We finally got some more official information on the Nintendo Switch, such as its release date, price, and the list of launch titles. The hybrid gaming console will sell for $299 in the U.S. and be available starting on March 3. Here are all the titles that have been confirmed so far for the device.
List of launch titles for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch will only have four games available for it at launch, so these games better be spectacular. At least the first two on the list should help.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – We’ve been hearing rumors about this game since at least last year, as Zelda has been one of Nintendo’s most popular series ever, alongside Mario. The Japanese game maker confirmed last night that the next Zelda episode will indeed be available when the Nintendo Switch launches, and this is a wise move because of how long this game has been anticipated. This 19th installment in the series continues Link’s story after he wakes up from a century-long sleep and follows a voice to defeat the big baddie Ganon.
Skylanders: Imaginators – The Skylanders franchise has also been hugely successful, although it’s available on multiple platforms and not just Nintendo. This follow-up to Skylanders: SuperChargers is the first in the series to allow players to create their own characters, but it’s already been released on other platforms.
Also available on the Nintendo Switch at launch:
- 1-2-Switch
- Just Dance 2017
Hopefully gamers who buy the Nintendo Switch right away won’t have to wait long for more titles, and there are a few coming down the pike earlier rather than later.
List of games coming to Nintendo Switch later
Super Mario Odyssey – It’s pretty much a given that Nintendo needs a new Mario title for the Nintendo Switch, but unfortunately this isn’t a launch title. It will be out just in time for the holiday shopping season, but if history tells us anything, Nintendo can sell Mario games anytime, anywhere. The plucky plumber’s series is one of the most successful in video game history, and Super Mario Odyssey probably won’t disappoint, as it’s a sandbox game, which are becoming more and more popular all the time.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – This game is a follow-up to the Wii U’s Mario Kart 8. It adds new maps and new characters, including some from Splatoon. There are also new items, and the game can support up to eight players in local multiplayer wireless play.
Splatoon 2 – This second installment of the popular game will arrive in the summer, just in time to keep the kiddos busy after school lets out. This sequel continues the ink-splatting fun that pits gamers against themselves as they try to gain more turf than the other team.
Also coming to the Nintendo Switch:
- Has Been Heroes – March
- I Am Setsuna – March
- Arms – Spring
- Super Bomberman R – March
- Snipperclips: Cut it Out, Together! – March
- NBA 2K18 – September
- Elder Scrolls V – Skyrim – Fall
- Lego City Undercover – Spring
- Sonic Mania – Spring
This is still quite a short list, and unfortunately many of the titles here have already been out for other gaming consoles for a while, even years, in some cases. Hopefully as the year goes on, some new titles will be confirmed for the Nintendo Switch. Game makers might be trying to play it safe in the early days until it becomes apparent whether the hybrid device will do better than the Wii U. The price may be a deterrent, as might the list of titles, however, so it could be doomed from the start. Then again, the Nintendo Switch appears to be such a unique gaming device that it does have a solid shot at success. It’s already available for preorder.
