Nintendo franchises we want to see return on Switch 2

We’re nearly there! Just a few days remaining until the initial Nintendo Switch 2 Showcase. We anticipate revealing lots of information about upcoming games for the long-awaited console, and it’s probable that popular Nintendo series will be included. However, we can’t help but wonder about lesser-known franchises. There are several classic Nintendo franchises that we believe could benefit from a revival on the Switch 2.

Nintendo franchises we want to see on Switch 2

Ice Climbers

During the Nintendo Switch era, some major video game franchises scaled great heights, but there were plenty that didn’t even make it past base camp. One of these games that I believe deserves another shot on the upcoming Switch 2 is the Ice Climbers. This classic IP was showcased in last year’s Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition, and I can only hope this is just a hint of what’s to come. It’s high time for the dynamic duo of Nana and Popo to conquer the peaks once more in their mountain-climbing platformer adventure. Nintendo, if you’re listening, let’s bring back the Ice Climbers with a fresh new take – it’s about time!

F-Zero

The F-Zero series received a significant upgrade with the launch of F-Zero 99 on Nintendo Switch Online. However, dedicated followers of the racing game series are yearning for a true sequel since the last home console release – F-Zero GX in 2003. It’s high time for Nintendo to demonstrate the full potential of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, and there’s no better intellectual property to highlight improved graphics and seamless performance than the race of the 26th century.

Kid Icarus

Kid Icarus skipped over the entire Switch era of gaming, and it’s likely due to the complex nature of its gameplay mechanics that made use of both touch screen and top screen. Given this, a port of Kid Icarus: Uprising didn’t seem probable. Nevertheless, Nintendo has continued to feature Pit (the main character) and Palutena (the goddess) in other games, most notably Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Although they were absent during the initial Switch era, it’s high time these characters make a return, either by updating Uprising to take advantage of the Joy-Con’s optical capabilities or by embarking on a new adventure altogether. Perhaps the creators at MercurySteam (the team behind Metroid 2: Samus Returns and Metroid Dread) could develop a 2.5D game for Kid Icarus?

Star Fox

When almost every Nintendo first-party series received a game for the Nintendo Switch, the lack of some series became all the more noticeable. Star Fox Zero, even on the lower standards of the Wii U, was disappointing, so it’s not entirely unexpected that Fox McCloud and his team didn’t get an invite to the Switch event. Nevertheless, their absence is keenly felt.

At its peak, Star Fox ranks among Nintendo’s top-tier franchises, pushing boundaries in its unique on-rails space combat gameplay. However, not every innovation hits the mark; games like Star Fox Adventures didn’t resonate with all fans, the stylus controls in Star Fox Command took some getting used to, and the gyroscopic tilt controls of Star Fox Zero, as we’ve seen, were less than ideal. Nevertheless, when this series shines, there’s simply no other experience quite like it, and we eagerly await Nintendo’s next attempt with the charismatic crew of Star Fox.

Earthbound

For years now, the internet community has consistently expressed interest in both new and translated editions of the Mother (or Earthbound) games. While Nintendo has provided us with EarthBound Beginnings and EarthBound on their Nintendo Switch Online service, fans still yearn for Mother 3, which is often joked about due to its long-awaited but unfulfilled release in relation to Nintendo’s product launches. Now imagine if we were to have a brand new role-playing game (RPG) within the Mother/Earthbound series! With Nintendo boasting some exceptional RPG studios nowadays, it would certainly be exciting to see a fresh take on EarthBound for the rumored Switch 2.

Punch Out!

In a departure from its past glory, boxing might not be as widely popular as it was during Mike Tyson’s heyday; however, Iron Mike remains as iconic as ever. To keep the hype alive and potentially revive an adored pastime, what seems more fitting than to introduce Punch-Out!! 2 for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2? I imagine classic characters making a comeback along with fresh adversaries, but under no circumstances should any member of the Paul family be included.

Wario Land

Is it possible for Wario’s insatiable greed to be permanently restrained? Despite Nintendo’s efforts to curb his instinctual desires during the Switch era, restricting him to just two WarioWare games, there are long-time fans who recall his platforming past, where he displayed a similar creative flair as Mario but with a unique gameplay structure.

It’s high time for a return of Wario Land! The latest authentic installment in the series was Wario Land: Shake It on the Wii back in 2008. It’s been quite some time! Whether it continues with its Mario-inspired style or introduces a new gimmick like Shake It did, the Wario Land series is ripe for another genuine sequel. Given the popularity of Pizza Tower, it’s clear that gamers are eager for the kind of escapades that Wario was once famous for.

Chibi Robo

Over the past few decades, Nintendo has become synonymous with certain mascots and heroes. These characters often appear in various games, some even making it onto the roster of a Super Smash Bros. game. However, there are also lesser-known mascots who don’t make it into the main playable roster but instead serve as Assist Trophies. Despite this, their games remain just as enjoyable. Consider Chibi-Robo for example. It’s been over a decade since his last game was released, and now it’s time for him to return to the spotlight once more.

Chibi-Robo is known for bringing cheer throughout households, as players gathered Happy Points and simplified daily life for nearby humans. Tasks were enjoyable, but the robot’s battery had a limited lifespan. Regrettably, the original developer, Skip Ltd., shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team reemerged as Tiny Wonder Studio, now creating koROBO for PC. This leaves room for another studio to revive the Chibi-Robo series. It would be exciting if fresh talent took over for the Switch 2 era and breathed new life into Chibi-Robo for a new fanbase.

Golden Sun

The most recent installment in the Golden Sun series was the second one, titled Golden Sun: Dark Dawn, which was released in 2010. Given this, you might wonder why Nintendo would revive this franchise. The reason is twofold: firstly, the Golden Sun games are highly-regarded role-playing games. Secondly, Camelot Software, the developer behind these titles, continues to collaborate with Nintendo. They’ve been primarily involved in creating Nintendo’s sports games and recently launched Mario Golf: Super Rush in 2021. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the first two Golden Sun games have been added to the classic library of Nintendo Switch Online, specifically the Game Boy Advance section. This allowed newer fans who weren’t previously familiar with Golden Sun an opportunity to explore it. With these factors in mind, we’d love to see this series receive a modern update, either through a new game or perhaps a remake in the vein of Square Enix’s 2D-HD style.

Nintendogs

Nintendogs was a trailblazing game that perfectly showcased the distinctive capabilities of the DS, and it managed to captivate both gamers and non-gamers alike. It was adorable, heartwarming, and an excellent representation of the pet care game genre. A fresh version of Nintendogs for the Switch 2 would not only reignite nostalgic feelings in ’00s kids, but also offer an enjoyable method to reimagine the series using the new hardware’s features. Maybe I could wave my Joy-Con to throw a frisbee or employ the rumored mouse-like feature as a laser pointer for my virtual pet.

Pilotwings

Although the Pilotwings series arguably reached its zenith with its first release on Super Nintendo, it appears ripe for a modern-day revival. The original game’s launch demonstrated the extraordinary capabilities of the SNES by offering innovative gameplay and an array of captivating modes. It would be intriguing to witness what fresh ideas Nintendo could introduce in 2025 with a new iteration of Pilotwings.

Brain Age

As a devoted gamer, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the Brain Age games that were all the rage during the DS era. Fast forward to today, and it seems our brains are longing for a refresher! The release of a new Brain Age game on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 would be nothing short of a godsend. While it’s not necessary to capitalize on the improved graphics, I do believe incorporating mouse-like Joy-Con gameplay could give the touch-based DS games a modern twist that would fit perfectly in the Switch 2 era. It’s an idea so brilliant, it deserves an A+!

ExciteBike

Is there anything more thrilling than riding bikes? That would be ExciteBike! Originally released, it has a special place in many hearts as a track-building, high-speed racing game where you aim to beat your personal best and obliterate any obstacles that dare cross your path. Unfortunately, it hasn’t received much attention since the release of ExciteBike: World Rally back in 2009 (which was underwhelming). ExciteBike is known for kick-starting the side-scrolling racing genre. It might sound audacious to ask for a comeback, but look at what happened with the Trials series. In any case, Nintendo is aware as they included an ExciteBike track in Mario Kart 8: Deluxe and it’s fantastic. Whether we see a return of side-view or behind-the-vehicle racing, having another excellent dirt bike game from Nintendo in this next generation would be fantastic!

Wave Race

Modern racing games predominantly revolve around traditional settings such as racetracks, cars, or motorcycles. However, Nintendo took a different approach in 1996 when they released Wave Race 64 for the Nintendo 64. This game was a sequel to an earlier title and allowed players to race on Jet Skis across beautiful ocean landscapes. The visuals were breathtaking, the controls were superb, and the water physics, even by today’s standards, remain hard to believe.

Considering the continued triumph of Mario Kart, the demonstrated effectiveness of rebooted racing games like F-Zero 99, and Nintendo’s extensive library of top-tier games, it seems appropriate to revive Wave Race for today’s audience. The moment is ripe, Nintendo!

Diddy Kong Racing

Reminiscing about Diddy Kong Racing and Rare’s impact on the arcade kart genre, we can’t help but cherish the memories of navigating levels through various vehicles like karts, boats, and airplanes, each with their unique pros and cons. This multi-vehicle approach was quite innovative for its time, and while Mario Kart has undeniably revolutionized racing games, we can’t help but yearn for the versatility Diddy Kong Racing offered. It would be fascinating to witness how this three-vehicle style would translate in today’s gaming landscape, especially considering the high-quality production values of games like Mario Kart 8. Furthermore, its distinct gameplay makes it a worthy contender alongside Mario Kart as we move into the new generation of gaming.

Elite Beat Agents

In a nostalgic nod to the past at Nintendo, the return of the Rhythm Heaven franchise in 2026 has us yearning for a fresh installment of Elite Beat Agents. Originally designed for the touch-screen DS consoles, this game could be reimagined for modern gaming experiences. Let’s hope Nintendo will resurrect the Elite Beat Agents with an updated roster of tunes to groove along with!

Donkey Kong Country

Perhaps instead, let’s consider a different spin: Mario may reign supreme in the side-scrolling platform game genre with his 2D titles, but there’s another Nintendo character that has also excelled in this realm – Donkey Kong. With the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, it’s high time for another installment of Donkey Kong Country on the Big N’s latest handheld-console hybrid device.

Although Rare may have originally developed the game, it’s not essential for them to participate now. Instead, our primary focus is on featuring the intense tracks, mine cart sections, and all the collectibles characteristic of a Donkey Kong title. Given that Super Nintendo World includes a Donkey Kong area, we believe the time has come for Nintendo to deliver what fans have been asking for: an abundance of Donkey Kong and his eccentric family in the game.

StarTropics

Back in the day, I remember playing StarTropics – an often-overlooked gem of an adventure game from the 90s. It was like Zelda, but set on a tropical island with its own unique twist. You’d explore various lands, solve puzzles, battle monsters, and uncover secrets just like in Zelda games, but with a touch of its own charm.

What made StarTropics stand out was its innovative approach to piracy protection. The game came with a letter that was tied to the story, and at certain points, you’d use this letter to solve an in-game mystery by revealing a code. It was quite intriguing! There were other brain-teasing puzzle mechanics too, but sadly, StarTropics hasn’t seen much new content beyond its original release and re-releases on platforms like the Virtual Console or Nintendo Switch Online library.

I think it’s high time for another adventure series from Nintendo, and StarTropics would be a fantastic candidate for a comeback! It’s a name that still holds a special place in many gamers’ hearts, and I can only imagine what new adventures we could embark on with a fresh take on this classic game.

ARMS

ARMS was Nintendo’s initial attempt at creating a completely fresh IP specifically designed for the original Nintendo Switch. Although the quirky fighter didn’t become another blockbuster franchise for Nintendo, it did introduce some unique concepts in its use of motion controls and has amassed a devoted fanbase. A new ARMS on the Switch 2 would signify Nintendo’s confidence in the series and provide an opportunity to apply all the lessons learned from the first game.

Adventures of Lolo

Rediscovering a often-overlooked treasure from NES, the Lolo puzzle game franchise within the Adventures of Lolo could benefit greatly from a resurgence on the Switch 2 platform. While it’s true that the original game is playable through Switch Online, envision the potential for enhanced detail in this classic puzzle formula. Many people might not realize they desire Lolo, but everyone could use more of this engaging series. Nintendo and Hal Laboratory should take action to revive this once popular puzzle game series and provide fans with a fresh experience.

Mario Paint

In modern terms, this ’90s-inspired game could very well be a title that Nintendo might dust off and update for today’s gaming landscape. Many kids today have never experienced Mario Paint, let alone heard its name. If the potential Switch 2 includes a stylus, mouse, or encourages touchscreen usage, Mario Paint would make an engaging platform to stimulate creativity in players.

Eternal Darkness

Eternal Darkness is one of those few instances where Nintendo delved into content that leans towards maturity. With the Switch focusing more on attracting adult gamers, now would be an ideal moment to resurrect the horror IP from GameCube. Since Nintendo didn’t create the original Eternal Darkness, they could collaborate with a skilled third-party studio to reintroduce it.

Pushmo

One of gaming’s most undervalued puzzle series is the Pushmo series, and it’s been quite some time since Nintendo has introduced a new game in this franchise. For those who might not recall these games, the first Pushmo was launched as a digital-exclusive title on the 3DS eShop back in 2011. Developed by Nintendo and Intelligent Systems, the main character Mallo’s mission was to rescue trapped children by removing large structure blocks and navigating through various platforms. The concept seemed straightforward, but it offered a surprising level of depth, including custom creation options.

Word-of-mouth spread the popularity of Pushmo, resulting in spin-offs such as Crashmo on the 3DS and Pushmo World on the Wii U. Regrettably, it seems that the Pushmo series has ended, with its last installment (Stretchmo) being released on the 3DS back in 2015. With a whole decade having gone by, there’s definitely an opportunity for Mallo to return with a fresh new Pushmo game.

Captain Toad

Frankly, it’s quite surprising that we haven’t seen more of Captain Toad in recent times, given his popularity since he started as a mini-game in Super Mario 3D World. The affection for him was so strong it led to its own game called Treasure Tracker on the Wii U, and later a port to the Nintendo Switch in 2018. Yet, it seems like this entertaining concept has been somewhat forgotten. This is peculiar considering how much fans adore Captain Toad. It’s even more puzzling when you consider how significant the Captain Toad character was in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, played by Keegan-Michael Key, though not explicitly named Captain Toad. However, let’s face it, he’s quite captainly! With all this in mind, we’re eager for Captain Toad to make a comeback in the next generation of Nintendo Switch games. There are still puzzles to solve and treasures to track!

Among the beloved Nintendo franchises, we’re eagerly anticipating some of them to appear on the potential Switch 2. Although it might be a stretch to assume that all of them will return, isn’t it reasonable to expect a handful, don’t you think?

2025-03-29 01:30