The announcement of a console from one of the market leaders is always an exciting event that sparks heated discussions online. Everyone talks about the device's design, specs, and features. However, gamers primarily purchase gaming platforms not for their looks, screen size, or special buttons, but for the games. Unfortunately, there’s little official information about future titles for the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s unlikely we’ll learn much before April. So, while we wait, let’s analyze the situation and speculate about what we might play on this highly anticipated hybrid console in the coming years.
At the moment, the list of confirmed games for the new console is quite short. The most significant title is the next Mario Kart, which was teased in the debut trailer. The exact name of the game is still under wraps, and no gameplay details have been revealed. It’s no surprise that Nintendo chose to showcase this game first, as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was the biggest hit of the original Switch, selling an incredible 64 million copies.
In addition to Mario Kart, the Switch 2 will also feature the turn-based RPG Bestiario and the indie game My Time at Evershine. Sadly, that’s all we know for sure right now.
Not exactly a long list, is it? This is where we can start making some educated guesses. For example, it’s safe to assume that major releases from the original Switch, which haven’t yet been officially confirmed for Switch 2, will eventually make their way to the new console. Nintendo has promised near-complete backward compatibility with the original Switch, which means you’ll likely be able to play not only the extensive library of current Switch titles but also upcoming releases like Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and the port of Sid Meier's Civilization 7.
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Take the pollLike any Nintendo console, the Switch 2 is worth considering primarily for Nintendo’s own games. Access to their exclusive titles, games you can’t play anywhere else, is the strongest argument for picking up this portable device.
While it’s hard to say exactly what Nintendo has in store, we can certainly dream about what we’d like to see.
Of course, the biggest question on everyone’s mind is what’s next for The Legend of Zelda. Will Nintendo continue to innovate with an open-world format, or will it return to the series’ roots? Unfortunately, we’re unlikely to get an answer anytime soon, as Zelda games notoriously take years to develop.
However, we might not have to wait long for a remaster or remake of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. According to rumors, Nintendo recently held a closed-door meeting with developers to demonstrate the capabilities of the Switch 2, allegedly showcasing a special version of BOTW without any loading screens.
In addition, it’s been quite some time since we’ve seen a major Mario game. It’s not far-fetched to imagine that a potential Super Mario Odyssey 2 is in development for the new console. And just like Breath of the Wild before it, the sequel could explore an open-world format. Nintendo has already played with this concept in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, encouraging free exploration in a large environment.
Even though Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to release this year, we shouldn’t forget about the 2D Metroid series. Metroid Dread was a massive hit with both critics and players, so it’s reasonable to assume that MercurySteam, the team behind Dread, is working on another installment. They’re reportedly developing their own PC project under the codename Project Iron, but it’s not hard to imagine them also tackling a new Metroid game simultaneously.
The official specs for the Nintendo Switch 2 haven’t been revealed yet, but rumors suggest its performance will be similar to the PlayStation 4. Thanks to NVIDIA’s upscaling technologies, however, the Switch 2 could potentially exceed expectations in real-world performance. This opens the door for ports of many blockbuster titles from the last decade that were simply too demanding for the original Switch.
There’s been no shortage of leaks supporting this idea. Major developers are reportedly preparing ports of their most popular games for the Switch 2. Titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Diablo 4, Fallout 4, Starfield, Tekken 8, and Elden Ring are rumored to be in the works. Earlier leaks also mentioned Assassin's Creed: Shadows.
Unreal Engine titles are worth highlighting when discussing hopes for Switch 2. Rumors suggest ports of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and a potential remake of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion are in development for Switch 2. This is significant because portable consoles generally struggle with Unreal Engine 5. For example, Steam Deck has a hard time running Silent Hill 2 and performs even worse with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. If the Switch 2 can handle such demanding games, it would be a major selling point for the device.
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What about you? Which games would convince you to buy a Nintendo Switch 2? Exclusives? Multiplatform hits? A mix of both? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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