Ever since the release of the Nintendo Switch last year, Nintendo has been enjoying a steady stream of great publicity as its new flagship console has gone from strength to strength. Unsurprisingly, the company’s support for titles both indie and major first-party releases alike has catapulted it back into the good graces of fans and critics.
E3 arrives hot on the heels of the bumper year that brought us Bayonetta 2, the Nintendo Labo, and Super Smash Bros Switch. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that we’re chomping at the bit when it comes to what the company might have planned for us next. Here are five announcements that we want to see when Nintendo takes the stage at the Los Angeles Convention Centre in a few weeks.
5. Animal Crossing Switch
Animal Crossing is undoubtedly one of the most popular franchises in Nintendo’s stable. Yes, those who aren’t hardcore fans are still on the fence about the latest mobile entry in the series. However, it’s hard to deny that the charm that made Animal Crossing so popular in its heyday is still kicking around. Announcing a full-fledged entry to the Switch would be commercially smart, and also what the people want.
The crisp visuals that the Switch is capable of have the potential to make a new Animal Crossing title more engaging and beautiful than ever. From touchscreen integration to HD rumble, the possibilities of what Nintendo could add to the Animal Crossing experience are endless. It’s been two years since amiibo Festival was released to tide fans over, and it’s been six years since an entry from the main series. It’s only a matter of time.
4. More Information About Nintendo Switch Online
It’s not been long since the lid was lifted on Nintendo Switch Online – its first proper online gaming service. We’re still not all that clear on what it’s going to necessarily add to the Switch experience in practice. This is because we’ve only been given basic information what the service will do. Luckily, E3 would be a great time to show off what Nintendo has come up with, especially when it comes to how multiplayer titles will benefit from the service’s bells and whistles.
3. A Borderlands port for the Nintendo Switch
In an era where we’re seeing the revival of the Rage franchise, we’re probably overdue for the return of Handsome Jack to consoles everywhere. Gearbox’s CEO previously mentioned that a new Borderlands game would be a priority for Nintendo during the Switch’s infancy. However, those doubts were largely down to uncertainty about whether the Switch would move units, and whether a port could be made without watering down the essence of the franchise (via Gamespot).
Fast forward to today, and previously skeptical publishers have come around on the back of the console’s success. Furthermore, we’ve seen other titles like DOOM do incredibly well despite Nintendo’s historically child-friendly image. It worked for the PlayStation Vita, so why wouldn’t Borderlands 2 work for the Switch?
2. Improvements to the Nintendo Switch UI
Now that Nintendo has had some time to iron out the kinks on the Switch, it’s time the system got a makeover. There’s honestly no reason for the Switch to have less UI functionality than its aging cousin, the Nintendo 3DS. From custom game themes to folders, a lot is missing under the Switch’s hood that should have been available on Day One. Ever wanted a way to organize games on different SD cards, or to filter the titles that you own? You’re probably in the majority, and an E3 announcement about new features would be a great way to put fans’ worries to bed.
1. Diablo 3 for the Nintendo Switch
Diablo fans were rather cruelly teased earlier this year when Blizzard’s official Twitter account seemingly dismissed the idea of a Switch port. However, it was later confirmed that a Diablo port was on the cards, restoring our faith in humanity (via Eurogamer). At the time, it was clear that a real announcement about bringing the Lords of Hell to Nintendo’s home console was months away.
Well, those months have come and gone, and a Nintendo Switch port of a beloved Blizzard franchise is a pretty big deal. In fact, it’s just the kind of reveal that E3 was made for. Announcing a Diablo 3 port for the Switch would be a milestone. On top of that, it could be a step towards paving the way for Blizzard and Nintendo to partner up on other popular multiplayer titles. We probably won’t ever see World of Warcraft on the Switch, but who knows what else is in store?
We’ve narrowed down what we’re excited for Nintendo to bring to E3, but our selection is only the tip of the iceberg. There’s definitely plenty more that could be announced on the big stage. Got any predictions of your own for Nintendo’s E3 appearance? Let us know in the comments below.
