Since its launch back in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has been home to a ton of brand new exclusives but has also offered older titles the chance at a second life. The Wii U had dismal sales numbers, so with such a limited install base, it was difficult for what were otherwise great games to find a large enough audience.
Recently, ports for games like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Pikmin 3 Deluxe coming to the Switch have breathed old life into unfortunately overlooked games. Still, even with the brand new release of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, there still remain a number of noteworthy Wii U titles that deserve a re-release on the Nintendo Switch.
Fatal Frame: The Maiden of Black Water
Nintendo is often associated with its more family friendly entertainment, but it should be noted the company is not afraid to dabble in darker subject matter as well. Case in point, the Fatal Frame franchise had a Wii U release that seemed to mostly go unnoticed, now showing up on lists of underrated horror games since its launch.
With the Nintendo Switch user base being 79 million+ strong and horror fans undoubtedly being found within such a huge number, there is a much greater opportunity for Fatal Frame: The Maiden of Black Water to succeed this time. It also helps that series producer Keisuke Kikuchi wants to celebrate Fatal Frame's anniversary, sparking potential for a remaster in the future.
Xenoblade Chronicles X
The Nintendo Switch is currently housing two major installments in the Xenoblade series, with both a remaster of the first Xenoblade Chronicles originally released for the Wii and Xenoblade 2 having graced the console's library in recent years. There is, however, a void to be filled by the missing Xenoblade Chronicles X port, which Nintendo may as well add onto the Switch to complete the trifecta at this point.
Having the complete set on Switch aside, Xenoblade Chronicles X boasts stunning graphics in an almost unparalleled game world, overflowing in its scale and things to discover. The main appeal of the Switch from the beginning has been the ability for players to enjoy massive, console quality games on the go, so what better than a sprawling open world RPG like Xenoblade Chronicles X to keep players busy on those long rides in transit.
Star Fox Zero
In its heyday, the Star Fox games were a technological showcase for the capabilities of the Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64, with fast paced action and impressive 3D models. The most recent mainline release, Star Fox Zero tried to innovate the gameplay with new mechanics and motion controls, which although not perfect, were interesting additions to the series.
Although Platinum Games has not yet confirmed a Star Fox Zero port for the Nintendo Switch, the arcade-like nature of the series is a perfect fit for Nintendo's hybrid console. With a few small tweaks here and there, Star Fox Zero may be recognized as a stronger title simply thanks to the Switch's functionality, as opposed to the somewhat clunky Wii U gamepad.
The Legend of Zelda: Windwaker & Twilight Princess HD
If, for whatever reason, Nintendo chooses not to release the heavily rumored Zelda Collection for the 35th anniversary of the franchise, simple ports of these Wii U titles will suffice. These updates from the GameCube originals gives the games a beautiful visual overhaul while also fine tuning some of the gameplay mechanics to further richen the experience.
These legacy titles in The Legend of Zelda series hold up considerably well, and especially with these improvements in the Wii U versions, they can stand toe to toe with any video game release from the modern era. Furthermore, these ports would be an easy way for Nintendo to make extra sales and ease fan anticipation in between larger installments, such as the upcoming release of Breath of the Wild 2.