The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is arguably one of the most hotly anticipated titles coming from Nintendo in the coming years. Having been knocking about since it first debuted as a Zelda HD tech demo back at E3 2011, the game was in development for quite some time for the Wii U. However, with the game now coming to both the Wii U and the Nintendo Switch on March 3, players will be eager to get their hands on the title on the more powerful hybrid system.
Breath of the Wild isn’t just likely to carry the system because of the series’ popularity, though. In fact, looking at the Switch’s current confirmed launch lineup, it’s clearly the largest title coming to the system in its opening month. The title is set to retain what makes The Legend of Zelda so great, while bringing it to the modern day with a huge open-world, crafting abilities, and smaller missions to take on outside of the main story quests. We loved the game when we got hands-on with it at E3 on the Wii U last year, so if that’s anything to go by, it could be one of the Switch’s best titles right out the gate.
Super Mario Odyssey
One of the biggest titles announced to be coming to the Switch in 2017 at its reveal event was Super Mario Odyssey. The game will see Mario return to a sandbox, open-world style game that hasn’t been seen in the series since Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine all of those years ago. Players will find themselves exploring a huge rendition of New York City as they run, dash and jump around as Mario. Of course, there will be plenty of other places for Mario to explore in the form of unknown worlds that can be accessed from this main hub environment. Oh, and Mario can now throw his cap, that also just so happens to be alive, too.
Due to release in the Holiday 2017 window on the Switch, Super Mario Odyssey is looking to be Nintendo’s big game for the holidays. The game looks to retain the charming elements of Mario’s adventures, while also introducing a number of new mechanics to keep things fresh. While it’s a shame that players will have to wait until the holiday season to finally get their hands on it, it’s definitely going to help move some units in the busiest time of the year for the industry.
Splatoon 2
Unsurprisingly, one of the Wii U’s biggest hit titles, Splatoon, will be making its return on the Switch in the form of a sequel. While we don’t know a ton of details on what to expect in this upcoming title, we do know that the characters, arenas, and weapons have all seen a facelift. Inklings are now older, their weapons are far more powerful including some with unique abilities, and of course, new maps will be thrown in there.
While Splatoon may not have been picked up by a ton of players, critics reviewed the title incredibly positively when it released back in 2015. As a family-friendly, online FPS title, it’s a great fit for Nintendo’s upcoming console. Especially when Splatoon 2 features eight-player local and online multiplayer matches. I mean, what better way to spend your commute than by defeating fellow commuters in a chaotic battle of Turf War?
What’s more, with Nintendo investing into a dedicated online service for the Switch, and not too many first-party titles confirmed to be releasing on the system in the opening months, Splatoon 2’s Summer release could be just what it needs for a sales resurgence.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
It may not be an entirely new title coming to Nintendo’s Switch, but who doesn’t love a bit of Mario Kart action? Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will make use of the Switch’s additional power, being displayed in glorious 1080p when using TV mode. All of the characters and tracks from Mario Kart 8, including DLC will be included in Deluxe, and will be joined by some new characters included the Inkling Boy and Girl, King Boo, Bowser Jr. and more. Oh, and to top it all off, the game has a revamped Battle Mode with Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast already confirmed.
By bringing the definitive Mario Kart experience to its new hybrid console, Nintendo has allowed fans to be able to take the very best Mario Kart experience with them wherever they go. Considering nearly half of all Wii U owners also picked up Mario Kart 8, then it won’t be at all surprising to see Deluxe have similar success on the Switch. Especially when you factor in being able to challenge friends and family wherever you are thanks to the Joy-Con and small form factor of the system.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 may not immediately jump out as a title that’ll carry Nintendo’s Switch in 2017 but hear us out. The system has two huge first-party titles in the form of Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. It has reinforcements in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Splatoon 2. And finally, it has some form of third-party support. Even if it is comprised of a number of ports from 2013. That’s where Xenoblade Chronicles 2 comes into play. A completely new RPG adventure exclusive to Nintendo’s upcoming system.
It’s one from a very successful series, too. All three titles in the series so far have been received incredibly well by players and critics alike, and with this being the second main title in the series, it’s just what the Switch needs. Amidst all of the other titles, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 stands out as an exciting exclusive with the legs to have fans playing for quite some time. While the game still doesn’t have a set release date, it’s definitely going to turn heads whenever it finally launches later in the year as one of the more ‘hardcore’ experiences on the system.
Published: Jan 16, 2017 01:00 pm