Is Mario and Luigi Brothership the Final Mario Game for Nintendo Switch?

With the recent launch of Mario and Luigi: Brothership on the Nintendo Switch, gamers are left pondering whether this installment might be the final offering of the beloved franchise for this iconic console. As whispers of the impending release of the Switch 2 circulate, many are speculating that Brothership could mark the end of an era for Mario on the original Switch platform.

It’s important to emphasize that Nintendo has not yet confirmed this speculation, which is primarily grounded in industry trends and patterns. In the sections below, we will delve into the reasons why Brothership might serve as a farewell to the Mario series on Nintendo’s holiday favorite.

Could Brothership Be the Last Major Mario Release on the Switch?

Launched in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has aged, with its hardware now exceeding seven years old. While it’s common for gaming systems to continue receiving support and new titles well into their life spans, companies often pivot their attention towards upcoming console releases as new technology looms on the horizon.

Brothership may be the final Mario game for the 2017 handheld (Image via Nintendo of America)

Despite the positive feedback regarding the visuals and gameplay features of Brothership, there have been numerous reports highlighting performance issues on the Switch. Such criticisms hint at the potential decline of the console’s capabilities, reinforcing the idea that this title could represent a swan song for the Mario franchise on the platform. Nevertheless, it’s plausible that Nintendo might still have other smaller releases planned for its loyal fanbase.

Interestingly, Brothership could transition to become a launch title for the upcoming Switch 2. Historical precedents illuminate this possibility; for instance, Mario Kart 8 was initially released for the Wii U in 2014 but was reintroduced on the Switch at its launch in 2017. Additionally, it is worth noting that the Switch 2 is anticipated to offer backward compatibility, which means that titles from the Switch era might indeed find new life on the next generation of hardware.

The Switch 2 could feature Mario and Luigi Brothership as a launch title — The Switch 2 could feature Mario and Luigi: Brothership as a launch title given Nintendo’s previous history (Image via Nintendo of America)

While all of this remains speculative, with no official word from Nintendo to substantiate these claims, the upcoming announcement regarding the Switch 2 in early 2025 adds an intriguing layer to the conversation. It’s conceivable that Mario and Luigi: Brothership might indeed stand as the final chapter for Mario games on the beloved Switch console.

Released: 2017
Concerns: Performance issues reported
Future: Potential launch title for Switch 2

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