The Nintendo Switch had a very impressive 2017. It managed to outsell the Nintendo Wii in just ten months. It released two of the best games in recent memory. Any console that releases “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Super Mario Odyssey” in the same year doesn’t really need to do anything else to have a great year. Not resting on their laurels, Nintendo has announced six new titles that will be released in early 2018.
'Bayonetta 2'
"Bayonetta 2" is a port of the original Wii U game, with updated graphics. Platinum Games are renowned for their tight gameplay and amazing battle system, and "Bayonetta 2" is no exception.
The hack and slash ‘em up also comes with the original "Bayonetta," getting twice the bang for your buck. It was released on February 6th, so it is available as you are reading this.
'Kirby Star Allies'
Everybody’s favorite bubblegum with eyes returns to show off the Nintendo Switch’s multiplayer capabilities. While one person will play as the titled pink blob by throwing hearts at enemies, you can recruit them to join Kirby. The computer takes them over in single player, but in multiplayer your friends will control the new recruits.
This can lead to up to four people palling around the "Kirby" landscape, working together or racing ahead to collect items. Each enemy you recruit plays differently too.
Some may be offense-based, others defensive, and some are able to boost or change the abilities of others. You will get fun platforming that you would expect from a "Kirby" game coupled with the excitement and manic mayhem stemming from multiplayer.
"Kirby Star Allies" will be released on March 16th, 2018.
'Nintendo Labo'
Now, this is different.
Nintendo has created the "Labo" (short for Laboratory) that uses the Switch in a unique way. Upon buying a Labo kit, you will find yourself the proud owner of several pieces of cardboard. By following the instructions you are able to create a variety of accessories yourself that will work alongside the games included in the kit.
Such examples include creating a cardboard car, fully controllable with the Switch controller. You can create a fishing rod and use it to fish on the console. You can create a piano that uses infrared tape, so the Switch actually knows which keys you are pressing and plays the correct note.
You can even buy a robot kit where, after you assemble the robot, you wear the robot costume. Your movements then control the robot in the game. If you crouch, the robot transforms into a vehicle. If you spread your arms, the robot will start to fly. If you place the visor over your eyes, the game turns into a first-person view. You can then explore a gigantic city, destroying it if you wish.
Whether the novelty of "Labo" will wear off is unknown, but it seems like a blast.
It has been said that "Labo" kits are super fun to build and provide a truly unique experience, bringing that virtual element out into the real world in a tangible way. It will be available on April 20th, 2018.
'Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze'
First released for the Wii-U in 2014 by Retro Studios, "Tropical Freeze" is coming to the Switch. While known for its difficulty, this platformer will come with a beginner-friendly mode to help ease newer gamers in. This mode will star "Funky Kong," quite possibly the best "Kong." This game was a success when it was first released and all signs show that history will repeat itself when the game is released on May 4th, 2018.
'Mario Tennis Aces'
The newest installment of "Mario Tennis" also finds its way to the Switch.
Nintendo promised a story mode with added bosses and missions to complete. The "Mario Tennis" games have traditionally been very fun to play, and with the Switch’s capabilities for multiplayer, this should be another smash hit. No official release date has been announced yet, though you should expect it before the end of May 2018.
Untitled 'Yoshi' Game
Everyone’s favorite dinosaur makes a triumphant return in this new game. Details are scarce at the moment, but we can confirm that the new "Yoshi" game will have an origami aesthetic. No official release date has been announced, but Nintendo claims that it will be here sometime in 2018.
