A Nintendo fan who pre-ordered the Switch 2 at launch believes 2027 will be the year the console comes into its own, with the next 3D Mario finally revealed. Writing in a Reader's Feature for GameCentral, the reader, known as Onibee, acknowledges the console's first year and a half has had a mixed reception but remains optimistic about the future.
A rocky start for Switch 2
The reader notes that Nintendo's game choices have been 'strange' and the lack of news on a new 3D Mario is 'even stranger'. They describe the first half of this year as 'pretty bad' and call the summer Nintendo Direct 'the worst I’ve ever seen', particularly criticising the ultra-short reveal of the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake.
However, things improved with two Nintendo Directs back-to-back, offering a proper look at Ocarina Of Time and new game announcements, though still no Mario.
Four major releases confirmed for 2027
Looking ahead, four major releases are confirmed for 2027: Metroid Ravenous in January, Kirby And The World Beyond in spring, Xenoblade Genesis, and Pokémon Winds and Waves, which had a 'really good trailer'. The reader suggests Pokémon's release date is unknown, but it's unusual for Nintendo to announce their Christmas game this far out, so it probably isn't that. This opens the possibility of it being the follow-up to Super Mario Odyssey.
While that's guesswork, the reader believes it would be shocking if the game wasn't at least announced next year. They also point to the approaching announcement of the next mainline Zelda game, with Tears Of The Kingdom over three years old. Even if a new mainline Zelda isn't ready, the reader expects some kind of Zelda release next year, given the movie, the 40th anniversary, and Nintendo's pattern of a yearly Zelda release.
A big year ahead
The reader also mentions that Splatoon 4 and a new Animal Crossing haven't been hinted at, but Nintendo must break their silence soon. They are not upset about buying the console at launch, noting the memory crisis has pushed the price up since then, but Nintendo has tried to keep the increase minimal, understanding that selling affordable consoles to many is better than expensive ones to few.
Nintendo has admitted the Switch 2 games line-up could have been better, and the reader believes we're seeing the results of that now. With Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave being great and Zelda: Ocarina Of Time expected to be as well, the reader thinks the Switch 2 will go up a gear in 2027 and really shine.
