With every passing day, we get that much closer to the reveal and eventual release of Nintendo’s next console (from this point on, I’m just calling it the Switch 2 for easy reference). The Switch has had quite the run over the last nearly eight years because of the great library it has. We’re not here to look at the past, though. Instead, let’s speculate on the near future. We may not know when the Nintendo Switch 2 will be released, the price, or even any of the games yet, but we’re going to have some fun and predict some incoming games to dream of. Here are my Nintendo Switch 2 game predictions for the first year.
Predicting Nintendo Switch 2 Games in the First Year
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond makes sense as a game that could easily take the Zelda role of releasing alongside the Switch 2, but also being available on the original model since fans have been waiting 7 years for it. That brings into question what could happen alongside the rest of the first-party lineup, though. Metroid is not nearly one of Nintendo’s better sellers, regardless of the game. It’s hard to envision that being the “big gun” Nintendo starts the Switch 2 with. Sorry Metroid fans, but kids just are not interested in the series. For that reason, I think there will be a secondary game accompanying it.
A new 3D Mario game
Nintendo selling two first-party games on the same day at the Switch 2’s launch would definitely be seen as a risky move, but I would argue the fan bases for Metroid and Mario are quite different. Mario will dominate the sales numbers between those two, but from a rating standpoint, you have two potential game-of-the-year contenders on day one from the Switch 2.
Since it’s been seven years since Super Mario Odyssey, I don’t think we are getting a direct sequel, but instead a new idea to go off. I’m a little bummed to think we are leaving Cappy behind, but if there is anything that Nintendo knows how to deal with, it’s making a really good Mario game.
Mario Kart 9
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was the golden child for the original Switch, but it was just more content for a game that was released years prior on the Wii U. Now that 60+ million people have had their fill, it’s very much time for a new original entry. While not a day one Switch 2 game, we could see Nintendo emulating much of what they did on the original console by selling the new Mario Kart one month after the Switch 2 release. That still keeps it in the launch window but also gives the 3D Mario game I mentioned on launch day to breathe.
As for what the gimmick this time around will be, I think it will be less focused on how you play the game and geared more toward who you play the game as. While still maintaining the Mario Kart name, I think we get the largest roster of playable characters by far. I’m talking just about every single Mario Kart character from past games, plus some representation from other Nintendo franchises. Link, Inklings, Villager, and Isabelle will be joined by Zelda, Tom Nook, and Captain Falcon, to name a few outside names. With that increase in roster size, you have a chance for many new game modes, including a battle royale-like battle mode, larger races in general, and maybe even a return to two-person racing like Double Dash had.
Punch-Out
While ARMs had some fans, it never really caught me. Looking up sales numbers on ARMs says it sold a little over two million in seven years, which for a new IP with a strange concept like it has, is a pretty respectable number. Regardless, I don’t think we see a return to that boxing game, but instead bring back Little Mac for a new Punch-Out game. I think a smaller team could handle the simpler nature of Punch-Out, and it could be a great release to put out during the summertime. A focus on multiplayer boxing could be in the works.
Something completely different and new
Nintendo is no stranger to coming up with unique ideas for games. With that said, I think we could very easily see some new IP with a bonkers idea behind it shown off. I’m also not saying a side idea like cardboard toys you make, but an actual game that is new and original. Something in the same vein as Splatoon or ARMs when those were first announced. It would be another good summer game to put out when there isn’t much competition.
New Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing: New Horizons was easily one of the most important games of 2020 for the role it played in maintaining millions of people’s sanity over the pandemic. With that said, long-time fans still felt it was a bit of a letdown from a content perspective, and I wonder if Nintendo feels the same way. With a truckload of money and a few years to think about it, I think the fall time is the perfect time to come out with a new Animal Crossing that has a bunch of new features, better online play, and a lot more to do. I think this time, we will see a dedication to making an Animal Crossing game that continues to grow and expand. Built from the ground up to be that long-lasting game everyone who played New Horizons wanted it to be.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
We already know that Game Freak is working on Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which will return players to Lumiose City. I already made predictions on this game, so be sure to check those out, but this would be a safe November release, with Animal Crossing coming in October.
New Star Fox
As much as Star Fox Zero let people down, I don’t see a world where Nintendo completely abandons the franchise like it did F-Zero, and even that has been shown to be in their thoughts on the NSO library. I think now is a perfect time to try again to bring Star Fox to a new generation of players. Maybe that means a remake/remaster of an older game, but I think taking a step back to try and make a wholly new game would be pretty great. This would be a good game to hold onto for 2026, close to the one-year mark for the Switch 2.
Games to be revealed but not released yet
While all of the games above are what I would hope to release within the first year for the Switch 2, here are some franchises I think Nintendo could announce, but they may be further off from releasing.
- Donkey Kong
- Luigi’s Mansion
- Kirby
- Xenoblade
- Yoshi