The start of a new year signals the tradition of guessing what’s next from Nintendo, and this time, we’re all in! 🎉 So grab those thinking hats 🧢, and let’s dive into our latest batch of predictions for the gaming giant! Ready? Let’s see what the future might hold for Nintendo in 2024. 🧐
If you’re curious about our past predictions and how we fared, you can take a look at last year’s HERE.
Justin’s Predictions for 2024:
First up, Metroid Prime 4. We’ve been eagerly waiting for its return to the spotlight, and I am betting it will serve as a centerpiece to showcase the graphical prowess of the Switch successor.
- Partial Success: We finally snagged a new trailer, although it hasn’t yet cemented its role as a flagship game for the Switch successor. Here’s to hoping 2025 brings more surprises!
Moving onto another beloved series, I foresaw The Pokémon Company announcing remakes of the Pokémon Black and White games, likely during an event around Pokémon Day.
- Missed the Mark: No announcements this time.
The anticipation for a new Switch is high. I predicted its reveal and release this year, though I feared it might bear a name like ‘New Nintendo Switch’. Personally, I’d prefer a more dynamic title like Switch Nitro.
- Not This Year: Sadly, it didn’t happen. 😭
A new 3D Mario appears in my crystal ball, potentially launching in tandem with the new hardware.
- Strike Out: This hope didn’t materialize.
Expectations for Metroid Prime 2 being remastered were high, with whispers about Metroid Prime 3 getting similar treatment.
- No Dice: Still waiting on these announcements.
F-Zero fans, rejoice—2024 seems promising!
- Hit: Yes, even though a new game or F-Zero GX remaster remains elusive, we were treated to plenty of updates and some love from the NSO. Fingers crossed that this sets the stage for a major release in 2025!
The Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD ports for the Switch seemed like a given this year.
- Wishful Thinking: No such luck.
Will Nintendo continue offering the original Switch alongside its successor?
- TBD: We’re still in the dark on this one.
Backwards compatibility will be a big draw for the next-gen console. Expect all current Switch games to be playable from day one. It would mark Nintendo’s first major digital account transfer setup.
- Nailed It: Yes, this is one of the few things Nintendo confirmed about their next system in 2024.
Third-party support has been vital on the Switch. I’m counting on a major franchise debut on the new console that we previously missed out on—something like Madden, GTA, Call of Duty, Battlefield, or Far Cry.
- Unknown: We’ll have to wait and see on this front.
Now let’s shift gears to the Wild Cards, worth a hefty two points each!
A prediction I took a shot at last year—that we’d finally get a new Donkey Kong game—stands firm, especially with new updates at Super Nintendo World in Japan.
- Close But No Cigar: An HD port was announced, but not the fresh release I was hoping for.
The anticipation for the next Mario Kart game also strikes up in 2024.
- Unfortunately Not: No announcement here either.
With a total of 2.5 points, let’s wrap up Justin’s 2024 predictions and turn to Trev’s insights.
Trev’s Predictions for 2024:
Nintendo will release another mobile app or game this year—though it’s not exactly my cup of tea.
- Spot On!: Pokémon TCG Pocket made its debut.
Dr. Mario World won’t just see another mobile variant or an NSO port. It’s getting a whole new entry, breaking away from the download-only versions like RX, Miracle Cure, or Express.
- Not This Time: No dice on that front. 😭
Lending more credence to industry whispers, to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Tomodachi Life seemed set for a Switch appearance.
- Didn’t Happen: Alas, still waiting…
Returning to a favorite prediction of mine: the Zelda 3DS hit, A Link Between Worlds, receiving an HD refresh using the Link’s Awakening HD engine.
- Partial Success: The engine got another use but ended up in Echoes of Wisdom instead.
To sweeten the deal for new or returning NSO users, Nintendo will go beyond game trials and retro-game releases. Picture major, free new content.
- Swing and a Miss: Didn’t pan out.
For the first time, I finally join the bandwagon in predicting the announcement (not necessarily the release) of a Switch successor in 2024.
- Got It Right: It was confirmed by Nintendo!
And if the above holds true, there’s a good chance we’ll catch a glimpse of a few launch games, including the long-anticipated Metroid Prime 4.
- Not Quite Yet: Metroid Prime 4 appeared but as far as a launch game, we’re unsure.
Now, if the new console waits until 2025 to hit the shelves, Nintendo will still need to keep those Switch models appealing with budget ports and perhaps even a Nintendo Select line.
- Didn’t See This: More bundles, alas.
On to some fun stats! The Switch already boasts an impressive library with over 80 games topping one million sales. I reckon we’ll see even more hit that milestone, maybe not three digits in 2024, but nearly.
- Yes, Indeed: Holding steady with 97 according to Wikipedia, not quite triple digits.
And finally, I predicted Smash-worthy amiibo releases coinciding with the Switch’s upcoming releases.
- Nope: Didn’t make it this time.
Wrapping up, Trev finishes with a solid 5.5 points, taking the lead for this year as Nintendo opts to keep the Switch 2 under wraps a little longer. Perhaps 2025 will be the year? 😄
Justin’s Fresh Predictions:
Moving on to the future, here’s what I anticipate:
- GameCube titles getting a spot on the NSO service.
- A new Mario Kart unveiling in 2025, hopeful for a launch in the same year.
- 2024 lacked a fresh Pokémon game (outside of the Pokémon TCG Pocket), though I’m optimistic about Pokémon Legends ZA in 2025, with perhaps a hint of a new adventure.
- I foresee a new Kirby title, possibly another exciting chapter following Forgotten Land.
- Regarding the new Switch: a straightforward name like Nintendo Switch 2 feels practical, both for anticipation and simplicity.
- The long-overdue arrival of a new 3D Mario might accompany the new system at launch.
- Nintendo’s approach, persisting with the original Switch alongside its successor, sounds plausible.
- Backward compatibility remains a selling point—playing your entire Switch library on day one is vital.
- With ongoing strength in third-party support, the Switch successor could welcome a franchise that’s eluded us so far.
- Anticipate the Switch 2 launching around $399.
Context on pricing evolution:
- GameCube at $199,
- Wii at $249,
- Wii U ranging between $299 (with a deluxe option at $349),
- Switch at $299, and
- The OLED iteration at $349.
Jumping to Wild Cards, which could greatly shake things up:
- We’ve seen a steady pace of Zelda releases, yet it’s conceivable that 2025 sees the announcement, at minimum, of a game for Switch 2’s inaugural year. Perhaps the long-discussed Twilight Princess HD and/or Wind Waker HD ports.
- Furthermore, a resurgence from the Wave Race series could be in the cards.
Trev’s Fresh Predictions:
The Switch’s impressive sales momentum might propel it to 160 million units, surpassing both the DS and PS2. If that happens, might Jim Ryan tweak the narrative to claim PS2 hit 170 million?
- Movie buffs, we expect a specialized Nintendo Direct, shining a spotlight on upcoming Super Mario Bros. 2 and/or Zelda releases. Imagine discussions around cast choices: Chris Pratt voicing Mario and perhaps silence from Link.
- The little brother of the Switch, i.e., the original, might make an exit come 2025, leaving the battlefield to the Lite and OLED while promoting Switch Online.
- Substantial shifts for Nintendo Switch Online seem inevitable, whether it’s about introducing new platforms like GameCube, adjusting pricing, or bundling services with new hardware releases.
- A launch bundle accompanying the new hardware feels like a possibility, a tradition hearkening back to previous Nintendo releases. Perhaps a new Mario title or a family-friendly affair?
- At least one launch title for the new system could bring motion controls, stirring mixed reactions based on your preferences.
- 2025 might invoke nostalgia with older hardware features reemerging, perhaps a nod to Badge Arcade or the classic Wii channels.
- The amiibo lineup not only remains but expands, providing support for launch window titles.
- In the broader tech industry shift, more folks will transition away from Twitter to Bluesky. Maybe Nintendo will also reintegrate screen-sharing features.
- Even with the new hardware roll-out, ample support for existing Switch titles will continue—minute your calendars for significant updates and invigorating ports.
Wild Cards, full of potential:
- Nintendo’s historical ties with sports games could renew interest in 2025, possibly resulting in a first-party sports game.
- A special nod to Zelda, given the anniversaries of Tri Force Heroes and Four Swords Adventures, might bring more multiplayer fun to the table.
And now, it’s your turn! Share your thoughts and predictions for 2025 in the comments below!
