The Nintendo Switch presentation took place last night (or this morning, depending upon your time zone), with Nintendo providing a comprehensive rundown of what we can expect from the new console. Along with learning more about its price ($299), the importance of its Joy-Con controllers and many other new features, we also got to take a look at the lineup of games that Nintendo has in store for the console.
While the Switch doesn’t appear to boast the ground-breaking launch lineup we were expecting, there were still a few trailers that piqued our interest and left us excited for what the new console has to offer. Though Nintendo will likely announce more games throughout this year, the Nintendo Switch presentation gave us a good idea of what to expect from the new hardware, so we’ve compiled this rundown of every trailer that was featured at the event.
Here’s every Nintendo Switch trailer ranked from worst to best:
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+
The Binding of Isaac is a great game, but it’s been around for a while. Afterbirth was a major expansion for the 2014 roguelike, introducing an updated weapon combo system, new bosses and enemy types, a greatly improved main game and 4-player local coop. Its announcement on the Switch is great news for its army of fans, but it’s hardly the most exciting piece of news emanating from the console’s Nintendo Direct presentation.
Fire Emblem: Warriors
“A new 3D Fire Emblem game is launching on the Switch!” “Hooray!” “But it’s going to be a Musou game developed by Koei Tecmo in the style of Dynasty Warriors…” “Oh.”
While the Dynasty Warriors series has always maintained a significant following, Koei Tecmo’s The Legend of Zelda spin-off Hyrule Warriors was underwhelming to say the least, so our hopes aren’t exactly high for the developer’s next partnership with Nintendo. There was a lot of fan service in HW, but it was undone by repetitive gameplay and woefully dull boss fights. Hopefully Fire Emblem: Warriors won’t mirror these issues, but it’s impossible to tell from this short teaser trailer.
Redout
Nintendo is determined to never release a new F-Zero game ever again, but it has compromised by bringing Redout to the Switch. If you’ve played Redout on PC then you know what to expect; it’s a high-speed, futuristic hover racer borrowing heavily from Nintendo’s forgotten franchise and Wipeout. It’s a lot of fun but, like The Binding of Isaac, it’s already available to play on another platform.
Puyo Puyo Tetris
SEGA released this puzzle crossover in Japan back in 2014, but the Switch will mark its first appearance in the Americas and Europe. It was well-received upon its launch, with its frantic 4-player multiplayer offering a unique amalgamation of classics Puyo Puyo and Tetris. We’re looking forward to seeing how Sonic Team pulls it off.
Sonic Mania
Speaking of SEGA, Sonic The Hedgehog will be making a return to his classic, 2D style in Sonic Mania, which sees the beleaguered mascot’s developers once again returning to the well in order to refresh the series by way of asking us to re-apply our nostalgia-tinted glasses. Although the mention of a new Sonic game prompts immediate skepticism, there’s certainly a much smaller margin for error with a 2D Sonic game than than a 3D one… right? We’re cautiously optimistic about this one.
Super Bomberman R
It’s been over 6 years since we’ve received a proper console Bomberman game, so it was a pleasant blast from the past to see him return in the Switch presentation with Super Bomberman R. This new puzzler looks to be a much more robust experience than previous entries in the famous series, offering a full story mode alongside its timeless multiplayer modes, with support for up to 8 players. Konami is handling development, which is somewhat concerning considering the company’s recent history, but it’s difficult to not be excited for the return of a franchise as beloved as Bomberman.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles X was an accomplished JRPG, but fell short of the mark for many as a result of the high bar set by the original Xenoblade Chronicles, which is widely considered to be one of the very best entries in the genre. However, a solid foundation was laid for a sequel, and the debut footage of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 leaves us hopeful that Monolith Soft will improve upon the mistakes of the Wii U game. Featuring updated graphics (look at the grass!) and seemingly echoing the sprawling open-world of its predecessor, Nintendo clearly has a lot of faith in this franchise, and as a result we do, too.
1-2 Switch
1-2 Switch is already being roundly mocked online for its absurdity, but consider this: has Nintendo ever developed a game used to spotlight a new console’s technology that has been anything less than excellent? Wii Sports ranked among the Wii’s most popular games up until the console was discontinued, while Nintendo Land is one of the finest (and most underrated) local multiplayer games money can buy. 1-2 Switch is Nintendo’s attempt to ingratiate new Switch owners with the console’s Joy-Con controllers, with it looking like a far more active variation on WarioWare in which players square off one-on-one in a variety of odd mini-games.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 is the best Mario Kart game that Nintendo has ever developed, and its updated release for the Switch looks fantastic. Though it’s still pretty much the same game from 2014 there’s still plenty of new stuff in here to attract those who enjoyed it the first time around, from Splatoon racers and tracks to a much improved Battle mode. Considering that Battle mode has been sadly neglected in modern Mario Kart games, it’s heartening to see the return of dedicated arenas in place of the game’s standard courses, and hopefully the Switch’s improved online services will contribute to making it the best multiplayer game the console has to offer.
Splatoon 2
We were all expecting a port of the original Splatoon for the Switch, but what we instead got was a sequel that looks every bit as fun as the original. Though it shares a lot in common with most modern shooters by not appearing to be too dissimilar from its predecessor, Splatoon 2 introduces new abilities such as jet-packs and dual-wielding, along with upgraded visuals. We’re looking forward to becoming a squid, now, a kid, now, a squid, a kid, a squid, a kid, a squid, a kid…
ARMS
Another oddity developed in-house by Nintendo to highlight the Joy-Con controllers, ARMS looks ridiculous in the best possible way. A one-on-one fighting game with both local and online multiplayer functionality, ARMS uses the Joy-Cons’ motion control capabilities to place players in a futuristic boxing arena, in which their fists are replaced by giant boxing gloves attached to lengthy springs. The first major new IP from Nintendo since Splatoon, we can’t wait to see how this game will be played competitively.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
We’ve seen an awful lot of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild over the course of the past year, but that doesn’t prevent a new trailer for the game from being just as exciting. With the latest entry in the iconic series seeing Link freely exploring an open-world Hyrule for the very first time, this trailer places a spotlight upon the various locations he will visit during his journey, along with the game’s apocalyptic story (complete with plenty of voice acting). If you’re excitement for Breath of the Wild has dwindled after all this time spent waiting for its release, then do yourself a favor and watch this trailer.
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey looks set to once again see Nintendo at its creative best with the short, Italian plumber, featuring some of the most unique levels we’ve seen in the series’ history. While it may strongly evoke unfortunate memories of Sonic ’06 (shudder) its New York setting is an off-the-wall change of pace, and though it’s undoubtedly weird seeing Mario interact with normal humans, we’re confident that Nintendo knows what it’s doing when it comes to its Mario games. Its other, less controversial environment look stunning, too, and we’re now officially the most excited we’ve been for a Mario game since Super Mario Galaxy.
