With a new Metroid Prime already confirmed for the Switch, fans have been thrilled to see Nintendo re-visiting some of their classic Gamecube franchises on Switch. Now, it looks like the big N might be resurrecting another forgotten Gamecube gem for Switch– Wave Race.
Speaking to longtime Nintendo developer (and Wave Race producer) Shinya Takahashi at this year’s BAFTAS, we asked him whether Switch owners could expect to see the franchise making a splash on Nintendo’s new hybrid console.
“You may see that game again,” Takahashi teases with a grin. “We have been trying to make many games and that may be one of them … I personally love Wave Race!”
While this isn’t a full on confirmation of a new Wave Race splashing its way onto Switch, this does suggest that we could at least be getting a virtual console version. With a Gamecube Virtual Console rumoured long before the Switch even launched, our fingers and toes are crossed that we’ll be hearing more about Nintendo’s retro gaming service at this year’s E3.
We also took the opportunity to talk to Takahashi about Nintendo’s drastic reversal of fortunes.
To say the Switch has saved Nintendo would be something of an understatement. With its previous console, Wii U, failing to capture the imagination of gamers, many assumed the Switch would perform equally dismally. But now, more than 12 months and 14 million sales later, its innovative new hybrid console isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
It’s not just a new-found commercial success that Nintendo has been enjoying post Switch, but critical kudos too. Despite the Wii U failing to light the sales charts ablaze, it did boast its fair share of Nintendo first part gems.
Yet sadly for the Japanese giant, not one game in the Wii U’s lifetime enjoyed a BAFTA. Now, however, thanks to the double whammy of Breath Of The Wild and Super Mario Odyssey – this year’s award ceremony saw the big N walk away with not one BAFTA – but three.
Talking to him after winning, Takahashi appears visibly ecstatic that Nintendo’s games are being recognised by the British Academy once again:
“Yes you are right. We are very happy to have so many titles nominated at this year’s BAFTAs. We put so many features into Super Mario Odyssey that take advantage of the Switch’s hardware, so we’re really pleased that it won [these awards].”
