With E3 just around the corner, it is once again time for the Player 2 crew to get their crystal balls out of the attic and make some wildly inaccurate predictions as to what will appear at the world’s biggest games show. It is now the house of Mario’s time to shine.
E3 2017 Predictions – Nintendo
Jenn Christodoulou
Safe Bet
The Switch launched earlier this year and was incredibly popular, but with the tiny little games listing it put a lot of people off playing it. Games have been trickling out for the system since it’s launch, but I’m betting Nintendo is going to significantly boost that list with their E3 conference.
Fairly Likely
Nintendo can’t release a console without some form of Pokemon game being on it, so I’m thinking that’s going to be announced somewhere during this conference. After Pokemon Go I think people might be sick to death of this franchise, but bottom line is that it still makes money so let’s see it.
Wishful Thinking
Final Fantasy Tactics games. I played my first ever FFT game back on my DS back in the day and I’ve been waiting patiently (aka not at all patiently) for them to release more. So, whenever you’re ready Nintendo. Bring it on. I’ll be here.
Adam Rorke
Safe bet:
It’s safe to say that the Switch has had a successful launch, even though the lack of games is readily apparent. And what Nintendo console is ever complete without a new Mario title? Mario Odyssey was teased on launch day and it’s got everyone drooling with anticipation, what better time is there than now to give us a more in-depth look at its gameplay dynamics?
Fairly likely:
The biggest thorn of criticism in Nintendo’s foot that’s been lingering around for many years now is their lack of third party titles. Nintendo know this, we know this … they know that we know … and despite their horrific track record with marketing to the Western world, they would have to be beyond idiotic to not address it on the back of a successful launch.
Wishful thinking:
Smash Bros Switch! Please oh please oh please! Nothing more needs to be said about this series, it’s their second highest selling game franchise behind Mario Kart. I might squeal if this one comes true.
Stevie McDonald
Safe bet
One word: Mario. There’s already one title confirmed (the cool-looking Super Mario Odyssey) but there’s surely more where that came from.
Fairly likely
New iterations of fan favourites being released for Nintendo Switch – Super Smash Bros, Super Mario Maker, Mario Party, etc.
Wishful thinking
One word: Luigi. I miss The Year of Our Lord Luigi.
Matt Hewson
Safe Bet
We are going to see some New Donk City for sure. Mario Odyssey looks great based on what we have seen so far and I am keen to see more. It has been a while since we have had a fully fledged 3d Mario game so my body is ready for the Italian Plumber’s return.
Fairly Likely
I think there is a good chance of a Smash Bros announcement. The Switch is hotter than Hansel right now so Nintendo would be mad to delay any of their leading franchises. Expect to see the first footage of Luigi beating the tar out of Kirby before the end of E3
Wishful Thinking
The Snes Mini. But I have a caveat. I don’t want a new console sitting under the TV. So what I would like to see is a Snes mini for those that want the console and a Switch cartridge release of the games that are coming to the Snes mini. I would happily pay for a cartridge of the best titles from the Snes era and Nintendo would still have the chances to sell another console to those that want it.
Sarah Ellen
Safe Bet
Super Mario Odyssey needs to be explained. We need a better idea of the story, of how the central suburbia works in the story, why hats are great, and why Mario looks so different to the people in the world that he coexists in. Also this is the best moment to remind Nintendo that Sonic the Hedgehog tried the “hanging out with humans” thing and how Rule 34 works.
Fairly Likely
A 3DS highlights for the rest of 2017 is inevitable, and it will include Miitopia (“The Game That Tomodachi Life Should Have Been”), Dragon Quest XI , Culdcept Revolt, Pikmin 3DS, and Shakedown Hawaii. It would be curious how this particular segment plays out with the New 2DS hardware, and how much they downplay the necessity for 3D. The “fairly likely” aspect of this presentation is not its existence – rather, it is a fair likelihood that Nintendo will keep this short because remember the Nintendo Switch exists now.
Wishful Thinking
I just want someone to tell me when Stardew Valley is coming to the Nintendo Switch. That’s all I need, Nintendo.
Well, that and another Animal Crossing game.
Stephen del Prado
Safe Bet
Given the success of the Switch so far, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some solid commitment from third parties in terms of title reveals and some release dates – Xenoblade Chronicles 2 springs to mind.
Fairly likely
Nintendo will bring out the big guns – namely Pokemon Switch. As one of their biggest selling franchises, it would be ridiculous not to announce a Switch entry, as I feel we’ve seen the last of the 3DS titles; despite Nintendo protesting otherwise, scheduled releases tells another story. Also, the longer Nintendo prolongs the 3DS lifespan, the harder it is to get people to make the switch (wakka wakka I’m here all week people).
Wishful Thinking
After all my passive aggressive tweets, Nintendo relent and patch the originally planned Gamepad functionality back into the Wii U version of Breath of the Wild. They’ve also partnered with Square-Enix to create the next game in the Chrono series, coming exclusively to Switch. Level 5 will announce a Yokai Watch title integrating AR options and an overhauled battle system.
Matthew Ballinger
Safe Bet
At the moment if you own the Switch you have the choice of playing Zelda or Mario Kart, not much else. Nintendo has been taking their ball and going home in regards to trade shows with their implementation of a Nintendo Direct streams directly to the fans. We could get some more gameplay from the new Mario but Nintendo really needs to pull all stops to get games in front of customers at the moment.
Fairly Likely
If they release a traditional Pokemon game on the Switch they will be selling like hotcakes at a fat camp. They managed cross console play with Smash Brothers so more of that and having it extend to the Pokemon franchise means we can trade and battle friends who are still using a 3DS like a pleb.
Wishful thinking
Super Wario Bros with slapstick and fart humor and Waluigi as the player two. It practically develops itself.
Paul James
Safe Bet
Super Mario Odyssey – Well, Nintendo’s already gone out and declared that Super Mario Galaxy will be the main attraction at this E3 Direct. Release date, a proverbial load of gameplay and some of those New Donk City Beats will be great. Does this emphasis mean that the Nintendo’s E3 Showfloor section is Mario Odyssey themed? I sure as hell hope so!
Fairly Likely
Animal Crossing – I’m expecting a dual-pronged attack from Animal Crossing this year. We’re due for a new core game in the franchise, and Lord knows the IP needs it following the spinoffs that came to 3DS and Wii U, while the mobile Animal Crossing game is supposedly on track for a 2017 release. Linking those two titles together could potentially result in astronomical success for Nintendo so don’t rule out seeing both the mobile game as well as the next core entry together at this E3 Direct
Wishful Thinking
Donkey Kong Country – Let me set the stage for you (or lack of one because it’s a stream), no introduction, fade to black, Retro Studios appears on the screen, shortly followed by Samus and the return of the Metroid franchise. Consequently, it’s doors for the Donkey Kong Country Returns franchise, at least for now, with Retro directing all their talents towards the next Metroid, be it a Prime game or something else. I have to believe Retro is finally ready to reveal – whatever it is just won’t be starring everyone’s favourite primate.
Other Predictions are all available at our E3 Hub
