A few key games in the Resident Evil franchise are finally making their way to the Nintendo Switch 2 starting on October 16. However, it isn’t the Resident Evil experience that we’d expect from Capcom. The move is an important one for exposure, reaching new audiences where they are by giving them content they couldn’t previously play on a Switch 2. These ports are imperative for exposure, while making sure fans of the franchise won’t have to go out and buy a brand-new console to play a select few games in the series.
That being said, these ports are awkward ones, brought about in a way that really doesn’t make sense. Instead of banking on a port game plan that has worked for them in the past, Capcom has decided to launch each title separately despite all three games working as a trilogy and even seemingly being marketed as a bundle. Honestly, this play could see a drop in accessibility, boxing out a massive group of excited fans all geared up to play their favorite titles on the Switch 2.
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Despite port success in the past, Capcom has decided to launch 2019’s Resident Evil 2 Deluxe Edition, 2020’s Resident Evil 3, and 2024’s Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition separately, coming to the console on the same day, presenting them as a trilogy, but with no attachment. Essentially, the company has forgone a bundle, selling each title separately. This move feels especially strange because Capcom already released the Resident Evil Generation Pack on Switch 2 earlier this year, a package which contained Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Resident Evil Village, and Resident Evil Requiem. Add to the fact that Capcom’s usual port strategy is bundling Resident Evil titles à la the Resident Evil Origins Collection, Resident Evil Revelations Collection, and Resident Evil Triple Pack.
Put the consoles in the correct order.
Bundles offer a win-win situation for both companies and players, creating opportunities for specific games. Some bundles generate more value for an older title, especially when partnered with newer titles, such as the Resident Evil 2 pair-up with Resident Evil 4, while other bundles eliminate the need for buying multiple games. This is essentially like cutting out the middleman, allowing players to get right into the franchise via the bundle without delay.
Capcom has decided to launch 2019’s Resident Evil 2 Deluxe Edition, 2020’s Resident Evil 3, and 2024’s Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition separately, coming to the console on the same day, presenting them as a trilogy, but with no attachment.
Bundles generate hype for a franchise and are also way more cost-effective for players looking to take on a whole franchise. This is especially true for a franchise like Resident Evil, given the series has 11 mainline games, and that’s not even counting remakes or spin-offs like Resident Evil Revelations or Resident Evil Outbreak. In total, there are around 60 games available with the Resident Evil name attached. Buying all of those games could create a major dent in any player’s pocket, unless they’re a millionaire.
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The most cost-effective option for any gamer’s buck is a bundle, especially when things like dynamic pricing or flat multi-game discounts come into play that slash prices as a whole entity, or offer discounts on titles players might already own. With the price of consoles these days, it can be a downright hassle to have to spend $80 on a new game after everything’s all said and done. The consumer is looking for value, a chance to utilize their consoles to the fullest by purchasing bundles that look good and work well on the Switch 2.
Thankfully for players, these bundles also reduce decision fatigue, sometimes giving players up to four titles in one place. No need to sort through thousands upon thousands of games to find the right one when a bundle has everything you could need. Moral of the story? If Capcom wants to extend the shelf life of some of these older remakes, the best way to do so is via a bundle, as they’ve done in years past. Bundles give everyone a reason to celebrate, saving fans money and grief, while putting more money in Capcom’s pocket.
The Best Way to Play the Resident Evil Franchise Is Packaged in a Bundle
As mentioned, bundles are a great way to expose fans of Resident Evil to all the franchise has to offer, propping up older titles or those games that have been criminally overlooked time and time again. I can say with confidence that the best way to play Resident Evil in its entirety, spin-offs and all, is to get a bundle. That way, players won’t miss out on the cult-classic games along with those that keep getting swept under the rug.
I also tend to forget a storyline, key characters, or the happenings from past titles, especially if I played them separately. Playing Resident Evil in bundles helped me keep track of important info, because I was able to jump right into the next game in the series without delay. Thankfully, bundles tend to make accessing older titles, like 2002’s Resident Evil remake and Resident Evil 0, way easier. Of course, that leaves some of the spin-offs like Resident Evil Outbreak or Resident Evil: Dead Aim out, meaning I would usually have to emulate those titles to play them through. As a side note, these side-story games aren’t necessary for understanding the main franchise’s narrative, but they are pretty fun.
In general though, most bundles feature the core series, readily available for users like me that want to experience the survival horror romp from start to finish. Bundles were especially key for me when I was on the hunt for Resident Evil 0. Instead of emulating the title, I was able to tap into the Nintendo Switch Resident Evil Origins Collection, which gave me the ability to tap into Rebecca and Billy’s shared story, leeches and all, and the remade 2002 Resident Evil without issue. I encourage all prospective players to try their hand at the franchise this way, if only to make their lives easier. It is more cost-effective, and you can pretty much find the entire core franchise all in one place. Thank goodness for modern technology.
Resident Evil 2 Deluxe Edition, Resident Evil 3, and Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition will all be available via the Nintendo Switch 2 starting October 16. Physical game cards will be available in 2027.
