Since 2017, we’ve seen a huge number of ports appear on Switch, many of which previously seemed impossible. Surprising things like Doom (2016)appeared in the year of system launch and 2019 The Witch 3 shows that despite the need for smart optimization, Nintendo’s console maybe offers flawless and engaging mobile versions of some of today’s biggest video games.
As time passes and next-gen platforms from Sony and Microsoft are launched, Switch ports keep coming — great regret is a special highlight this year. We have our fingers crossed. Fighting Ace 7 And lostDespite recent disappointments such as Batman Arkham Trilogy shows that caution is necessary. The Switch is now in its eighth year, and the technology inside is hardly the most advanced in 2017.
However, hybrids still exist, and besides, many of the games we still wish would be ported over can run perfectly on current consoles. There’s also the issue of over 140 million systems soldmeaning there’s a large reachable audience for developers considering moving to a Switch port in 2024.
So as we bask in the summer sunshine in one hemisphere (and settle into the warm winter in the other) with the knowledge of Official Switch successor announcement is cominglet’s look back at the last outburst of one ‘Nintendo, can we have some more please?’ — summer compilation of great games we still want to see on Switch still Missing in Action.
You’ll find a mix of Wii U ports (yes, there are still some ports), some usable Wii gems, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD treatmenta bunch of third-party classics, along with some personal favorites we didn’t want to give up. We’ve left out games that are already playable via Nintendo Switch Online or anything that’s highly likely to appear there (e.g. Diddy Kong racing).
So now we present our ultimate Switch port wishlist, in alphabetical order. Coincidentally, we start with a few reality vain dream…
Alan wakes up 2
Firstly Alan Wake is coming to Switch as a remake. It’s an underwhelming port, but it shows Remedy’s interest in the console and fuels our fever dreams that a GOTY-winning sequel might have a chance.
What are the chances?
ONE Control-Cloud-style version? Maybe, although who really wants that? This one bothers us, this game and the next one on the list look like they’ll need more power than the current console can muster if they’re to make the jump to Nintendo hardware without major compromises.
Bald Gate 3
Another GOTY 2023. Larian Studios’ Bald Gate 3 was a huge hit with both fans of the series and newcomers, and with both 1 and 2 already on Switch in Enhanced Edition form, completing the BG set will be a treat.
What are the chances?
So slim – in fact, this is another one that’s on the ‘Switch 2’ wish list. If Nintendo’s next console is, as has been suggested, an iterative update on the current hybrid console, and if third-party developers are preparing to start running with unusable ports applicable on the current model, then we maybe looking at a debut lineup for the ages! Okay, we’re getting ahead of ourselves with that hypothesis. However, it motivates us.
Generally speaking, almost any game that launches alongside a new console sells well thanks to the limited number of options available to early adopters (there’s a reason why Ubisoft always gets in early with anything else), so if we were a large scale developer we would consider getting involved from day one.
Enough of empty words. Let’s move on to what the current Switch can run while sleeping.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
There’s not much more to say, really. It’s odd that it was never on a Nintendo console, and odd that we’ve had two (excellent) collections that haven’t. Symphony.
What are the chances?
There are question marks all around pray The Symphony and Rondo of Blood anthologies are exclusive to Sony, but we don’t see anything stopping Konami from releasing a standard, standalone port. Or, you know, invest in the series’ most famous entry and offer it in sparkling form with extras on all platforms.
Gavin first wrote for Nintendo Life in 2018 before joining the site full-time the following year, rising through the ranks to become Editor. He can now be found squashed beneath a Switch backlog the size of Normandy.
