2018 was a pretty big year for Nintendo, but 2019 looks like it could be the biggest year to date from a software point of view. With games like Animal Crossing and Pokemon confirmed to be releasing with Metroid, Bayonetta, Luigi’s Mansion all looming in the distance, Nintendo has set itself up for a great year or two.
Animal Crossing (Working Title)
Chance of Releasing: Pretty Damn Good
The mobile spin-off Pocket Camp certainly left us wanting more of Animal Crossing and thankfully we’re expected to get a full-fledged release for the Switch.
We don’t know a lot about it yet, but you can count on it feeling familiar and including all of your favourite characters (and probably being the best darn Animal Crossing game, yet).
Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch has a release period of 2019.
Bayonetta 3
Chance of Releasing: An Outside Chance
In a surprising move, the shapeshifting witch’s third adventure is coming exclusively to Nintendo Switch. After Mario’s nipple broke the internet, I couldn’t have imagined this much sex appeal would come back to Nintendo’s once wholesome console. It’s unclear how long the team have been working on Bayonetta 3, so whilst it’s possible we’ll see a release late in 2019, we could also see it coming at the start of 2020.
Bayonetta does not have a confirmed release date.
Daemon X Machina
Chance Of Releasing: Likely
Beyond it being clearly a stylish mech-action title, not a lot is known about Daemon X Machina. It’s certainly gorgeous, so we’re keen to see more of it throughout the year in the lead up to its release.
Daemon X Machina does not have a release date (outside of 2019).
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Chance Of Releasing: A Lock
Fire Emblem has become a staple for handheld strategy, but it’s wonderful that the series is coming home to consoles for the first time in over a decade with Three Houses marking the return. My heart isn’t ready for permadeath.
This one was originally due for release in 2018, so you can be pretty sure it’ll hit early in 2019.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Chance Of Releasing: Spookily Certain
How fortunate we are that Luigi is returning once again to unholster his Poltergust and suck up a few ghosts on the Nintendo Switch. Of Nintendo’s spin-off franchises, there’s long been something neat about a plumber-turn-Ghostbuster romping around mansions.
Luigi’s Mansion 3 doesn’t have a release date outside of 2019.
Metroid Prime 4
Chance Of Releasing: Hopeful (But Not Likely)
Unless this is shown off during an early Nintendo Direct this year, we’re not optimistic about Samus returning this year. With only a logo to go off, it’s impossible to know what form this game will take. With any luck, we’ll see the original trilogy re-released to make the wait less painful.
Metroid Prime 4 doesn’t have a release date.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
Chance Of Releasing: Quietly Confident
It’s been a long time between drinks for the Ultimate Alliance series and yet the strangest thing about this third iteration isn’t that it’s developed by Team Ninja, it’s that it’s exclusive to the Nintendo Switch. Hopefully, it’s a superhero game worthy of Marvel’s now infamous roster.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 doesn’t have a release date outside of 2019.
New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe
Chance Of Releasing: 100%
New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe is Nintendo’s first major release of the year, and it’s on track to be one of the biggest. It’s pretty much a one for one port of both New Super Mario Bros U & New Super Luigi U but 2D Mario will always be a fun time (and provide some good sales to boot). Plus, it has Peachette.
New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe releases on January 11th.
Pokémon (Working Title)
Chance Of Releasing: Almost Certain
Though Let’s Go was a nice taste test for Pokémon fans, we’re most excited about Game Freak bringing the first full-fledged role-playing games to the Switch. The series has done its best to get the most out of handhelds, so it’s time the series evolved. We’re also keen to get our first look at the next gen of Pokemon.
Pokemon (Working Title) does not have a confirmed release date outside of 2019.
Travis Strikes Again
Chance Of Releasing: Definitely
Travis Strikes Again is the first game in the No More Heroes franchise in nine years. It’s also completely different in the senes that it’s played from a top-down perspective and features a number of other popular video game series. It seems like the perfect January game and it’s no doubt to a hit.
Travis Strikes Again (No More Heroes) releases on January 18th.
Yoshi’s Crafted World
Chance Of Releasing: Fairly Positive Much like Yoshi’s Woolly World and Kirby’s Epic Yarn, Crafted World is a side-scroller with a twist. The world is made entirely from kraft paper, and it looks cute as heck. Developed by Good-Feel, who developed the aforementioned adorable titles, we’re expecting this one to please the kids.
Yoshi’s Crafted World is another game that was pushed back from 2018, so barring any further delays, it’ll almost certainly come this year.
