Where Is the Nintendo Switch 2’s Next Real Masterpiece?

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The next Nintendo Switch already boasts a strong lineup of exclusive games. While Mario Kart World received mixed reactions, it’s still enjoyable thanks to its polished gameplay and fresh ideas. Donkey Kong Bananza is a critically praised standout title that raises the bar for Nintendo platformers and really showcases the Switch’s capabilities with its destructible environments and open-ended exploration.

Now that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is out (and maybe that’s a good thing!), the pressure is on Nintendo’s other development teams to create a truly innovative game, something on the level of Breath of the Wild. While the Switch 2 has some fun exclusive games, it still feels like it’s missing that one essential, standout title to make it a must-have console. Luckily, there’s one Nintendo studio that hasn’t announced anything yet, and they could be working on exactly the game we’re hoping for.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Needs A Big Game

The Nintendo Switch 2 hasn’t had a strong launch when it comes to games you can only play on that console. Most of Nintendo’s new games for 2025 and later are also available on older systems. While the exclusive games have been good, they haven’t reached the incredible level of popularity and impact of Breath of the Wild. It’s a tough comparison, considering Breath of the Wild came out in 2017 and was also released on multiple consoles, but it still blew everyone away.

The new Switch 2 doesn’t have a standout game that would immediately convince people to buy it. While Donkey Kong Bananza is fresh and innovative, it doesn’t have the broad appeal of a large open-world game, a popular Nintendo franchise sequel, or a story-driven adventure. This isn’t to say Nintendo should focus solely on those types of games, as other developers often do them better.

Look, PlayStation and Xbox are really pushing the envelope with big, story-driven games that feel amazing to play. So honestly, when I see Nintendo focusing on stuff like another Mario Kart and a Donkey Kong game, it just doesn’t feel like enough to make me drop hundreds of bucks on a Switch 2. Nintendo needs a killer app – a game as huge as Breath of the Wild – something that will make both new players and those of us still rocking an older Switch say, ‘Okay, I have to get this console.’ Luckily, I think Nintendo has a developer who could totally deliver that kind of experience.

Monolith Soft’s Next Game Could Be Huge For Switch 2 Owners

Nintendo’s next major game – whether it’s a large open-world adventure similar to Breath of the Wild or a narrative-focused experience like Xenoblade Chronicles – should be made by the talented studio, Monolith Soft. While Nintendo’s internal teams consistently deliver high-quality games within their chosen genres, Monolith Soft has the unique ability to not only excel in those genres but also truly maximize the potential of the Nintendo hardware. Xenoblade Chronicles X felt incredibly ambitious for the Wii U, and the original Xenoblade Chronicles was a groundbreaking game on the Wii.

Even though it came out early in the Switch’s life, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 struggles to run smoothly on the system. It’s amazing that Xenoblade Chronicles 3 looks so good and has such a detailed world, given the Switch’s hardware limitations. Monolith Soft has the skill to create a visually stunning game that will impress players on other consoles and showcase what the Switch 2 can do. They’re the perfect studio to deliver a truly modern gaming experience on the next Nintendo console, something the Switch hasn’t achieved yet.

Although Monolith Soft hasn’t officially announced their next project, there’s a lot of talk that Xenoblade Chronicles 4 is in the works. Nintendo producer Genki Yokota confirmed the franchise will continue, stating in a 2022 Q&A, “We want to keep it going as long as possible!” This suggests we’ll likely see more Xenoblade games on the Switch 2, even if it’s not the next game Monolith Soft releases.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Has To Be More Than A Third-Party Simulator

Okay, so I’m really excited about the Switch 2, but let’s be real – it’s just not going to be powerful enough to run big third-party games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Assassin’s Creed: Shadows well. It’s cool you can play them on the go, but the compromises they have to make to get those games running on the Switch 2 just aren’t worth it for me. Honestly, with the PS5 and Xbox Series X often costing about the same or even less now, it’s hard to justify buying the Switch 2 unless you really prioritize that handheld form factor.

The Switch 2’s biggest strength will likely be overshadowed when Sony and Microsoft release their own handheld devices. Because of this, Nintendo needs to concentrate on creating exclusive games that offer something truly unique. Breath of the Wild was a prime example of this in 2017, becoming a genre-defining title and changing what players expected from games on all systems. Nintendo needs to recapture that magic, and Monolith Soft, known for its excellent storytelling, cinematic presentation, and world-building, seems like the best hope for achieving it.

Switch 2 owners are eagerly waiting to experience the full potential of the console they’ve purchased. It’s frustrating that it’s taking so long, though. While the upcoming games for the Switch 2 look good, they don’t quite have the same level of hype as games like Fable and Marvel’s Wolverine on other consoles. Hopefully, Nintendo is holding back some exciting announcements to surprise us later.

Wondering if Monolith Soft will create the next major title for the Switch 2? Share your thoughts and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-26 22:43