The gaming industry has grown into a fearsome titan with software sales rising by 35.5 million globally within the year 2022 alone. Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without companies like Sony, Microsoft, SEGA, and above all else, Nintendo. Unfortunately, not every beloved title makes it to the market and that includes some canceled Nintendo games thanks to some undeserved cancellations.
It’s a shame considering that some of those potential Nintendo releases could have led to some of the most memorable titles on Earth. Though that’s just speculation, the concepts and the rough implementations of these titles say otherwise. Here are a few canceled Nintendo games that didn’t deserve the cut.
"The Grinder" (Wii)
Despite its family-friendly aesthetics, the Nintendo Wii offered plenty of mature titles. Sadly, 'The Grinder' didn’t make the cut. Developed by High Voltage Software in the late 2000s, this 4-player co-op FPS was Left 4 Dead before there even was a Left 4 Dead. What set The Grinder apart was that it featured a garden variety of monsters that included vampires, werewolves, and yes, zombies. Unfortunately, the project was ultimately canceled due to a lack of interest from publishers.
"Project Giant Robot" (Wii U)
The Wii U was an underappreciated console. Though its gimmick involving a second screen wasn’t enough to attract crowds much like its predecessor the Wii did, the possibilities were there. One such possibility was 'Project Giant Robot,' created by the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto. Announced at E3 2014, the hook was pretty much in the title: The player would control the titular being to do battle with others using the Gamepad’s gyro controls. Unfortunately, the title was canceled in 2017.
Untitled "Star Fox" (Wii)
The release cycle for 'Star Fox' titles is sporadic at best especially due to cancellations. For example, the series developer Takaya Imamura had expressed the desire for a sequel to 'Star Fox Command' for the Wii console that not only continued the story but also contain the “true ending.” Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. Though not much is known about the unnamed project, its gameplay undoubtedly would have utilized the Wii Remote's motion controls like most first-party titles had.
"Mega Man Legends 3" (3DS)
Though some cancellations may seem unnecessary, they can make sense by in large. But that wasn’t the case with 'Mega Man Legends 3.' An estranged Capcom had made questionable decisions concerning the blue bomber during that period. MML3 was meant to be a direct sequel, complete with a story that picked up from where its predecessor left off. But Capcom canceled it, claiming it was in response to a lack of fan involvement and their response was as expected. Boycotts soon followed.
Untitled "EarthBound" game (Gamecube)
The ‘Mother trilogy’ is revered as the most satisfyingly absurd approach to RPGs. But when it was time for a fourth entry, its creator Shigesato Itoi repeatedly expressed zero desire to do so. However, it turns out that a fourth game was in the works at one point. Not much is known about this elusive ‘EarthBound’ project except that it was the weirdest one yet as it featured a claymation art style. Unfortunately, the creator passed on the project as he felt it was too strange even for him.
