The Switch, even thought not the most powerful game console on the market, is an incredible machine. The ability to play home console games on the go and play handheld games on a TV give more accessibility. Not only it give new possibilities for brand new games, but for existing games as well! Is it not awesome to play Super Mario Galaxy on handheld or a main game Pokémon game on TV? It also gave many reasons for 3rd party devellopers to finally port their games on a Nintendo console, which most of them saw the fruit of their efforts!
I previously wrote an article about games I would like to see on Switch, back in April 2019. Surprisingly, more than I expected actually happened, so I decided I would extend that to game that already have been on Nintendo console as well and, on the other side, took some risker pick as well this time around. But first, I will talk about some of my prediction that came true and if it meets my expactation. Without further ado, let's start right now.
Announced as part of the Super Mario 3D All-Stars game, Super Mario Galaxy is now on Switch, since September 2020! Rereading my wished, I founded dumb I wished for additional planets on each galaxies: the game as it is is already a perfection! Important to mention, I expected Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 to come together, which sadly didn't happened... Fortunately, the first game is the best, in my opinion. Like I predicted, a most hardcore option is available, which is spining with the button. However, the surf and the star ball are still motion control, but they are better than on the Wii, if you play handheld or using a Pro Controller. The cursor is now mapped to the motion control, but still working good. Surprisingly, the game, like 64 and Sunshine, added a jukebox mode, which is a treat if you like the perfectly perfect soundtrack of Galaxy.
This one is the one of all those happen I didn't expected at all, but I'm not complaining! I said the main reason I dropped the original was because I'm mostly an handheld gamer (Switch and also back then 3DS), and as a result, I am 100 hours into the Switch version, compare to a little 16 hours on Wii U. I also wanted Joker as a playable character with Arsene, which didn't happened. But you have a Joker costume for Itsuki Aoi, so I'm not complaining! I didn't mentionned it back then, because I didn't expected it, but I'm glad they did a full French translation, which was well done, if I dare say!
I didn't have any wish for this collection except having it on Switch. However, I'm glad a physical version was made, unlike the Arland DX trilogy, outside Japan. But if you want it, you have to import it from Play-Asia! All three games are on the card and I played them wayyy more than the Arland trilogy. The wait totally worth, and it is among my favorite RPGs on the console, espiecially Escha & Logy and Shallie!
Now to the main course you all want to know: which game I want or the console. As mentionned earlier, I have a bigger list than last time, so it's expected a lot of them won't happen. But hey, with my 46 games I have on Switch, I'm already satisfied with what I have, everything else is a bonus. There's no order about the possibility for it to happen, but I will also mention what make me believe what could make this happen. Also, I will include game that release on Switch, but not outside Japan.
*As the DX Trilogy was officially announced, as I was writing this article and before I published it. The comment for this section will be different than all the other ones. It will be a mix of things I said before the announcement and after, as it is still at this state only a logo that was reveal!
The first Atelier that come to Switch was Atelier Lydie & Suelle, in March 2018. However, it was the last entry of the Mysterious Trilogy. Since I've finished the third game, I wished to play Atelier Sophie and Firis. My most wanted Atelier games, the Atelier Dusk Trilogy DX, became a reality last year, so the only one left in the modern Atelier games were these ones. I also wanted to know more about Sophie and Firis, and the Mysterious games in general are colorful game. Now it's a reality and a bonus content was announced for Atelier Sophie DX, I expect that bonus to be similar to Atelier Rorona Plus/DX, so Firis, Lydie and Suelle could appear, thought I could be very wrong. For the costume, I expect it to be a Ryza costume, since Ryza 2 had a Sophie costume and both are the most popular alchemists of the series. I also hope, like Atelier Dusk DX it will be available physically. Since it is the first Atelier game to release worldwide on the same day, I see it happening and probably physical in North America, thanks to Atelier Ryza popularity and the success of the Play-Asia physical release of Atelier Dusk DX. That means Atelier Lydie & Suelle, a game I already finished, would be here as well, but I'm not worried: I want to replay the game that start it all for me, and I hope to see an upgrade for the resolution (and adding the option to record videos this time). The possibilities are big, as I can't wait to put hundred of hours into this trilogy I've waited so long!
Release the year the Switch released, this game from the Atelier devellopers Gust was a RPGs featuring magical girls. It is a turn by turn RPG and contain slice-of-life moments... Like Atelier, but without the alchemy elements. I've wanted this game since I started Atelier, as there was a DLC in Atelier Lydie & Suelle about that game.
What are the chances: I think it is likely to happened, as Gust released every games on Switch since 2018, and they released a lot of remasters/ports these last years. And since the Vita version wasn't released outside Japan, it would be a perfect opportunity for western audience to play it handheld.
There's never enought Clannad! This visual novel is a side-story to Clannad, having 16 different stories following various characters from the acclaimed Visual Novel. Unlike Clannad and Tomoyo After were on PC, this VN is already in 16:9, so the only improvement would be a brand new UI, like any VNs Prototype released on Switch.
What are the chances: Very likely, because Prototype love the Switch and is on the road to be the console the published the most VNs on consoles(I compared on their website). For a physical version, however, I'm septical it might happen as it is even shorter to complete than Tomoyo After.
Confirmed: Officialy announced during Winter 2021, released on Switch in May 20th 2021.
This game take place in an alternate universe of Fate/EXTRA. But it is lewder and never released outside Japan for this very reason. It is a RPG that take a Rock-Paper-Scissor system and you travel throught 3D dungeons. It would be awesome if it could reached a western audience, as we saw with Moero Crystal H last year.
What are the chances: Unlikely. We need to see first how Fate/EXTRA RECORD will perform and if that game will release on Switch (which is likely, check below). The creators talk however they wanted to do a remake for this one, but didn't seems confident for a worldwide release.
This remake of the PSP game Fate/EXTRA didn't received platforms yet, so this is why I include this game here. It take a brand new battle systems and will probably retell the events of the Moon Cell, that precede the Fate/EXTELLA games, so I would like to know more about the story of this universe, as well as playing a turn by turn Fate RPGs
What are the chances: I think it is very likely, as the game run on Unreal Engine 4, which was very effective with game like SAO Fatal Bullet and Kirby Star Allies. Fate games sold very well on Switch, a spin-off is coming exclusively to the console and Type-Moon itself will release VNs like the Tsukihime Remake.
Following the release of the Neptunia spin-off game, Super Neptunia RPG, Idea Factory release one year later what is considered the best Neptunia game among many long-time fans: Megadimension Neptunia VII. They're probably right, because it is among my most played 3rd party games. While they aren't necessary to enjoy this game, I would like to play older Neptunia games. They have the same kind of gameplay and many reused song (hello, New Super Mario Bros.?), but the story for each is unique, unique characters and the easter eggs and tribute to the videogame industry. So having the remakes of the first three games would be very nice!
What are the chances: 50/50 A remaster of Re;Birth 1, Neptunia Reverse, is coming exclusively to PS5 this year. But Idea Factory might hit a wall (or not) and return its focus on PS4. In any case, they continue to port many of their games on Switch, so I'm still confident it might happen. Don't hope for the Reverse version thought!
I might not know JoJo for a while, but I really like the universe. I'm usually not into animes that are violent and the artstyle isn't my style, but it was so well made I still fall in love with the series. Many people say it's overrated, but I think it is good and both side are stupid to fight over it: it is a great serie, not necessary the best, period. In any case, when I discovered there was a fighting game with a new story writen by the author, I thought it would be nice to play it on Switch. I would like to see young Joseph and old Joseph talking to each others!
What are the chances: Likely, as Bandai Namco released many animes games on Switch. However, is it too late to release it now? How about the new voices actors for Part 5, as it was made before the anime following Giorno? But I don't think porting this game would be MUDA (sorry)!
In 2022, Kirby will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. For the 35th anniversary of Mario, Nintendo released an HD port of Super Mario All-Stars on the NSO, just before the release of Super Mario 3D All-Stars. Could a similar thing could happen with Kirby Dream Collection, if a Wii Online was released, or even better as a standalone purchase? Thought I would like a physical release again, this would be unlikely to happen, but again a standalone would be awesome! This collection of the Kirby games from the GameBoy to Nintendo 64 not only contain the games, but also brand new challenges and 3 episodes of the animes. The button mapping wouldn't be a problem as this game was 100% playable with the classic controller. An HD remaster would be awesome!
What are the chances: Likely in 2022 for the Kirby's 30th anniversary. The real question would be if it will be sold alone or free throught Online service.
This unique Kirby game turn around Yarn, and was artisticly superb! It may not be the best Kirby, but it wasn't a bad game and really take advantage of its thematic. A 3DS port released as the last Nintendo game on 3DS, but too late to receive good sales as the handheld was dying. Since the 3DS have the same button as the Switch and added more content, an HD remaster of this version, including an optionnal motion control from the Wii version, this game would be perfect for the Kirby's 30th anniversary.
What are the chances: HAL Laboratory is actually generous for the Kirby's anniversaries celebration, so I'm optimist. But nothing prove it could happen right now, so patience is recommended!
Return to Dream Land is, alongside Planet Robobot, my favorite Kirby game. The world was so rich and the music what you can expect from a Kirby game. It also include ones of my favorite copy abilities: water. And yes, I still want it!Playing it on handheld would be the dream and like Super Mario Galaxy, the motion control for Super Abilities could be remap to Y or X button. Not something hard. Kirby's Dream Collection, that use the same engine as this game, is playable with a classic controller, so it wouldn't be hard.
What are the chances: This might sound crazy, but like with Super Mario All-Stars and Super Mario 3D All-Stars, I think a Kirby's Neo Dream Collection could happen with more recent games, such as Kirby Air Ride, Kirby Epic Yarn and this game. I wouldn't include DS games, as they use both screen heavily, but I would see the 3DS game runing on Unreal Engine 4, like Kirby Stars Allies. I noticed Kirby Fighters 2 included stages from the 3DS games, so I believe in HAL Laboratory!
In my humble opinion, I think Konosuba is a very funny anime, that reinvented the isekai genre. The Visual Novels expand on the lore of this world. 1 is made by Intergram (or Entagram, I hope my basic japanese skills save me here) and 2 by Mages, who did many animes related Visual Novels. Well, they are already on Switch, but not in the West yet.
What are the chances: Intergram one is unlikely, as they didn't published in the West a single of their game. For the Mages ones, it could be likely, as Spike Chunsoft (Steins;Gate and ReZero) and Pqube (DanMachi) release a lot of their games translated even years after the japanese release. It all depend of their will to localize them!
" What if you want to release a rythmn game on Switch, like most japanese companies".
" But Square Enix said: Only for PS4".
I love Love Live! A guilty pleasure? Maybe! But I like it. And in an era where almost all rythmn game are on Switch and Square Enix port many of their game on the console, it is so dumb they didn't consider to port the arcade game as well! As an arcade game, it wouldn't be hard to run on the hybrid system. While adding motion controls would be nice, like the Miku game (that game is too hard, the demo turn me off and I'm not into Hatsune Miku stuff, sorry), I think the button options are very enought. While a physical version on PS4 doesn't seems to happen, nothing would confirm one if it come to Switch, but as long as it is playable offline.
What are the chances: It's Square Enix. They can take good decision, but also bad ones. But they like the Switch so it could happen. Who knows! They act like a harem MC, so you can't predict their decisions!
While I would prefer a brand new game of the series, Mario Strikers Charged is among the Wii games I would gladly replay on Switch! The motion control for striking ennemies could easily be mapped to buttons and that's it! It is my only and favorite Mario sport game, in my opinion.
What are the chances: It all depends if a Wii Online happen. If so, I think it is very likely, as Next Levels Games was aquired by Nintendo too!
Sequel confirmed: Named Mario Strikers Battle League officialy announced during February 2022 Nintendo Direct, release on June 10th 2022!
While it is far from the best game out there, New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a good platformer and the only 2D Mario game not playable on a handheld. Like Super Mario Galaxy 1, it released on Nvidia Shield in China, whitout any motion controls. Anyways, as it plays mostly like its successor, New Super Mario Bros. U, the controls would be exactly the same. Just don't map the spin the A and made the motion control optional (thought you can spin with ZR/ZL in NSMBU) this time!
What are the chances: Likely, if a Wii Online become a thing.
I metionned about wanting NieR Automata on Switch and Square Enix could still make it a thing. I leave it there. But what about NieR Replicant? The original was develloped by Cavia and this one by Toylogic. But I never heard them working on Switch. So I can't advance with confidence on this one, but we'll see if Yoko Taro is asked about this one and what he will answer!
What are the chances: Possible for Nier Automata, but it all depends of Square Enix. For NieR Replicant, I prefer to stay safely on the unlikely camp, thought I would absolutely love it to happen!
Confirmed: NieR Automata, subtitled The End of the YoHRa, is confirm to release on Nintendo Switch on October 7 2022, as announced during the Nintendo Direct Mini Partners Showcase of June 28 2022
In my previous article I talked about the original version of Persona 5, but a little after this article came out, I lost hope to see it happened as Atlus doesn't seems encline to release this serie outside the PS consoles. What changed to the point to bet with the Royal version now? Well, last year, a HD port of Persona 4 Golden come on PC, and was a massive success. Atlus state later in the year they wanted to expand their game to other consoles. And unlike Persona 3 and 4, there is no handheld version of Persona 5, and since Sony exited the handheld market, a Switch port could give the opportunity to play this acclaimed RPG on the go. It wouldn't be hard to port on Switch, as the same engine run games like Catherine Full Body and Persona 5 Strikers on the hybruid console.
What are the chances: Thanks to the success of Persona 4 Golden on PC and Atlus' statement about wanting to port their games on other consoles, I want to say it is likely, but I still stay cautious as Atlus didn't put too much games on Switch so far. But an handheld version of Persona 5 would be more than welcome!
Confirmed: Persona 5 Royal was finally confirmed to release on Nintendo Switch on October 21 2022, during the Nintendo Direct Mini Partners Showcase of June 28 2022.
I can't say I know much about Persona 4, but it sure caught my eyes for a while and heard great things of it even before the PC version. As a friend of mine played that version and love it, it make me even more curious to try it. Now I don't know if I should watch the anime right now or wait to see if a port happen.
What are the chances: See the first three lines of the same section in the Persona 5 Royal section
Confirmed: Persona 4 Golden was finally confirmed to release on Nintendo Switch in 2023, during the Nintendo Direct Mini Partners Showcase of June 28 2022.
I'm ashamed to admit I know even less about this game than I know about Persona 4. I know thought there's a Portable version and a FES version. In any case, since this game isn't available on modern consoles, this would be a perfect opportunity to try this one!
What are the chances: See the first three lines of the same section in the Persona 5 Royal section
Confirmed: Persona 3 Portable was finally confirmed to release on Nintendo Switch in 2023, during the Nintendo Direct Mini Partners Showcase of June 28 2022.
With the success of Sword Art Online games on Switch, such as Fatal Bullet, I'm surprised the latest in the franchise didn't got the Switch treatement. But as it got develloped by Aquria, the devellopers who did SAO Hollow Realization, it means it wouldn't be hard to get this game to run on Switch. I loved the Alicization arc and would be excited to explore the vast areas of the Underworld. Thought I'm not fan of the gacha they include in this game, it is not mandatory to enjoy the solo campain.
What are the chances: 50/50. Bandai Namco love to port their games on Switch, as SAO fatal Bullet have a perfect 1080 docked and 720 handheld, but Lycolis seems to run badly on other consoles, so it could be risky on Switch. Only time will tell!
I don't really know about this RPG except people involved with Final Fantasy created this game, which means big! Thought I need to check more gameplay about it, I would like to start it blindly if it come to Switch, like I pretty much did with Xenoblade Chronicles, when it released on 3DS.
What are the chances: Unlikely, as Mistwalker and AQ Interactive, the devellopers, didn't release games this last years or only on mobiles. But XSeed published it in North America and Nintendo in the rest of the world. Maybe they have the power to make it happen again!
Quintessential Quintuplets is one of my favorites animes of all times. Having an harem story when only one of the girls will be the bride of the MC is a new take on the genre. This Visual Novel will release on Switch, but only in Japan. I would like so much to do the Nino route, so I hope it will release in the west eventually.
What are the chances: Surprisingly very likely. The anime is a huge succes. And like I mentionned with Konosuba VNs from Mages, it was also develloped by them, so let's hope a company like Pqube will be willing to localize it!
After 12 years, the Tsukihime fans received something they never expected: a Tsukihime Remake! Not only that, but it will also come to Switch as the first title published by Type-Moon (Fate/EXTRA RECORD next, please?).
What are the chances: Very unlikely. If you follow the history of Type-Moon, the never localize a single of their Visual Novels, even thought their Fate franchise is one of the most lucrative mobile games ever. I heard the localization for this one would be very expansive and unlike Fate/EXTRA RECORD, there's no english website. Think about importing it and learning japanese instead.
Last time, I put together the first and second game, but as only the first game happened, only the second remains! But unlike Super Mario Galaxy 2, it never received an HD port. But as it run on the same engine, it wouldn't be hard at all. The controls would be the sames, including the cursor mapped to the motion controls and spinning mapped to Y and X button. Fear not about the menu, as this game introduced the option to use the D-Pad in the menus instead of pointing, so you wouldn't have to touch the screen in handheld, except for the pointer. Super Mario Galaxy 1 was a perfection in handheld, so I would like to also rexperence its aclaimed sequel the same way!
What are the chances: It's Nintendo. It could be added as a free DLC for Super Mario 3D All-Stars, sold as a standalone option (if so, I wouldn't mind buying it physical, thought it is very unlikely to happen, sadly) or as a new Wii Online service. Worst, it will be denied by Nintendo for all eternity. Nobody can say!
Yep, I still want Xenoblade Chronicles X on Switch! You can click on the link and go to the section that talk about this game, so I won't repeat myself. In 2 years, things have changed: Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edtion released and saw a huge success! Also, most Wii U games are now on Switch except this one. If Tokyo Mirage Sessions can make it, this one can too!
What are the chances: ??? It all depends on money and Nintendo, as Takahashi-san said. But with the growth of Monolith Soft and the success for the future of the series, this game is a must on Switch, with one of the biggest open-world ever for a RPG! And if they release a Xenoblade Chronicles X2, this one could promote it and the Switch audience, in general and for RPGs, is way bigger than the Wii U one!