Is The Nintendo Switch The Official Indie Game Console?

Following Nintendo’s Switch Presentation and Treehouse Live event came an abundance of feedback concerning the direction of the new hybrid console. In particular, there have been many questions regarding the Switch’s game library and whether it will finally provide the kind of 3rd party support that critics have been demanding from Nintendo for many years.

While some have argued that the console’s lack of launch titles may be an indication of what’s to come, Nintendo confirmed that 80 plus games are currently in development for the Switch with over 20 titles anticipated for release before the end of this year.

Despite this, IP’s such as Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart Deluxe, Arms, and 1-2 Switch were the main takeaways from the Nintendo Switch events, but those who paid closer attention to the lineup might’ve found an underlying theme.

Stardew Valley, Terraria, Shovel Knight, Redout, and The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth + are all games that have had great success on other gaming platforms and will also be getting a release on the Switch. Previously unreleased and brand new titles like Yooka-Laylee, Oceanhorn, Monster Boy, Has-Been Heroes, Seasons of Heaven, The Sacred Hero, Rime, among others. The one thing all these games have in common? They’re independently developed!

We get it. When the people demand more third party support, the first thing that comes to mind is popular game franchises like Call of Duty, Battlefield, GTA, and Madden. Nintendo took a huge step in that direction by announcing Skyrim, FIFA, NBA 2K18, and Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers. Of course, the next question posed by skeptics was how would the Switch’s modest hardware and internal storage handle these beefier titles? Well, we won’t know that until the console’s release.

We do know that the Switch’s specs are perfect for most indie games which, graphically speaking, aren’t too dependent on top-notch hardware. Many of these games don’t require much storage space, and if sold as game cartridges, would make great collectibles. Nintendo could profit greatly from the extensive library of pre-existing multiplayer games, RPGs, and platformers.

After all, many independently developed titles were inspired by Nintendo franchises such as Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Super Mario. Not to mention, Japan’s escalating interest in indie development would certainly propel these games in amazing ways.

What do you think? Is the Nintendo Switch gearing up to be the official indie game console? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Felicia Miranda