Concerns About This Inevitable Switch 2 Game Release

Like many fellow gamers, I find myself swept up in the exhilaration surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2. Although its initial reveal was somewhat subdued, marred by numerous leaks, I couldn’t help but feel that exhilarating rush while watching the announcement trailer—an emotion reminiscent of the excitement I felt during the unveiling of the original Switch. Even weeks later, I’m still buzzing with anticipation for the potential this new console holds, especially in terms of its game library.

Without a doubt, Nintendo is poised to deliver an impressive software lineup for the Switch 2, featuring many of its most beloved franchises. This is unsurprising, as the original Switch established one of the finest collections of games in Nintendo’s storied history. This achievement sets a high bar for the newer generation. While I am reasonably optimistic that Nintendo will rise to the occasion, I harbor concerns about the future of one particular series that feels like it has reached its zenith.

Super Smash Bros.: A Cherished Nintendo Franchise

Embodying Ambition

My journey with Super Smash Bros. began on the Wii with the release of Brawl. Attracted by its star-studded character roster, which included iconic figures like Mario and Link, my initial interest was more about familiarity than gameplay mechanics. However, nothing could have prepared me for the profound effect the game would have on me, igniting a lifelong passion for the series.

The ambition of Smash Bros.captures my admiration. Each title features a roster of characters, each equipped with a distinct moveset that pays homage to their respective franchises. The series consistently enhances its offerings, providing richer experiences—from Brawl’s captivating Subspace Emissary campaign to the chaotic 8-player battles of the Wii U version.Smash Bros.continuously challenges the limits of expectations, delivering a diverse and creative experience that few other franchises can match.

While a few characters share similar movesets across titles, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate addressed this by categorizing these fighters as Echo fighters, adding depth to gameplay.

Realization struck me: Smash Bros.is truly exceptional. The series evolves and reinvents itself with each installment, introducing fresh modes, characters, and stages that grant each game its unique identity. Ever since Brawl, I’ve eagerly awaited each new release, following every leak and rumor because I knew it would bring something different and more ambitious than its predecessors.

Smash Ultimate: A Benchmark in the Series

A Culmination of Achievements

With the launch of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in 2018, the series reached new heights as the most expansive and ambitious installment to date. This entry serves as a tribute to the franchise, featuring a roster that includes every fighter from past games while also reinstating beloved mechanics from previous versions, like an original story mode and intense 8-player Smash bouts.

It is challenging to express the deep connection I developed with Ultimate. I had confidence that it would expand upon the previous titles, but the extraordinary passion and craftsmanship poured into Ultimate astonished me, evident in both its gameplay and visual presentation. My countless hours spent with the game only intensified my appreciation for the series.

Much to my contemplation, Ultimate seems not only a tribute but also a conclusion.

Throughout my gaming experience with Ultimate, I detected an underlying message about the game’s intent. The vast content, paired with an impressive level of fan service featuring iconic characters like Banjo-Kazooie and Sora from Kingdom Hearts, imparts a sense of finality. Thus, I can’t help but see Ultimate as both a celebration and an end point for the series.

Ultimate encapsulates all the elements the Smash Bros.series has meticulously built over the years. Its assembly of premier stages, modes, and features from previous entries, along with fresh additions like Spirits, suggests that Ultimate represents the pinnacle of what the Smash Bros.franchise can achieve. True to its name, Ultimate delivers an unparalleled, comprehensive experience that is unique among its predecessors.

Concerns About Future Smash Games

Anticipating a Potential New Release

Nintendo Switch 2 – First-look trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itpcsQQvgAQ)

Despite these reflections, I am skeptical about the absence of a new Smash Bros.game for the Switch 2 during its lifecycle. Historically, each major Nintendo console has presented a new installment, and given that Smash Bros.stands as one of Nintendo’s most lucrative franchises, it is highly likely that a new title will emerge, irrespective of how Ultimate was perceived. This prospect, however, fills me with apprehension.

Should a new announcement for the Switch 2 occur, it will carry with it the same high expectations traditionally associated with Smash Bros.titles. However, considering the all-encompassing and creatively rich experience of Ultimate, I fear that this upcoming title may struggle to deliver fresh innovation. A failure to meet these elevated expectations could endanger the reputation of one of Nintendo’s cherished series.

In a 2021 interview with The Verge, Masahiro Sakurai, the series director, indicated that the next Smash installment might feature a more modest roster compared to Ultimate.

My admiration for Super Smash Bros.remains unwavering, and I will always be eager to see how the series evolves. Yet, Ultimate fulfilled every expectation I held for a Smash Bros.game, leading to a marked decline in my excitement for any forthcoming installments. While I’m certain a future title on the Switch 2 will still entertain, I doubt it will capture the same magic that made earlier Smash Bros.games so incredible.

Source: The Verge

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