It really feels like Nintendo might just coast directly into the Switch 2, doesn't it?
May. 31, 2024SGF Predictions | Embrace the unexpected; Nintendo seemingly has
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When it comes to the companies that still do both games hardware and software, Nintendo is by far the most difficult to pin down to any sort of meaningful predictions or timeline. While leaks and rumors about all three do occasionally happen, ones about Nintendo that are even remotely believable are few and far between. Thankfully, rather than leaving me in the unenviable position of trying to make something out of nothing, Nintendo has essentially confirmed its plans for the foreseeable future by acknowledging that the successor to the Nintendo Switch really is on the horizon – though itwon’t be seen during a confirmed Nintendo Direct this June.
In the pipeline
So, yes, theNintendo Switch 2or whatever the company decides to call it is set to be revealed in relatively short order. That doesn’t necessarily mean all Nintendo Switch support is going out the window, but it does make it much more likely that Nintendo will shift resources (and almost certainly already has to some extent) from its immediate predecessor.
And that’s OK! Frankly, I’d rather a robust launch lineup for the Switch successor than bangers at the end of the OG Switch lifecycle that may or may not work on the new one. Even so, it’s hard to imagine that Nintendo doesn’t still havesomethingup its collective sleeve for later this year.
In terms of what we actually know for sure that’s still in the pipeline, it’s relatively barren for first-party Nintendo titles. It does seem like now would be a particularly good time to get the long-gestatingMetroid Prime 4up and out, as we’ve not really heard anything about it for some time.
There’s also been chatter for years about some Zelda remakes or remasters for the Nintendo Switch beyond what has already been done. Given that there has already been Skyward Sword HD and Link’s Awakening, it doesn’t feel entirely out of the question that Wind Waker or the like could make an appearance. It hasn’t happened yet, but the imperative word there is “yet,” and there is really nothing stopping Nintendo from celebrating some of its greatest hits from previous years and consoles in the time between now and what’s next.
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It does feel like this might be an overall quiet period for Nintendo. A couple more first-party titles to close out the year and maybe, finally, Metroid Prime 4 out the door for people to actually play. It feels a bit too close to recent mainline entries for a new Zelda or Mario game, and while I live in hope for a new Fire Emblem game that’s more Three Houses than Engage, it does seem unlikely.
The only thing I can say for sure about Nintendo’s upcoming lineup, and especially what it might reveal as part of the previously confirmed Nintendo Direct this June, is that it will almost certainly be surprising.
Rollin is the US Managing Editor at GamesRadar+. With over 16 years of online journalism experience, Rollin has helped provide coverage of gaming and entertainment for brands like IGN, Inverse, ComicBook.com, and more. While he has approximate knowledge of many things, his work often has a focus on RPGs and animation in addition to franchises like Pokemon and Dragon Age. In his spare time, Rollin likes to import Valkyria Chronicles merch and watch anime.
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