Five Obscure Nintendo Franchises That Deserve a Second Chance on Nintendo Switch
3 min readNintendo has been a trailblazer in the gaming industry, consistently pushing boundaries and delivering innovative experiences to players. With the success of the Nintendo Switch, the company has revived several long-lost franchises, giving them a new lease on life. However, there are still some obscure series that deserve a second chance. In this article, we will explore five Nintendo franchises that have been overlooked and would benefit from a comeback on the Nintendo Switch.
1. Kid Icarus
Kid Icarus, a series that dates back to 1986 on the NES, has a rich history but has been largely forgotten. The series’ last entry was Kid Icarus Uprising on the Nintendo 3DS in 2012. While the game was well-received, it has been 12 years since the last entry, and the series deserves a fresh start.
Kid Icarus Uprising, directed by Masahiro Sakurai, is a departure from the series’ challenging 2D platforming roots. Instead, it’s a full-blown 3D action game, featuring on-rails levels, ground missions, and creative boss fights. The game’s deep, satisfying gameplay, impressive visuals, and engaging story make it a hidden gem in Nintendo’s library.
Nintendo could remake Kid Icarus: Uprising for the Nintendo Switch with a fresh coat of HD paint and a revamped control scheme. This would give a new generation of players the opportunity to experience one of the most ambitious games Nintendo has ever created.
2. Rhythm Heaven
Rhythm Heaven is a unique and quirky Nintendo series that challenges players to tap, clap, and shake the system at just the right moments to the beat of the music. The series hasn’t seen a new entry since Rhythm Heaven Megamix on the 3DS in 2016.
Rhythm Heaven is a perfect showcase for Nintendo’s most bizarre ideas, and adding it to the Switch software lineup would provide an element of zaniness that’s currently missing. Nintendo could either port Rhythm Heaven Megamix to the Switch or create a brand new game in the series.
3. Punch-Out!!
Punch-Out!! is a unique fighting game that requires players to read the patterns of their opponents and execute moves with perfect timing to emerge victorious. The series has a rich history, with the last entry being Punch-Out!! on the Wii in 2009.
Punch-Out!! is a puzzle game at its core, and a comeback on the Nintendo Switch would be a welcome addition to the console’s library. Nintendo could either port the Wii version to the Switch or create a new game in the series.
4. EarthBound
EarthBound is a classic RPG series that has a dedicated fanbase but hasn’t seen a new entry since Mother 3 on the Game Boy Advance in 2006. The series’ unique art style, quirky humor, and engaging story make it a standout in the genre.
A remake of EarthBound or Mother 3 on the Nintendo Switch would be a dream come true for fans of the series. The game’s unique art style and quirky humor would translate well to the console, and a modernized version would introduce the series to a new generation of players.
5. F-Zero
F-Zero is a futuristic racing series that has been a staple of Nintendo consoles since the Super NES. The last entry in the series was F-Zero GX on the GameCube in 2003.
A comeback of F-Zero on the Nintendo Switch would be a welcome addition to the console’s library. The series’ fast-paced racing and futuristic setting would translate well to the console, and a modernized version would introduce the series to a new generation of players.
In conclusion, these five Nintendo franchises have been overlooked but deserve a second chance on the Nintendo Switch. Kid Icarus, Rhythm Heaven, Punch-Out!!, EarthBound, and F-Zero all have unique qualities that make them stand out and would benefit from a modernized version on the console. Nintendo has a history of reviving long-lost series, and a comeback for these franchises would be a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch’s library.
Nintendo’s commitment to reviving long-lost series is a testament to the company’s dedication to its fans and the gaming industry as a whole. The Nintendo Switch’s impressive sales and library make it the perfect platform for these franchises to make a comeback and reach a new audience. Let’s hope that Nintendo continues to surprise and delight us with unexpected announcements and revivals of these beloved series.