Will Nintendo Switch games fans get two mega titles landing in 2018?
The latest news suggests that the new Pokemon RPG could be ready for launch by the end of the year, although Metroid Prime 4 could be further off.
There have been various reports suggesting that the new Pokemon game for Switch could arrive in 2018, or early 2019.
None of these are from official announcements, but instead come from varying sources.
One of these would be an official Pokemon Company job listing, spotted by Twitter user PixelPar, stating that they are looking for a localisation expert to begin work in the next few months.
The six-month contract will start between April and June this year, which has led fans to hoping Pokemon Switch could be lined up for a late 2018 release.
Localisation tends to take place late on in a game’s development, which may mean Nintendo are putting the finishing touches right now on Pokemon Switch
Nintendo had previously said that they were targeting a ‘2018 or later’ release for Pokemon Switch, which also backs up an imminent release date.
New trademarks have also been found that apparently point to Nintendo and Game Freak calling their next Pocket Monster adventure – Pokemon 1 and Pokemon 0.
These listings apparently came with some kind of new art design, although it seems unlikely that they will remain part of the final game.
As you might expect, a lot of fans are sceptical that Nintendo would be trademarking with so much still unknown about the RPG project.
However, it would make sense that trademarks were starting to be filed if the new Pokemon project is being planned for launch later this year.
Set to be a big launch, Metroid Prime 4 doesn’t currently have a release date.
It’s unlikely to be part of the Nintendo Switch games list in 2018, with a recent company earnings report not listing it as a title for this year.
But there’s been a big development this week which could create major buzz around the game.
It has now been revealed that Bandai Namco Studios in Singapore are in charge of the game development.
This includes collaboration with Nintendo teams, who will also do a fair bit of the work when it comes to launch the new Switch title.
Multiple sources have now confirmed these reports of Bandai Namco being in charge as true, while others have pointed out more evidence found on LinkedIn.
These include profiles from some studio employees, who list several unannounced projects, some of which are apparently connected to Nintendo.
It should also be noted that Bandai Namco have been part of other major Nintendo projects that have proved hugely successful.
Titles like Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS, as well as Pokkén Tournament DX are some of the most recent.
There are also reports that Metroid Prime 4 will feature some kind of online component, although news is still very thin on the ground when it comes to gameplay features.
Another project tied to Bandai Namco is that of Ridge Racer 8, which is rumoured to be a Nintendo Switch exclusive.
The company is yet to make any official announcement, but the series is certainly due a comeback, having last appeared back in 2012.