With the Nintendo Switch 2 now announced by Nintendo, it’s only a matter of time before we see the next big step in the gaming company’s history of brilliant hardware. But there’s no successful hardware without awesome software to run on it, and these are the Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Games we desperately need.
From Nintendo classics like Fire Emblem to underappreciated titles like Astral Chain, the Nintendo Switch has delivered on almost seven years of brilliant exclusives. However, there’s always something next, and we’ve detailed a list of titles we’d love to see as part of the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup.
It’s worth stating that nothing included in this list has been officially announced by Nintendo. This is simply a wishlist of what we’d love to see on the next generation of Nintendo Switch.
Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War Remake
There have been non-stop rumors that Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War is coming to the Nintendo Switch. Eventually.
After Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Fire Emblem: Engage, which was originally planned to celebrate the series’ 30th anniversary, more and more are being introduced to Intelligent System's strategy RPG series. However, it's near impossible to play the majority of its games on a modern console. What better time for that so-called remake to be introduced onto the Nintendo Switch 2?
Fire Emblem has quickly become one of Nintendo’s strongest properties, even receiving its own Warriors spin-off. After the stunning remake of Shadows of Valentia on 3DS, it’s time to give Genealogy another time to shine.
Not only would this be a great jumping-in point for new fans, but it provides old fans a chance to play one of their favorite games once more with the added plus of it being on a modern console. All in all, a win/win.
Astral Chain 2
The first Astral Chain was such a unique hack-and-slash game designed around the unique gimmick of its titular Astral Chain. With creature designs and an aesthetic that was second-to-none, it’s one of the most interesting Switch exclusives, and having a sequel would make the Switch 2 a must-buy.
Considering PlatinumGames' work with Nintendo and their great relationship, a sequel would be possible, and the increased specs could allow for a bigger, better game, or even just a similar experience but with 60FPS and better quality graphics.
While Astral Chain wasn’t a huge success on release, it’s garnered a cult following amongst Platinum fans. Sure, it’s not as huge as Bayonetta, but few things scream Nintendo like this does. Of course, we're also holding out hope for Bayonetta 4.
Super Smash Warriors
After the huge success of the two Hyrule Warriors games and even Fire Emblem Warriors, it’s time for developers Omega Force and Team Ninja to create something bigger and better: Super Smash Warriors.
A combination of Super Smash Bros and the Warriors series, this huge celebration of Nintendo could allow us to play as a smattering of iconic characters across just-as-iconic worlds. Samus Aran blasting through hordes of metroids, Mario stopping on waves upon waves of goombas, Ice Climbers doing whatever they do, it would be amazing.
Of course, this is entirely speculative as Nintendo has never even hinted at a Super Smash Warriors before. However, we all know this would be something extremely special if it was ever allowed to be made.
Final Fantasy XVI
The Nintendo Switch was a huge console for Square Enix, quickly becoming home to several Final Fantasy games. It was the first time titles like Final Fantasy VII were playable on a Nintendo system and that trend should continue with Final Fantasy XVI on Switch 2.
With rumors of the system running Final Fantasy VII Remake, Square Enix should consider porting Final Fantasy XVI on Switch 2. This could also lead to Square’s other 3D action RPGs finding a new lease of life on Switch 2, like Final Fantasy XV, Star Ocean: The Divine Force, and the upcoming Visions of Mana.
Porting over Final Fantasy XVI on the system would also show just how powerful this system is. At the time of writing, this game is only available on PS5 with a PC port coming soon, so bringing in this action RPG would make one hell of a statement.
While it’s not known if Final Fantasy XVI could even run on the machine, we did manage to get the entirety of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on Switch. Considering leaked Nintendo Switch 2 specs peg the console as being on par with a PS4 Pro, we might be able to get some version of this game on Switch 2.
Animal Crossing: Newer Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is already four years old. Much like everybody else, we spent way too much time fishing, building, and chilling with our furry friends when it was released in March 2020. While it’s one of the greatest games on the Switch, we’ve found ourselves wanting more. And that’s exactly what our tentatively titled Animal Crossing: Newer Horizons would be for the Nintendo Switch 2.
An Animal Crossing Switch 2 game would keep much of what made New Horizons as good as it was. From the freedom to build anywhere and terraform the environment to visiting islands in search of favorite villagers. However, it would be a huge improvement if there was simply more to do. We want to actually explore these islands, do activities with villagers, and yes, engage in more farming.
After how much the Happy Home Paradise expansion added to New Horizons, a potential sequel should bring this into the core gameplay experience right away. Not only would it let us save villagers from their poor interior design decisions, but it’s also incredibly relaxing, which is what Animal Crossing has always been about.
The Legend of Zelda: Oracles Remakes
After the stunning remake of Link's Awakening on the original Switch, it’s time developer Grezzo returned to the world of Zelda with a remake of Oracle of Ages/Oracle of Seasons. Instead of creating a standalone remake for both games, a combined adventure with open-ended connections allowing you to move between the two.
Grezzo’s work on Link’s Awakening not only improved an already amazing Game Boy game into a Switch masterpiece, but also recreated it in one of the most beautiful aesthetics we’ve seen on the Switch.If that art style returns (without the huge performance issues of Link’s Awakening) then an Oracles remake would be stellar.
Super Mario Odyssey 2
Mario Odyssey missed the launch of the original Switch console by seven months. This generation, we need to see Mario take his flowers front and center. A sequel to one of the greatest 3D Mario titles is a no-brainer and deserves a sequel treatment more than any other mainline Mario since 64. We said what we said.
There should be more planets, challenges, moons, and, more importantly, more playable characters. Sure, we got Luigi, Peach, and Toad as NPCs in the original (not forgetting Yoshi), but they should break out the full cast here. Give us a Sonic Adventure-like jam with each character being discovered along their way by Mario before allowing us to play through their side of the overall narrative. I want this to be Nintendo’s masterpiece, a true celebration of the little plumber from Brooklyn and his friends.
Honorable Mentions
Slime Rancher 2
The original Switch was heralded for its amazing platform of portable cozy games, including the original Slime Rancher. With more power in the Switch 2, we could see other awesome cozy games such as Slime Rancher 2 make their debut on the new handheld.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
A compilation of the Halo franchise from Combat Evolved to Halo 4, a port of the Master Chief Collection would be a banger for the Switch 2’s launch. With Microsoft willing to bring games such as Grounded to the platform, a collection of Halo’s greatest hits would be a fantastic opportunity for fans.
Star Wars Battlefront 2 (2017)
With the Switch 2 rumored to be as powerful as a PlayStation 4 Pro, we could see an awesome portable conversion of EA’s Star Wars Battlefront 2 on launch. After years of updates, we finally saw the game turn into one of the best Star Wars games ever, and a new port would give the team the opportunity to add even more characters to the brilliant multiplayer title.
Conclusion
Obviously, there are other Nintendo franchises that will end up on Nintendo Switch 2. The upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A is already known to be coming to the eventual new console, and backwards compatibility is all-but confirmed. A 3D and 2D Mario game is undoubtedly coming, so is Mario Party, so is some form of Metroid - especially after the awesome sales of Dread.
But what games would you like to see launch on the next Nintendo Switch handheld? Tell us in the comments below.