal fanbase that would undoubtedly flock to the new console for this highly anticipated game, especially with the success of Metroid Dread on the Switch.
However, Metroid is not as recognizable as Mario and Pokémon, so it's unlikely that it will be positioned as the main launch title for the Switch 2, unless Nintendo has plans to heavily promote the brand in the coming years.
Remakes and remasters are currently in high demand, and if Nintendo doesn't have a brand new game ready for a major franchise on the Switch 2, a polished version of a beloved classic could still generate a lot of hype. There have been rumors of remasters for Twilight Princess and The Wind Waker for years, but with multiple re-releases over the years, they may not be the most exciting prospects.
Alternatively, with a remaster of the first Metroid Prime already released, it would make sense for Nintendo to complete the trilogy ahead of Metroid Prime 4. Another possibility is a surprise remake of an obscure game, as Nintendo has shown a willingness to remake niche titles in the past. And for a wild card, perhaps Ocarina of Time fans will finally get the high-definition remake they've been dreaming of.
As for remasters, the highly popular Super Smash Bros. Ultimate would be a perfect candidate. With a new installment nowhere in sight, a Deluxe version featuring all the DLC would make perfect sense as the Switch 2's equivalent of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Finally, let's not forget about third-party support for the Switch 2. While it's challenging to predict, it's safe to assume that popular games and franchises will make their way to the new console, especially given the success of the Switch and its broad appeal to gamers of all ages and preferences.
In conclusion, trying to predict what Nintendo will do is always a futile effort. However, with all the information and speculation floating around, it's exciting to imagine the possibilities for the launch line-up of games for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.
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