Porting Games from Wii U to Switch Isn’t Lazy, It’s Smart

With another Nintendo Mini Direct in the books, the gloves are off and writers around the world are going to start dissecting what Nintendo is offering fans. The initial impression for some wasn’t great: too many Wii U games and older games on other systems being ported to Switch. Based on the low install base of the Wii U, and that many Nintendo fans ONLY own Nintendo consoles, bringing all of these ‘older’ titles to the Nintendo Switch is actually a really smart idea, and in no way causes assumptions of laziness on the part of Nintendo, and other developers and publishers.

Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze

Tropical Freeze was one of the best Donkey Kong titles to EVER be launched on any Nintendo console, and it is a real shame that so many gamers missed out on this experience since it was only available on the lowly Wii U. This game is going to do extremely well on Nintendo Switch, with new updates coming alongside the release. Tropical Freeze was not an easy game at all, and Nintendo has taken that into consideration when working on the port of this title. See what Nintendo had to say in their press release launched earlier today,

Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong and Cranky Kong return for the franchise’s debut on Nintendo Switch. This title includes all the fun and challenge of the original game, plus a new beginner-friendly mode that lets players enjoy this critically acclaimed adventure as groovy surfing simian Funky Kong. Funky Kong can double jump, hover, perform infinite rolls and even perform infinite underwater corkscrews. Thanks to his sturdy surfboard, even spikes can’t slow him down. The game launches for Nintendo Switch on May 4.

Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition

Hyrule Warriors was definitely a niche game for many gamers: while a number of Legend of Zelda fans picked this up simply because of the Zelda nature of it, a lot of casual Nintendo fans brushed this off, and missed an opportunity to play one of last generations more exciting and interesting titles. Through the definitive edition, Nintendo is bringing the complete experience to a brand new audience, and filling up the cartridge with tons of extras, both previously released via DLC and new to the game altogether. Here is what Nintendo had to say about this one,

A new, ultimate version of the exhilarating action game set in the Zelda universe will include every map and mission, plus all 29 playable characters from both the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS versions of the game, along with all of the previous paid downloadable content. Play as Link, Zelda, Midna, Skull Kid and dozens more in action-packed battles at home or on the go. Additionally, the game includes new outfits for Link and Zelda based on Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild game. This new version launches for Nintendo Switch in spring.

Other developers and publishers are following Nintendo’s play here, and bringing some of their more popular titles to the Switch, including Dark Souls: Remastered, PAYDAY 2, and Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana. All of these are readily available – and have been fo ra number of years – on other platforms, but Nintendo is giving them a breath of new life. The biggest reason I’m excited to replay them all? Portability!

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