Nintendo Switch 2: Nintendo Needs to Bring These 5 Franchises Back to Life

Nintendo Switch 2: Nintendo Needs to Bring These 5 Franchises Back to Life

As a gamer who has spent countless hours navigating the Lylat System with Fox McCloud and brawling with Donkey Kong, I can’t help but feel nostalgic during this transitional phase of Nintendo gaming. The Switch era was a time of joy, but also one of missed opportunities for some of my favorite franchises.


Throughout the Switch period, many of Nintendo’s major franchises flourished significantly. Enthusiasts enjoyed playing critically successful installments within their favorite series like Mario and Zelda, and even revivals of lesser-known ones such as Another Code and Famicom Detective Club emerged. However, not every Nintendo franchise received equal attention. Regrettably, some iconic characters were confined to brief appearances in other games or simply made an appearance in remakes. As the Switch era winds down, a new Nintendo console is on the way, potentially offering the company an opportunity to reintroduce long-absent favorites.

Star Fox

When Nintendo Switch debuted in 2017, it arrived merely 11 months following the release of Star Fox Zero on Wii U. Regrettably, this timing didn’t appear to boost Fox McCloud’s odds of receiving his own game on Switch. However, characters from the Lylat System didn’t go unnoticed on the Switch, as they played a significant role in Starlink: Battle for Atlas. With a new system imminent, the timing for a fresh Star Fox game is ideal. Fans have been eagerly anticipating the series’ comeback, and a space combat game would provide Nintendo an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of their new console.

Donkey Kong

Just as the Star Fox crew found themselves sidelined during the Nintendo Switch era, Donkey Kong seemed to receive less attention compared to what was initially planned. A game featuring Donkey Kong was said to be under development at Toys for Bob, but those plans apparently didn’t pan out. Although a few titles featuring Donkey Kong were released on the system, it appears that Nintendo prioritized remakes and remasters over new adventures. It seems unfair to DK and his sidekick Diddy, and we can only hope that the whole Kong family will make a grand return. While a fresh 2D Donkey Kong Country game might be fitting, perhaps it’s high time for Donkey Kong to explore the 3D platforming genre once more; it has been over two decades since Donkey Kong 64, and it’s about time the big ape gets another shot at this format.

Eternal Darkness

Nintendo Switch 2: Nintendo Needs to Bring These 5 Franchises Back to Life

For quite some time, Nintendo platforms have been hosting Mature-rated games, however, it was only during the Switch period that the company successfully discarded its former “kiddie” label. With titles like Yakuza, Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, and many others finding their place on the Switch, it’s evident that the platform can cater to a diverse range of audiences. The Nintendo eShop is brimming with games that may never have been released on previous systems. Now, with the timing ripe, Nintendo could reintroduce Eternal Darkness, its first-party horror game from the GameCube era, which initially struggled to gain traction in 2002. It’s high time for this series to be revived and presented to a new generation of gamers.

Wave Race

There seems to be a lack of high-quality jet skiing games on the market, and none have managed to reach the same level of success as the iconic Wave Race series. Originating from the Game Boy, Wave Race didn’t gain much attention until its second installment, which was released for the Nintendo 64. Remarkably, the water physics and lighting in Wave Race 64, a game that came out in 1996, still look impressive today. If a hypothetical Switch 2 console indeed has greater power than Nintendo’s current system, Wave Race could serve as an ideal demonstration of the technological advancements. In truth, a new iteration of Wave Race would make for an excellent launch title!

Elite Beat Agents

Many exceptional video games fail to gain popularity despite positive reviews, and “Elite Beat Agents” is one such game that exemplifies this trend. This rhythm game was highly acclaimed on the DS platform, with some even hailing it as one of the best games ever released for the system. A sequel on Switch 2 could potentially boost its visibility and offer another chance at success. Similar to Wave Race, it could serve as an intriguing release window choice, providing fans with a unique and offbeat game alongside more prominent options.

*******

As there are whispers that Nintendo might unveil the Switch 2 imminently, it won’t be long before we have a sense of the games that will be available in its initial year. Fingers crossed that some (or even all) of these beloved franchises will feature in the lineup!

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2024-09-22 18:40