Pokemon Group

Nintendo has gotten two things very, very right when it comes to the Nintendo Switch.

First, the Switch is an impressive hybrid handheld and home console that’s easy on the eyes and responsive to play. It basically advertises itself.

Second, Nintendo has done a remarkable job at spacing out a steady stream of quality video game releases for the system, something they failed to do for the Wii U. Instead of long, barren dry-spells with no content, Switch owners have lots to choose from.

That appears to be the strategy going forward into 2018 and beyond, which is good news, especially since the major AAA game publishers still appear reluctant to port any games over to the device. In fact, it looks like we may be getting some major Switch titles sooner than expected.

Speaking with GamesBeat, Nintendo of America’s corporate communication director, Charlie Scibetta, let slip that both the new Metroid and new Pokémon for the Nintendo Switch may be coming as early as 2018.




Here’s the exchange:

GamesBeat: For the rest of the year, what’s the big message? Obviously Mario, but is there anything else?

Charlie Scibetta: Games. If you want to be able to play games and not have a dry spell between any of the big launches, we think Nintendo Switch is a good place to be. We have a nice drumbeat of first and third party. You’ll never have to wait long.

Just as you get through a game and you’re starting to put your head up, put the periscope out to see what else is out there, hopefully we’ll have something right there for you. We’ve announced a nice lineup through this year, and next year we have some big games coming with Metroid 4. 2018 will be around Metroid, Kirby, Yoshi, new Pokemon game has been announced. We feel good about the lineup for this year and beyond. [Emphasis added.]

If this is true, and not just a slip-up, then the Switch could be getting some seriously impressive titles in 2018. I’d be surprised if Metroid 4 landed so soon, however, as it was only just announced and will be the first in the series in a long, long time.

I’d be less surprised to see the new Switch Pokémon, simply because this must have been on Nintendo’s radar as a very obvious choice for this system.

Certainly Nintendo needs that same drumbeat of releases in 2018 as it’s managed for 2017. I expect some of that will be Wii U re-releases, and who knows maybe even a Virtual Console to fill in the gaps. But it would be excellent if these big games came to the Switch sooner than later.