Viewtiful Joe, Skyward Sword, Super Paper Mario

After looking at which Wii U games and 3DS games we would like to see make the transition to Switch, we drank even more moonshine and really started dreaming, looking back even further and imagining which games would be ripe for the HD remaster treatment from Nintendo's entire back catalogue.

Before we begin, let's clarify what kind of remaster are we talking about. Think along the lines of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask for Nintendo 3DS. Both games were graphically updated but also allowed for some subtle gameplay changes – nonetheless, the emphasis is on visuals, not a full, ground-up remake. Another example would be Okami HD. With us now? Good.

Another deciding factor to consider is how well the game would work today or how underappreciated it was at the time; perhaps a new audience would understand it better a second time around? With those ground rules established, let's begin!

1. Super Mario Sunshine (GCN)

Super Mario Sunshine is probably one of the most 'wished for' remasters for Switch. The game itself has divided fans over the years, however, so it would be an intriguing release for Nintendo; perhaps it would afford the chance to set the record straight as to how good this game actually is, once and for all. Tidying up the way the camera works and a few other gameplay tweaks – along with the fresh lick of paint – would surely make this a must buy for all Mario fans, and would perhaps help rehabilitate an underrated classic.

2. Viewtiful Joe (GCN)

If you're aware of The Wonderful 101 on Wii U then you'll probably be familiar with Hideki Kamiya's Viewtiful Joe, originally part of the "Capcom Five" series of games developed for Nintendo Gamecube. This beautiful side scrolling beat-em-up would be a perfect addition to the Switch library, with only a minor visual update required. Colour us interested.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)

There is a strong argument for a full remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, but we would also settle for a full HD remaster instead. The historic '90s release has already been updated for Nintendo 3DS, but fell short of the resolution upgrade that would be possible on Switch. Whenever we think about this game, we get excited for a remaster and we surely cannot be alone. C'mon Nintendo, make it happen!

4. Super Paper Mario (Wii)

It's interesting looking back at the Wii now that more than a decade has passed, the initial memory is based around its huge success, the controller (the waggle) and the avalanche of mediocre third party releases. However, when you take a moment to sift through the detritus there were actually some fantastic games, one of which was Super Paper Mario. A slightly different take on the franchise as it leaned more on puzzle-platforming than RPG elements, this remains an amazing game with a strong visual style which we would love to see get the upscale treatment.

5. Banjo-Kazooie (N64)

Never say never. It's the festive period and we believe that Microsoft and Nintendo are on the best terms they've ever been, so why not? Banjo-Kazooie has already been remastered for Xbox as part of Rare Replay, so surely it's more of a license question at this point; Microsoft could probably release this one on Switch tomorrow if it really wanted.

6. Star Fox Adventures (GCN)

Never say never, again. Okay, this one might be more of a stretch. Star Fox Adventures has a well-documented unconventional history starting out life as original IP Dinosaur Planet, but we have extremely fond memories of the Zelda-like GameCube adventure. It's a game we feel deserves a second chance in life with a new audience, and given that Nintendo owns the Star Fox licence (and presumably the game code), you can't rule anything out.

7. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)

This is surely a no-brainer. While we adore both of the Galaxy games; the second had more to offer as a package, but Super Mario Galaxy was the ground-breaker, the innovator, the masterpiece. Nintendo's mascot gets a bad rep for being samey in the eyes of Sony and Microsoft fans, but this game shows that Mario is actually one of the most diverse series in the history of gaming. A great way to remind people of this would be by releasing a proper HD remaster of Galaxy.

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Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy

8. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

Teased, rumoured and speculated. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is right up there as an expected release from Nintendo for Switch. We saw excellent HD remasters of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess on Wii U and therefore the natural conclusion is that Skyward Sword is next. Originally released in the (ahem) twilight of Wii, the game deserves to run harder, better, faster and stronger on Switch in glorious 1080p. Yes please.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

9. Diddy Kong Racing (N64)

While the dominance of Mario Kart is no longer under threat, it wouldn't hurt to have another kart racer under the Nintendo umbrella. The long-rumoured Crash Team Racing is finally, officially, going through the remake factory and we would love to see the same happen with Rare's Diddy Kong Racing, which previously saw a re-release on Nintendo DS. We were denied a sequel, so can't we at least have a remaster?

10. SSX Tricky (GCN)

Remember when games were just fun? SSX Tricky consumed a huge amount of time for gamers back in the early '00s; its sense of fun was simply off the scale with its ridiculous concept of gravity and more tricks than a magician's encyclopedia. It's been a while since we've played anything quite like this, and we'd love to visit the Tokyo Megaplex once again.

11. Micro Machines 64 Turbo (N64)

Another game that oozes fun is Micro Machines 64 (or Micro Machines V3 for you PlayStation fans). With its eight-player local multiplayer it was the perfect game for larger groups and initiated pure mayhem on any screen. The series was recently rebooted on other platforms with a mixed reception, so we'd rather have an upgrade of the original N64 classic, if that's OK.

12. Beyond Good & Evil (GCN)

With the pre-sequel in already development, Beyond Good & Evil is another GameCube classic that we'd like to see get the upgrade treatment on Switch. Already remastered for Xbox and PlayStation, Ancel's action-adventure game could easily happen if the right people give the green-light to the port. Ubisoft, are you listening?

13. Metroid Prime Trilogy (Wii)

Do we really need to justify this one? With Metroid Prime 4 on the horizon, it seems certain that Nintendo will re-release Metroid Prime Trilogy on Switch. We suspect it will just be waiting for the right time – perhaps 6 to 9 months ahead of the fourth entry? Fingers are crossed.

14. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES)

Okay, this is the only game in the list where we'd like to bend the rules slightly. With Nintendo having already developed a 3D game engine for The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, rather than just an upscale of The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past, we'd love to see it rebuilt in that new engine instead. Surely that's where the idea came from anyway?

15. Sin and Punishment: Star Successor (Wii)

This fan-favourite shooter from Treasure is another Wii game that we feel deserves more exposure. Sin and Punishment: Star Successor would make a phenomenal addition to the Switch library; the murky Wii visuals would need to be cleaned up and some additional control options would be welcome, but that's about it. This is one of those titles that reminds you of just how amazing the Wii's library really was.

16. Pokémon Snap (N64)

When was the last time you played an on-rails photography shooter? Exactly. It's going to be a huge year for Pokémon in 2019 and we would love to revisit the bonkers Nintendo 64 game, Pokémon Snap. Gotta snap 'em all, after all!

17. F-Zero X (N64)

Okay Nintendo, we get it. You don't want to make a new F-Zero game, that's fine. But can you please give us a remaster of the impeccable F-Zero X? This lightning-fast racer was uncompromising at the time, boldly chasing 60 fps with 30 vehicles on-screen and therefore taking a hit in the visual and even audio department. Coupled with the procedural automatic track generator and level editor included from the 64DD Expansion Kit, we could have an 'F-Zero Maker' on our hands. Mouth-watering stuff, indeed.

Oof! Some great games there. If you had to look back over Nintendo's back catalogue, which games would you like to play again, in HD, on Switch? Let us know in the comments below.