Once again, it’s that time of year where we dust off our crystal balls and dive into Nintendo predictions! 🧢 Join in on the fun as we attempt to foresee Nintendo’s upcoming plans. 🧐 If you’re curious how our predictions turned out last year, take a look HERE!
Predictions for Justin in 2024:
We’ve been eagerly waiting, and it seems Metroid Prime 4 will finally reappear, showcasing the visual prowess of the upcoming Switch successor.
So close! Our hopes rose with a new trailer, but it’s not yet cemented as a flagship game for the new system. Perhaps 2025 will bring better news. 0.5 point awarded.
The Pokémon fans might have to wait longer, as the anticipated Black/White remakes remain unannounced this year, missing the Pokémon Day spotlight.
A disappointment strikes with no announcement or release of a new Switch model. Contrary to the buzz, no ‘New Nintendo Switch’ or a more power-centric name like ‘Switch Nitro’ has emerged.
A new 3D Mario was expected to make a grand entry with the new console, but alas, no news there either.
We speculated a remaster of Metroid Prime 2 and possibly 3, but there’s nothing announced yet.
On a brighter note, F-Zero lovers saw some action in 2024.
Yes, even though a new game or a remaster of F-Zero GX didn’t surface, we witnessed a slew of updates to F-Zero 99 and more attention towards the series. Let’s hope this trajectory leads to new game announcements in 2025!
Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD ports for the Switch also remain just a wish for now.
Speculation about Nintendo continuing to sell the original Switch alongside its successor is still unconfirmed or debunked.
Trying to predict backwards compatibility, with all Switch games transitioning seamlessly to the new system and rewarding our predictions.
Indeed, this is one area where Nintendo officially confirmed backward compatibility in their new console strategy.
Nintendo appears to have maintained their 3rd party support momentum, although no major franchise that skipped the current Switch has been announced for the successor just yet.
Wild Cards (worth 2 points each)
A new Donkey Kong game still didn’t make the announcements, though an HD port did appear—sadly, not the new title we anticipated.
The next installment in the Mario Kart series also remains unannounced.
Total for Justin: 2.5 points
Predictions for Trev in 2024:
Despite not being a personal favorite, we accurately predicted Nintendo’s introduction of a new mobile app with the Pokémon TCG Pocket.
Dr. Mario enthusiasts were left with a gap as a new full-fledged puzzle entry did not make an appearance, contrary to earlier hopes.
A new twist fuels the rumor furnace, but Tomodachi Life’s decade celebration seems incomplete without its switch crossover.
Similarly, the dream of A Link Between Worlds’ makeover to celebrate its ten-year milestone didn’t transpire. Still, the cherished engine found usage elsewhere.
0.5 points awarded for the utilization of the engine in Echoes of Wisdom, rather than the Oracle games remake.
Nintendo didn’t sweeten their online offering beyond classic trials and occasional uploads of vintage games.
Breaking from tradition, the rumors about a Switch successor sees light as truth this year, sans the release.
Yes, this confirms a new console, even without a release; a step in the right direction for our prediction.
Despite hints bouncing around, Metroid Prime 4 is still elusive regarding its stance as a launch game.
Should the new hardware stay under wraps until 2025, Nintendo’s strategy might involve bundles and price cuts instead of a clear discontinuation of current models.
Though not reaching a triple-digit milestone, an addition to the million-seller games list merited celebration.
Amiibo, connected to the colorful characters of Paper Mario, evokes interest, yet tangible emerges remain out of reach.
Wild Cards (worth 2 points each)
Skylanders hibernates, showing no sign of resurgence.
Social media shifts gained momentum with Pure Nintendo’s migration to Blue Sky!
Well played, indeed! Pure Nintendo found a fresh audience on the Blue Sky platform.
Total for Trev: 5.5 points
With Trev taking this year’s crown, we patiently await Nintendo’s next moves – hopefully in 2025!
Justin’s Future Predictions
- Expect GameCube titles to grace the Nintendo Switch Online service.
- A new Mario Kart installment announcement is likely for 2025, with hopes set on a same-year launch.
- Although 2024 didn’t deliver a new Pokémon game, excluding Pokémon TCG Pocket, 2025 might see Pokémon Legends ZA debut alongside a teaser for more.
- A new Kirby game looks probable – ideally a sequel to the Forgotten Land rather than a port.
- The new Switch version will likely bear the straightforward name ‘Nintendo Switch 2’ to minimize branding confusion.
- With the new system, a fresh 3D Mario game should launch in tandem.
- Nintendo may continue offering the legacy Switch along with the newer model.
- Backwards compatibility is anticipated to charm Nintendo fans, fostering digital continuity with Switch games.
- Nintendo’s third-party alliances stand to expand, with at least one significant franchise unveiling for the new hardware, filling the void left by previous titles.
- Anticipated pricing for the Switch 2 hits at around $399.
Wild Cards
- Even after the latest Zelda release, a potential announcement for a Switch 2-compatible Zelda installment is on the horizon – possibly rumored ports like Twilight Princess HD and/or Wind Waker HD.
- Fans might also be treated to the revival of another classic: a new Wave Race.
Trev’s Predictions
- The Nintendo Switch could surpass both the DS and PS2, exceeding 160 million units.
- Anticipate a Direct teeming with insights into the next Super Mario Bros. 2 or Zelda movies. With Mario portrayed by Chris Pratt and the silent yet compelling presence of Link, all eyes will be on voice casts.
- Trev expects an eventual halt to original Switch models while the Lite and OLED enjoy continuance, bundled with Switch Online promotions.
- A transformative shift should hit Nintendo Switch Online, potentially unveiling new console access or integrating plans with new hardware.
- The new console might include a launch game showcasing its unique features, a nostalgic nod to Mario for SNES or family fun in the vein of Wii.
- Some launch window titles may stir excitements once more over motion controls.
- Despite retiring certain features, classic elements like Nintendo Badge Arcade might resurface, echoing older hardware traditions for 2025.
- Amiibo wins popularity again with re-releases and fresh introductions tying to launch window games.
- The gaming community, shifting from Twitter to platforms like Bluesky, parallels this. Even Nintendo might reconsider sharing integration.
- Needless of new hardware, the Switch will continue receiving support via substantial updates or returns of prior titles (Metroid Prime 2 & 3, Super Mario Galaxy 2, and more).
Wild Cards
- Nintendo may burst into first-party sports simulations, riding a history dotted with releases starring sports legends like Ken Griffey Jr. and Kobe Bryant.
- A nod to Zelda multiplayer games might emerge as we celebrate milestones, honoring both Tri Force Heroes and Four Swords Adventures.
What are your predictions for 2025? Drop them in the comments below!
