Brilliant Nintendo Switch Games That Will Probably Never Receive Sequels

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2024 might mark the end of relevance for the Nintendo Switch, as speculation surrounding the release of its successor, tentatively known as the “Switch 2”, is high. The exact announcement date and launch period remain uncertain, leaving many games enthusiasts eagerly awaiting details. It’s unclear which games will be released alongside the new console and whether any currently announced Switch games will shift their development focus. As we wait for more information, fans are left pondering these questions and craving answers.

Over nearly ten years, the Nintendo Switch has undeniably revolutionized gaming yet again, a feat that Nintendo is no stranger to. Its success was such that Valve itself entered the fray with a competing system. As we approach the twilight of this era, it’s intriguing to reflect on the Switch’s journey and ponder one more question: Could some popular games receive sequels? Let’s delve into why this might be challenging and why fans may need to exercise patience.

8. ARMS

An Early Launch Fighter

The game called “ARMS” was released merely months following the Switch’s debut in 2017, and it stood out with its unique feature: characters equipped with two extendable arms, each possessing different abilities from regular boxing gloves to dragon heads that spouted fire. It served as a nice filler for fans eagerly awaiting the launch of “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” in 2018. Critics generally appreciated “ARMS,” but there were no exceptional accolades given to it. Characters from this game have made appearances elsewhere, such as in “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” however, Nintendo doesn’t appear to be planning on expanding the series into a franchise.

7. Astral Chain

Persona Meets Bad Boys

In 2019, a game titled “Astral Chain” was released for Nintendo Switch, developed by PlatinumGames. This title received favorable reviews across the board. While not all of their games are successful, most of them are hits, with the exception of those based on licenses. In Astral Chain, players took on the role of a future police officer who was partnered with a monster similar to Persona, which assisted in gameplay. Unusual for PlatinumGames, they typically produce standalone titles rather than franchises, such as Bayonetta. This may explain why a sequel to Astral Chain is unlikely.

6. Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt Of The NecroDancer Featuring The Legend Of Zelda

A One-Off Roguelike

In 2019, a unique blend of two popular franchises, The Legend of Zelda and Crypt of the NecroDancer, was introduced as “Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda.” The indie studio Brace Yourself Games, known for creating the rhythm-based roguelike game, Crypt of the NecroDancer, developed this crossover sequel. In the storyline, Cadence, the protagonist from their original game, entered Hyrule to aid Link and Zelda in saving their kingdom using roguelike gameplay mechanics.

Even after all these years, it remains one of the top-notch games available on the Switch, and arguably one of the finest in the Zelda series. Despite its initial popularity, Brace Yourself Games may not return to the Zelda franchise anytime soon due to their unique style. However, considering this game’s success, it might be beneficial for Nintendo to collaborate with more independent developers to produce spin-offs of their renowned franchises.

5. Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing In Disguise

A Surprising Sequel To A Cult Hit

The game Deadly Premonition, initially released for Xbox 360 in 2010, received a lot of criticism from the general public who considered it one of the worst games ever. However, a devoted fanbase emerged, appreciating the character Agent Francis York Morgan and the game’s director, SWERY. Incredibly, Nintendo managed to secure an exclusive sequel titled Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise in 2020, which was later ported to PC. Despite this, it seems that the franchise did not attract enough devoted fans, and it’s looking likely that this cult horror series has reached its end for now.

4. Little Town Hero

A Side Story To Pokemon

  • Developer: Game Freak
  • Publisher: Game Freak
  • Released: October 16, 2019 (Switch Version)
  • Platform: Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC

Primarily known for creating Pokemon games for Nintendo, Game Freak occasionally deviates to create something distinct. Their latest departure from the Pokemon series was the release of Little Town Hero in 2020. In this game, players defended their town against monster attacks in turn-based battles that combined elements of Final Fantasy and Shadow of the Colossus. Despite its appealing Game Freak charm, it failed to win over fans or critics, making a sequel or further releases unlikely for now.

3. Nintendo Labo

Lining Closets With Cardboard

Nintendo Labo represented one of Nintendo’s most unusual concepts, undeniably. Starting in 2018, it offered a collection of mini-games that came accompanied by cardboard kits. Users could assemble these kits and connect them to their Joy-Cons, effectively transforming the controllers into “Toy-Cons,” which was a sweet but slightly humorous nickname.

Originally, there was a robot-themed game featuring an exosuit and accessories crafted from cardboard, including VR goggles and a fishing rod. These items were highly costly, inconvenient for storage due to their bulky cardboard construction, and while the games were entertaining, they didn’t revolutionize the gaming industry. It’s understandable why Nintendo would shy away from funding such a project in the future.

This game had cardboard-made components like an exosuit, VR goggles, and a fishing rod, which were pricey, difficult to store, and fun but not groundbreaking. It makes sense that Nintendo would hesitate to back a similar project again due to these factors.

2. Princess Peach: Showtime

Only Two Games Is Crime

Over time, Princess Peach has been repeatedly cast as the damsel in distress character. Given this long-standing role, it’s only fair that Nintendo create a series of games centered around her. To date, there have been just two games featuring Peach: “Super Princess Peach” for the DS in 2005 and more recently, “Princess Peach: Showtime” on the Switch in 2024. These games don’t seem to be connected in any way other than having Peach as the protagonist, so a new solo project from Nintendo would likely offer something fresh and distinct.

1. Starlink: Battle For Atlas

Star Fox Gets A New Campaign

The game “Starlink: Battle for Atlas,” released by Ubisoft in 2018 across major platforms, was particularly impressive on the Nintendo Switch due to exclusive Star Fox content that wasn’t available elsewhere. This is the only new Star Fox experience currently on the Switch, as most Wii U games have been remastered but not “Star Fox Zero.” Unfortunately, this game isn’t one of them. Despite its exceptional quality, many people missed out on it due to its high cost, similar to Nintendo Labo, being another example of the Toys to Life genre. Given Ubisoft’s current financial situation, there’s a strong likelihood that “Starlink: Battle for Atlas” will eventually be one of those overlooked games on the Switch.

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2025-01-12 14:36