Switch 2’s Launch: A Golden Opportunity for a Hidden Gem

The gaming landscape of 2025 is set to experience a major shake-up, largely due to the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch’s next-generation console. Often referred to as the Switch 2, this device has been the focal point of numerous leaks and speculations for quite a while. Initially, reports suggested a launch in 2024, but it seems that the release was postponed by a year for reasons that remain a mystery. While these speculations lack confirmation from Nintendo, they might explain the relatively sparse lineup of first-party releases from the company in 2024. Whatever the reasons for the delay, 2025 promises to finally unveil the much-discussed Switch 2 to eager Nintendo fans.

Word on the street is that the Switch’s successor will boast an impressive array of first-party exclusives right at launch, yet details remain elusive. There’s a buzz about a potential new 3D Mario game being among these launch titles, which is quite plausible given that Super Mario Odyssey hit the shelves nearly ten years ago. Additionally, there’s speculation about a new Donkey Kong game, a remastered version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, or possibly a continuation of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate series. While such titles would certainly make for a compelling launch collection, something that could truly elevate the Switch 2’s debut is a sequel to the underrated fighting title, Arms.

### Arms 2 Would Be a Great Launch Title for the Switch 2

#### Arms Was One of the Switch’s Early Successes, But It Struggled Long-Term

While Arms isn’t a frequent topic of conversation nowadays, it stands out as one of the rare new AAA intellectual properties Nintendo rolled out with this console generation. Developed in collaboration with Bandai Namco Studios, Arms launched on the Nintendo Switch in June 2017, just a few months following the console’s debut. This fighting game allows up to four players, each controlling fighters with extendable arms, to brawl in an arena until one victor emerges. Straying from the traditional side-view norm of fighting games, Arms is played from a behind-the-shoulder perspective.

The game got off to a solid start, selling over 2 million units, but it never reached the blockbuster status enjoyed by some of Nintendo’s other titles. Much of its decline in popularity can be attributed to limited post-launch support. While Nintendo did release some downloadable content and updates for Arms during 2017, the ongoing support abruptly ceased less than a year from launch.

Nintendo’s quick withdrawal from Arms was perplexing, especially given the game’s potential. Although not perfect, Arms established a solid foundation for a fighting game primed for expansion with future enhancements. Sadly, it lacked sufficient content to keep players engaged over the long haul. Coupled with awkward control schemes, limited stage variety, and somewhat basic gameplay mechanics, these shortcomings kept Arms from joining the ranks of top-tier fighting games.

#### An Arms Sequel Needs to Build Upon the Original’s Foundation

Should Nintendo ever opt to produce an Arms 2, albeit unlikely, they should focus on refining every element of the original game. A follow-up would need to deliver more modes, a wider roster of characters, and an increased variety of stages from the outset. More crucially, it should offer a long-term content strategy. By mirroring the launch strategy of the initial Arms game, Nintendo could debut an Arms sequel alongside the release of the Switch 2. Such a move would not only serve as an ideal launch title for the Switch 2 but also revitalize the previously dormant Arms intellectual property, granting it a well-deserved second chance.