Many websites are speculating on Wii U ports being developed for the Switch. One title in particular – Super Smash Bros. for Wii U have been suggested as plausible Switch ports. While games like Mario Kart and Splatoon we’re shown in the the Nintendo Switch reveal trailer there’s no concrete proof these are ports of Wii U games. So if Nintendo is porting Wii U games to the Switch there’s plenty of reasons as to why Super Smash Bros for Wii U would be at the top of the list.
To provide as much value as possible, Nintendo could load Super Smash Bros. Switch with all of the downloadable (DLC) characters, maps and Mii / fighter gear. Nintendo could design new levels, add new characters and stages, giving the title some serious replay value. If Nintendo ported the Wii U Smash Bros. to the Switch they’d have most of the framework for a complete game ready to go, and could focus on adding new / additional content exclusive to the Switch. Nintendo may have spent the time since the Smash Wii U release adding new content to the Switch.
Graphically the Switch is bound to be more powerful than the Wii U. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Switch would benefit from higher quality textures along with other graphical boosts. With Nintendo switching to NVIDIA for the Switch’s graphics and processors the game may look like a serious bump over the Wii U Smash. Also consider the cartridge format Nintendo is using. With the cartridge becoming one with the system when inserted, the load time is similar to a solid state drive. Games for the Xbox One and PS4 are bench-marked to act the same across their individual platforms. Since both systems have a disc format all games are read/loaded at the disc drive speed of each system. This also applies to PS4 / Xbox One downloaded games also, the disc drive may not be used, but the game loads itself into memory at the same speed as it’s disc counterpart (if it has a disc version). Since all Nintendo Switch games at retail will be cartridge-based, you can expect Nintendo games to run faster universally. This may not apply to 3rd party games that are also available on PS4 and Xbox One, but Nintendo 1st party games are sure to utilize this hardware feature. Super Smash Bros for the Wii U has some of the longest loading times I’ve ever experienced. The port to the Switch would definitely reduce this load time, and could allow for even more technical advantages.
The amiibo brand started on the day of the Super Smash Bros for Wii U release date. So far Nintendo has to release several amiibos, including Cloud, Corin and Bayonetta. Nintendo may plan on holding back on releasing these last remaining Smash Bros. amiibos for the launch of the Nintendo Switch or the release of Super Smash Bros. Switch.
The Nintendo Switch is on everybody’s mind, causing many to speculate on the system’s launch lineup and titles in development. If Nintendo is planning on releasing ports of popular Wii U games I’d be on-board. Games like Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Splatoon are at the top of my list. What are your thoughts? Would be buy a mastered version of Super Smash Bros. Wii U? Let us know using the comments below.
