10 Forgotten Franchises That Should Return On Switch 2

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Nintendo, known as a significant pioneer in creative gaming concepts among large AAA game companies, often explores innovative game ideas but regrettably doesn’t revisit them, which can be disappointing.

In simpler terms, you might come across a game published by Nintendo on one of their older consoles. As you delve into this game, you’ll discover something exceptional that feels remarkably unique. However, despite the fact that fan-made versions of the game continue to exist, it hasn’t received significant attention for over a decade.

I’m interested in revisiting some of their game series that haven’t had a completely fresh installment for more than ten years, and consider how advantageous it would be for these games to leverage the capabilities of a hypothetical Switch 2 console, given its new functionalities.

As a gamer, if these games are optimized for mouse control or if they’re classics that have left an indelible mark on my gaming history, I can’t help but imagine the electrifying response from the Nintendo community when they make their grand return with top-notch graphics.

10.
F-Zero

Completely Blindsided

It’s debatable to some extent since F-Zero 99 came out for the Switch a while back. However, let’s be frank: it essentially is the SNES version with multiplayer added, and as of late, there hasn’t been much activity seen in this game.

I’m yearning for a fresh installment that aligns with the style of F-Zero X and GX, featuring 3D graphics and maintaining that thrilling high-speed gameplay we miss from the GameCube era. I can’t fathom why they haven’t revisited this series, and it leaves me feeling melancholic.

It seems extremely unlikely that it will happen anytime soon, despite the fact that running races in high-resolution at 120 frames per second could enhance the experience of traveling through tubes at supersonic speeds like never before. However, there’s simply too much competition out there.

Instead of releasing Nintendo games all in one year, they’ve got Mario Kart World and Kirby Air Riders scheduled, along with the launches of Sonic Racing Crossworlds and Fast Fusion. It’s safe to say that if we get a new F-Zero game, it won’t be before at least four years have passed.

9.
Starfy

Swimming in Seas

The Starfy series seems remarkably unique within Nintendo’s lineup, given its protagonist shares similar potential for popularity as Kirby, user-friendly gameplay that’s both entertaining and accessible, but remains largely confined to Japan.

The last addition to it occurred during the fifth game on the DS, and that was the sole title from the series that received a global translation and release. Currently, the first three games can only be accessed via Nintendo Switch Online.

Experiencing life as a tiny starfish in the water offers a straightforward yet captivating gameplay experience with numerous refreshing stages. If all five games were compiled, translated, and tailored for various regions, I would eagerly welcome its return.

As a gamer, I can’t help but eagerly anticipate the arrival of the first new installment in 17 years! It’s got an enchanting 2.5D aesthetic reminiscent of the latest Kirby games, and it’s high time we all get introduced to this long-overdue series that truly deserves a wider audience.

8.
Wave Race

Rafting Rapids

It’s surprising that the Wave Race series received three games in total. The initial release on Game Boy seemed peculiar, but Wave Race 64 was widely adored and highly praised by critics. However, the successor to Wave Race 64 didn’t seem to receive the same attention or recognition.

Wave Race Blue Storm represented the final effort in developing this franchise, eventually fading into less prominence. It received slightly more negative feedback, but the series was by no means universally disliked.

Instead of cruising swiftly over the sea on jet skis or futuristic hovercrafts, which seems quite improbable given the abundance of racing games planned for the Switch 2, as previously mentioned when discussing F-Zero.

In a sense, the water-surfing in Mario Kart’s world seems to carry on the legacy of a particular game genre, yet nothing surpasses the sheer joy of dedicated water-racing games. If developed with the right visual flair, it could potentially be one of the most visually stunning games ever produced.

7.
Pilotwings

Circle Back Around

The Pilotwings series, known as a classic on SNES, an initial game for the Nintendo 64, and a rather unexpected debut on the 3DS, has consistently found itself in an unusual position. Yet, there’s a strong desire to witness its return.

It would have been amazing if a jetpack game was developed for the Nintendo Switch, allowing players to control it using the Joy-Cons as handles and utilizing the gyroscopic motion controls for added immersion.

Transforming the game into one that emphasizes open exploration with distinctive control mechanisms for each aircraft could set it apart from other flight-centric games available today, and I find it surprising that this approach hasn’t been utilized more extensively.

In the same vein as Wii Sports Resort, allow the player to control the plane, and introduce a feature where the character flies a wingsuit using the mouse, offering precise maneuvers at breathtaking angles. This will give the game an exceptional, one-of-a-kind feel by maximizing the available gimmicks.

6.
Star Fox

Barreling Forward

As a diehard Star Fox fan, I can’t help but feel that it’s high time this iconic series got another shot at greatness. After what seemed like the hundredth remake of Star Fox 64 with Star Fox Zero, I was left craving for something fresh and exciting. The control scheme felt less intuitive than before, and the overall aesthetic, though faithful to the original, lacked the vibrant, dynamic flair that made the game a classic in the first place.

Reviving the series with an entirely novel installment would be thrilling, one that visually captures the exhilaration of traversing exotic alien worlds and obliterating targets at every turn. Of course, Starlink is not considered a genuine video game in this context.

Switching to mouse control might help improve the issue of joystick aiming appearing inaccurate, as it was a struggle that Zero particularly struggled with. This is because mouse control allows for a full 360-degree aim, but in reality, all you need is to look forward.

It seems there’s some uncertainty because instead of creating a fresh game for the Nintendo Switch, Ubisoft incorporated the characters into a mediocre toy-to-life game that didn’t sell well. Fingers crossed they realize this and produce an original game again, similar to Command, since then.

5.
Sin and Punishment

Underrated Exclusive

You might not typically associate the Nintendo game “Sin and Punishment” with the term ‘cult classic’, but it has only been released on two occasions, each time maintaining its pristine quality and providing an engaging rail-shooter experience that garnered a good deal of critical praise.

It’s even more disheartening because they abandoned it, not allowing it to evolve into a dual-stick shooter. Though the point-and-click controls functioned well, there was potential for improvement.

The advantage that mouse control offers for shooter games is immense, and what makes it even more impressive is the ability to simultaneously utilize an analog stick on a dedicated game controller with your other hand. This setup has the potential to make this game truly extraordinary.

As a gamer, I must admit that I find this less commercial, grittier series intriguing, but I can’t help but wonder if it would garner as much attention as another game with similar mechanics. However, for those die-hard Nintendo enthusiasts, it’d be like a nostalgic punch to the gut – a throwback that’s sure to make them squeal with delight.

4.
Mario Paint

We Have a Mouse Again

To me, among all SNES accessories, the one that stands out as most amusing was the SNES Mouse, primarily utilized in Mario Paint. With the new capability of Joy-Con 2 to function like a mouse, it sparks a sense of anticipation that perhaps we might witness a sequel to Mario Paint in the future.

In America, this particular series was limited to just one release, but it had a follow-up exclusive to Japan, using the Nintendo 64 Disk Drive, which wasn’t well-received. Given its history, I believe it’s time for a proper, fresh game on this new platform.

Nintendo might reintroduce the classic sketching, melody creation, and animation features, plus incorporate advanced tools from Flipnote 3D. Additionally, they could expand the color range significantly, offering an array of unlockable stickers for added creativity.

With its pristine, untouched nature, there’s a world of possibilities for this game, and I believe that now, more than ever, is an ideal moment for its return, despite perhaps not being the most electrifying debut on the market.

3.
Golden Sun

RPG Perfection

Given the recent surge of popular independent games such as Sea of Stars, and with the current wave of nostalgia, now seems an ideal moment for Nintendo to resurrect the beloved series Golden Sun.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but reminisce about one of Nintendo’s all-time great RPG franchises – the one that seems to have taken a backseat as per Shigisato Itoi’s words. Given the current situation with the Mother series, it feels like the ideal time to shine a light on another captivating RPG series once more.

The game featured prominently on the Game Boy Advance, had a commendable sequel on the Nintendo DS, but after that, there was no further news. They occasionally include Isaac as an assist trophy in Smash, yet the series is seldom recognized elsewhere.

Experiencing the stunningly detailed universe of Weyard once more in high definition could bring tears to many eyes, considering how eagerly Nintendo enthusiasts have been yearning for even a hint of fresh content for quite some time now.

2.
Punch Out!!

Perfect Idea, Zero Execution

It seems like I’m not the only one who feels this way, but the release of Punch Out!! on the Wii, which appears to be the final installment in the series, fills me with a deep sense of melancholy. The concept of integrating motion control is fascinating, but the Nunchuck controller didn’t work well with motion control.

This game frequently overloads with inputs, making it more annoying than enjoyable at times. The basic motion controls also lack depth, which makes me hopeful that it could receive a revival on the Switch 2 and improve upon these aspects.

In simpler terms, the Joy-cons provide superior motion detection, allowing for accurate recognition of movements such as throwing a left hook most of the time. However, the boxing mini-game in 1-2 Switch seems to be an unfulfilled promise, as it lacks further development or improvements.

Apart from this, Wii left us feeling underwhelmed as we didn’t receive many new features. Therefore, a sequel that not only offers an exciting battle against Donkey Kong but also significantly improves the control experience would be fantastic.

1.
Kid Icarus

A New Uprisal

Man, it’s truly unfortunate that Kid Icarus: Uprising stood out as one of the crown jewels on the 3DS. It breathed new life into an otherwise dormant franchise, offering uproarious humor, engaging gameplay, and a control setup that could put even the most seasoned gamer’s joints to the test. Yet, despite its brilliance, it seems we haven’t seen another installment since then.

There was a sense of anticipation that Kid Icarus would establish itself as a recurring star within Nintendo’s lineup, but despite its excellent reviews, it failed to reappear on the Switch platform at all.

When Sakurai is not busy with his current projects, I can easily imagine him working on a fresh Kid Icarus game. He might incorporate mouse controls for aiming and effectively adapt the Uprising format to fit a one-screen setup.

If he avoids being involved in another large-scale Smash Bros. development, there’s a strong chance he will revisit the Uprising project. He has frequently expressed his wish to return to it and discussed it extensively, making it an ideal match for this new gameplay setup.

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2025-05-04 18:10