As we look ahead to 2024, it may mark the closing chapter for the Nintendo Switch as we know it. Speculation surrounding the potential announcement and release of the “Switch 2” has fans buzzing with questions. What will be the launch lineup of games? Which titles currently under development for the Switch might transition to the next generation? These inquiries loom large as enthusiasts eagerly await updates from Nintendo.
Over the past decade, the Switch has made a remarkable impact on the gaming landscape, setting benchmarks that have influenced the entire industry. This success is so noteworthy that it even prompted competitors like Valve to create rival console offerings. As we approach the twilight of this iconic system, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on its legacy and consider the potential for sequels to certain beloved games. However, the prospect of sequels poses its own set of challenges, and fans may be in for a prolonged wait.
1 ARMS
An Early Launch Fighter
ARMS, which debuted only a few months after the Switch’s launch in 2017, introduced players to a unique fighting experience. The game featured characters with spring-loaded arms, offering a range of abilities from classic boxing gloves to fiery dragon heads. While it served as a fun interim title before the arrival of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in 2018, ARMS garnered mixed reviews—enjoyable but not illustrious. Although some characters have made appearances in other Nintendo games, the company seems reluctant to expand this title into a larger franchise.
2 Astral Chain
Persona Meets Bad Boys
Astral Chain graced the Switch in 2019, developed by the renowned PlatinumGames. This title received exceptional reviews, showcasing the studio’s knack for crafting engaging experiences. Players took on the role of a futuristic cop partnered with a Persona-like entity, enhancing the gameplay. However, PlatinumGames is known for creating mostly standalone titles, with the Bayonetta series being a notable exception. This tendency makes the likelihood of an Astral Chain sequel seem remote.
3 Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt Of The NecroDancer Featuring The Legend Of Zelda
A One-Off Roguelike
In 2019, Cadence of Hyrule emerged as a captivating crossover combining rhythm-based gameplay with The Legend of Zelda universe. Developed by indie studio Brace Yourself Games, it featured Cadence helping Link and Zelda rescue their kingdom through roguelike mechanics. This title has been celebrated among Switch games, yet it appears that Brace Yourself Games is focused on their original projects, making a sequel unlikely. Given its success, however, Nintendo should consider collaborating with more indie developers for spin-offs of their iconic franchises.
4 Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing In Disguise
A Surprising Sequel To A Cult Hit
Initially met with harsh criticism upon its 2010 release for Xbox 360, Deadly Premonition has since garnered a dedicated cult following, largely due to its quirky protagonist, Agent Francis York Morgan, and the vision of its creator, SWERY. In 2020, Nintendo released an exclusive sequel titled Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise, although it struggled to capture a broader audience. Regrettably, unless a resurgence in interest occurs, it seems unlikely that this franchise will see further development in the near future.
5 Little Town Hero
A Side Story To Pokémon
- Developer: Game Freak
- Publisher: Game Freak
- Release Date: October 16, 2019 (Switch Version)
- Platforms: Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Best known for its Pokémon titles, Game Freak ventured into new territory with Little Town Hero in 2019. Players engaged in engaging turn-based battles reminiscent of classics like Final Fantasy and Shadow of the Colossus. Despite its charm, the game failed to resonate with audiences or critics alike, leading to skepticism about the possibility of a follow-up.
6 Nintendo Labo
Lining Closets With Cardboard
Nintendo Labo set out to redefine gaming with its unique concept, combining cardboard kits with mini-games starting in 2018. Players built interactive “Toy-Cons” to enhance gameplay experiences, from giant robots to VR goggles. Despite its creativity, the cumbersome nature of the cardboard components and the high cost made Labo a lesser-known experiment that Nintendo is unlikely to revisit.
7 Princess Peach: Showtime
Only Two Games Is Crime
Princess Peach has been a beloved character in the Nintendo universe, yet she has only headlined two games in her four-decade history. The first, Super Princess Peach, debuted in 2005, followed by Princess Peach: Showtime in 2024. Given the limited entries, any future titles would likely be standalone, further reinforcing her character’s rarity in solo adventures.
8 Starlink: Battle For Atlas
Star Fox Gets A New Campaign
Launched by Ubisoft in 2018, Starlink: Battle for Atlas is well-regarded for its exclusive Star Fox content on the Switch. It provided players with a unique Star Fox experience, albeit at a hefty price point due to its “Toys to Life” mechanics, similar to Nintendo Labo. As Ubisoft navigates its financial landscape, it seems increasingly likely that Starlink will fade from prominence among Switch titles.
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