While the Nintendo Switch games list has managed to dominate the end of 2017 with a handful of great titles, 2018 will be another story.
Both Sony’s PS4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One will be looking to make waves, especially if reports prove true that we won’t be seeing the next-gen consoles arrive until 2020.
With all three hardware superpowers back in play, next year is shaping up to be an interesting one.
And there’s three recent rumours about the Nintendo Switch that could have a big effect on how it performs in 2018.
While Zelda Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey have done much to boost the profile of the Switch, there’s one other franchise that could perhaps overshadow them.
And that’s Pokemon.
A new Pokemon RPG for the Switch is in the works and a new report out this week suggests that the release window has been narrowed down significantly.
Stemming from China, it appears that Pokemon on Nintendo Switch could be arriving in December 2018, or early 2019.
That’s a long wait for fans, which could have an even bigger effect if it misses the important holiday sales window.
A new Yoshi and Kirby Star Allies game is also in the works for 2018, however, neither of these will be able to live up to the hype that Pokemon can create.
If Nintendo can squeak out the new Pokemon RPG on Switch in 2018, it would definitely prove a huge boon to the console.
Another report out this week suggests that Nintendo are planning to delay the introduction of 64GB game cards for the Switch.
According to the Wall Street Journal, this would be pushed back till 2019, something that could raise concerns for third-party developers.
Some games are already outpacing the memory of the Nintendo Switch, and it’s unclear if this news could see the delay of some major ports.
Nintendo have been getting round these issues by compressing their games to pretty mangable size, however, it’s unclear if this is something everyone is able, or willing to do.
Time will tell if this has any real effect on the Switch in 2018, although fans will be hoping that this remains a rumour for now.
Bigger game cards were reported to be in the work for launch in the second-half of 2018, meaning that there would have still be a sizable wait time for them to arrive.
While the Nintendo Switch games list includes some top titles, the console itself is still without some other major features.
One of the main things missing from Nintendo’s new gaming machine is proper online support, something that is supposed to be changing in early 2018.
Fans are expecting to see the new Nintendo Switch Online subscription service go live soon, which will include some top features.
This paid service will let Nintendo Switch owners enjoy online multiplayer gaming as well as a dedicated smartphone app that connects to their system and helps create a better network with friends for online play sessions in compatible games.
There will also be a Classic Games selection to choose from, with subscribers getting to download a compilation of classic titles with added online play, such as Super Mario Bros. 3, Balloon Fight and Dr. Mario.
Fans will also get new eShop discounts and continuing access to online gameplay and the console’s app. However, new rumours suggest that this new service – much in the same vein as on the PS4 and Xbox One – has been delayed.
First touted for early 2018, it’s now rumoured that it won’t launch until Autumn, 2018. The official Nintendo Switch Online website in Italy apparently had this date listed, before it was changed to a vaguer “2018” dating.
This is of course is no official announcement and could have simply been an error on the Italian website. However, fans will be hoping for some clarification in the near future, as the service has already been delayed once.
It was supposed to arrive soon after the March 2017 Switch release, before it was pushed back until early 2018. There’s also rumours that a Nintendo Direct is being hosted in January, which will focus heavily on Switch games.
This would be a perfect time for the company to confirm when NSO will be launching and if fans are in for a longer wait than they first thought.
Daily Express :: Entertainment Feed
