With the Nintendo Switch 2 finally unveiled a couple of weeks ago, fans are eagerly awaiting to see what games will be part of the launch line up when Nintendo hold their full reveal in early April. It would be fair to assume that the teased Mario Kart will be a launch title following the mega-success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Nintendo typically get the mainline Mario adventure / platformer out the door within 12 months of launch - see Super Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy and the tremendous Super Mario Odyssey.

It has already been confirmed that Switch 2 will play Switch 1 games - physical and digital - but what isn't clear is whether the new hardware will offer any performance upgrade to older titles. Nor do we know which titles may be specifically cross-gen: playable on Switch 1; but with a Switch 2 enhanced mode.

However, in today's Nintendo Q3 financial results, they have confirmed that Metroid Prime 4 Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A will both launch in 2025, both previously confirmed to be Switch 1 titles.

Whether these two titles are the last big first-party releases is unclear, but with an install base of ~150m, it would seem incredibly unwise for the "˜Big N' to move on so quickly. Nintendo have an unrivalled ability to match games with the hardware they're built for, so we could see some Switch 2 features benefit these end-of-life Switch 1 titles - "˜Joycon 2' mouse aiming Metroid, anyone?

It has been 18 years since the last Metroid Prime release, with 3: Corruption releasing on Wii back in 2007. But with an avid fan base and the very well received Metroid Prime Remaster in 2023, Metroid Prime 4 will likely give the Switch 1 the send-off it absolutely deserves.

With growing hype for the Switch 2 full reveal in April, stick with GSC for more coverage.