Nintendo’s release schedule for the past year hasn’t been too impressive, so we’re expecting big things. We’ve tried to keep our Nintendo E3 2021 predictions realistic, so we’ve not put Mother 3 or an Earthbound remake on here. Instead, we’ve stuck with things that should get announced sooner or later, regardless of whether they make the cut for E3 2021 or not.
Nintendo E3 2021 Predictions: Switch Pro
It seems like we’ve heard predictions of a Switch Pro since the Switch debuted, but things may finally be coming to a head. Recently “leaks” about the Switch Pro have skyrocketed, and some of these are coming from reputable sources. If these rumors are true, Nintendo will be releasing an enhanced Switch soon, and what better place to reveal it than E3 2021?
Nintendo E3 2021 Predictions: Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
One of the most anticipated games is the untitled follow-up to Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It’s been four years since the original released and two years since Breath of the Wild 2 was revealed at E3 2019. With rumors that the game will release during the Holiday 2021 window, it’s about time that Nintendo gave us a look at the successor to one of the highest-rated games of all time.
Nintendo E3 2021 Predictions: Zelda: 35th Anniversary Collection
While Nintendo has already announced Skyward Sword HD, it seems like more should be in store for the 35th anniversary of the Zelda series. We’d be surprised if Nintendo didn’t reveal a collection of Zelda titles ported to the Switch at some point soon. This announcement might be held for a dedicated Zelda Direct, but it could also end up being part of Nintendo’s E3 presentation.
Nintendo E3 2021 Predictions: Metroid Prime 4
Metroid Prime 4 was originally anounced at E3 2017, but Nintendo restarted development sometime in 2018. It’d be hitting for the title to finally get a proper reveal, though we’re unsure how far along in production it is right now.
Nintendo E3 2021 Predictions: New Donkey Kong
The team behind Super Mario Odyssey is rumored to be working on a new Donkey Kong game. Aside from the port of Tropical Freeze, the Switch hasn’t gotten much in the way of Donkey Kong games. The rumor didn’t confirm whether the game would be a DKC-style platformer or a 3D title, but we’d be glad to see either one.
Nintendo E3 2021 Predictions: Mario Kart 9
Oddly, the Nintendo Switch still hasn’t received its own exclusive Mario Kart game, despite Mario Kart 8 Deluxe being one of the system’s best-sellers. It’s almost assured that a Mario Kart is in development, though no details have leaked. This is just the kind of announcement that Nintendo is famous for and would be a great cap to its E3 show.
Nintendo E3 2021 Predictions: Tomodachi Life Port/Sequel
Nintendo shied away from its signature Mii avatars when the Switch launched, but it looks to once again be embracing them with the recent port of Miitopia. Given how popular Miis are and Nintendo’s apparent desire to develop titles that are more social/online oriented, a Tomodachi Life port or sequel may be in the works.
Nintendo E3 2021 Predictions: Xenoblade Chronicles X Remaster
MonolithSoft’s last big release was Xenoblade 2 in 2017, and it’s been working as a support studio since then. The remaster of Xenoblade Chronicles for the Switch was a hit, and it points towards what the studio’s next release may be. Xenoblade Chronicles X is a fantastic game that didn’t get the recognition it deserved because of the lackluster adoption of the Wii U. The excellent social functions built into the game would be a big draw for Switch players. We hope to see the game get a second chance at life.
Nintendo E3 2021 Predictions: New Fire Emblem
It’s been two years since Fire Emblem: Three Houses dropped, and that means it’s about time for another entry in the series. Intelligent Systems has been steadily churning out Fire Emblem games for years now, and we’d be surprised if we didn’t at least get a teaser about a new one. There are some rumors that the next entry in the series will be a remake of the Japan-only Geneology of the Holy War
Nintendo E3 2021 Predictions: N64 and GameCube Online Collections
We’ve heard rumors about N64 and GameCube games coming to Nintendo Switch Online for years now, and E3 2021 would be as good a time as any to announce them. Through data mining of Super Mario 3D All-Stars, we know that N64 games besides Super Mario 64 will work with Nintendo’s N64 emulator for the Switch. It would make sense to get more mileage out of it.
