With the Nintendo Switch 2's imminent arrival, speculation runs rampant about its launch-day lineup. While an official list remains elusive, we can indulge in some educated guesses, blending likely Nintendo staples with anticipated indie titles.
While a day-one release of all these titles is wishful thinking, even a partial inclusion promises a stellar launch. Here are our hopeful predictions for the Switch 2's debut:
Headline Titles:
- Mario Kart 9: A successor to the decade-long success of Mario Kart 8 is practically guaranteed. We anticipate fresh innovations building upon the series' legacy, ideally launching alongside the new console.
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New 3D Super Mario: The Switch's relative lack of 3D Mario titles cries out for a new installment. A launch-day release, alongside or shortly after Mario Kart 9, would be a powerful statement from Nintendo.
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Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: After years of anticipation and a development shift to Retro Studios, the recently revealed Metroid Prime 4: Beyond seems perfectly poised for a Switch 2 launch. Its polished gameplay suggests a potential launch title.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Enhanced: Backward compatibility is expected, but enhanced versions leveraging the Switch 2's power (think 4K, improved frame rates) would be a welcome addition.
Strong Contenders:
- Ring Fit Adventure 2: The unexpected success of Ring Fit Adventure makes a sequel a strong possibility, showcasing the Switch 2's motion control capabilities.
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Resident Evil 4 Remake: While graphically demanding, the Switch 2's enhanced power could finally bring this acclaimed title to Nintendo's platform.
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Doom: The Dark Ages: Given the success of previous Doom titles on Switch and Microsoft's expanding cross-platform strategy, this new entry is a plausible contender.
Indie Darlings:
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The Haunted Chocolatier: A sequel from the creator of Stardew Valley, this intriguing title could find a perfect home on the Switch 2, though a launch-day release might be optimistic.
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Earthblade: The follow-up to Celeste, this promising title could surprise us with a launch-day or early 2025 release.
The Switch 2's launch lineup promises excitement, and these titles represent a strong potential starting point for a new generation of gaming.
