Now that Grand Theft Auto 6 has been officially confirmed (with a record-breaking trailer), gaming’s next big not-so-secret that’s awaiting an official reveal is the next Nintendo console, unofficially dubbed by the internet as the “Nintendo Switch 2.”
Right around the same time that rumors of Nintendo’s presumed casting for an ad for the Switch 2 emerged, there are now reports that the Bayonetta series will be one of the first games to hit the said platform.
According to a rumor from Twitter user @NWeedle, Nintendo plans to bring all three mainline Bayonetta games to the Switch 2 as a bundled collection named the Bayonetta Trilogy. This move would mark the first time all three games in the series are available together, potentially offering an enhanced gaming experience leveraging the hardware improvements of the Switch 2, including better performance and HDR capabilities.
🔥Leak Express:
💫Relanzamiento
BAYONETTA recibirá una edición TRILOGY con sus tres juegos principales en un pack para la Switch 2.
Los juegos traerán mejoras visuales (HDR confirmado) y de rendimiento.
Por retrocompatibilidad también se podrá jugar en Switch 2 con mejoras. pic.twitter.com/jHjkLeVUwK
— Nash Weedle “El Analista de Leaks” (@NWeedle) December 28, 2023
Nintendo has ported and remastered games from its rich catalog of games since the launch of the Switch in 2017. This trend is expected to continue with the Switch 2, making the Bayonetta Trilogy a likely candidate for the new console. However, it’s crucial to remember that this information is still in the realm of speculation. Nintendo has been notably silent about its next console, so any rumors should be approached with caution.
The discussion around the Bayonetta series on the Switch 2 is not just about bringing older games to a new platform. It reflects a larger trend in the gaming industry, where developers began hitting the technical limitations with the current available hardware. This was particularly evident with more graphically intensive titles released for the Switch starting in 2022, where the struggle to maintain a steady performance was apparent. A next-gen console like the rumored Switch 2 could provide the necessary boost to overcome these challenges.
Interestingly, the Bayonetta series has a unique history with Nintendo. The franchise was saved by Nintendo when Sega faced financial difficulties after the release of the first Bayonetta game. As a result, Nintendo funded the second game, ensuring the series’ continuation. This support has led to Bayonetta being largely tied to Nintendo’s hardware across its three main entries, unlike Devil May Cry, another franchise birthed by Hideki Kamiya, which saw significant upgrades between console generations.
Of course, it’s worth noting that Sega still owns the Bayonetta IP and can freely use the first game in any capacity. But, Nintendo holds the assets and publishing rights for the second and third games, limiting Sega’s ability to reference anything from these titles in potential future projects.
Given these nuances, the rumored release of the Bayonetta Trilogy on the Switch 2 could signify a significant milestone for both Nintendo and the series. It would not only be a strategic move to showcase the capabilities of the new console but also a celebration of a franchise that has become synonymous with Nintendo’s recent gaming history.
If the games are close to being marketed, it could mean that the Switch 2 itself might be unveiled soon, possibly in an upcoming Nintendo Direct presentation. This prospect is exciting for fans who have been eagerly awaiting news of the next iteration of the Switch.
As we look forward to potential announcements from Nintendo, the anticipation among gamers continues to grow.
Speaking of Bayonetta, the founder of its developers, PlatinumGames, left the studio earlier this year to pursue a career as a YouTuber, among other things. Before leaving, he confirmed that the plans for the next Bayonetta game are already in place but it’s unclear if Nintendo and PlatinumGames will continue the series’ current trajectory or opt for a new direction.
