With the reveal of theNintendo Switch 2steadily approaching, many players will be eagerly anticipating the games this new console will have to offer. As with any console launch, focus will be placed on the brand-new titles that are made for the system, as these games often stand as a signpost for what the future of players' gaming experiences will look like. That being said, the Switch 2 could also be an opportunity for older games to receive some much-needed remakes or remasters.
While not as exciting as brand-new releases,remakes and remasters could also be used as a selling point for the Switch 2. They offer a chance for Nintendo to demonstrate the new console’s capabilities by showing how the hardware’s updated power and performance can completely change and improve on classics. Moreover, remakes and remasters provide the opportunity for certain titles that have been left behind to gain some much deserved time in the spotlight, giving the chance for new players to enjoy these classic experiences.
1Metroid Prime 2 & 3
First Released On GameCube And Wii Respectively
It’s surprising how bothMetroid Prime 2and3have yet to be given the remaster treatment. TheMetroidseries has seen some of its biggest successes on the Switch with the release of theincredibleMetroid Dreadand therevamped classicMetroid Prime Remastered. Plus, with the upcoming release ofMetroid Prime 4: Beyond,now would be the perfect time to capitalize on the series' newfound popularity.
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The additions ofPrime 2and3could be important in maintainingMetroid’s success. Of course, both titles could benefit from the improvements made to the originalPrimegame, including dual-stick controls and a complete visual overhaul. Moreover,it would prove to be a huge selling point for the Switch 2 to have the entire mainlinePrimeseriesavailable to players, giving the new console a greater chance at success.
2Pokémon Black & White
First Released On DS
It’s become tradition for new Nintendo handhelds to remake aPokémongeneration, starting all the way back with the Game Boy Advance’sFireRed and LeafGreen. With this in mind, a Gen 5 remake for Switch 2 is an inevitability at this point. However, this remake could be a great opportunity for Game Freak to demonstrate the potential enhancements that will come to future generations on the new console.
The last remakes,Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, opted for an art style that mimicked the look and feel of the DS original. While this preservation is admirable, it resulted in the remake’s art direction feeling blocky and off-putting at times.Black and Whiteare deserving of a more comprehensive changethat brings the Unova region to stunning HD.
3Super Mario Galaxy 2
First Released On Wii
Super Mario Galaxy 2’s omission fromSuper Mario 3D All-Starswas disappointing to say the least. This title is deserving of a place on the Switch 2, as it will broaden the appeal of the new hardware thanks to its backlog of titles, with the majority of 3DMariogames available on one console. However,Galaxy 2could also benefit with some of the updates given to its predecessor’s re-release.
With Switch 2 being backwards compatible, the console will likely adopt touch screen and motion controls. This would allow forGalaxy 2to adopt a versatile control scheme like the first game on Switch, making the title far more adaptable to players' different playstyles. Plus, more powerful hardware could also meanGalaxy 2is given an overall enhancement to the already stunning visuals, which is always a positive.
4The Legend Of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass & Spirit Tracks
Phatom HourglassandSpirit Tracksare two titles that have seemingly been left behind. This is incredibly upsetting, as both titles worked as a great way for new players on the DS to become introduced to theZeldaseries, while also beingthe only titles continuing the narrative from fan-favoriteThe Wind Waker. Yet, both titles remain stuck on the DS, with no sign of them leaving any time soon.
It’s especially devastating asPhantom HourglassandSpirit Tracksare two titles that warrant a remake. The enhancements made toThe Wind Waker’s own HD remake show the changes that can be made to the DS games' cel-shaded graphics, resulting in a stunning upgrade for both titles. Both games could also benefit with updated controls to overcome the DS versions' awkward reliance on the touch screen for most actions.
5Star Fox Adventures
First Released On GameCube
TheStar Foxseries is in desperate need of a comebackfollowing eight years of dormancy. While a remake of the SNES or N64 games would surely be a success, the Switch 2 provides the perfect opportunity forStar Fox Adventuresto finally gain some much-needed recognition. The game’s action-adventure focus, withZelda-esque exploration and puzzle-solving, made for a wholly unique entry in the franchise.
A remake ofAdventurescould be the key to kicking theStar Foxfranchise back into high gear, by demonstrating the different experiences onlyStar Foxcan offer. Plus, as with other entries on this list,Adventurescould benefit greatly with a graphical upgrade to revitalize Dinosaur Planet’s multiple areas. Regardless,Adventuresdeserves to be freed of its entrapment on GameCube and make a comeback on Switch 2.
6Donkey Kong 64
First Released On N64
One ofDonkey Kong’s biggest and best outings has been kept in the shadows for many years. Following its initial release,Donkey Kong 64was only re-released once for the Wii U Virtual Console, meaning this entry has been inaccessible for many players. A potential remake for the Switch 2 feels necessary not just because of the game’s need for better accessibility, but to alsoimprove on some ofDonkey Kong 64’s shortcomings.
Rare’s huge ambition withDonkey Kong 64came at a price, resulting ina game whose huge number of collectibles and incessant backtracking made for an experience that was far too tedious. A remake gives Nintendo the chance to rectify some of these major issues and uncover the incredible collectathon experience that lies underneath. A remake ofDonkey Kong 64could also boost chances for the franchise to finally see a much-needed return to 3D after 25 years.
7Kid Icarus: Uprising
First Released On 3DS
Kid Icarus: Uprisingwas an enigma upon release, reviving a short-lived franchise that had been dormant for two decades at that point. Yet, the game went on to becomeone of the 3DS’s best and most creative entries. Such an inventive and thrilling title deserves to escape the realm of 3DS exclusivity and enjoy a far greater outreach with a remaster on Switch 2.
That being said, a potential remaster forUprisingfaces some major challenges when it comes to adapting the controls.Uprising’s heavy reliance on the touch screen complimented the game’s fast-pace and intense gameplay, yet there’s no telling if the Switch 2’s controls will allow for a smooth transfer. If this can be pulled off on the Switch 2, Uprising could finally find itself in the spotlight once more.
8Super Metroid
First Released On SNES
Super Metroidis another title where a remake seems inevitable. With the franchise’s original two entries receiving remakes on the GBA and 3DS,Super Metroidis now next in line. However,Super Metroid’s status as a timeless classic makes a remake far more risky, as it could threaten to tarnish the game’s reputation.
If Nintendo handles it correctly, then the Switch 2 could boast the ultimate version of the definitive Metroidvania. For starters, the Switch 2’s enhancements could completely transformSuper Metroid’s art style,effortlessly recreating the sense of unease and fear that comes with exploring the damaged ecosystem of Zebes. A remake could also take advantage of the greater control options that come with the Switch 2 to resolveSuper Metroid’s tedious method of switching between different items, making for a smoother overall experience.
9F-Zero
F-Zerois one of many Nintendo franchises with an unfortunate history. Despite its impact on the racing genre as a whole,the series has seen few releases in its 34-year history. Therefore, the remake could provide the opportunity forF-Zeroto make a much-needed comeback.
More specifically, a remake of the original SNES entry would be the best place to start. While certainly iconic,the limitations of the SNES preventF-Zerofrom truly capturing the series' futuristic aesthetic and blazing high speeds. A full remake on Switch 2, with its slew of potential enhancements, could allow the original to finally reach the dazzling speeds and high intensity that was always envisioned for the series.
10Mother 3
First Released On GBA
To this day,Mother 3arguably remains the most demanded re-release in Nintendo’s history.EarthBound’s impact on the RPG genre and its monumental legacy makesMother 3’s exclusivity to Japan a mystery. However, with a new console on the horizon, Nintendo could finally take the opportunity forMother 3to reach a wider audience.
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A full remake on the Switch 2 would only boost the appeal ofMother 3. The recent success of the HD-2D style in games such asOctopath Travelerand theDragon Quest 3remakecould be perfectly adapted forMother 3’s overworld, giving even more stunning visuals to the game. Regardless, a worldwide remake ofMother 3would be monumental, while serving as a boost to theNintendo Switch 2’s potential success.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is the successor to 2012’s Wii U console. The Nintendo Switch allows gamers to easily switch between playing on a TV to a handheld console. The first model was released in 2017, followed by the Nintendo Switch Lite, which is strictly a handheld console. In October 2021, Nintendo released an upgraded Switch console with an OLED screen.
