4 Games Nintendo Could Still Realistically Release in 2017

Pikmin 4

With Nintendo’s newest console, the Switch, less than two months away, one has to wonder what other games this famed company has awaiting players later in the year. Given that we are still very early in the year, there are still a number of titles that Nintendo could reveal either at E3 or during one of their many Nintendo Directs. One of which is Pikmin 4, which was curiously absent during the Switch reveal despite Shigeru Miyamoto reassuring that they are working on it. Given how close we are to this console’s release, it shouldn’t be expected that Pikmin 4 drops sometime during Quarter One or Two. However, it’s more than possible that this game releases during the fall holiday season as that would allow Nintendo ample time to explain their title in more detail.

Given the Pikmin franchise has been dormant for around four years now, it will be interesting to see what improvements Nintendo made on this game’s mechanics. While these little critters haven’t reached the iconic status of Mario or Link, Pikmin has always had a rather dedicated cult following. As it stands, the Switch’s lineup of big exclusive titles is rather thin, so another entry in this fan favorite series could help alleviate that.

Metroid Prime 4

Look, we are aware this series has pretty much fallen dormant for some time with only small spin-off titles like Federation Force helping keep the name alive. While this has been a fan requested title for ages now, returning to the world of Samus Aran is something that Nintendo has desperately needed to do for years now. This has always been a series that felt different than the rest of Nintendo’s properties thanks to the more mature direction it’s taken. Given the Switch could use some more heavy hitters, especially during the holiday season, another Metroid title would certainly help console sales. This is the type of reveal that could really steal the show for Nintendo at a big conference like E3.

Animal Crossing Mobile

It’s no secret that Nintendo has gotten a taste for the mobile market so it should come as no surprise if they decide to bring over more of their properties. Given that Fire Emblem Heroes was just announced at the last Nintendo Direct there is little doubt that they are willing to put out some of their lesser known names for mobile gaming. Given the Animal Crossing series is all about building a community, making friends, and climbing out of crippling debt, it seems tailor made for phones. Games like Fallout Shelter were massive successes thanks to their simplistic, yet addictive game design. If Nintendo follows Bethesda’s lead when it comes to creating a base building-esque game, then they’ll certainly produce another hit.

Yet, they do need to watch out when it comes to pricing, as Super Mario Run didn’t shell out the impressive numbers that many suspected. This clearly hasn’t detracted Nintendo from continuing to release mobile games, however, so don’t be surprised if you see more of their famous franchises jump ship. After all, who doesn’t want to have Tom Nook hounding you endlessly with notifications about paying bills, right?

Mario Party 11

While it’s doubtful we will get a truly new Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. sometime this year, it’s more than possible to see Mario Party get a core entry later down the road. Since the Switch is all about portability, this local party game feels like a natural fit for this platform. However, it would be nice for Nintendo to try and return the series to its roots, since the last entry wasn’t exactly praised for its mechanics. Yet, with the clear shift in online focus that Nintendo is making, it wouldn’t be surprising if the next entry was focused more on the online multiplayer side of things. Since this is usually a relatively small title for Nintendo, there is no reason we don’t expect another entry to make its way to the Switch sometime later this year.

It’s still early in the year and Nintendo has plenty of opportunities to release new and exciting titles that weren’t revealed during the Switch event. There are a lot of different properties that Nintendo could release this year and we only hope that there are more exclusives for their consoles than just the ones mentioned at the Switch event. Seriously, though Nintendo could you please just release another Metroid Prime game?