Even by a company of Nintendo's enviable standards, 2017 has been an incredible year. The Switch has captured the hearts and minds of millions of gamers in a way its forerunner, the Wii U, failed to do, and as a result the hybrid system is selling almost as fast as Nintendo can manufacture it.
Buoyed by an astoundingly good first year in terms of software – which includes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS, Splatoon 2, Super Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and many a critic's game of the year Zelda: Breath of the Wild – the Switch (and, by extension, Nintendo itself) is in a commanding position as we enter the next 12 months of gaming goodness.
While Nintendo has unquestionably done incredible work in 2017, there's still room for improvement in 2018, and here are the things we hope to see happen during the new year.
A proper online infrastructure (with all the trimmings, please)
The runaway success of the Switch has masked some of Nintendo's critical blunders during 2017, one of the most obvious being the console's half-finished online system. Games like FIFA 18 have been hamstrung by the fact that it's not possible on a system level to easily matchmake with friends; instead, the game itself has to have such functionality coded into it, something EA clearly wasn't prepared to do with its popular soccer sim. On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One all of this functionality is provided "out of the box" by the console's paid online subscription service – an approach Nintendo is going to take itself in 2018. Alongside this system we hope that Nintendo also introduces cloud save support so that if you happen to lose or break your Switch you don't also lose the 100+ hours you've sunk into Breath of the Wild. With Nintendo being Nintendo it's likely that (initially, at least) its online service will be found lacking when compared to Sony and Microsoft's, but it will have to get up to speed pretty quickly if it's going to charge a similar fee to its rivals.
Continued first-party support
Nintendo clearly front-loaded the Switch's first year on sale to ensure that buyers would have a steady stream of first-party titles to play and enjoy; in fact, you could argue that 2017 contained too many Nintendo titles, with ARMS and Pokkén Tournament perhaps getting out-muscled by games like Splatoon 2 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Even so, by giving the console such robust support in its first 12 months on sale Nintendo has ensured that new buyers have a plethora of solid games to purchase, but consequently 2018's slate is looking rather bare. Obviously E3 will give us a host of new games to anticipate, but will any of them be released in 2018? While we're sure Nintendo has a few hidden projects to reveal it would be nothing short of a miracle if it can top 2017 in terms of in-house software volume; however, Nintendo will need at least a few big-hitters in the line-up to keep sales brisk. Hopefully in '18 we'll get Animal Crossing, Pokémon and Smash Bros. to keep us glued to our screens.
Better third-party support
This point is perhaps outside of Nintendo's power, but we'd love to see more third-party titles make their way to Switch. DOOM, L.A. Noire, Skyrim and (in 2018) Wolfenstein II are leading the way, and it's likely that we'll see more publishers and developers flock to the console in the next few months. Many of gaming's biggest names were cautious about Switch during 2017 (which is perhaps easy to understand, given the dire performance of the Wii U) and as a result, any projects put into production that we don't know about won't appear until 2018 at the earliest. Given the relative ease of porting, one would suspect that companies like Rockstar, Ubisoft and EA will see the benefit of bringing their titles (both past and present) to the console; the impeccable conversion of L.A. Noire has us convinced that we'll be playing Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto V on Switch within the next 12 months. Whether that happens or not, Nintendo will need third-party games to plug any gaps in a first-party release schedule which has perhaps been sucked dry by an amazing 2017. That might mean using the company's considerable reserves of cash to grease the wheels a little, with publishing agreements required to bring some of gaming's biggest names to the system.
A vastly improved Switch eShop
Let's be honest here, the Switch eShop is a mess. It may have been acceptable had it been on Wii U – a console which had single-digit weekly download updates – but some weeks we're seeing a veritable flood of games on Switch, and the current eShop is woefully inadequate when it comes to managing discoverability on such a packed storefront. Unless your game is riding high in the charts, it's often lost after a week on sale as more games arrive. The Switch eShop badly needs a spring clean to make it easier to browse and older titles need a chance to shine via proper curation.
Virtual Console on Switch (or whatever else Nintendo has in mind)
Given the sheer volume of retro goodness on Switch – including amazing Neo Geo games and classic arcade ports, as well as collections such as Namco Museum – you might wonder why we'd need a "proper" Virtual Console on the system at all. While fans of vintage gaming have been well-served by companies like Hamster and Zerodiv, we need to see some classic Nintendo releases on the hybrid console. Should this come as part of the sub-based online service – and it certainly seems like that will be the case – then our fingers are crossed that Nintendo gives us the "Netflix of gaming" by granting access to the entirety of its Virtual Console back catalogue from day one, and we don't have to (again) endure the ignominy of getting a drip-feed of NES, SNES and Game Boy titles, like we did on Wii U and 3DS. If you knew you had access to the likes of Super Mario World, Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Metroid, Tetris, Mega Man 2 and EarthBound from day one, then chances are you'd sign up for that online subscription in a heartbeat and never, ever let it expire.
Apps, apps and more apps
Nintendo should be commended for making gaming the primary focus of the Switch during its first year, but even the most dedicated player will admit that it badly needs some additional app support. Streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Instant Video, YouTube and Netflix could turn the console into the ultimate portable companion, offering games, films, TV shows and music in a portable form – something the PS4 and Xbox One can't do. Hulu is already available, so hopefully 2018 will give us more apps to enjoy.
Fine-tuned accessories
It still pains us that Switch didn't launch with a proper D-Pad, but thankfully the modular nature of the Joy-Con controllers means that Nintendo has the power to rectify this oversight in the future. All it has to do is release a left-hand Joy-Con with a proper, old-school D-Pad in place of the button cluster, and all will be well. If you're reading this Nintendo, make sure you do this to coincide with the release of Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, pretty please? This is just one example; there's scope for other Joy-Con types which could be especially designed with certain games in mind – a turntable Joy-Con for a Beatmania revival, perhaps?
A stay of execution for 3DS
Despite Nintendo's platitudes regarding the 3DS, it's obvious that the aging handheld has been supplanted by the Switch, which now enjoys the lion's share of the company's first-party software support. However, one only has to pick up the system and browse its packed eShop to realise that it's a remarkable console, and perhaps one of the best Nintendo has ever produced; given that Switch is still quite expensive, there's still an opportunity for 3DS to thrive in 2018, even if the chances of more AAA games along the lines of Metroid: Samus Returns is unlikely. Perhaps Nintendo can support the system with lower-budget digital downloads or a renewed drive of Virtual Console releases? Whatever course of action it takes, the 3DS doesn't have to be put out to pasture just yet.
More classic hardware
Given the amazing commercial success of 2016's NES Classic Edition and 2017's SNES Classic Edition, we'd put money on Nintendo pulling the same trick in 2018. The tricky question is which platform should it tackle? The N64 sounds like the obvious choice, but we'd personally love to see a Game Boy Classic Edition, which offers a better screen, a rechargeable battery, pre-loaded games and (let us dream, please) support for original carts.
What are you wishes for 2018 when it comes to Nintendo? Let us know with a comment.
Comments 146
VC games should be sold in pre-planned bundles. You want Super Mario Bros. on the NES? Then you also gotta buy The Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros. 2 and Super Mario Bros. 3 all at the same time for a total of $20.
Just been looking on Amazon UK and the switch games section has gained a load of listings with placeholder images referring to Nintendo event so looks like a direct is incoming.
My wants list.
Some Wii U DX games
Some new first party Switch games.
Platinum...where are you?
Some proven AAA third party games.
Huge indie support.
As many arcade classics Hamster can manage!
Neo Geo games
More beat-em-ups and shmups.
And you know what...I reckon I'm gonna have a ridiculously good 2018! Happy New Year everyone on NLife
I know it won't happen, but I still think it's criminal we never got Virtual Boy VC on 3DS. C'mon Nintendo, give us a handful of VB VC titles as a last hurrah for 3DS VC!
For Switch, I'd love to see a system wide achievements system. Other than that, keep the games coming (Luigi's Mansion, please and thank you.... 3, or Game Cube remaster... Either would be fine)
A new Mario game just like in the past. Right after Mario 1 came Mario 2. Not 1 or 2 games. We need more! lol
Personally I would love some ports of Wii U games like Captain Toad and Paper Mario to hit the Switch. Would be good for the much bigger Switch audience to get a chance to play them and an "easy" way for Nintendo to fill up the release schedule...
@Bass_X0 I dunno about forcing it, but perhaps they could offer bundles at discounted price? You could buy the original Zelda, OR you could buy it and Zelda II at a discounted price. Makes more sense to do it that way.
2017 has been the year of Ninten-out-of-ten-do for me.
I just hope in 2018 they keep delivering with great first party games.
It would be great if they improve some of the features for the Switch, better online features and apps like Netflix. Let’s also hope Nintendo does all they can to secure some more AAA support for the console. (For me it’s all about Switch). Hehe
I said it for 3DS and I'll say it again for switch. I want a port or even better a redux edition of rogue squadron. While I'm at it, let's get the old battlefront 2 ported over since I'm not sure anyone wants the new EAmpire version.
I know it won't happen but I can dream.
I want a Switch of my own! Badly. Santa Claus came up with goods for my son and I'm not joking, he is absolutely loving every second of it. ARMS, Splatoon 2, (he's playing that gem right now), and Super Mario Odyssey. He was literally giddy with delight this morning playing Mario, giggling away and exclaiming 'this is awesome, I LOVE this' every now and again. Magic.
Cloud saves. I live in fear of my switch breaking and losing all my saves. That should be priority number 1.
I just want suitable Joy-Cons, preferably GameCube-like ones. I don't like the missing D-Pad and the small Control sticks..
Is being able to use Bluetooth headphones likely?
Just METROID PRIME & DEVILS THIRD 2, I wouldn't care for much else that Ninty make, well maybe a SWITCH WARS
If all this end up happening I be amazed and in awa. Still expect we get an amazing year regardless as we can hopefully see what they got in store for us soon with an direct or full day like they did when it was revealed last year
@Bass_X0 I would like to see a release of these games in the same way as the megaman legacy collection. Or like the Super Mario All Stars from the snes. With added features such as swapping mario styles as we saw in Mario Maker..
I agree with most of what’s been said in the article, but I personally don’t care for the stupid micro-consoles Nintendo has been making, and mostly because they’re impossible to find. I was told by Reggie himself not to buy from a scalper because they’d be plentiful, yet I never saw a single SNES Classic in the wild, despite weekly trips to several stores. Just release the games as Virtual Console downloads for Switch and spare us all the agony.
Bring on the Wii U ports ( Tropical Freeze, Smash 4 Switch, Super Mario Maker Plus ) and start working on Mario Odyssey 2 and Breath of the Wild 2 for 2019!
Also PLEASE come out with an N64 Classic! The SNES Classic has been one of the best values in gaming I have ever purchased!
Virtual Console Predictions:
Pay your monthly fee and get access to nearly every 1st party NES game, a drip feed of free 1st party SNES games maybe N64, and 3rd party games will be available for a modest fee.
Achievements, "free" regular games with the monthly subscriptions and an easily available n64 mini please!
I wish for :
1. More Kiddie and Family friendly games.
2. Animal Crossing for Switch
3. New color bundles
4. Cartoonish Boxing games
5. Mii games for Switch
6. Rhythm games from Konami for Switch
7. The Sims 4 for Switch, no Watered down.
8. Virtual Consoles
9. Can streaming with Wii U so Switch will become Upgraded version of Gamepad, plus can browsing Youtube from Wii U machine, streamed on Switch to display on, play Wii games by using Wii U, streamed on Switch and can be cobtrolled with Switch buttons as well.
10. New portable devices somewhat like External DVD Drive that can play Gamecube, Wii and Wii U discs any Region and that devices can stream the video output to Switch so the Gamecube / Wii / Wii U games could be played on Switch with Physical retails. The battery of the devices can be charged while playing.
Can Nintendo sway Capcom to release a western version of Monster Hunter XX for the Switch? That would make a lot of people very happy.
I have owned a 3DS since the post-launch price drop crash.
only very recently, the past year, have I started to love it, spend more on games and eshop.... I am JUST GETTING STARTED. I will not buy more hardware to replace it -unless it breaks, then it will be another 3DS!!
Why rush when so much is left in the tank. Nintendo needs price points and I have little interest in Switch and zero interest in spending money on new hardware..
PLAY WHAT YOU'VE GOT until you actually used it and enjoy it = that is value.
My Wii U backlog is tremendous too... (also owned since launch). I am all set for this entire generation. Hardware cycles are moving too fast. Who has time to enjoy this, as is?
For me, 3DS will live on for many years before I'd consider something new. That catalog of software will never carry over to another handheld, console, or hybrid.... embrace it, this is unique and they won't make that mistake (hardware for the ages) again.... these companies are going incremental from here on out. We will look back at the 3DS as the golden age of gaming before it became too fragmented..>THE MORE WE GET FOR IT NOW, will lasts us for a long time to come....
Switch fanboys need to stop calling for the end of the 3DS -you are eating your tail.
I'd love some more Wii U ports. There were many games I missed and many I'd love to play on the go, Bayonetta is confirmed, I'm hoping for other ports (like Tokyo Mirage Sessions for example, it could get some much-needed attention that it missed on the Switch)
So hoping for cloud save functions for the 3DS as well was too much asked?
@daveh30 You know what's really criminal? The fact that Nintendo never added any GameCube games to the Wii shopping channels catalogue despite the fact that some of the earlier models of the Wii supported GameCube cartridges and controllers.
@Timsworld
"Wii supported GameCube cartridges and controllers."
Huh ?
Gamecube Cartridges ??
Did you mean, Mini DVD for Gamecube ?
@Timsworld but that wouldn't make sense as Wii didn't come with enough storage for gamecube games and physical games worked on wii
@Anti-Matter Yep I misremembered how the GameCube worked. My bad.
I hope we get an announcement of the VC this year, and we finally get some GameCube games. It’s truly astounding that we still can’t replay, say, Super Mario Sunshine, in modern consoles!
@1UP_MARIO That's why Nintendo gave it an SD card slot as well.
I hope the online service is everything we hope it will be, having access to Nintendo's back catalogue would be worth the monthly fee. I also hope the 3DS still gets support this year, and the switch continues with some great games which will hopefully be announced soon.
Lol it's funny cause that what I said,about the Online paid service that there should be a free trial until it launches to test and try it before we decide to fork $20.00 and now he's saying it but yes Nintendo needs to get off there lazy butt and Do mandatory Firmware updates New Features of course,Vortual Console and Apps like YouTube,Mediaplayer,Internet Browser that's all we Ask! Come'on Nintendo listen to ur dedicated fans.
@Timsworld than you can say the same for Wii games as most Wii games were also smaller in size than gamecube games
@thesilverbrick I agree I think the micro-console thing has been a failure. They need to be made in a quantity that they are available to buy without baying way above retail price. We still haven't seen the second batches of the either mini.
I also think they should let the 3ds die and put all efforts behind the switch, there is no need to have multiple pillars of consoles anymore the switch is the future.
The controllers however I have not had a problem with other than all accessories need to be made cheaper as they are way too expensive.
@Timsworld also I think the sd card only supported up to 2gb at first and later possibly more
Agreed on most points here. Maybe not the mandatory bundle of VC games? Individually would be welcomed too.
And no, no to the controller. They already popped out the Pro controller for Switch, which will work just fine for anyone missing a more classic experience. It's quite nice and I nabbed one knowing Street Fighter collection and BlazBlue CTB are on the way.
Good use of their momemtum and better online features are all I can ask for. Make it a good year to be a Switch owner.
Only thing i disagree with is the 3ds it had its time they got to move on at some point and considering it seems most devs are moving over to the switch it seems like a good time to end it
I wish for Super Mario Maker on Switch.
All I want is being able to play my gamecube games on the switch without re buying. I'd also love a new paper Mario like thousand year door and Luigi's mansion 3 or HD and I'm good!
Animal Crossing, Mario Party (using the old formula), GC VC, a “2D” Mario in the style of 3D World, Donkey Kong Country...
SOON I'm finishing Resident Evil revellations 2, after that I got Skyrim to play, and after that there is nothing serious to play for me!! portability is fun but the Switch lacks "heavy" games. please don't make it an indie machine!!! maybe it's time to sell my switch and return to the old giant ps4...
I'm loving the console so far, had it since the beginning of November and I've not played on my PS4 or XBO since. I still delve into gaming on my PC though here and there though, but primarily I use my Switch now.
I agree with the gripe about the Eshop, it's lacking and very basic at the moment, but for the most part, It's simple and easy to use, but it could definitely use some improvement.
I would also like to see additions such as apps as mentioned above. YouTube, Netflix, Amazon also a Web Browser would be a fantastic addition, so I don't have to turn my computer on simply to Google anything I need when gaming on the Switch or use my phone.
Other than that, I'd like to see a continuation of fantastic releases, including the Indie games that we've been getting, but above all, I would love to see a localised Monster Hunter, as much as I'm looking forward to World, Monster Hunter NEEDS to be portable for me.
My two wishes!
Voice chat!
Monster hunter!
@msvt I'm still discovering and playing amazing NES and SNES games that I've overlooked for decades. Personally I also wish console cycles would slow down too, but then again if they did we wouldn't have the awesome stuff we have today. It's absolutely true that I could probably never buy another console ever again and still find fun games on older consoles to play for the rest of my life, but then I'd miss out on some true masterpieces like Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild. It's a balancing act for sure and you'll never have time to play everything, but luckily we have review sites like these to let us know what's worth our limited amount of time.
Despite Nintendo telling us very little about 2018 I have a good feeling about a good Nintendo Direct in January. While I agree Nintendo overloaded 2017 with the heavy hitters like Zelda and Mario I think they have enough left in the tank for 2018 to have a constant flow of games, even if they aren't quite as spectacular as Mario and Zelda.
Bayonetta 1 + 2, Yoshi, Kirby we already know about, that's 3 right there. And the year may end with Pokemon on Switch. That's 4 games/months. Pikmin 4 has been "nearly complete" for 2 1/2 years now, so that's a good bet for summer. So that's 5 games, 1 every other month. We're all expecting SSB4 Deluxe, that's a maybe. Super Mario Maker could have a 2, just add slopes. Splatoon 2 didn't look all that different from Splatoon. Then there are maybe's like Animal Crossing, especially since Wii U never got a good AC game, just amiibo Festival, and 3DS have been milking New Leaf for years, so it's possible a 3DS bound AC game could have been moved to Switch. So 2018 wouldn't be as good as 2017, but there would be enough games to fill up the calendar.
I don't think Nintendo will ever get online right, but I would like to see MyNintendo actually get some Switch games. It's way too focused on mobile. I hope you want that too @damo unless you are the only person on the planet happy w/ MyNintnedo as is. You gonna be writing more w/ TW's departure until the new guy gets settled in or keep your occasional pace? (just wondering)
I don't expect another "Mini" console. NES Mini was a holiday stop gap between Wii U's demise and the Switch launch. SNES Mini is the same hardware w/ different games installed on it, so easy peasy. I'm not sure it works w/ N64 games and that ridiculous controller, and I'm not sure there are enough well known N64 games to even bother. And what N64 games there are they'd be better candidates for $60 HD remakes. There was a HUGE leap in graphics and games from SNES to N64. HUGE. N64 and newer games arent' really made for Mini hardware collections when they can be milked as high priced remasters. Same for Gamecube.
I do think NES and SNES Mini hardware could come back yearly as a holiday treat for a few years, but no new models. Nintneod woudl be better served making more Switch and whatever replaces the 3DS, SwitchBoy, SwitchLight, SwitchMini, iSwitch.
Switch will get more apps, maybe all at once, maybe slowly, but they'll come. Nintnedo might be waiting to get their online up and running properly for billing purposes or other back office reasons.
3rd party support will also come when it's able, graphics are an issue, and will continue to be an issue going forward, but as developers drop PS3 and Xbox360 support, and those systems are pretty much done now, they'll have the resources to make 3 versions of the games, PS4, X1 and switch. I'm not worried until the 4k consoles launch, but that's probably 2 or 3 years away yet.
Happy New Year everyone, 2018 may not be 2017, but it won't be 2012-2016 either.
I'd like to see the online service fleshed out, Netflix streaming and a Web browser.
On the games side, more big 3rd party releases to give the big N time to work on their 1st party schedule. I don't mind wii U ports as I never owned one.
Im in the same boat as others, I have enough games in my want list I think I can easily get to 2019, so Im curious over what's coming but have enough to play if nothing grabs me
Write an article at the end of 2018 comparing all of these points to what actually happens. If Ninty delivers on half of what you hoped in the article, I’d call that a tremendous success.
I primarily use my Switch as an 'indie machine' so a continued strong lineup there will be good.
What I want most, however, is Fire Emblem on Switch. A new one would be nice, but if that's a long way off I'd settle for some of the older ones ported to the system.
Mario DLC.
That 3DS Sushi fighter puzzle game for 3DS is my most wanted game of 2018 so far hahah!
I'm pretty sure we won't get both GTAV and Red Dead this year. That would be poor planning on their behalf, making these releases less of an event.
My guess would be GTA = Q3 2018, maybe with gameplay footage at E3, and Red Dead not before 2019 when people have had time to get over GTA.
How about a Wii U classic, with 30 built in games? A portable one, that has two built in screens. The bottom would be a touch screen and... Well, yes maybe it could also play 3DS games!
I, for one, don’t want more “classic” hardware releases. I really believe that this is one of the reasons why the Switch still lacks a virtual console. It just doesn’t make sense from a business point of view to release a VC on the Switch that will cannibalize and hinder sales of the classic consoles.
So no, thank you, but I don’t want a mini N64 or whatever. I want a full featured VC on the Switch.
@fortygamer I think there are a lot of "heavy" games already on the switch, and there will be plenty this year. But in the end, it comes down to taste rather than the size of games there will be plenty of big games just depends if they are what you want to play. I am personally excited to see what comes for the switch I think there will be some big announcements in JAN.
@daveh30 i was just thinking the same, i’d love to have a virtual boy vc in the 3ds
1. 3DS needs to go
2. Virtual Console for Switch.
3. No more gimmicky motion control games. (ARMS 1 2 Switch)
4. No forced Motion controls. ( Mario)
5. Metroid, Starfox, F-Zero
6. Good Mario Spinoffs. None of the 3ds or Wii U junk
1.animal crossing switch
2.animal crossing switch
3.animal crossing switch
4.animal crossing switch
5.animal crossing switch
6.animal crossing switch
1. Classic british home computer emulation, looking at you Spectrum
2.animal crossing
3. Super monkey ball
4. A basic word processer (but I don’t want Netflix or a browser thanks)
5. Pikmin
That’ll do for now thanks
@Galenmereth totally agree. Although I’d like a text editor or word processor but that’s me being s bit silly
@SanderEvers
Why ?
3DS is still Perfect for Handheld gaming for some peoples.
It's not about the 240p graphics.
It's about the gameplay.
If you worried about 3rd party support due to Nintendo have to support both 3DS & Switch, i believe Nintendo can handle both of them.
Btw, i still don't understand for some peoples that sold their 3DS just for upgrade to Switch.
I mean, where is there logic ?
They are different machine with different gameplay. Both of them are really good, why should i sold 3DS just for trade with Switch ?
Where is their "True Love" about Nintendo ?
Most of these seem feeseible with the exception of “proper online infrastructure”. I don’t think Nintendo can pull that one off. GTAV is a total long shot, unless Take-Two/R* can get GTA Online to work seamlessly since that is their cash cow.
@msvt you make a good point. I’m a day one Switch owner and absolutely love it. My fave console to date. I gave my 3ds to my youngster as a regift Xmas present. While I was searching through my stuff I unearthed my old DS (Japanese import) and two advance war games. So instead of buying tiny metal as planned I’m just going to r3start those two classics. PLUS the little DS is perfect to take out and about, easy fits in a coat pocket. I darent take my Switch out the house so, yes, remember to enjoy what you have and use it til it is done fully. We are always chasing the next shining object, whI hope is fun, but also very wasteful and breeds ingratitude. I know his reply is a bit contradictory but I’m a sucker for new things too I guess.
@VinnieMii I think that is a safe bet that it will come to Switch.
@datamonkey
same thought. hyrule warriors please.
I want to see VC. NES to GameCube and maybe some Wii games. I really want to play some GameCube on the go. It looks like the first party games are looking good. Hoping for some UI and menu changes for custom backgrounds. The only thing I want to see from third party games is good quality, no just slapping messy games on there.
A wish for me is Mario baseball and Mario strikers games for the switch. Please, I miss those games.
@Errr From my understanding Bluetooth audio has latency issues. That’s okay when listening to music, but that presents issues when gaming. I don’t see it happening.
@loyalroyal1989 let's hope you are right and there will be plenty big game 0n 2018, of course its all matter of taste but for indies I don't think we need Switch so much...
by the way, Professor Layton wil be wonderful addition to Switch library, I think I read somewhere that Studio5 is working on that...
Octopath Traveler, Metroid Prime 4, Animal Crossing Switch, Yoshi Switch, Kirby Switch, Super Smash bros. Switch, Super Mario Maker Deluxe, VC for Switch, and I could go further lol. 🤣 Basically just keep wowing me Nintendo! 🎮
Apps. Background themes. A drawing game. And a fitness game, something like Wii Fit U (I still play Wii Fit U all the time). And more games (obviously). I would like to see Pokémon, Animal Crossing and Ace Attorney in 2018 ✨✨
@fortygamer Hell yeah layton would be great, I hope they are working on it. I would also love to see plenty of the other handheld titles like fire emblem and advance wars. Also hopefully the Wolfenstein 2 port is good.
@Phle
A Drawing game for Switch ?
But the touch screen for Switch is different case.
It's not as Sensitive as 3DS.
You cannot use pen or stylus to draw something on Switch screen. It will not detected, same as smartphone touch screen.
@okeribok
basically what half the Switch is... "a WiiU Classic"
@Anti-Matter Well, I have a drawing game on my iPhone and several drawing apps. If you wish to try it, download “Draw Something” from the App Store. You can use your finger, but your much better of using one of those tablet stylus that are made for modern touchscreens.
The Switch have a bigger screen than my iPhone even though I have a large model, so I can’t see why it wouldn’t work!
I would love a set of pro joy cons and I'm talking not only a d pad, but also thicker controllers as well for hand comfort and better triggers. Problem is if Nintendo makes them they would retail for 90-100.
Just give me VC, please.
@Phle
Hm... tablet stylus ?
Have you ever tried on Nintendo Switch screen ?
@Anti-Matter Actually, I have and it worked wonderful! I used it when I played Timbleweed Park, it allowed me to tap items and people with a higher precision!
@Bass_X0 Why force people to buy VC games in bundles?
I don't understand that weird need for non-gaming apps. There are lots of devices that can do that so why is so god-damn important if the switch has Netflix or not? it's a gaming system not an ipad
@Minotaurgamer How do you justify the price of the Switch in comparison to the price of other consoles when it is both under powered and under featured in comparison to other consoles?
Aren't PS4 and Xbox One S now cheaper than the Switch?
@Crono1973 it’s pretty disingenuous to compare the price of a system that hasn’t even been out a year to systems that have been out for over 4 years and had an original MSRP of $399 USD. You know the price will drop in time, as they always do.
@Crono1973 I think the fact that the switch has a screen and a battery should help answer why it costs more. It is also only just out and the Xbox and ps4 had to have price cuts over the years to reach that price maybe 2019 it will be down in the same price range.
@MsgBoardGamer You're wrong and that's why people expect the same features from the Switch.
@Mr_Zurkon I don't see how it's disingenuous, these are the systems currently available on the market. They are in direct competition.
Nintendo's system, while technically being a generation ahead is under powered and under featured in comparison to even the basic PS4 and Xbox One.
@Crono1973 that’s your opinion. “Under featured” is an argument I don’t buy since it’s apples to oranges. The Switch’s main feature is portability and on TV play. “Underpowered” is a bit specious as well since the Switch is designed to play games designed for it, it has enough power for what it is doing.
@Mr_Zurkon Under powered is an objective argument. It simply isn't as powerful as it's competition. That it plays games designed for it is a meaningless argument, all consoles do and have always done that.
Under featured is objective as well. People are asking for multimedia apps that their other consoles have.
At the end of the day Nintendo is delivering less for more money. People asking for multimedia apps shouldn't be told to watch Netflix on their other consoles. That argument contradicts another pro-Nintendo argument, that PS4/Xbox One and Switch aren't competing for the same customers. Make up your minds, how can Nintendo fans watch Netflix on other consoles that they don't own?
@Crono1973 buy a PC if all you're gonna do is whine about the "power" of the Switch. I'll be over here enjoying the greatness that is Nintendo.
@Crono1973 all of these arguments are subjective. Again “less for the money”? Compared to what other hybrid console?
@Alikan The truth is that I spend most of my time playing retro games on Nintendo devices. I don't care about power for ME, however when I consider the value of the Switch compared to it's competition I just don't see the value.
I get really irritated when people start crapping on posters asking for features in line with the competition.
We need a nice direct first, somewhere around switchmas was last year. My bet is on 13th jan. I hope we here more of pikmin 4. Maybe a new donkey kong too. and a smash is a must in e3 even if it is just smash bros deluxe, now with added story mode (wouldn't that be cool). Online will need something fresh like smash. And maybe the orginal mario kart now online!. Also some more dlc for mario kart 8 while we wait forever for mario kart 9 would be nice lol.
@Mr_Zurkon If a customer wants a powerful home console, the Switch doesn't stack up well to it's competition. If a customer wants portable gaming the Switch is the more expensive option and the 3DS has the better library.
@msvt Yep. The missing half is an extra screen and the ability to play DS and WiiU titles. Perhaps the Nintendo smartphone app could function as a "second screen" XD
A fully handheld version of Switch.No dock and detachable joycons.
Great article. I more or less agree with the entirety of this list.
A few notes: I almost guarantee that the virtual console will be just as bad as it was on the Wii-3ds. I unfortunately don't seem them changing how they release vc (here comes the drip feed for the 4th time). I do think it's nice that they'll be giving users a free retro game with the online subscription but besides that I doubt much will be that different.
Account system PLEASE Nintendo. A real account system in which all your games are tied to your account and can be redownloaded from any Switch is a mandatory at this point. This is so long overdue it's not even funny anymore.
Also the Switch eshop is pretty rough. I was trying to find some interesting Switch eshop titles and there's simply too many of them. Even on Nintendo's own website trying to parse through the sheer number of Switch releases is a nightmare. Also there should be basic features like a cart by now (it amazes me how that's still not a thing on Nintendo eshops).
Well, these all seem perfectly reasonable actually. I don't know if we'll get them all in 2018 though.
2019 for a N64 Classic Mini and GB version for 2018. That's my prediction.
@WhistleFish YES, just YES for more devils third! Even if it's just the awesome online that became Devil's 3rd online. The X86 twins have battle royal games in Fortnite etc so why not one on Switch which could just be a UR4 reskin because it was so much fun while it lasted on Wii U. I miss me some chickens and giant fruit blender action lol
@okeribok
Ok, but I was referring to the several Wii U games, the big ones and also the eShop Wii U games that made the first Switch year a bit of dud for those of us that play/played them already.... take those away and the shiny new toy becomes a bit less exciting, no?
Just give me Animal Crossing.
Add a web browser and give me Mario maker 2
While I can dream I'd love a HD remastered version of Freedom Fighters from Eidos/IO Interactive. Still love and play the original frequently.
A sequel has always been rumoured with no take up sadly. But the star of the original is a New York plummer, if it wouldn't fit at home on the Switch, where else is it going to, right? Maybe it just needs a publisher to be interested... come on Nintendo, get your wallet out and pick up the phone a bit like you did with Devil's 3rd and Bayonetta 2. Isn't it worth it even if it would only get 1 sale (me)?
I'm interested in seeing what Nintendo will create with the new online infrastructure along with what they have in store for the Virtual Console, and to see whether or not the rumors of it turning into streaming service is true and see the benefits and consequences something like that would create. In addition I would love to see some more Wii U ports being brought over to the Switch, especially TMS#FE and XCX.
@MsgBoardGamer Sorry, I should have been more clear. You are wrong when you say that Nintendo customers aren't also Sony and Microsoft customers.
Quoting sales statistics to show Nintendo is doing everything right isn't much of an argument. Good sales doesn't mean Nintendo shouldn't add more features to their console.
You forgot about updating the OS to add things like game folders to organize your game library, and an on screen shutdown button as opposed to holding the power button for four seconds every time you want to turn the system off.
I know it won't make 2018 but obviously I'd love MP4 this year!
@Crono1973 to be fair. Even the Wii u was more expensive than its competition.
@Anti-Matter
In this particular case I completely agree with you. The 3DS is still an amazing gaming engine - for long commutes (which I had to do for a while, and we're talking the likes of 5 hours on a train two times a week) it is still probably the best there is and ever was.
Yet, the Switch is becoming more and more attractive and I even found myself playing it on rather short subway commutes (actually I managed to get around some nasty corner of Doom while getting back home after some drinking with friends).
buying the Classic consoles should grant us that package of games on Switch's VC. I'd want them in both places but no way in hell am I paying for both sets of copies
Smart 3rd party support. Not just old overpriced games or games that are simply better on the PS4 than the water down Switch Version.
I do not care about super kiddie games like Kirby and Yoshi. So high end indies and 3rd party are a big deal for me in 2018
For comparison, this same article from last year:
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/01/feature_hopes_and_dreams_for_nintendos_2017
Everyone sounded so depressed!
Pls nintendo just said battalion wars3 in dev.
All I want is for Nintendo to continue kicking butt and taking names in 2018. Everything else will fall in place.
I still maintain that Nintendo's biggest mistake with the Switch is its lack of non-gaming entertainment and media features (YouTube, Netflix, an internet browser, etc). The Switch could have been somewhat of an all-in-one device that can be used for various forms of entertainment, at home or on the go, but alas...At least there's Hulu...
Gaming will always remain the Switch's core focus, but 2018 needs to improve on this front.
@Steelhead A new main series Fire Emblem was confirmed alongside Warriors and Heroes, set for release some time this year.
@VIIIAxel Yeah, I recall the announcement, but was it confirmed for this year?
people want too much these days
@Steelhead yessir it was
Let's see I want Golden Sun 4. GBA and More Snes Games on New 3DS Virtual Console. And as for Paid online it NEEDS TO BE FREE and some of us don't have the money.
Animal Crossing on Switch and I'd be sorted but, yeah, all of the above please. 🤞🏻
Just give me Octopath traveler next year along with a pokemon switch update then I'll be set
Retro Studios, a Smash port, VC/Classic game streaming serivce. All I will ask for.
1. nes/snes classic collections on switch dl/carts
2. Gamecube/wii/wiiu ports
3. Joycon dpad
I'd like to see kid Icarus uprising get a second chance with 'proper' twin stick controls. I sincerely hope we don't get an N64 mini/ VC- some of the games just don't hold up that well. OOT and Starfox 3D show what they can look like, but on a HD TV, that don't look good. Now, if Mario 64 was remastered to look like spoiler from you know what, I'd buy it for a fifth time in a heartbeat. Three quick wishes- captain toads treasure tracker sequel, box boy collection and a super paper Mario sequel. Just no more themed joy cons, I'm having a hard enough time resisting them as it is!
I want to see a priper achievement / trophy system to add more longevity to the games.
Wishlist:
DKC trilogy hd remaster much like crash brandicoot. Throwing in the DK Land trilogy too would be epic but maybe that's being greedy.
New 'handheld' style zelda
1080
The eShop may need improvements, but it's hardly a mess. The PlayStation Store is a MESS. It's so slow it's barely functional.
@thesilverbrick I’ve seen many SNES Classics in rural areas, the city I live outside of has nothing. I only snagged mine on vacation in the mountains.
What be nice if soon we’d have A New 3D Donkey King game sometime in the next few years. This year would be a good time for A New 2D Mario game, Mario Party 10 Deluxe, and Mario & Sonic at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games. But still, no Switch for me till this is announced to be coming for it, something that each and every Nintendo System has it some point: http://www.pupugames.com/content/icons/super-mario-racing-icon-1.jpg
Pyra and mythra amiibo
Pikmin 4.
@Timsworld I had no idea that the GameCube supported cartridges. I guess you learn something new everyday.
A d-pad on a joy-con is my main desire. I've wanted it since the system was first revealed. Second would be a retro shop, and it would offer previously bought items on older systems free. Third would be HD updates of N64 and Gamecube games on the retro shop, and even Wii and WU games like Metroid Prime 3 and Super Mario 3D World and Maker.
1. Achievement system (not for me, but for the people that are on the fence about Switch and want it.)
2. More apps
3. Gamecube Virtual Console. (I want me some Wind Waker on Switch BAD.)
@Flowerlark I agree with so much here. Ports don't bother me very much because I'm an outlier who played MMOs on PC pretty much exclusively from 2003 to 2014, so I missed almost everything on it's first release.
Of how I'd look at it, at least with the virtual console, many of nintendo's die-hard-fans, need to realize that not everyone owned a Wii U or 3DS...I own a Wii U, but many only kept the Wii, and not many put it online to download. The Virtual console would be a nice addition finally, putting more than just a few titles per week, but add an extensive amount to where it also won't take away the other E-Shop indies that arrive on the console each week. The Addition of NES, Super NES, N64, GAMECUBE???, Gameboy, Gameboy Advance, DS and possibly 3DS (since it's a handheld console too) would be a great addition, possibly even adding Wii and maybe some of the Wii U titles that have been overlooked.
Another nice addition, would be to re-release many of the Wii U games again...something for the consumers that never picked up the Wii U system. This would also give those games more time to shine and make nintendo some more money again. Pikmin 3, Star Fox Zero, Super Mario Maker, Yoshi's Woolly World, Kirby's Rainbow Curse and Hyrule Warriors would be nice additions, granted we're getting a new Kirby and Yoshi game in the works too.
Another thing, how about some nice game collections if there's no virtual store yet. A nice big Mario, Kirby, Metroid, F-Zero, Pikmin and Donkey Kong collection that has games from all of the past generations of consoles, with some nice additions to them with art work and more...bundled right with a good price and possibly the addition of a new Amiibo with it?
Another thing would be a trophy or achievement to the system itself. Could be in the form of coins (like a Mario Title). I'd like this, because it does give you a reason to continue to re-visit games, especially games that after you beat the first time, you end up putting back on your shelf and forgetting about it.
Other than that, the only other thing that I'd like to see work on is being able to use Mii's in certain games, being able to search on the E-Shop better, better sales in the E-Shop (seriously, 5% off???) and folders added to the home screen so you don't have to continue to look for your titles the long and hard way. Also, work on adding more Amiibo support...seems to be dying out (like the Disney and Skylanders and Dimensions), and it's a nice addition for nintendo, even if (like myself) collects them instead.
@msvt So everyone should be held back because you are slow to appreciate what you've got? Great logic.
1. Switch Virtual Console/Legacy content support
2. Youtube, Netflix and Twitch apps
3. Revamped eshop
Of course we need that excellent flow of games to more or less continue if the Switch is to keep selling so well. But I think that almost goes without saying.
@FredBiletnikoff
Comprehend much?
My point was that Nintendo is not going to release another long term system again. The 3DS is nto just 3DS, it is 3DS +new3DS software, virtual console and eshop, DS, Dsi games.... that kind of backwards compatibility and wide spread options are not happening anymore. Switch the conduit to incremental. They are not going to kill or replace the 3/2DS they need an entry model for a while yet....this Switch I believe will become more portable in the future and take that entry space and the core base wioll be spending on incremental upgrades from here on out....but... without the software options from these former systems and downloads that the 3/2DS has resulted in. They won't do that again (see the WiiU re-releases as the example and oh also, no virtual or backwards compatibility over a year into Switch) it is better "business" to keep things short and that require new gear investments much more often.
But yes, it is true, some of us have a life outside of 24/7 gaming.
Enjoy it while it lasts, real life is a-coming. What was it that rubbed you the wrong way? Are you one of the Switch fanboys that are calling for the end of a product so you can feel good about spending so much on so little with you new toy? it's ok, new stuff is fun. Not always the smartest move, but to each their own. Happy new year.
What about Song Of The Deep?? it fits perfectly to this console!!!
Give me Goldeneye, the old Namco Museum that has ALL the 80’s top quarter eaters, Tony Hawk Pro Skater (any classic version), and Endless Ocean and I won’t need anything else till next year at the earliest. So many great games have already been made and I am totally on board with porting them to the Switch platform/format rather than reinventing the wheel.
I’m one of those (old farts) that has little desire for online/in-person multiplayer gaming or 1080p at 60 FPS in 3D, etc. Nice delighters, but I love the Switch for its instant-availability and portability. Like what the Kindle did for reading - it didn’t make the classic books obsolete, it made their consumption more convenient. The Switch could do the same for entertainment and gaming...
I've heard some rumors of a Link's Awakening remake on the 3DS as the platform's final "hurrah". It wouldn't surprise me if that rumor came to fruition.
@waluigifan1 "No more gimmicky motion control games"
Too bad, Nintendo's not going to not use a feature of the Switch just because you don't like it.
@TheMisterManGuy There is a big difference between Gyro aiming and waggle controls. Those 2 "games" use waggle.
@waluigifan1 Except they don't. ARMS especially, requires very specific, very precise gestures with the Joy-Con. It's not just flailing around while the game goes on auto-pilot, it's actually an involved experience. If you actually played the game, you would know this.
Can't believe the ambitions people had for 2018. Overall it delivered but man were people banking hard on virtual console and the eshop. Also there was a time when people wanted WiiU ports?
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