The Nintendo switch has already been a very successful console for Nintendo and it hasn’t even been out for a full year. This is due to a strong library of games and the convenience of being able to switch (pun definitely intended) from playing on the TV to portable play. This prospect of being able to play your favorite console quality Nintendo games wherever you go has definitely attracted gamers to the platform. The Switch has received many ports of Wii U games up to this point, but one particular game still hasn’t gotten the port treatment; Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. This makes us wonder, what version of smash will the Nintendo Switch get?
To port or not to port?
Ports are nothing new to the Switch library and while Smash 4 would be a welcome addition, there are concerns with this idea. The Wii U ultimately failed because the library wasn’t expansive enough to justify buying the console.
This was the biggest fear people had about the Switch leading up to release. The Switch has already sold better in less than a year than the Wii U did in four years, so that fear is mostly gone. People seem to love being able to play some of their favorite Nintendo games on the go. The problem is that people don’t want this to be all the Switch has to offer.
There are already great non-port games on the switch but it seems like more and more ports are being announced each month. Simply put, people don’t want the Switch to be known as a port machine. Another concern is that if Nintendo ports Smash 4 to the switch, we’ll have to wait longer for the next Smash game. Smash 4 released in 2014 so a new iteration this early is pretty unlikely. Early signs point to Smash Switch being a port of Smash 4, but is that what the Switch needs?
Portable play
Portability is one of the Switch’s biggest assets, but how will this work with Smash? The GameCube controller is one of the most iconic input devices, especially for Smash Bros.
Using them with the Switch docked should be no problem, but portable mode is another story. With no USB type A ports on the Switch itself, where would you plug in your GameCube controller adapter? As it stands, a new adapter would have to be made to fit the Switch’s USB type C port.
The problem with this is that the Switch needs that port to charge which could bring up an interesting trade off situation. Scarier even would be the possibility of no GameCube controller support in portable mode. The GameCube controller and smash go hand in hand so controller support is crucial for players. Only being able to use them in docked mode seems like a small gripe, but it can go a long way.
The rumor mill
Smash rumors circulate every time a new Nintendo console releases. The Switch is almost a year old now which means the rumors are definitely beginning to circulate. Nintendo introduced a new online service which will require Switch owners to pay for online. This is the first time Nintendo will make players pay to use online services. Needless to say players weren’t particularly pleased with this idea. The service will be much cheaper than the competition which is great. But a big question is if players are willing to pay for online to play Nintendo games. Rumors are spreading that Nintendo plans to release a slew of games to promote the online service. A Smash 4 port being one of the titles that could release.
Other rumors include an announcement being planned for E3 this year, and new characters and stages in the port. There was also talk about a trademark for several games including smash late last year.
The trademark didn’t provide any details but it definitely got fans excited. All of this is speculation of course but it looks like a port could be coming soon. Whatever the case may be, switch owners and smash fans alike cannot wait to see Super Smash Bros. on the switch.
Featured image courtesy of gonintendo
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