After an E3 presentation that provided fewer surprises, ‘wow’ moments and, frankly, content, Nintendo’s now-former president, Tatsumi Kimishima, promised that the entirety of Nintendo’s 2018 lineup hasn’t been announced yet, leading many to speculate what could be released before the year is over.
It’s safe to assume that Nintendo isn’t going to be dropping any blockbusters with the guaranteed victories that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Pokémon: Let’s Go! are going to be, but Nintendo does have a deep library of ports, IPs and franchises to choose from that could bolster the already impressive lineup.
Here are a few games that could be seeing a release on the Nintendo Switch in time for the holiday shopping season:
Metroid Prime Trilogy HD
With no release date in sight for Metroid Prime 4, Nintendo could be working hard to port the original trilogy onto the Nintendo Switch as a way to tide over longtime fans of the series, similarly to what it did with our favorite gun-slinging witch’s series. I thought it was a brilliant move on Nintendo’s part when Bayonetta 1 and 2 were released in a bundle this spring. Not only did it give major fans something to do as they wait for the third installment to be released, but it allows more exposure for those who may have missed one of the Wii U’s best games (and it’s prequel).
Zelda HD Bundle
Many are speculating that Nintendo is set to release a Zelda-themed bundle in the form of Twilight Princess HD and Wind Waker HD. It still amazes me that the Wii U had two Zelda ports (one to help launch it, and one as a swan song), and a few graphical tweaks and minor gameplay mechanic updates could allow for a truly special bundle for fans of the Hyrulean franchise.
A Link Between Worlds Port
While we’re on the subject of Zelda, the 3DS’ A Link Between Worlds would find a second life on the Switch. One of the best entries in the handheld series, Nintendo could use the port as a way to gauge interest in a top-down, 2D Zelda game on the hybrid console.
Pokémon Snap HD
This one is a long shot, but an updated version of the Nintendo 64’s Pokémon Snap would be a sight for sore eyes. Fans have been asking for this one for ages, and it would be a fun treat to have this release in September or October with a tie-in to November’s Let’s Go! would be amazing.
It’s hard to guess what Nintendo has in store for the rest of 2018, but given it’s revitalized approach with the success of the Nintendo Switch, I’m optimistic. What first-party games do you think could be announced before 2018 is over?
