The Phasing Out of Nintendo Switch Classics: A Prelude to Nintendo Selects?
Recent developments in the retail space have stirred the Nintendo community: numerous first-party Nintendo Switch titles are being quietly removed from store databases. This trend, often seen in the gaming industry as a console nears the end of its lifecycle, is fueling speculation about the potential reintroduction of the Nintendo Selects or Player's Choice series, offering popular games at discounted prices.
Stores are seemingly discontinuing a range of notable Switch games, a move that might hint at their re-release under a discounted banner.
List of Disappearing Titles:
Paper Mario: The Origami King
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (2019)
Pikmin 3 Deluxe
Metroid Dread
Kirby Star Allies
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Engage
Yoshi's Crafted World
WarioWare: Get it Together!
Nintendo Switch Sports
Super Mario Odyssey
Splatoon 2
Super Mario Maker 2
Mario Strikers: Battle League
Most of these titles are older, making their phasing out less surprising. However, "Fire Emblem: Engage" stands out as an anomaly, being only a year old.
Notably absent from this list are the top three first-party Switch titles: "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," and "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate."
Speculation on the Next Nintendo Direct: Introducing Red Label "Selections"
The gaming community is abuzz with anticipation for the next Nintendo Direct, and there's a growing belief that it could unveil a significant new initiative: the Red Label "Selections." Building on the recent trend of major first-party Nintendo Switch titles disappearing from store databases, it seems increasingly likely that Nintendo might use this upcoming event to introduce a curated line of discounted classics.
Dubbed the Red Label "Selections," this collection could potentially feature fan-favorite titles at reduced prices, revitalizing interest in the Switch's extensive library as the console moves towards the latter stages of its lifecycle. Such a move would be in line with Nintendo's history of innovatively repackaging and promoting their beloved game catalog, offering both longtime fans and newcomers alike an enticing opportunity to experience these acclaimed titles.
Speculation on Nintendo's Strategy
The removal of these games might signal the approach of a new 'Nintendo Selects' line, a practice historically used by Nintendo to re-release popular games at lower prices. This strategy not only rejuvenates sales for older titles but also prepares the market for the introduction of new hardware – in this case, the much-rumored Nintendo Switch 2.
While the disappearance of these titles from store databases is intriguing, it's essential to note that nothing definitive can be stated at this time. The possibility of a new 'Nintendo Selects' series is compelling but remains speculative. Nintendo's history, however, suggests that such moves are not unprecedented, making this development one to watch closely in the coming months.
~Smash
