In this series of end-of-year features, we're summing up some of 2019's biggest talking points.
The power gap between the Switch and its home console rivals is notable, yet Nintendo's system has played host to some amazing conversions since 2017, such as Skyrim, DOOM, L.A. Noire, Wolfenstein II, Overwatch and Rocket League. Even so, the rumours that Witcher 3 might be coming to Switch caused even the most optimistic Nintendo players to scoff; such a sprawling RPG epic surely couldn't be ported to Switch?
As we now know, it was possible – thanks to the considerable talent of Saber Interactive – and not only that, the console is capable of running a port which retains the core look and feel of the title, even if it's not quite as clear and smooth as its PS4 and Xbox One siblings.
Witcher 3's timely arrival definitely gave Switch fans a confidence boost in 2019. Sure, it might not be the perfect way to experience the game, but the fact that you can carry such a massive adventure around with you is quite stunning – making this conversion a real highlight of 2019's gaming calendar. But what's next? Could we see Grand Theft Auto V come to Switch? Red Dead Redemption 2? Or perhaps something more recent?
We've already been promised Overwatch 2 and DOOM Eternal, so it's clear that developers are very much keeping Switch in mind, even for upcoming titles. How long this will continue is anyone's guess; with PS5 and the next Xbox launching in 2020, the power gap is only going to increase, which will make cross-platform ports even more demanding. However, so long as there remains a sizeable audience on Switch, we'd imagine that developers and publishers will continue to find ways of making games work on Nintendo's console.
Comments 72
I bought the Switch for Nintendo and Indie-Games. There may be games like Diablo or Darksiders (Genesis) who suit the Switch plattform, but most AAA games are overpriced or look terrible.
I think dev engagement for the AAA folks in the west has not changed. Just because the switch can run a game doesnt mean that devs will make the investment (or as is often the case outsource development) in switch ports. EA took their ball and went home, I don't expect rockstar to hop on board even though I suspect the switch can run gta 4 and 5 and Nintendo wouldn't say no. However I don't think Nintendo is going to pay for those games, and as such since those devs are used to ignoring Nintendo gamers...it isn't a lost revenue stream for them. I do think the devs that are on board like Capcom and Squeenix will continue to release their back catalog with maybe a few more recent titles.
The switch is a good third party machine even with the downgrades as a lot of older gamers value the hybrid nature (my xbone and ps4 continue to collect dust even with game pass on xbone) and are willing to double dip. However that still doesn't translate to devs hopping on board. I feel like many companies are in "play it safe" mode right now.
Actually it was Overwatch that gave me hope for AAA releases but to each their own.
Where is F1 and Dirt Rally 2.0
Honestly the third party games I want on Switch the most are from the last gen (Mass Effect Trilogy, Fallout 3/New Vegas, Persona 5), so the Witcher 3 doesn’t change anything in my mind about whether the games I want could run on the Switch. I already knew they could, it’s just a matter of whether or not the companies that own them think they could make money off of porting them to Switch. But if we want to talk about current gen games I want to see on Switch, I would definitely not say no to a port of Nier Automata.
Maybe Mass Effect trilogy?
I do not think that other developers will follow the same release approach as CDPR.
And if they do it will be a broken mess with 8GB cartridge and 30GB download attached to it.
We can't demand the same from companies that do not care about their customers.
I see no reason why we couldn’t see GTA V come to Switch. Yes it would be a huge task and would probably be a bloody expensive cart! But with the right developer and a respectable drop in graphics etc it would be an absolute stonking game to play on the go. So get it done.
Then there is red dead 2 which again could be done and 2019 proved that the Switch is a great place for the very best games to find a new home.
In reality though Nintendo will need to upgrade the Switch to make sure it can continue to have the best ports from the new PS and X Box. Nintendo have struck gold with the Switch - let’s hope they embrace and develop it for years to come !!
I went on vacation over Christmas and brought my Switch with me. Now, I already have the Witcher 3 for Computer and Xbox as well as Switch but because of my back log I never played but a couple of hours of the Witcher 3. Well, I decided to play the Witcher 3 on my Switch and stick with it while I was on vacation. I have to say that I enjoyed the game so far even if it didn't have the best graphics as the computer or xbox version. You can't beat playing a great game via portable vs being tied down to chair, in a single spot like Xbox or computer. I sure hope other great games get ported over.
I’ve just started Witcher 3, how long does it take to become good?
Fallout 4 (or 76, and yes I said that, no I'm not insane) would be pretty nice!
I look forward to playing Witcher 3 on the Switch after I finish DQXI (40 hours in--I looked up to see if I was halfway and it's not even close!). Frankly, I don't care about the inferior graphics. My lifestyle fits the portable mode. If companies want to make even more money, they'd strive to port their games on the Switch. No more begging from our end. Either they want money or they don't.
More games will come, for sure. Maybe, finally Capcom will release RE 2 Remake, but they’re bums, so that’s unlikely
@jarvismp Don’t forget that GTA V was originally an Xbox 360 game. There is absolutely no reason why that game couldn’t run on the Switch.
Yet most of the time Switch fans here are quick to bash those who aren't on Switch and say they don't need anything more then Nintendo games.
My wishlist, in order:
1. Halo Collection
2. HD GTA (4 or 5... preferably both)
3. Persona 5/5 Royale
4. Sonic Generations
5. FF15 (the REAL one)
It’s been said before but I really think Witcher 3 is the limit for what’s possible. It’s an amazing achievement, especially in handheld, but that doesn’t mean you can assume more is possible.
I think we’ll see GTA V at some point but that was on PS3/360 so wouldn’t be as much of an achievement.
In fact I’d much rather see games from that generation ported over well (and we’ve seen plenty of examples) than Current Gen games getting severely cut back.
I think the Switch will carry on regardless. What is abundantly clear is Nintendo are having conversations about games being on the Switch. We may not get them day and date, but along with Nintendo's recent exemplary output and some quite frankly inspirational indie games, the more AAA games out there, the more there are for Nintendo to have those conversations.
I'm hopeful Nintendo adopts the Switch philosophy going forward with whatever their next hardware may be. When we are all playing on the Switch 2, I'm sure we will all be hearing folk saying 'imagine RE2, Nier or FFXV on the go.' as well as more ambitious contemporary ports we have today.
So I'm pretty confident we haven't seen the last of developers saying Nintendo approached them.
@Edu23XWiiU Don't.
Don't give me hope...
@Xaessya
And some people are really happy to get the ports. Almost as if ‘Switch fans’ is a lot of different people with different opinions .
@LunarFlame17 Actually totally forgot that! So yes let’s have GTA V! Can you imagine!!! It would be immense!
@Onkel_Laser “Nintendo and indie good, AAA bad”
Third party support is going to drop of the cliff with multiplat releases a year into next gen. We'll get continued ports of last gen games.
@LunarFlame17 The big money maker for GTAV is online. Would Rockstar devote resources with building a community on game they're certainly already making a sequel for?
@electrolite77 Same here I would like them port over some games this generation if possible. All other ports will would have to be from previous generations. Direct Development of existing IPs and some new is the only way the switch will sell more.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag is perhaps the most beautiful game that I have ever played on a handheld (not talking about docked mode). I want more games like this game. I have not tried Witcher 3, but these two games are examples that AAA quality games with lots of beautiful graphics that can work on Switch. Not sure about Read Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2), but RDR1, GTA5, NHL, Madden, Dragon Age, Mass Effect could work on Switch.
@LUIGITORNADO Probably not, but that’s a different question than, “will it run on Switch?”
@LUIGITORNADO
Switch doesn’t get many PS4/XB1 games anyway. Them disappearing won’t even be that noticeable, let alone resemble a ‘drop off a cliff’
Fallout ports would be awesome, as well as ES: oblivion. But what I want most are Zelda Twilight and Wind Waker HD to finish replacing my Wii U collection....
Only third party game I plan on buying is DQ11. Otherwise I have my PS4.
Rockstar games like GTA 5, GTA Trilogy and RDR 1 or 2.
I am sure that many men and women who own a Switch do not own additional platforms so it is greately appreciated that we can have all these AAA games on our Nintendo console. I see here that there are gamers who think that most people own as well, Play Station, XBoxOne or play on Steam when that is not the reality.
but you'll get a half game due the limitation of hardware... think back when psx had the edge due the CD player... it's almost the same.. card limitation as well. They should've sticked to blu ray and put a decent CPU with at least some little SSD. But hey that is more for adults
LA noire definitely was not amazing
I’d prefer to see games developed to the Switch’s strengths rather than consistently trying to port AAA games from other platforms, but I’ll certainly take some solid ports of older gen titles.
Playing the Witcher on the Switch is a revelation if played in portable mode, as is Skyrim and Assassins Creed Rebel collection. Give me Mass Effect and Fallout in 2020!!
@Cosats I am one of those people you described. The Switch is my console. I don't have the time, money or desire to buy a bunch of other game consoles. I barely have the time to play the games I want on the Switch. The hybrid portability is the tipping point for me. So yes, for me, and for many others, playing them on the Switch is the first time we get to play these games and enjoy them.
@Steevil Yes, more exclusives like Astral Chain and No More Heroes III.
Wow the opposition fandom is breeding hard here. Just because it comes to Switch they like to put down the Switch. Typical of sore losers here. Switch is making a success and they can't fathom this success and why. And that is the saddest part of this discussion.
They forget this portable nature of the Switch is why those Developers want Switch option they can sell more get and get more into more gamers and new gamers to buy. That is how Developers stay alive. Coffee table consoles aren't going to make money when no one else can see "hey" is that a Switch. Just being out in the Public and playing is free advertisement for Switch and that is how people get first experience and say. Why, I can get it and play whenever and wherever and not have to sit on my butt when I have freedom to play anywhere. This is where the opposition fandom are the sore losers.
Kingdom Hearts 3, please.
Or any Kingdom Hearts game, for that matter.
Sincerely,
Someone who has never experienced Kingdom Hearts
@SwitchForce These people think most folks have hundreds of dollars lying around and tons of free time to game for hours on end, which is false.
If that's how you want to spend your time and money, fine, but most of us have other hobbies/jobs/family/friends that occupy our time, so we pick one console as our gaming machine and for many of us, particularly those who are readers of Nintendolife, that console happens to be the Switch.
And yes, we get it that a portable console is going to be a "downgrade" graphically from dedicated machines. We don't care. Is the game a fun experience? Are the graphics good enough? That's what matters.
@PokeNas No, you don't.
Many AAA games on switch are for a higher price and don’t look too great on switch. Sure you can play Witcher 3 on switch, but it looks soo bad compared to ps4/Xbox one versions
@kingbk games can also be enjoyed by family something that the Switch console is made for as well. But I think the better part most Switch owners have a life outside of the Switch. That's not what they are disputing here.
@PokeNas "You have to be delusional to be a pure Nintendo console owner AND expect to play current AAA third party games."
Wonder what backwater they came from.
I think these delayed ports are good for consumers like me, where my only gaming platform is Switch. I don’t have enough time to play all my Switch games, so investing in a PS or Xbone would be silly. I don’t care if they’re a couple years old; still new to me. And paying a few dollars more is fine too; I’d rather have everything on one system. I’ll gladly give games like Witcher 3 a try.
Yes, the Witcher 3 port was awesome! We now want Kingdom Hearts, DB Kakarot, Nier Automata, Fallout, and Resident Evil 2 and 3!
This is the first generation I ended up passing on a PlayStation as my secondary console since the PS1. I got an Oculus Quest to go with my Switch because I just don't have the time to be tethered to a single room for gaming anymore. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but I'm not impressed with the demineshing returns of more power. There's plenty of great third party games on Switch and I'm sure there will be plenty more. More than half of my Switch games are third party games. Switch is the first Nintendo system where the gimmick isn't actually a gimmick. Portability is very practical. Not everyone has hundreds of hours to sit in their living room and play videogames. I hope that third parties realize that there are a lot of Switch only gamers who will pass on their games if they aren't released on Switch.
Cyberpunk 2077, of cause.
@Alucard83
That’s a terrible idea, in terms of both practicality and cost. Any reasonable adult can see that.
I bought Skyrim and the Witcher more or less to support the system.... Tho I want to try both of them out soon....
No it didn’t. Games I want won’t come to the system.
The Switch is in a great position as it has sold so many units.
Compare Holiday sales of Switch vs. Xbox One X all jacked-up on graphics and it is easy to see that developers, who have utility bills too, will have a hard time writing off such a large potential pool of revenue. I played Witcher on PS4 Pro and on Switch, and at the end of the day I still loved it equal on both, and didn't feel it was Witcher "glaucoma edition" on Switch. My wish, and I feel it is a true daydream, is for Blizzard to double down and give us Warcraft on Switch with the new Diablo being a mmog.
If you love Sony products, great. Awesome. I'm happy for you. But why the need to always hate on Nintendo fans and calling them "fanboys" and saying how their consoles are trash or going and review bombing their games on metacritic? Can't we just enjoy the games we enjoy like adults?
I’d love to see a NieR Automata port on Switch. It doesn’t look like a graphically demanding game, so... it should be doable, right? :>
Happy new year.
3 words for you guys: Metal Gear Survive
More FPS games
Ports are cool and all, but I'd hope to see more Switch games made for Switch.
I didn't buy a 3DS in hopes of playing PS1 games on it.
Nintendo has always been what kept me gaming. I missed the Wii U and all last gen games. So Witcher 3 coming to Switch was a dream come true. I’m 70-80 hours deep into it now, and if another version looks better, I’m none the wiser, and don’t really care. I’d love if more of the great games I missed (or new releases) keep coming to Switch. I’ll keep buying. I’ve spent more on games this year than in the past 10.
I would love ports of the Ninja Gaiden games!! Specially Ninja Gaiden 2!!
Most of this generation has been easy to ignore. Between Sony's beautiful but bland third person action adventure of the week and Xbox's inability to get past Forza, Halo, and Gears, its left Nintendo as the only real platform with an eye on fun. Witcher 3 one of few exceptions, the stuff I've taken to the most from third parties has been from indies. Pixel counting is a bore and processing power is overrated.
Read Dead Redemption 2 or GTA V is next!!! Coming 2020!
@Onkel_Laser I agree with some of your comment but "look terrible"? Think that's a huge stretch.
they should make grand theft mushroom kingdom where mario beats up hookers riding on his kart hijacks bowser airships as well.
Let's wait and see what the next direct will have in place for US all. Sure alot of surprises are on the way.
I cant see any obstacles porting the same Resident Evil 2 remake, as it is 1080p60fps ok PS4/Xbox, so should fairly easy be cropped down to 720-810p30fps on Switch. RDR2 shouldnt be impossible neither, should be somewhat more challanging than Witcher 3...
Ok, here goes:
A Tekken game
A ridge Racer game
A Soul Calibur game
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered
Mario 3D World
Zelda Wind Waker or TP HD
Dead Space 1 & 2
Burnout
Batman - Arkham Collection
The Orange Box
Shadow Complex Remastered
Not much to ask. Happy New Year everyone
All aboard the speculation hype train!
Oh look, Microsoft announced their new console, what could that mean for Switch fans? LOL
I can't wait to see what The Outer Worlds is going to look like on Switch
I think now that Lite is out the ports will keep coming. SWL is the most powerful true handheld with a $200 price point. Also 32gb carts more affordable now and SD cheaper than ever so bigger games can be ported.
Everyone acts like devs and pubs are going to walk away from lesser platforms once new gens launch. This could not be further from the truth. As long as Switch is expanding its base it will be a viable platform for ports.
Its going to continue to be case by case by case for what makes sense both cost (to port) wise and what works for the fanbase. Honestly most ports are low risk cost wise, I wonder if AAA pubs will invest in any unique properties or spin off creations of popular IPs.
I wouldn't expect the Switch's 3rd party support to substantially improve or worsen until the very end of its lifespan when publishers and developers begin to acquire Switch 2 development kits.
I bought The Witcher 3 and am very glad I did, I only have around 15 hours in it so far though. I have been playing my older games more but will start binge playing it again real soon. It is amazing it runs so well despite the lesser graphics which don't bother me and it being on one cardridge is a huge plus. Happy gaming everyone
not really with The Outer Worlds and Doom Eternal Switch ports being months apart from the PlayStation and Xbox versions and what about other third party games like the Resident Evil remakes, they are not coming to Switch, Red Dead Redemption not coming to Switch, Final Fantasy 7 Remake is exclusive to the PS4 for 1 year then it will go to Xbox but not Switch
I love how some people talk about: " Don't wanna spend my money for a PS4/Xbox One", when in reality, they spend more money for graphically worse versions on a switch. You don't save as much as you think. Witcher on ps4 is currently für 10€/(idk about $) and 40€ on the Switch. Do that move 5 times and you almost have a PS4.
And I honestly can't understand how people have fun with playing shooter or 3rd person combat (like DS or Witcher) games in handheld mode. My fingers are hurting after 10 minutes.
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