Nintendo to focus on new IP for future Switch games
Expect more original franchises in the future
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Nintendo is known for its household names and pillar game series such asMario, TheLegend of Zeldaand others, with each franchise taking multiple forms across numerous 2D and 3D games. New intellectual properties are introduced here and there, such as Splatoon, but by and large Nintendo sticks with evolving its known entities. Still, that could change in future, as a new report indicates that Nintendo is beginning to focus on major new IP for theNintendo Switch.
Speaking withNikkei(as translated byVGC), Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa talked about exploring new game franchises.
“I myself am looking at and studying various forms of entertainment. In the future, we will focus on creating new game series as well as long-sellers such as Mario and Zelda," he said, adding later that: “We are constantly building up ideas for the new consoles the market is expecting, but there are some things we can’t do now due to technology and cost constraints."
Furukawa also noted that Nintendo believes the Nintendo Switch is in the middle of its life cycle right now. Considering that the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, this means players should expect at least another four years of support.
Heavy hitters still a ways off
Right now, Nintendo has some games lined up to release for the Nintendo Switch later in 2021, such as Mario Golf: Super Rush in June and a remaster ofThe Legend of Zelda: Skyward Swordin July. Looking further ahead, however, several currently announced major titles don’t have a release date, or even a vague release window.
Bayonetta 3, asequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildand Metroid Prime 4 are set to be huge titles but currently, very little is known about them.
Other games such as Splatoon 3 andProject Triangle Strategyare tentatively dated for 2022, though game development is uncertain right now as the repercussions of the global pandemic continue to impact various pipelines.
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It’s possible, of course, that Nintendo is saving some game reveals for the rumored4K Nintendo Switch.
Samuel Tolbert is a freelance games journalist. His bylines can be found at Android Central, Windows Central, iMore and TechRadar.
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