The Nintendo Switch 2 has only been around for a year and a half, but has already managed to release or announce landmark titles for several flagship series. Whether each of these new games lived up to expectations depends on a case-by-case basis, and the jury is still out on many of them. Regardless, the Nintendo Switch 2 is running out of time to bolster its early library.
The Ocarina of Time remake is undoubtedly Nintendo’s headline title this year. This is to say that the console has had no issue producing a heavy hitter or two, but could certainly use a few more new titles to join a release schedule otherwise filled by ports. Thankfully, Nintendo has a few semi-retired series just waiting for another chance to win audiences over.
F-Zero
High Octane Racing Returns
For two decades now, it’s seemed like F-Zero is well and truly dead. There was a glimmer of hope with the release of F-Zero 99 in 2023, which seemed designed to gauge whether there would be enough interest in a new entry. After the relative radio silence since, it seemed like the series was simply doomed to eternal slumber. Star Wars: Galactic Racer recently released to universal acclaim, suggesting there may still be a craving for high-stakes racing after all. If that really is the case, who better than F-Zero to show everyone who’s boss?
Nintendogs
Cozy Game Hall of Fame
As far as major publishers go, Nintendo pretty much leads the pack on cozy games. This is in large part thanks to the repeated success of Animal Crossing, the cult following behind Tomodachi Life, and Pokopia‘s more experimental take on the formula. Unfortunately, Nintendogs has been left behind. With the renaissance cozy games have experienced on the Switch 2, it could finally be time for Nintendogs to make a comeback. After only two releases in the series so far, a Switch 2 Nintendogs is bound to be the biggest one yet.
Guess the games from the emojis.
Golden Sun
Another Chance to Shine
Some game series die of natural causes, but Golden Sun was pretty much killed outright. Golden Sun: Dark Dawn served as both a sequel to the original duology and a soft reboot of sorts, but unfortunately released during the very last days of the Nintendo DS’ life cycle. Every game in the series has received a strong critical reception, but Dark Dawn‘s struggle to sell put Golden Sun into an early retirement. If it climbed aboard the success of the Switch 2, Golden Sun could remind the world of its place as one of Nintendo’s best RPGs.
Kid Icarus
A Slim Chance Before Smash 6
After Uprising, Kid Icarus went from a forgotten retro release to a certified cult classic. Unfortunately, the series went dormant again pretty much immediately afterward. This may be due to the unbelievably busy schedule of Masahiro Sakurai, director of Kid Icarus: Uprising, but much more well known for his work on Kirby and Super Smash Bros. After the release of Kirby Air Riders, and with Smash Bros. 6 yet to be announced, now may be the only chance in years for Kid Icarus to take flight on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Punch-Out!!
Perfect Timing to Pack a Punch
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Punch-Out!! resides somewhere along the upper-middle of the ladder of Nintendo’s most iconic franchises, which is seriously impressive once you consider how stiff the competition really is. The arcade boxing experience is one of many games that Nintendo has neglected for no other reason than a seeming lack of fresh ideas. Nintendo’s drive to innovate is reasonable enough, and in fact the Switch 2 may have finally provided a large enough leap in technology for developers to get Punch-Out!! back in the ring, JoyCon drift or not.
Pokemon Ranger
Gotta Catch Em All
Pokemon Ranger, more than any other series, is perfectly positioned to embrace the quirks of the Nintendo Switch 2. The Switch 2’s unique mouse control layout could replace Ranger‘s reliance on the stylus, and make the draw-based catching mechanics feel brand new. Despite not receiving a new release in well over a decade, Ranger is still considered one of Pokemon‘s best spin-offs. Pokemon Ranger is one of many series that could succeed with a new release, but one of the only games that is perfectly designed to thrive on the Switch 2.
