‘Pokémon,' ‘Smash’ On Nintendo Switch: CEO Teases Major, Unannounced Games

Nintendo Switch may be lacking in the first-party games department right now, but company CEO Tatsumi Kimishima has a confident outlook for the console’s future. During a recent earnings call, he teased “more unannounced titles” capable of boosting hardware sales this year. The translation arrives via Wall Street Journal tech reporter Takashi Mochizuki.

While no time tables or specific titles were mentioned alongside those comments, they mean a lot when pondering Nintendo’s lineup for E3 in June. If there are any big 2017 game releases in the pipeline, we assume it’s there that we’ll receive first word of them.

As those who followed the Nintendo Switch reveal hype train will know, there were several rumored games in development that weren’t discussed at all during the initial hardware reveal in January or during recent Directs. Namely, we’ve heard a lot about a Switch port of Super Smash Bros., as well as a third-pillar Pokémon title called Pokémon Stars. Then there’s also that weird Mario-Rabbids tactical RPG too.

Read: Final Fantasy VII Remake For Switch Rumored For E3 Reveal

The first two names in that trio are most likely to sell consoles. After all, Pokémon Sun And Moon combined to be the best selling games of 2016 with nearly 16 million copies sold to date. Super Smash Bros. was the Wii U’s fastest selling game and had sold a combined total of nearly 14 million copies by the end of last year. If there are any unannounced games with a history of moving the needle, Pokémon and Super Smash Bros. are it.

It’s also worth recalling the Switch’s announced first-party portfolio too. ARMS seems likely to endure the struggles of a new and unique IP, but Splatoon 2 and Super Mario Odyssey are certain to capture the attention of gamers in the summer and fall.

Beyond software teases, there are a few key notes to take away from the call. The Nintendo Switch has shipped about 2.74 million units to date with around 14 million projected by next April. The company raised about $920 million in profit and shipped 2.76 million copies of Breath Of The Wild on Switch.

Nintendo Switch is available now for $299.

Do you think Kimishima was teasing new Super Smash Bros. or Pokémon games for Switch? Which other unannounced franchises might move units? Tell us in the comments section!