Predicting the Nintendo Switch Launch Games Lineup

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – This one has been known for a while, but it’s still exciting to see a new Legend of Zelda game coming to Nintendo’s latest home gaming console. We saw Breath of the Wild get featured in the official Nintendo Switch reveal trailer, and it looked simply breathtaking. We can’t wait to see more of it on the new hardware.

Splatoon – Splatoon was also featured in the Nintendo Switch reveal trailer. With the game being such a fun and massive hit on the Wii U, having this one on the Switch’s launch games lineup is a no-brainer.

Skyrim: Special Edition – Skyrim was one of the more surprising reveals in the Switch trailer, but you have to admit, being able to play Skyrim while you’re commuting or on a flight is pretty sweet. While Bethesda has stated that they’re not confirming any titles for the Switch just yet, seeing Skyrim in the reveal trailer is a pretty good sign that it’ll be arriving on the console.

Mario Kart 8 – Mario Kart 8 was another awesome racing game that you could only experience on the Wii U, but being able to bring it out with you and play local multiplayer with friends on a single device sounds like an even sweeter deal.

A New Mario Game – It was only for a few second, but we did manage to catch a glimpse of what looks like a brand new Mario game on the Nintendo Switch. Mario is basically Nintendo’s mascot at this point, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see a new Mario title on the Switch at launch.

Pokemon Sun and Moon – Game Freak and the Pokemon Company previously let loose a few details about the Switch’s hardware earlier this year, and it was clear that they would be collaborating with Nintendo to develop a new game for the then-called NX. Pokemon Sun and Moon is already hitting the 3DS next month, but it wouldn’t hurt to port the game over to the Switch next March.

NBA 2K17 – NBA 2K17 was featured in the Nintendo Switch trailer to show off the cool wireless connectivity function that the console boasts. Sports games are annual for a reason – they’re fun, and fun games will only help to bolster the Switch’s launch lineup.

Shin Megami Tensei – Persona 5 is a PlayStation exclusive, so I’m not holding my breath waiting for a Switch port on that one. However, the past two Shin Megami Tensei games were released on the 3DS. It’s unlikely that we’ll see a new number SMT game so soon, but I wouldn’t be surprised if SMT IV and Apocalypse were included in the launch lineup.

Resident Evil 7 – Nintendo has made it pretty clear in the Switch trailer that the console will be targeting a more mature audience as well. It’s also worth noting that Capcom has been listed as one of the Switch’s partners. With Resident Evil 7 launching at the end of January, and the Switch being slated for a March 2017 release, it’d be a bit of a waste not to include this one as a launch title.

Monster Hunter – Aside from Resident Evil, Capcom is also pretty well-known for the Monster Hunter series. The MH games have a comfortable home in the 3DS, so bringing a new entry to the Switch makes a lot of sense, considering you’ll be able to play it both at home and on the go. Not to mention, having a Monster Hunter game at launch will really help sell the console to the Japanese market as well.

Dark Souls III – With the second Dark Souls III DLC set to release early next year, who’s to say the new content drop can’t coincide with the Nintendo Switch launch as well? From Software is partnering up with Nintendo for the Switch as well, so releasing a Switch port of Dark Souls III along with the second DLC drop would make a lot of sense too.

Lady Layton – Lady Layton is set to be the latest game in the Layton series, and it’s been confirmed for the 3DS and mobile devices. Wouldn’t it be nice to solve some brain-teasing puzzles on your TV screen and on the go, whenever you want?

Danganronpa or Zero Escape – Spike Chunsoft partnering up with Nintendo for the Switch is pretty exciting news for us visual novel fans. New Danganronpa V3 is set for a Japanese release early next year, and it’d be nice to see the series make its Nintendo debut on the Switch. As for Zero Escape, 999 was originally launched on the 3DS before coming to PC. Series creator Uchikoshi Kotaro has been teasing a PC and another handheld port of 999 for a while, so who’s to say it won’t come to the Switch as well?

Dragon Quest XI – Dragon Quest XI was first announced for the PS4, 3DS, and the NX. Now that we know what the Switch has the potential to be capable of, it should be interesting to see how Dragon Quest XI plays on the hybrid console. The game is slated for a 2017 Japanese release, so it just might end up being a launch title in Japan.

Final Fantasy XV – The Nintendo Switch already has Breath of the Wild, but more JRPG goodness couldn’t hurt. Final Fantasy XV is one of the most hyped and anticipated games of 2016, and will certainly help to strengthen the Switch lineup quite a bit. If it’s not a total bust, that is.