The Nintendo Switch has put Nintendo back on top of the game industry. But consoles are only as good as their games, and though the Switch is steadily releasing big hits like Splatoon 2 and Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle about once a month, there are still some older and legacy titles that could increase the Switch’s staying power and solidify its must-have status. Here’s a list of games that we think Nintendo should port to the Switch to do just that.

SUPER SMASH BROS.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U would seriously ramp up multiplayer on the Switch. The latest Super Smash Bros. has the largest roster of characters of any in the series and it literally sold the Wii U consoles when nothing else would. Having it on the go with quality console graphics would be even better.

FIRE EMBLEM AWAKENING

If the popularity of Fire Emblem Heroes and the high anticipation for Fire Emblem Warriors says anything, it’s that the Switch needs to be a gateway into the franchise. Awakening would be perfect since its modern look and streamlined strategy gameplay are accessible to new players.

 POKéMON X AND Y

Many are reluctant to see Pokémon leave handhelds, but since the Switch is portable, this is a no brainer. Having a gateway on the Switch only strengthens its longevity, and Pokémon X and Y would be the best choice. Both games are extremely popular and were well-received for embracing the change of updated 3D models that are now the franchise standard.

 

DONKEY KONG COUNTRY: TROPICAL FREEZE

The Wii U may have been a failed console, but some of its games were truly great. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a title that definitely needs new life on the Switch. It was a fantastic entry in the series with difficult challenges, incredible level designs, and a beautiful visual overhaul.

 

SCRIBBLENAUTS

One of the most underused genres on the Switch right now is the puzzle genre and the most interesting title is Scribblenauts. Scribblenauts already crossed over with DC Comics on the 3DS, so a Nintendo themed version could be a huge hit for longtime fans.

 

SENRAN KAGURA: ESTIVAL VERSUS

On the surface it may look like ninjas with fan-service cranked to 11, but surprisingly Senran Kagura has excellent gameplay. Senran Kagura: Estival Versus is a tightly controlled and fast-paced beat-em up that was amazing on the Playstation Vita, so it would be even better on the larger Switch screen.

 

TALES OF SYMPHONIA

Tales of Symphonia was almost everyone in America’s first introduction to the Tales of series and recently it found new life when ported to PC and the last generation of consoles. The one thing it hasn’t seen is a handheld version and the Switch would be perfect since it could use some more high quality and lengthy role-playing games to capitalize on the Zelda momentum.

 ZERO ESCAPE: THE NONARY GAMES (999/VIRTUE’S LAST REWARD/ZERO TIME DILEMMA)

Nintendo is gradually trying to accept more mature titles, but it could honestly use a boost. The Zero Escape Series covers vicious murders and intriguing death games in the form of text adventures. This would satiate mature audiences without ever really crossing too many lines since most of the gore is never shown, but described instead.

HAKUōKI: MEMORIES OF THE SHINSENGUMI

Text-based gameplay translates best to portable consoles since it basically performs as an e-reader. The Switch definitely needs more of these and Hakuōki: Memories of the Shinsengumi would be the best title for the job. It’s a thrilling romance series full of real Japanese history that could satiate fans of both dating sims and text-based gameplay at the same time.

HEARTHSTONE

Another genre that translates well to portable gaming is card games and there’s no card game at the moment that’s more popular than Hearthstone. This title would sell the Switch to PC and mobile gamers quickly, especially if they could sync up their accounts. Hearthstone would make a killing with Nintendo and the Switch’s portability would have fans eager to save their phone batteries from overuse.

Are there other games you’d like to see ported to the Switch? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured Images: Nintendo, Tamsoft, Bandai Namco, Akysys Games, and Blizzard Entertainment

Alex Tisdale is a writer and illustrator who runs on coffee and pop culture. You can find him covered in ink and rambling on his website or on Twitter.