After today’s Direct, theNintendo Switchhas proven that it’s a worthy successor to the 3DS. TheMarch 27, 2025, Nintendo Directwas a surprise in almost every sense of the word. While it didn’t have much to say in the way ofSwitch 2 news, it featured several major game announcements: aDevil Summonerremake,aTamagotchi-themedAnimal Crossingclone, plus new trailers forMetroid Prime 4andPokémon Legends Z-A.
Somewhat lost amid all the excitement, however, were announcements for two new entries in some of Nintendo’s most beloved - yet most overlooked - franchises. Neither of these series has seen a single release since the 3DS, but both of them got new titles confirmed in the same half hour. These new titles, along with some other upcoming entries in forgotten franchises, prove thatNintendo hasn’t forgotten some of its less popular properties, and gives me great hope for the Switch 2’s library.
Nintendo Switch Is Finally Following Up On 3DS Hits
Tomodachi Life & Rhythm Heaven Both Got Sequels Confirmed
Two successors to lesser-known 3DS titles were announced during theMarch Nintendo Direct:Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, andRhythm Heaven Groove. Neither of these series has had a single entry since the 3DS era - the originalTomodachi Lifecame out in 2014, andRhythm Heaven Megamixin 2016.
Both of these series have achieved cult classic statusin the intervening years.Tomodachi Lifewas the kind of crazy, cartoonish life sim only Nintendo could pull off, with wacky interactions between Miis that ranged from the cute to the downright philosophical.Rhythm Heavenis an arcade rhythm game in theWario Waretradition, composed of countless microgames that range from simple 4/4 beats to complex polyrhythms. Both are beloved for their unfettered creativity - both on display in game design, and in tools offered to the player.
I’ve Stopped Caring About The Switch 2, But One Game Would Make Me Buy It At Launch
My excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 has dwindled significantly, but one game would make me buy it on day one if it launches alongside.
They’re not the only lesser-known series associated with Nintendo due for Switch revivals, either:the 3DS gameFantasy Lifeis scheduled to get a sequel next month, andStory of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, a DS game, also got a remake announced today.Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, a sequel to the classicProfessor Laytonseriesof puzzle-adventure games for the DS and 3DS, is also due out sometime this year, barring any delays we’ve yet to hear of. EvenPatapon, a lesser-known Sony rhythm game, announced a bundle of remasters during the Nintendo Direct.
Nintendo’s Smaller Franchises Deserve Some Love
Now Don’t Stop There!
Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon are great, sure. But Nintendo, as a publisher, has a vast library of incredible series that it mostly lets fall by the wayside. I’m thrilled to seeRhythm Heaven,Tomodachi Life, andProfessor Laytongetting sequels, but I have to ask:why stop there? There are a million other series that could be revived for the Switch (or indeed, the Switch 2) and greatly expand on its library, making it an even better successor to the 3DS line.
Imagine a newKid Icarusgame in the style ofUprising, or a revival of theMega Man Battle Networkseries. Many have called for aStarfysequel, or a truly newAdvance Warsgame. Even more obscure third-party games, likeGhost Trick, have a place in the Switch library. Imagine a truly newMiitopiaon the Switch.I could go on to name countless others, but I’d inevitably leave out a ton of them, and feel bad about it for the rest of the day.
Many of the games named above have gotten remasters on the Switch and other modern systems, but haven’t gotten any new games in years.
A long time ago, Nintendo developed handheld and home consoles separately. Each one was associated with its signature games, developed by Nintendo or not, and apart from its flagship franchises - your Marios, your Zeldas, your Pokémons - never the twain would meet. But now,Nintendo’s two console lines have merged- that’s the entire concept behind the Switch, and arguably a big part of what’s made it so successful.
I Can’t Get Excited For The Switch 2 Until Nintendo Addresses One Of My Biggest Issues With Its Predecessor
The prevalent issue of Joy-Con drift with the original Switch has me worried for the Switch 2, and it’s something Nintendo needs to address.
Those flagship franchises have been well-represented on the Switch since the very beginning, withBreath of the Wildas a launch title,Mario Odysseynot far behind, and newPokémongames coming out pretty regularly. But as a consequence of that, those lesser-known games that were more closely associated with Nintendo handhelds have been left in the dust - until now.Nintendo is branching out within its vast library of IP, a trend I hope to see continue.
The Switch 2 Shouldn’t Wait Around On Fun Sequels
The Perfect Way To Expand The Launch Library
The Switch took its sweet time in getting to all these cult classics. But the Switch 2 shouldn’t waste time. With the rumor thatthe Switch 2’s library will come in three phases- first-party games alongside the console’s release, third-party games a couple of months later, and then big releases around the holiday season -its launch library is in need of a little help.
Where better to look than at old, forgotten Nintendo series? These would fill out its library, get fans of these franchises on board with the new console, and give new players lots to check out. Whatever the case, at this point, I’m just glad to seeRhythm HeavenandTomodachi Lifecoming back on theNintendo Switch.
