After a barn-storming 2017 with both Zelda and Mario arriving on the console, Switch’s ‘difficult second’ year has been notable for a few things: the belated launch of the online service in September, the recent one-two punch of Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Eevee! and Smash Bros. Ultimate, and an absolute deluge of games hitting the eShop every week (many of them rather good, too). Not much to be sniffy about, then, although the system itself has seen fewer updates than many expected. Beyond the video capture function, some background options and more ‘stability’ than ever before, booting up your Switch as we head into the new year feels much the same as it did at launch.
Now, partial as we are to spiffy new user icons, there are several areas where Switch could arguably use a fresh lick of paint, so we’ve dug out our lined pad and come up with a wish list for 2019. With any luck, we’ll see a few of these things – from basic features to new accessories – ticked off in the console’s third year.
Let’s go!
Bluetooth Headphone Support
In the decades to come, our kaleidoscope of cables, chargers and dongles will amuse our children’s children; future generations will disbelieve tales of tangled cords jammed into travel bags and hilarious mishaps involving USB A-to-USB B Mini adaptors – you mean you had to PHYSICALLY connect things?!?
We’re well on the way to that wireless tech utopia, although Nintendo is still struggling with a little thing called Bluetooth. Despite using the protocol for Joy-Con communication, pairing wireless headphones with Switch is currently impossible without a dongle workaround. This really isn’t cricket for a handheld device in 2019. Have a word, someone?
Improved Friends/Party Modes And Messaging
For a console marketed on multiplayer fun, the online experience on Switch can be a bit of a nightmare; the Switch Online app isn’t the worst idea in the world, it just feels like it. Its awkward, obfuscating implementation suggests they’re using bad design as a barrier rather than creating smart solutions to protect younger gamers while serving players’ basic needs. Nintendo’s parental control options are top-notch, but there must be a better online set-up than the case-by-case solution they’ve arrived at? Why can’t we ping or DM a Splatoon buddy to see if they fancy teaming up? As things stand, you can’t even guarantee you’ll be on the same side!
Unfortunately, we don’t hold out much hope for this one. Of all the wishes on this list, it’s crazy that this one seems the most far-fetched.
Save Backup For ALL Games
On the topic of Splatoon, how about being able to back up our progress? The cloud saves introduced with Switch Online were massively overdue, especially for a modern handheld where the risk of leaving it on public transport, dropping it overboard or simply having it half-inched is several orders of magnitude higher than a home console (carry-handled GameCube notwithstanding). There’s only a handful of games that don’t support the feature but, unfortunately, they’re the ones crying out for backups – namely, Pokemon, Dark Souls and Splatoon 2. While we understand that cloud save conflicts offer the potential to cheat, can this really be an insurmountable tech problem in 2019? Poor show.
Themes, Folders And Organisation Tools
Switch’s uncluttered UI, speedy menus and focus on games were refreshing back at launch, but after nearly two years it’s beginning to feel a little sparse. We all assumed that a 3DS Theme Shop equivalent would quickly appear, but we’re still waiting as the ‘homeheld’ enters its second holiday season. Obviously, we’ll take ‘pared-back’ over a ‘soupy and sluggish’ UI, but surely a fetching yellow/purple background wouldn’t grind things to a halt, would it? We were disappointed that Nintendo never added value to amiibo by having them unlock exclusive colour schemes on 3DS, but it’s still not too late for Switch. At the very least, some folders for our growing collection would be nice.
Netflix / Amazon Video
Again, Switch’s focus on software from the start was admirable, but a few choice apps in amongst the game icons couldn’t hurt. Wii became an unlikely trailblazer for streaming Netflix in many households and using Switch’s larger screen to watch Netflix and Amazon Video on-the-go would be handy. Hulu’s already on the US eShop, so we’re ready and waiting – chop-chop!
Switch Online SNES Games
They’re coming; we know they’re coming, but they can’t come soon enough. Of course, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Nintendo’s 16-bit catalogue, but we’re intrigued to see ‘SP’ versions like those that have cropped up with the Switch Online NES releases. Essentially, they're simple save states to help players make it through hardcore oldies and check out late-game goodies, but we think there’s untapped potential in them. Perhaps it’s too much to wish for an ‘official’ version of the Link to the Past randomiser, but ‘SP’ editions show Nintendo is willing to be playful and Switch Online could be the best venue for such shenanigans, outside of full-on remakes. Yes, please.
Switch Online Nintendo 64 Games
While we’re at it (and with Ocarina of Time having just turned 20!), why not ramp up the release timetable and throw N64 games on there, too? We’re used to Nintendo’s drip-feed cadence of releasing older games (hello Virtual Console!), but Netflix and the like have shown that there’s merit to dropping entire blocks of content at a time. N64 isn’t the easiest console to get working nicely on modern TVs and we’d love to have those games on Switch ASAP. With so many entertainment alternatives, the days of trickling release schedules are surely over.
Nintendo 64 Mini
Okay, so this is only tangentially related to Switch but, hey, it’s only just after Christmas! After the success of the NES and SNES Classic Editions, most assumed this was a no-brainer and, in many ways, N64 would benefit most from an HDMI-friendly update. Say what you will about the Classic Minis – they provide a convenient, affordable solution for most gamers, and we’d snap up an N64 Mini like a particularly hot cake or similarly tasty confection.
Things aren’t quite as simple as with previous variants, though. Although Nintendo could no-doubt knock together a decent line-up with first-party titles alone, there’d likely be a massive Rareware-shaped hole in the catalogue. Nothing’s impossible, of course – Phil Spencer’s (Microsoft’s VP of Gaming) openness to collaboration suggests there’s never been a better time for sorting out licencing – but it’s an extra barrier to a project where the numbers probably don’t look as tantalising on paper. Despite hosting some of the most influential games in history, Sony showed up and ate Nintendo’s lunch that generation, and while the NES and SNES are (almost) universally loved, N64 continues to divide gamers to this day. We adore N64’s crazy three-pronged pad, but it’ll drive up production costs (not to mention retail space). Does Nintendo include four of them in the box? Without GoldenEye?!
It’s a poser, but we’d still love to have a Nintendo 64 Classic join our collection of mini consoles; then we can start pining for a GameCube Mini.
Unique Joy-Con
Remember those Switch mock-ups that did the rounds with a GameCube controller split and bolted on either side? GameCube VC hasn’t come to pass but the potential for unique Joy-Con remains. Technical quibbles aside, there’s something about the feel of older pads when playing emulated games – those specific buttons, that specific D-pad – that really completes the nostalgia trip. The Switch Online-exclusive NES pads are an awkward halfway house – authentic reproductions, yes, but sub-optimal at best while attached to the console.
Sure, there are various dongle solutions and third-party approximations, but what we’re thinking is bespoke Joy-con; inspired by the originals in terms of buttons and materials but fashioned for Switch. Failing that, how about some character-branded varieties? Beyond a few colour variations in bundles, we’ve yet to see anything particularly exotic – who could resist a Wario/Waluigi Joy-Con pack?
More Mario Kart 8 DLC
After what seemed like years of trepidation on the subject of DLC, Nintendo dived in fully with Mario Kart 8 and utterly nailed it. The Zelda and Animal Crossing packs provided new characters, tracks and vehicles, rounding out what was already a substantial offering. Of course, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe included everything previously released, but we think there’s plenty of tie-in opportunities for other franchises, some with upcoming games. Who could refuse a Metroid, Kirby or Pikmin pack? If they were anything like as good as the previous offerings, we’d snap them up.
eShop Overhaul
With dozens of games hitting the eShop every week, it’s a stark contrast to the barren release schedules of Nintendo consoles past. This incredible wealth of content creates discoverability issues; something all the big companies’ online stores suffer from to varying extents. It’s a nice problem to have, for sure, but it’s still a problem. Without better discoverability tools, developers are going to start hurting as the gold rush continues. Whether it involves better filtering options or a radical rethink of the store, boffins at Nintendo HQ need to get this sorted.
...and finally, New Nintendo Switch Plus/Pro/DX/Redux/Retribution
Ah, yes – let's venture into some real ‘pie-in-the-sky’ territory. With mid-cycle iterations of its portables, Nintendo arguably pioneered the mid-generation console-upgrade model that Sony and Microsoft have adopted with Xbox One S/X and PS4 Pro. A hypothetical Switch ‘Pro’ could feature several improvements. While resolution changes are unlikely, we’d certainly like to see the bezel around the screen reduced, and a little more battery life wouldn’t go amiss. More substantially, upgrading the Tegra chipset to the newer X2 would open up computing overhead for developers while (presumably) remaining 100% compatible with all current games and accessories. At the very least, it would open the door for some swish menu features. Can you tell that we quite fancy a Wario/Waluigi themed Switch?
So, without going into complete la-la land, that’s our list. Did we miss something important? What would you like to see Nintendo do in 2019? Let us know in the comments below.
Comments 120
I still want them to localize Mother 3.
All I'm saying is it's the 30th anniversary of the Mother series this year so...a little something with that would be nice
I totally agree with the section about the online service. It's just awful and now we pay for it. It's crazy that there best games are multiplayer.
Wave race, excite bike, kid Icarus, ice climbers, 1080 and some other old ips given a fresh twist - Nintendo is sitting on a gaming goldmine. One can dream
The only thing I kind of want is a revision with more internal storage, better load times, and/or better performance. Just enough to go from variable resolution in Splatoon 2 to a stable 1080p, or at least some higher frame rates. At the very least, improving load times in some games would be amazing.
That being said, I wouldn't mind a few surprise ip revivals.
I’m sure Netflix will be here very soon as Netflix is being removed this month off the Wii so that means there’s hope soon.
Make PC software so you can connect and update or backup your Switch games and game saves and restore back to Switches should you upgrade or replace the Switch. That my biggest #1 Priority they should do. Could only goes so far. This allows one to stay offline and backup as needed and restore.
I see, you start the year with porting your stories from the old year.😆
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/12/video_11_things_nintendo_needs_to_do_in_2019
@MrBlacky I don't see the problem as long as NL continues to make new articles. Many people didn't read this site last year, so these are like whole new articles to them
EDIT: New article pitch: 11 NL articles about the Wii U that we'd love to see revised for the Switch.
Bring Star Fox into the modern era and stop remaking the same dam beaver game.
…"although Nintendo is still struggling with a little thing called Bluetooth”
On the topic of audio bluetooth, 2 possible reasons for the lack thereof could be (1) battery life, (2) too much connected devices [up to 8 joycons] — the BT module and CPU can only handle too much. More connected stuff means more work for the module and/or CPU. There could be others reasons.
Let’s always factor-in the feasability of the feature and not outright presume Nintendo left the functionality out for no reason at all.
But yeah, hopefully a new Switch revision could fix these “problems”.
Replace the English guy on theses video's for starters. Make the Switch a "Sega" console. Take Sega's entire catalog and let's start re-making them. Pikmin 4 would be nice. Other than that. I'm good.
For the love of games! Please no more mid generation “refreshes”
It’s just a big F U to early adopters of the system.
Rather see them announce Mario Kart 9 than just adding more onto a two-year-old port.
I want Nintendo to revive some forgotten franchises with fresh entries on Switch and give us some nice fan-service surprises in 2019.
An option to purchase games locked behind the subscription or s proper VC . (No reason not to have both, one for people to throw money away renting everything and one for people who want a less cluttered customizable VC with access to previously purchased VC games at no charge.)
Mario Kart 8 DLC
Please god no.
A collection of classic games available physically at retail, either volumes or compilations. (Why stick to virtual consoles lol!)
If Switch 'pro' can offer a decent upgrade to my fave console ever, then yeah, day one. (Oh and analogue triggers and octagonal casing around the sticks would be great.)
I can't believe so many people want to fragment the user base with an upgraded Switch model.
@Crono1973 I don't think it would fragment at all if they run with a mobile phone model.
Imagine N64 with completed FF VII N64.
Nintendo would probably argue the same thing as me: Online gaming with your actual real friends is great but you probably already have their phone number so an in-built Switch IM service would be a waste of bandwidth.
The N64 Mini will never see the light of day. The lacklustre sales and high discounts of the PS1 Mini weren’t down to the software or the emulation: they were down to 32but games looking terrible in the eyes of a modern audience. N64 games would look just as bad if not worse. 8 and 16 bit games do not age.
I’d put money on a GBA SP preloaded with a load of games though.
Yes please to-
Folders
Bluetooth headphone support
Netflix/Amazon Prime
N64 Mini (show Sony how it’s done)
A better Online and Retro games service
@GrailUK However, if they offer games that won't run on the existing Switch then that's a problem.
@Crono1973 Nintendo would never do that. And besides, how many games would you be talking? Some third parties might such as Capcom, but it wouldn't be like the game would be releasing on the current Switch anyway. So, no I don't see your concern but I do see incentive to upgrade.
*edit...you are going to mention Xenoblade Chronicles on 3DS aren't you.
@Zyph
Up to 8 joy - cons? I thought it was only up to four...
Yeah, I also wish a new Switch model gets released, so other people miss out on exclusives games. Haha, very funny. :)
Also, I love that people are still annoyed at the lack of Netflix. I don't know you guys, but I use my gaming consoles to play games.
I didn't know I wanted the rumored new Switch revision to be named "Retribution' until now. XD
My biggest wants are local save backup options on an external device and more platforms to be offered with NSO. NES games are all well and good, but I'm a bigger fan of many of Nintendo's other platforms.
@BigMac1204 Yep you can connect up to eight.
I’d like N64 and GC games as part of the online service. But I really hope GB & GBA games come too. The handheld catalogue seems to get skipped over in lists like this. I’d love games like Advance Wars to be part of the service, and they did come to Wii U.
You in fact can ping a Splatoon 2 friend (in the app anyway). It has worked since beta and I feel like it was false advertising. Now that the full version is available, you cannot do that in any other online game. I was extremely excited for the full version of NSO despite everyone else thinking it wouldn't be great, and I sure hate to admit that they were right.
Wasn't this already written?
Golden Sun 4. That's all I want. Need folders like on Wii U.
I just want themes, folders, and Spotify on the Switch
@Hunt3r_Cr0wl3y Hulu is already on Switch so I don't see how removing NF from Wii would mean anything for Switch.
And good decent Physical games would be a Start as well. This will go along way to get more Switch into gamers.
I just want a new Donkey Kong Country game for Switch! Nothing else for me from this list. Monkeys are always happy, just need some bananas
Pro controller with a headphone jack!!
I don’t want much. Just a pay increase and maybe some folders for the home screen
I would like an announcement confirming and dropping details on a next generation pure handheld, a successor to the 3ds.
In a perfect world it would be dual screen, backwards compatible with 3ds games and maybe even sync with the Switch in some ways: as a pro controller to the Switch, playing next gen (or 3ds games) through a docked Switch or a Switch in tabletop mode, or maybe even ripping off Sony’s remote play and with everything connected to WiFi, playing Switch games on it.
I enjoy my Switch but I find for some games my 3ds is better and it’s cheaper and more portable. I would love for a next gen 3ds successor to live side by side with the Switch.
I would definitely want an expansion to the online games...SNES is badly needed there.
Fix the online experience in games like Smash and Tennos Aces.
Find ways to encourage users to engage or re-engage with games when they have substantial patches. This is particularly relevant where a game is released in a half baked state (Tennis Aces being an obvious example) but is improved by patches.
SNES, N64, and Gamecube games would all be appreciated. I really like the overall idea of how Switch online handles NES games. It's a nice cheap way to play a bunch of NES games. But... they're NES games. Most of them are fun looks at gaming history, but only a few of them are fun to sink any real time into (N64 also has this problem imo but definitely less so).
@AlienX less servers of the app running on multiple platforms. Shutting it down off the old consoles means less work to make sure it works still
@Patron I don't know if that's really very likely. I think Nintendo has found quite a bit of value in focusing all of it's main development on the Switch. I think the move of Pokemon to Switch all but confirmed the end of the split focus between 2 systems for the Switches lifetime.
If SNES is too much, how about some Gameboy on the service? And folders.
Ok proper pie in the Sky mode now. I would like advance wars switch, f zero switch, and eternal darkness 2. Cream dream stuff 😂 please Nintendo
Eshop music please, MK 8 dlc, themes, friends messaging and Bluetooth support are my only wants. An option to turn on or off eshop music would be welcomed. If having music slows the machine down, leave the option to circumventvent it. Pleasing everyone. Some people might not want it. So, turn it off. AND, if someone is on my friends list, I should be able to text them something like “hey, wanna get down on some Splatoon” and they can reply “hell yeah! Hold up real, quick. I’m trying to unlock Meta Kinght.” Then I can end with “word, I’ll set it up. Plus I wanted to change my gear any. Take your time. Get at me when you’re ready.” That imagined dialogue right there, not only should be doable, but have long since been implemented. He’s on my friends list. He passes security. Period.
Nintendo Switch needs these during 2019 :
1. WHITE color of Switch bundle !!
2. Folders, color theme.
3. Cheaper price of cartridges to be sold for developers.
4. Sturdier analog button.
5. Music theme for both Home menu & eshop page.
6. An Option to DISABLE News Channel.
7. An Option to Completely censors every rated 18+ games existences from eshop menu.
8. No More Partial download games.
9. Interesting color choices for sideway of Switch box cover. Nintendo Switch games looked boring with just only Red color on the sideway of box cover.
10. Apps to play MP3 songs from micro SD card just like 3DS.
11. More accurate gameplay time history and the statistic just like 3DS.
12. More Girlie games like Cooking Mama, Aikatsu, PreCure, Style Savvy, America's Next Top Model, etc.
13. Almost Patchless games, indicate the games has lesser bugs and can be played without updates in the future when the eshop service has been discontinued.
14. More Mii games.
15. Greater size of internal storage by default (at least 128 GB).
The last but not the least.... I want to play The Sims 4 on Nintendo Switch so bad !!
Nintendo should convince EA to contribute more on Nintendo Switch, not just only FIFA games.
Love the controller idea and I really hope we get themes, GameCube collection would be great but I'm dreaming
My big 3:
Expansion of online to include other consoles. Just go big. Doesn't have to be just SNES
Mario Kart dlc - there's so much merit to bringing old levels into the modern games. Let's make them all accessible. Or create some kind of Mario kart hub so we can play it all on switch.
Persona 5
I don’t see a Switch Pro being a good idea as it’s going to lead to a poor experience for the base system, with PS4 and its Pro the performance gap is mostly leveled out by devs targeting much higher resolutions while Switch is always going to max out at 1080p unless Nintendo decides their market cares about for resolutions beyond that which seems really iffy. Where is the market demand for Switch Pro other than people that follow Digital Foundry? A Switch Mini would grow the user base considerably.
Great list: there’s a few obvious and a few I could give or take but mostly a spot on list
No on a new iteration of the Switch. I want to see Nintendo stick with the current console for several years at least instead of needlessly fragmenting the Switch market.
Yes to new Switch themes and a theme shop. I'm genuinely surprised that Nintendo hasn't done this, but perhaps the 3DS theme shop didn't prove profitable enough (I personally acquired all of my 3DS themes for free, so perhaps I contributed to the problem).
Pretty much all i want is in this list already.
Aside from all that, i would be very glad if Nintendo are to indeed revisit all of their dormant IPs, as they initially said they would with the switch.
A new kid icarus for switch, without that wacky/gimmick control scheme of the 3DS, could be a nice start.
All good choices.
And an official English translation and western release of Mother 3 would be great too.
For the 30th anniversary we really should be getting a new Mother game in full 3D (something looking like Pokemon Let's Go would be great imo), even if it's just a remake of one of the previous ones (ideally Earthbound or 3--and all three as a trilogy would be amazing), but it's been so long coming that I'll just take the frikin' English version of Mother 3 and be happy with that.
I'd also be happy to at least hear that they're working on new games in beloved series like F-Zero, Advance Wars, Punch-Out!!, etc.
@Mountain_Man Agreed, do not need a new switch....think it would be a mistake.
Also Amazon/Netflix......nah, not needed.
A way to see more of your games on the screen at the same time on the home menu instead of having to scroll through them all one at a time would be nice.....like several levels of zoom out.
The first two comments here have restored my hope in this civilisation.
@Zyph is it just Joy cons or all NS controllers? (Pro controllers, GC, etc.)
And, seriously, a modern remake of Diddy Kong racing made with the same kind of love and attention to detail we saw in the recent Crash Bandicoot and Spyro remakes would just be amazing imo.
Bring Banjo to Nintendo Switch. Diddy/Donkey Kong Racing would be nice too.
@GrailUK *edit...you are going to mention Xenoblade Chronicles on 3DS aren't you.
Yes and also SNES games only on the New 3DS.
@Equinox I think Hulu is on there.
I am desperate for Switch themes, anything to make my home menu less bland
I long for a patch history details section that would exist within the details of each game (hit + or - on game icon).
As games get updated, there is no way for me to understand the implications of what the patch that was just forced upon me has done to my gaming experience. Was it just a performance update? Was it a new DLC with all new content? No way to know other than to search the web and pray that the developer has posted something on a forum. Many indie studios do not post patch notes. The Nintendo developer program requires patch details to be provided with each update so they can verify the contents before publishing to the masses. Just make this available to us please.
Don't care about most of that... Should put SNES, N64 and GameCube games on... Themes and better eshop, don't make another Switch version nothing wrong with the one we have now, instead of MK8 dlc how about MK9?! ... And more importantly... MORE GAMES!!!
Article says: "pairing wireless headphones with Switch is currently impossible without a dongle workaround. This really isn’t cricket for a handheld device in 2019."
How would you suggest they do it? 🤔
What other consoles support both bluetooth-connected headphones and a wireless controller at the same time? My understanding is that the current bluetooth technology prevents this from being a usable solution (both due to the problem of connecting two BT devices at once and the sheer lag that's introduced).
The lag would definitely affect the audio, but likely the controller as well if they do find a way to connect both at once.
@SwitchForce Very few people are going to stay offline unless they're hacking/pirating.
@Hunt3r_Cr0wl3y Are you talking about NF or Nintendo here? It takes practically nothing to host NF on Wii.
If they needed to clear overhead they should look at what the 3DS NF app is doing.
@Prizm If you can connect 8 controllers with a mix of digital and analogue inputs, you should be able to connect a pro controller and headset.
@waldo13 That's way to niche to be implemented.
A better way to communicate with friends would be nice. Being able to message a friend on the system and not have to use my phone to communicate with them would be way better than what is on there now. I'd also like to see themes on the home screen. And hopefully we will see more classic games come out to play, including SNES and N64. And maybe some Gamecube, that would be nice to see too.
@BlakeMorris - Maybe it's a bandwidth factor where transmitting audio data is much more consuming than button presses. Still have the audio lag problem to tackle as well.
SNES games I’m switch would be amazing. Japan has secret of mana and we don’t? So that’s what I’d want...
@RadioHedgeFund Disagree on the modern audiences disliking 32 bit games being the reason for the PS1 Classic's poor sales. I think it had more to do with poor emulation, disappointing selection of games, and a high price point. Nintendo's own classic consoles have been more retro yet much more successful. That being said, I would prefer that Nintendo does not release an N64 Mini and instead releases N64 games as part of its Online Service.
@FlimFlam the mass market buyers who Sony were aiming for don’t care/aren’t even aware of the issues of crappy emulation of even problems with the software lineup. My brother is a lapsed gamer, brought the PS1 and loves it.
The NES and SNES have done so well because the graphics of those games do not age. Old 3D games look really bad and yet 2D sprites never age. They have a timeless quality that will always be associated with video games. Look at the sheer amount of indie games that ape that look. You don’t see many big selling indie titles that look like they came out in the N64 for good reason.
@RadioHedgeFund You have a point with the graphics. I don't have any nostalgia for either gen, and I much prefer the sprites to the original 3D models. I still think that an N64 Mini could probably sell better than the PS1 Classic if the price would lower, but maybe not as well as the NES or SNES Minis sold. Either way, I'd prefer those games on Switch - more convenient and cheaper for me!
@Patron yeah I reallllly hope they don’t do that. I honestly can’t afford to continue to buy a Nintendo console AND handheld every generation - Switch was much needed here. I’d rather not have to skip half my favorite franchises because I can’t afford both pieces of hardware. And I think it’s doing more for them to have one platform to focus on (at this point, the 3DS is an afterthought for them that they’re just seeing how many more sales they can squeeze out of it). They no longer have to split resources between handheld and console games. Sure, there’s still some kinks to work out (hopefully solved by the next console), but it was their best idea in a long time.
Besides, I think it’s pretty evident they aren’t releasing a 3DS successor. Generally, Nintendo continues releasing games for their console/handheld right until their next piece of hardware launches, sometimes trickling a couple more games out after that. I can count on my hands the number of retail releases on 3DS in the past year and most have been ports. 3DS development is dead and Nintendo hasn’t even announced any sort of successor so I’m fairly confident that they’re viewing Switch as the next in both their console and handheld lines.
I really protest the idea of more DLC for Mario Kart 8. At this point, they should be well into Mario Kart 9.
I'd love to play SNES games on Nintendo Switch, and a Nintendo 64 Mini. It'll be awesome if Nintendo translated all the SNES/N64 Japanese games in English to play and Nintendo released a lot of RPGs on the Nintendo Switch Online SNES and Nintendo 64 Mini.
I agree with this list. I’d add that a trophy/achievement system like the trophies on PS4 would be great. They could replace trophies with stars of bronze, silver, gold and a diamond instead of platinum.
Switch DX should focus on getting hardware close enough to get AAA multiplats, even if they run in a lower resolution. Who cares about black around the screen? Upgrade the GPU and leave the rest alone.
My only problem with the Switch is the “drifting” problem with Joy-Con’s analog sticks.
I’ve already sent them for repairs three times and the issue always keeps coming back. And now that they’re out of warranty it costs me money every time because of a design flaw on Nintendo’s part.
That’s the only thing that drives me mad about the Switch. Everything else can just stay as it is. I just want more original games (and ports of games I didn’t play before: still waiting for Metroid Prime Trilogy)
@FlimFlam @RadioHedgeFund I definitely think the poor emulation and, even more so, the selection of games are the reason the PS1 Classic hasn’t done so well. I definitely would’ve gotten it had there been a better collection of games, and having never had the console I don’t really have nostalgia to go on. The NES and SNES Minis has, honestly, most of the best games on their respective consoles. The PS1 Mini had only a few good choices. The poor emulation just adds to the fire, as people would’ve at least bought the system to mod had it been worthwhile to do so (as the SNES was). Granted, it never would’ve reached the levels of SNES and NES but it would’ve sold much more.
That being said, I don’t think an N64 Mini would do much better. While Sony did additionally have nostalgia of it being their first console, N64 was a more divisive platform. It sold notably worse than PS1 the first time around and it is true that neither aged particularly well... early 3D graphics were only impressive because they had literally nothing to be compared with, and some are quite the eyesore. Additionally, if they can’t get Rare’s support (or if Microsoft asks for too big a slice), it could still have a good lineup but would still have a fairly limited audience. It wouldn’t be horrible with their absence, as Nintendo released quality titles, but a large number of possible buyers would be turned off by the lack of games such as Perfect Dark and Goldeneye (the latter of which is in such a weird licensing state that even Rare’s permission might not be enough).
Would it sell? Sure, the PS1 Mini DID sell. But it likely wouldn’t be amazing numbers and, if they really wanted to profit off those titles, they’d probably make more money putting them on Switch in some form.
For the love of everything is holy, make joycons for adult hands. Meaning, put the joystick and dpad at opposite ends of each controller. It's really hard to play with your thumbs so close together.
Now that that is out of the way, more collections from last gen. Such as Assassins creed, Arkham, Bioshock, dead space, metal gear, kingdom hearts, Zelda, paper mario. If nintendo rereleased the games that were huge on 360 and ps3, they would sell insanely well.
Fix the shop so that indie games are in their own damn category. PLEASE!!!
I think the only thing I would want from Nintendo at this point is a new Star Fox game with Krystal in it.
Someone from PlatinumGames said that if they got the chance to make another game after Zero, they would love to put her in it.
I just hope that a new Star Fox game would take place in the 64 continuity, and not the Zero or the original continuity. And hopefully ignores the canonicity of Command.
So strange that we're nearly two years in, and we still don't have folders or themes. Please, Nintendo, update the UI!
The sad part is only about 2 of these things will actually come to fruition.
I hope one of those is the Switch revision.
Madden and Super Mario 3D world
I’m not a fan of a mid-cycle ‘pro’ version - to me it spits in the face of the early adopters.
Would love the option of Netflix and Amazon Video - not sure why some gamers are against this, as if you don’t want it, don’t download it?!?
The eShop needs the biggest overhaul. I’ve only just discovered where my wish list is! And it doesn’t even notify me if something has gone on sale. But I’d rather be able to self-curate - let me delete the crap I have no interest in from my shop window.
Online has zero appeal, and three ancient games a month ain’t going to change my mind - speed up the archive releases, and preferably with games from a more modern era.
And software-wise, I’d love to see more of the Nintendo IP given a new game - Waverace, 1080, Pikmin, Excitebike, etc...
@BigMac1204 I'm not 100% sure but for Pro Controllers you can only sync 4. Technically a pair of Joy-Cons is considered one full-size controller. Not sure about GC ones cuz you use the adapter for those.
Bluetooth, Themes, SNES, MK8D DLC & Netflix and I will be a happy camper.
1 wish: functioning, durable joy-cons.
Mother 3!
Also... finally an official left-Joycon D-Pad solution. Playing 2D shmups and run 'n guns are unplayable with the current offering.
@BlakeMorris "Very few people are going to stay offline unless they're hacking/pirating."
That's not the rest of legit Switch owners problem anyways. Violate the EULA/TOS and you get banned for life. They made the choice now they REAP what they sow.
A ‘password to unlock Switch’ feature is well overdue.
They're probably working on Mario Kart 9 for a Switch release. That'd be better than more DLC.
How about instead of cloud support for all games, they do the reasonable thing and don't lock backing up your saves behind a subscription service.
They just let you back up your saves for free, like every other major gaming platform.
Yes to all of that!
"Switch’s uncluttered UI, speedy menus and focus on games were refreshing back at launch, but after nearly two years it’s beginning to feel a little sparse." It really isn't. Please stop asking for this, it will only slow things down.
"eShop Overhaul" is not necessary. Every suggestion I've heard is bad, Xbox, Steam and PS4 are all just as bad when it comes to "discoverability". It probably just can't be done effectively.
-Voice chat through the system (if Fortnite can do it...).
-Bluetooth headset support.
-Cloud saves for all games.
-UI folders.
-Optional UI skins (give me something to spend my platinum points on will ya?).
-Streaming apps.
-HD remakes of classic/cult Nintendo games: Thousand Year Door, Chibi Robo, Doshin, Earthbound, Sin & Punishment etc.
-A new Sin & Punishment game.
I'd take more MK8D dlc but equally, MK9 is due.
@Equinox
They’ve lost two sales just from my experience due to not having media streaming apps.
Not wanting them is ludicrous. They’re a selling point for those that want them and make literally no difference to those that don’t.
@RadioHedgeFund
The Mass Market know full well it’s a disaster. Maybe not in America but in the UK it got slated in the Metro, the Sun and the Guardian.
Sony botching the PS1 Classic has no bearing on Nintendo doing an N64 equivalent.
Hope all these things end up happening this year.
Agree with all of these, but jeez, you guys love using italics don't you?
Good article, Gavin. My favourite proposal is N64 Classic but all the ideas are logical and good.
@DrEagleG Yeah I stopped reading at every word in italics for five seconds wondering why.
Yup the eShop update is REALLY overdue. Navigating through it is tidious and you basically need to know what game you want in the first place. The whishlist helps to keep tab of your most wanted titles, but this is more a quick remedy than a sound solution...
Awesome list, nothing to add. Listen up, Nintendo!
None of these lists are worth anything if they don't include a revival of f zero gx beyond and a new pikmin game.
I would be honestly happy if the only thing Nintendo did was overhaul the Joy Cons to make them last longer than a month before starting to break down.
I still own my original NES game-pads from 1989. I'm on my 3rd set of joy cons since May 2017. Those things are ABYSMAL.
I'm a little surprised that none of these pertained to making video games, but I suppose that was part of the setup here.
@ogo79 About N64 Mini, I think I am remembered at one point Link did make it to the movies... in that the Majora's Mask TV commercial made it onto a theater pre-show commercial reel back in the day.
Have you never imagined what a N64 game would look like on a movie theater screen?
Luckily it was gone fast enough for us to not remember it.
What do I want from Switch in 2019? 2 things:
Pikmin 4, and a Pikmin 1-3 trilogy remaster.
Come on Miyamoto, get on it.
As previously mentioned: updated UI and folders! I loved the Wii and U’s menu look, it was a conversation piece in itself!! Bigger (and console inspired {brilliant idea!}) joycons would rule, better online ‘friend’ experience/matching and some kind of ‘Paper’ title would fulfill my middle-aged dreams! But I just bought the thing, so this honeymoon will last a while even if they don’t... Oh, and I’m in the add-Netflix-why-not? clan!
Making us boss over our own save-files. If I want to store my save-files on a micro-sd, it should be possible.
Oh, and lots of new first party Nintendo retail-games, of course!
@SwitchForce They can't get caught doing it if they're offline. Who else would need to back up offline?
@Prizm You don't need high quality audio for voice chat. When you consider that you can have gyro, accelerator and control stick from 8 controllers (which are all analogue inputs), you can definitely transmit 2 audio waves.
The ONLY thing I want is a way to customize the organization of the billions of games I already have on my Switch. Then I'll buy more.
UI Menus/Folders and easier online-with-friends connectivity are TOPS! Gotta say though, ‘you’ blew my mind with the whole ‘amiibo-unlocking-exclusive-backgrounds idea; WOW, that would be tremendous!
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