The Switch 2's Launch Lineup Could Be Missing One Big Game

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As the Nintendo Switchnears the end of its lifespan, Nintendo seems to be gearing up for its next main console — a prospective Switch 2. Whereas the original Switch, launched in 2017, was able to accrue a strong library of games not long after launch, there could be a major gap in the Switch 2's launch lineup, potentially depriving it of a major system seller. With Nintendo typically forgoing power in favor of other aspects, like the Wii's motion controls or the Switch's portability, the company's consoles have typically relied on strong first-party lineups.

While there's been no official confirmation of the Switch 2's capabilities, features or games, rumors regarding the console have been popping up for years — originally regarding the existence of an upgraded «Switch Pro,» but eventually changing to an entirely new console as the Switch's lifespan wore on. At Gamescom in 2023, Nintendo reportedly gave private demos of the Switch 2, but still no official announcement was made until a brief announcement confirming the Switch 2 would be revealed this fiscal year.

Unfortunately for the Switch 2, it's unlikely that its launch lineup will include an open-world game like, which acted as the primary launch title for the original Switch in 2017. While other first-party Nintendo titles, like and, were released within the month of the Switch's release, was the only major title available immediately at launch, and its subsequent breakout success, which saw it become by far the best-selling game ever released, was a major factor in the Switch's early popularity.

The latest rumor regarding the so-called Nintendo Switch 2 is great news for those who have already built up a massive collection of games.

However, the open-world nature of the game has also come at the cost of extended development times for 3D games — from the time of in 2011, the development of would take an additional six years, eventually making it the Switch's main launch title despite also being available on the