The recent Game Awards 2024 showcased a night filled with excitement and anticipation, but for Nintendo Switch fans, the event left many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Despite the evening’s focus on various gaming achievements, Nintendo’s presence was notably minimal, raising eyebrows among enthusiasts.
While the awards ceremony celebrated numerous titles, Nintendo did not secure a single accolade, a stark contrast to its past performances. Analyzing the year in review, one could argue that 2024 was not a standout year for Nintendo’s first-party releases. Although the Switch has seen some remarkable games, none have reached the heights of being labeled as ‘Game of the Generation.’ The standout title, *Tears of the Kingdom*, was overshadowed by the overall Game of the Year winner, *Astro Bot*, which triumphed in both the Best Action/Adventure and Best Family Game categories.
As the Nintendo Switch enters its eighth year, the company appears to be shifting its focus toward the development and preparation for its next console. This strategic pivot comes at a time when competitors like Microsoft are regrouping after their recent successes in the indie game space. On the other hand, it was clearly Sony’s night at the Game Awards, celebrating significant new reveals and marking the 30th anniversary of PlayStation, with *Astro Bot* dominating the evening.
While Nintendo’s announcements were scarce, several noteworthy titles were revealed that may eventually make their way to the Switch platform. Among them, Bandai Namco introduced a new side-scrolling entry in the legendary *Ninja Gaiden* series, which is expected to excite fans of the franchise. Additionally, a new *Pac-Man* game was unveiled, although it promises to deliver an experience that diverges from traditional expectations.
In the realm of unique gaming experiences, a new open-world cat game titled *Catly* was announced, although its release date remains to be determined. Fans of cooperative gameplay can look forward to a collaboration between the developers of *Overcooked* and Hello Games, who are teaming up for a new title called *Stage Fright*, promising more couch co-op chaos. Furthermore, the beloved *Sonic Racing* series is set to return with *Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds*, which will be available on Nintendo Switch soon. For those who enjoyed the underwater adventures of *Dave the Diver*, the upcoming *In The Jungle* DLC is slated to arrive on the Switch in late 2025.
Despite the underwhelming presence of Nintendo at the Game Awards, the event was still a celebration of the gaming industry as a whole. With a diverse range of titles announced, from indie gems to blockbuster franchises, the night offered a glimpse into the evolving landscape of video games. However, amidst the excitement, one pressing question lingered: Will the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 be capable of running these new titles?
The anticipation surrounding the next iteration of the Nintendo console continues to grow, especially with the gaming community eager to see how it will stack up against current-generation systems. As developers push the boundaries of technology and game design, the performance capabilities of the Switch 2 will be crucial in determining its success in a competitive market.
Overall, while the Game Awards 2024 may not have been a night to remember for Nintendo, it certainly set the stage for what’s to come in the gaming world. With numerous announcements that have the potential to reshape the gaming landscape, fans are left with a sense of hope and excitement for the future, particularly regarding the capabilities of the next-generation Nintendo console.
