In many people’s eyes, Nintendo has had a quiet year. Not too me. Xenoblade Chronicles, Spongebob Squarepants (A third party game, but still.), Animal Crossing, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, and now Paper Mario plus a few more games and DLC for Pokemon and Smash Bros. Though between leaks, rumors, and minor announcements, fans have ran with wild ideas of what Nintendo’s 2020 could have been.

So, let’s take a look at what my most anticipated Nintendo Switch games are. A few disclaimers. I want the games to be based in some reality. What do I mean by that? For example, a lot of people are clamoring for Pikmin Trilogy HD collection. As far as I know, I have not heard any official statements of a Pikmin Trilogy (correct me if I am wrong). However, I feel as if I have heard Miyamoto claim to be working on Pikmin 4.  So, games like Mario Kart 9, the next Pokemon Let’s Go, and even Mario Odyssey 2 wont make this list. Those the rules.

#5 No More Heroes- There were two games fighting for this spot. Bayonette 3 and No More Heroes 3 clock in as probably the 2 biggest 3rd Party Games left to come out on the Switch. At the end of the day I’ve barely played any of their 2 previous installments. Since the N64, Nintendo has struggled to sustain major 3rd party support. As a consumer who wants to see Nintendo snag more of these 3rd Party titles, there is a little bit of an incentive to purchase these titles and help them be profitable. If you just buy 1st party titles, 3rd Party Developers will see no point in putting their games on the Switch. The main reason I am picking No More Heroes 3, for now anyway, is I think I like the Hack and Slash genre a bit more than the bullet hell/Shootemup genre of Bayonette. This could change as the games get closer to their releases.

#4 Pokemon Snap- I would say the ceiling of this game is number 3. I just don’t see this game rising above the top 2 spots. Nevertheless, this is a Pokemon title, and I tend to enjoy them no matter what form they take. The game looks beautiful, the environments are breathtaking and finally, the Pokedex has evolved a lot since the OG 151 so it will be nice to see a brand new roster updated with plenty of new Pokemons. However, I feel like the concept of an on rail shooter is a little outdated. I feel like it could be a secondary mode to compliment a small, open-world Pokemon Snap sequel. We aren’t there yet. However, if this Pokemon Snap gets a sequel on maybe a Switch Pro, I think it’s time to bring the Pokemon Snap series into an open-world adventure snapping Pokemons in the wild.

#3 Ary and the Secret of Seasons- A Hat in Time was an indie game I absolutely fell in love with. I hyped that game up out of the gates and it lived up to the hype. I want to be careful saying Ary and the Secret of Seasons will rival Zelda in the same way A Hat in Time almost tops the Mario Franchise. Still, Ary looks gorgeous, the mechanics are fresh, and it just looks fun. I’ve already preordered my copy. I cannot wait. I played an hour or so of the demo on steam when the demo was available. Check it out here

#2 Mario HD Remake- Let’s be real. This could just as easily be number #1. It was for the longest time, but two things. A. I’ve been on a Zelda kick recently (Which youll see in an upcoming post/video). B. There’s still so many question marks. Are these standard ports? Are any features added like Co-Op? Will they there be physical release or digital only? Will some games be packaged together (64 and Sunshine, Galaxy 1 and 2?). I think the hype could lead to disappointment so I want to keep my expectations grounded in reality. But also, that mystery is what makes the anticipations and expectations such a fun part of the spec season. Let’s see how it all plays out.

Here’s a few honorable mentions:
Balan Wonderworld: Considering this game has had more shown off for it then most games on this list, it is easy to see how this game could justifiably be a top 3 on this list. However, this was one of the few games Microsoft announced that I am actually looking forward too, I kinda wanted some diversity on this list. Plus, I am an achievement junkie, so if this comes to Gamepass, I’ll probably play it that way.

Bayonette 3- As discussed, I want to support the 3rd Party developers. This isnt my favorite style of game by any stretch but I have enjoyed the first few levels of Bayonette 1 that I played.

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From here, it would be speculation such as Mario Odyssey 2, a Mario Party Ultimate, or even the Metroid Prime HD Trilogy. So, I’ll go ahead and get to #1

#1 Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2- Oh boy. Nintendo already announced this game what seems like forever ago. Still I don’t think this game will get a 2020 release date. But come on, they announced BOTW in what feels like the Gamecube era, so we can wait a little longer. A lot of people see BOTW as a masterpiece. You have to remember, the Switch is arguably the greatest kids console of all time. So many kids are getting to experience Nintendo franchises for the first time with the Switch. I argue that BOTW has touched and influenced people of all ages in the same way Ocarina of Time and A Link to the Past did. However, I personally think BOTW was only scratching the surface. BOTW began it’s life span being developed for the Wii U. BOTW 2 was built entirely for the Switch. Not to mention, Nintendo now has had a few years under their belt programming for the console. I think BOTW2 is going to destroy the epic, instaclassic BOTW, and that should sound groundbreaking.

So yes, Nintendo’s 2020 could have been colossal, but you got to realize Covid probably didn’t help matters. If you are a Switch owner, get excited. Mario Odyssey 2 and the HD remakes, BOTW 2, Metroid Prime 4, and a few other big titles still in the work can go toe to toe with anything Xbox or Playstation are offering.

Want to read my thoughts on the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X Showcases? Check them out below:

Reacting to the PS5 Announcement Stream!

Top 5 Most Anticipated Xbox Series X Games!