If 2017 is any indicator, it seems like Nintendo finally might be on the right track. The Switch has blown away everyone’s predictions to being their fastest-selling console ever, thanks to great marketing and a strong slate of big titles like Zelda, Mario, Splatoon and even AAA third-party releases like Doom, Rocket League and Skyrim.
However, did they front-load the launch, leading to a lackluster 2018?
For us Wii U owners, it became apparent in 2016 that Nintendo had moved on. Very few notable titles were released that year, which leads to believe that development was nearly all moved from Wii U to the Switch as early as 2015 or perhaps even earlier.
The beginning of 2018 hasn’t been as impressive as 2017, with many Wii U ports being Nintendo’s heavy hitters through the Spring. So what can Nintendo do it ensure that 2018 is as good, if not better than 2017? Here's my 2018 wishlist:
Knock our socks off with your online service
Image sources: Kitsuga
One of Nintendo's weak points has been their slow and timid approach to online gaming. Their online service launches later this year at an annual price of $20 if I recall correctly. With Sony and Microsoft having robust, mature online services, Nintendo has a lot to prove here. Their history of bulky friend codes and lack of online voice features in even games like Mario Kart and Splatoon are worrisome. Put our minds at ease by showing that you finally understand what gamers expect from a modern online service.
Drop some megaton announcements at E3
Image sources: IGN
With 2017 featuring some of the greatest entries in the Zelda and Mario franchises, there needs to be something huge announced at E3. The big trio is Zelda, Mario and Metroid so hopefully we get a good look at Metroid Prime 4. I think the next Pokemon game is not only likely for 2018, but a necessity for pushing sales in holiday 2018, so it needs to be announced as well. It would be great to see new entries in the Animal Crossing, F-Zero and Smash Bros series announced as well.
Court more AAA third party support
Image sources: Destructoid
Skyrim, DOOM, Rocket League and LA Noire showed how well the Switch can handle big-budget AAA games from third parties. Seeing games like Fallout 4, Bioshock Collection, Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA V get ports to the Switch would be huge in showing how strongly supported the console is by the big guys. The sudden announcement of Outlast 1 and 2 coming to the Switch is more good signs of stronger third party support.
Bring us the Virtual Console
Image sources: Bagogames
We want to play the classic Nintendo game library everywhere. Unless they have something big under wraps, there's no reason why the Virtual Console hasn't been launched on the Switch. Add the GameCube library too to really give the thing some punch.
Acquire more developers
Image sources: IGN Espana
I think 2017 will show that one of Nintendo's weaknesses is their lack of manpower to create the steady flow of games they need. Picking up some powerhouses like Platinum Games would be hugely beneficial to Nintendo, which leads into my final point.
BUY SEGA!
Image sources: Giant Bomb
A big long shot, but its been rumored that Microsoft is in talks to acquire Sega. I think that Nintendo should be stepping into a take over their former rival. With franchises like Sonic, Crazy Taxi, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage and Shenmue as Nintendo exclusives, they could greatly expand their library and widen their appeal.
So what do you think? What moves does Nintendo need to make in 2018 to keep the momentum going? Let's discuss!
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Title image sources: Geek.com
I think that all the things you mentioned will happen in 2018 to keep Switch popular with the exception of AAA 3rd party support and buying Sega. The lack of 3rd party support was one of the factors that killed the Wii U, they don't seem to get that for some reason. Sega might just be content in where they're at for now. Maybe they'll come out with a new platform themselves in the future although all the consoles are going to basically be micro PCs pretty soon.
Part of me would like to see Nintendo takeover Sega as they are a great company that makes great games, but the other side of me would hate to see Sega bound to exclusives on underpowered Nintendo hardware.
A game like Shenmue would be severely limited on Switch. While the Switch is a good console with great games I miss the days of Gamecube where Nintendo was right at the top end with powerful hardware.