8 Most Anticipated Nintendo Games Still to Come in 2017

Splatoon 2 – July 21 (Switch)

Most Anticipated Nintendo Games Still to Come in 2017

Nintendo has been on a roll in 2017 ever since the company released its latest console, the handheld/home console hybrid Nintendo Switch. Since then, the gaming giant has released at least one huge, critically acclaimed game per month, and as we go into the second half of the year it doesn’t look like they have any intention of slowing down. Summer 2017 gets players into some wild fun with Splatoon 2, the sequel to the hit third-person, team-based shooter.

This isn’t just the first game with a 2 tacked on, though. There’re tons of new features to enjoy this time around such as deep customization, new game modes, new weapons, and larger battles. Also, the fact that the Switch doubles as a handheld means you can actually take all the Squidling mayhem on the go and play with people just about anywhere in the world as long as your battery has some juice left. If there’s only one game you keep on your radar for throughout the sweltering summer heat, let it be Splatoon 2. 

Hey! Pikmin – July 28 (3DS)

Most Anticipated Nintendo Games Still to Come in 2017

While we still wait for Captian Olimar’s ship to find its way over to the Switch realm, the diminutive space hero hasn’t bailed on us just yet. He’s just switching platforms with his little plant friends. Hey! Pikmin brings all of the puzzle action and squad controlling gameplay to the 3DS.

The platform isn’t all that’s changing, though. Hey! Pikmin will be a 2D, sidescrolling experience. The loss of a dimension adds a new layer of strategy and intrigue to the puzzles Captain Olimar and his crew of colorful pals will have to face. Let’s just hope it’s a bit easier to survive this time around, we don’t want a repeat of the first game’s worst ending. 

Sonic Mania – Aug. 15 (Switch)

Most Anticipated Nintendo Games Still to Come in 2017

After SEGA got out of console manufacturing, Sonic found a welcoming home at Nintendo where he and Mario have competed in Olympic games and where the Blue Blur’s own solo adventures have thrived. Unfortunately, the franchise fell into a vicious cycle that has left many fans worried about each new game announced. But there seems to be a bright light at the end of the tunnel, and that light is Sonic Mania.

Sonic Mania is bringing the series forward by going back to its roots. You have your classic, side-scrolling, fast-paced platforming, your maze-like levels full of varied paths, and a soundtrack worthy of some of the best Sonic entries. It’s all familiar, just with a fresh coat of paint, a smoother gameplay experience, and some more challenge. It’s the Sonic game that players have been dreaming of, and on the Switch, you can enjoy it at home or on the go. It’s sounding like a great time to be a Sonic-loving Switch owner. 

Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle – Aug. 29 (Switch)

Most Anticipated Nintendo Games Still to Come in 2017

When this game was first leaked a few weeks before E3, jaws around the world dropped, but not in a good way. Seeing Mario with a Samus-like arm cannon, and Rabbids donning the clothes of fan-favorite characters didn’t seem… right. But opinions were quickly flipped onto their heads once we got to actually see what the game was, and boy oh boy is it a good one.

Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle takes the world of Mario, the wackiness of Rabbids, and the strategic gameplay of games like XCOM and melds them into one funny, deep, rewarding experience on the Switch. It’s harder than it looks, which is a good thing, and the Rabbids bring so much life and humor to it all that it’s difficult to turn away from the screen. May we all aspire to be as confident as Rabbid Peach. 

Metroid: Samus Returns – Sept. 14 (3DS)

Most Anticipated Nintendo Games Still to Come in 2017

E3 2017 was packed with announcements from Nintendo as they showed off new footage of previously announced games, and shared that they’re working on a quite a few others for both the Switch and the 3DS. One of the titles announced is actually due out this year, and it’s a remake of Metroid II: Return of Samus for the 3DS titled Metroid: Samus Returns.

This isn’t just a simple transfer over to the handheld either. New features such the ability to aim much more freely (goodbye four-way shooting), and the introduction of new powers that add an entirely new dynamic to the experience. Metroid II is one amazing game, and we can’t wait to experience it all over again with the extra goodies added on. 

Pokken Tournament DX – Sept. 22 (Switch)

Most Anticipated Nintendo Games Still to Come in 2017

The Switch has been faring quite well with brand new titles such as ARMS and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but it’s also been serving as a second home for major Wii U titles like Mario Kart 8. After the wild success of everyone’s favorite kart racer, Nintendo is bringing yet another multiplayer title from the Wii U over to the newest member of the family, Pokken Tournament DX.

If you’ve never heard of or played Pokken Tournament, it’s like a cross between Pokemon and Tekken that sees players take direct control of some of their favorite pocket monsters and beat the breaks off of their opponents. It’s quite different from what fans of the franchise are used to, but also very fun. The updated version will bring all characters that are available on the arcade version of the game in Japan – such as a few omitted from the Wii U version like Croagunk, Darkrai, and Scizor – as well as introduce a brand new contender, Decidueye, Rowlett’s final evolved form. 

Super Mario Odyssey – Oct. 27 (Switch)

Most Anticipated Nintendo Games Still to Come in 2017

Out of all the gaming mascots that have risen and fallen since the dawn of video games, Mario is the one who has lasted the longest and we doubt he’ll ever fade away. Part of his managing to stay relevant is that Nintendo is never afraid to try something new with platformers, allowing the character, worlds, and mechanics to evolve and transform with each new game. We’ve seen metal hats, Tanooki suits, a water-powered jet pack, and even a trip to the stars. Now players will use a new type of hat, named Cappy, to control just about anything they see out in the world.

Yup, you can take over inanimate objects to give yourself a boost, or even take over enemies to use their specific traversal abilities or attacks to solve puzzles or get past obstacles. It’s not only incredibly fun to do, but it adds some more depth to the classic experience that is sure to lead to hours upon hours of fun. 

Pokemon Ultra Sun & Moon – Nov. 17 (3DS)

Most Anticipated Nintendo Games Still to Come in 2017

Pokemon Sun & Moon set records when they released at the end of 2016. The games were so big that Game Freak is already dishing out an updated version that introduces some fresh elements to the experience. There’s a new story set in the original games’ world, some new Pokemon that weren’t available before, and the cover monsters got a new look as well. You’ll be able to obtain armored versions of both Solgaleo and Lunala (which each look pretty impressive if you ask me).

These are perfect for players looking to get back into the world of Alola, and for those who haven’t had a chance to experience the newest generation of Pokemon. Also, it’s the perfect game to play as we wait for the core Pokemon game currently in development for the Nintendo Switch.