The day is finally here, and both theXbox Series X and the PlayStation 5are now available for gamers worldwide. Both consoles feature some huge improvements in terms of both their graphics and performance, as well as being offered at a fair price.
But with an all-new generation of game consoles now released, many fans are worried that Nintendo will begin to lose some steam as theSwitchenters its fifth year on the market. Looking at the hybrid console’s current lineup of games, however, it’s easy to see that this isn’t the case at all. In fact,the Switch’s 2021is looking to be possibly one of its best years for the system yet, with plenty of big titles set to release.
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Nintendo’s Confirmed 2021 Lineup
So far, the Switch already has plenty of confirmed AAA exclusives that are arriving on the console next year, with many of them arriving early in 2021. Arriving on February 12th, the Wii Usmash hitSuper Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Furyis dropping, featuring additional content and online multiplayer. Arriving shortly after that will be Square Enix’sBravely Default 2on February 26th, and thenMonster Hunter Riseone month later on March 26th. This line-up already makes for a very strong start for the year, with three great exclusive titles in a row.
Additionally,Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne HD Remasteris set to release in Spring 2021, withShin Megami Tensei 5set to release sometime later in the year.No More Heroes 3was recently announced to be coming sometime in 2021, with thefirst twoNo More Heroesgames just getting surprise dropped onto the Switch. And going back to theMonster Hunterfranchise, the titleMonster Hunter Stories 2is set to release sometime in mid-2021.
The Legend of Zelda 35th Anniversary, Pokemon Too!
2021 marks the35th anniversary forThe Legend of Zeldafranchise, one of Nintendo’s biggest game series. With Mario receiving a massive celebration for his anniversary this year, many fans are speculating that the Hylian warrior will be getting similar treatment as well. The most obvious title to be released in celebration is the already announced sequel to 2017’sBreath of the Wild, as a 2021 release would mean a four-year gap between entries which is about normal for the series. This year’sHyrule Warriors: Age of Calamityis a direct prequel to the firstBreath of the Wild, so in many ways it sets up the release of the sequel for next year perfectly.
Another possibility is that Nintendo is planning to release aZelda35th anniversary collection similar toSuper Mario 3D All-Stars, which could bundle several3D Zeldaadventures into one single package. Seeing as bothThe Wind WakerandTwilight Princesswere both given HD remasters for the Wii U, these two games could make for a great collection for the Nintendo Switch, with maybe a third title thrown in for good measure.
Furthermore, thePokemonfranchise will also be celebrating its 25th birthday next year, spurring rumors of ports, remakes, and more. Of course, it remains to be seen, but there’s as much potential for aPokemonjamboree next year as there isZelda.
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Other Upcoming Games
With all of this said, there are still plenty of confirmed Nintendo Switch games that simply are without any sort of release dates.New Pokemon Snap, for example, was announced earlier this year without a release date, but it could probably be assumed that fans should be able to see it arrive sometime within the next year.Bayonetta 3was announced ages agowithout many updates outside of a few tweets from the developer. Finally,Metroid Prime 4is a game that fans have been awaiting ever since it was announced in 2017. The title has seen multiple set-backs and a fully restarted development in 2019, but it will be arriving at some point. Perhaps 2021 will be the year that the highly anticipated sequels arrives for Switch
Switch Pro
One of the most interesting gaming rumors that’s come out of 2019 is the long-speculatedNintendo Switch Pro. Said to have 4K gaming capabilities and largely improved graphics and overall performance, the Switch Pro could be a big game-changer. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have now taken the spotlight as the newest and most powerful consoles around; however. if the Switch Pro could somehow match them (or at least get closer than it currently is) in performance, then it could be a huge deal.
This rumoredSwitchupgrade doesn’t seem all that far-fetched, as Sony and Microsoft did the same thing with the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, which were beefed up versions of each respective game console. The Switch Pro could be a big deal as many third party titles likeRed Dead Redemption 2andCyberpunk 2077could become possible ports for the upgraded model. Nintendo could even make current Switch games likeBreath of the Wildrun and look better on the upgraded console, which would also be great.
More Smash Bros Hype
Outside of new game releases, 2018’sSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatecontinues to excite Switch owners with its many new playable fighters constantly getting released and announced. There are still four more fighters remaining for its second Fighter’s Pass, with Nintendo likely having a few big surprises planned. With the likes ofPersona 5’s Joker,Minecraft’s Steve, andBanjo-Kazooie,Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s DLC announcements provide tons of hype and excitement that few other titles on the market can match. There are still four more characters left to be announced, and that alone is incredibly exciting.
Overall, it looks like the Nintendo Switch is in no danger of falling behind its competitors, as the console has plenty of things going for it: exciting new games, new downloadable content and possibly some new hardware will all help carry the Switch through the next year and beyond, as the console shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Nintendo’s 2020 isn’t even finished yet, withHyrule Warriors: Age of Calamityset to release on the console later this month.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamitywill launch on November 20 for the Switch.
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