As January 12 draws closer, the list of Nintendo Switch confirmed games gets a lot clearer. The successor to the Wii U has been shrouded in secrecy for almost two years, and next week, Nintendo will finally give a complete introduction to the Switch and most assume confirmed games will be a part of that reveal.
Ahead of the presentation, it’s time to look at what to expect for the Switch games from both third-party publishers and Nintendo themselves.
First-party Nintendo Switch confirmed games
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the most obvious confirmed Nintendo Switch game.
Nintendo spent all of E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) on the next installment of the Zelda series. It was originally slated for release on the Wii U, last year. However, with Wii U sales down drastically from the Wii, Nintendo elected to wait until the Switch was ready.
A new Nintendo system wouldn’t be complete without a Mario title. In the October preview, a player was shown playing what the internet is referring to as Mario Switch. Though no official name has been given, a 3D Mario platformer in what seems to be according to some in the style of Mario 64 is expected to be available at launch.
Other first-party titles confirmed at this time from Nintendo include Splatoon and Mario Kart. These games are expected to be enhanced ports of the Wii U versions instead of sequels to the respective series.
Switch confirmed games from third-parties
If there is one thing that pointed to the downfall of Wii U more than any other according to analysts, it was the lack of support of third-party titles that were available on the system. Nintendo looks to remedy this with the Switch.
Ubisoft has long been a supporter of system launches, and the Nintendo Switch isn’t any different.
The popular game Just Dance 2017 is expected to be a launch title. Though not completely confirmed, there has been numerous outlets that have reported a collaboration between Ubisoft with Nintendo on a Rabbids/Mario crossover RPG game. In fact, Grant Kirkhope is said to be composing the music for the game.
Bethesda Software didn’t release a single title for the Wii U.
However, they will be bringing the popular fantasy RPG Skyrim to the Nintendo Switch. It was featured extensively in the preview trailer in October 2016. No word on which version of the game is to be expected.
Final Fantasy-publisher Square Enix also has a couple of confirmed games for the Nintendo Switch. Both Dragon Quest X and Dragon Quest XI are set to appear on the system. No word on if the recently released Final Fantasy XV will make an appearance, but the Switch will not be short on RPG titles.
Other confirmed third-party games include Rime, Sonic 2017 (working title), Stardew Valley, and Yooka-Laylee. Seasons of Heaven is set to be the systems first third-party exclusive as well.
In just few short days the list will be a lot clearer.
Rumors of other games have been circulating, and there is a real possibility that this list should grow after next Thursday. In the meantime, which of the Nintendo Switch confirmed games are you looking forward to the most?
