The Mario Franchise Needs the Best of Both Worlds on the Switch 2

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The Mario Franchise Needs the Best of Both Worlds on the Switch 2

Highlights

  • The Nintendo Switch successor is nearing reveal, signaling a potential new era for iconic franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon.
  • Recent absence of major releases in 2024 suggests preparation for big titles like Metroid Prime 4 and Pokemon Legends in 2025.
  • The Switch 2 should feature strong 2D and 3D Mario games, possibly with a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey for a successful launch.

As a lifelong Nintendo fan who’s grown up with the iconic Super Mario Bros., I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming Nintendo Switch successor. The hints and teasers we’ve been getting are like breadcrumbs leading me through a magical Mushroom Kingdom forest, each one bringing us closer to the grand reveal.

Despite the exact release date being unclear, the long-awaited successor to the Nintendo Switch is drawing nearer to its unveiling. With the current Nintendo Switch nearing the end of an impressive eight-year run as Nintendo’s main gaming platform, it seems that the console/handheld hybrid has been thoroughly exploited for its potential. The signs point towards a new era, and beloved series like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Pokemon, and others are likely to debut soon. The new Nintendo Switch should have a robust launch year, paving the way for another fruitful phase in Nintendo’s history.

Indicating a trend, Nintendo’s plans for future titles seem to be hinted at in the lack of major first-party releases in 2024. Titles like Metroid Prime 4 and Pokemon Legends: Z-A are slated for 2025 launches, while Mario & Luigi: Brothership and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom take center stage. This leads to a growing sense that something significant is on the horizon. The frequent release of remakes, remasters, spin-offs, and side games of Super Mario Bros. in the past year may suggest an early emphasis on the Switch 2 for both of its primary game genres.

The First Switch Just Had A 2D Mario Revival

In 2023, instead of 2024, we saw the emergence of a “mainline” or “core” Mario Brothers game. After a significant gap since the release of New Super Mario Bros. U and its Switch re-release, there were no notable 2D Mario games for quite some time. However, the unexpected arrival of Super Mario Bros. Wonder brought excitement to fans as it introduced an innovative art style, along with numerous gameplay elements within the Wonder Flowers and Badges. Moreover, the voices of the Mario brothers were given a fresh twist by new voice actors. This release served as a refreshing change from the seemingly repetitive New Super Mario Bros. era.

A Super Mario Bros. Wonder Sequel Should Grace The Switch 2

It’d be a pity not to explore more ideas based on the unique gameplay mechanics introduced in “Super Mario Wonder”, as these could be expanded upon with additional features to prevent repetition. Given that the foundation has been laid, it might not take too long to develop another 2D “Mario” game in the style of “Wonder”. These factors, among others, suggest that we can expect another 2D “Mario” game within the first few years of the Nintendo Switch 2. This would serve as proof that 2D “Mario” games still hold relevance in Nintendo’s current collection, even with their 3D counterparts receiving frequent updates.

The Switch Successor Should Have Big 2D And 3D Mario Games

3D Mario games are such a significant part of Nintendo’s portfolio at this stage that they can hardly afford to overlook them, given the resurgence of the franchise’s 2D and RPG aspects. The success of Super Mario Odyssey marked a powerful end to the Nintendo Switch’s impressive first year, and as The Legend of Zelda series seems to be wrapping up its major titles for the Switch’s next two years, it appears that Mario will likely take the lead in delivering a substantial 3D game for the potential Switch 2. Fan anticipation for a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey or a comparable title has been building for quite some time now, suggesting that the Switch 2 could be where this eagerly awaited release takes place.

3D Mario’s Next Title Could Make The Switch 2’s Launch

Building upon that, we haven’t seen any continuation of the experimental open-world gameplay featured in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury since its release midway through the Nintendo Switch’s lifespan. Given the rumors that the Nintendo Switch 2 was postponed to coincide with a larger software launch, it’s possible that one of Super Mario’s main projects is ready for debut early in the Switch 2’s life, while another keeps the excitement high later on.

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2024-08-12 18:04