Switch RPG E3 2019 Predictions

The Nintendo Switch is quickly becoming the go-to console for RPGs, whether you prefer them on the go or choose to enjoy them on the big screen. With E3 2019 just under a month away, we here at SwitchRPG are waiting with bated breath as to what news could drop in June. Whatever may come, more Switch RPG news is never a bad thing.

To recap the Switch’s E3 track record so far, the Switch’s inaugural showing in 2017 saw notable announcements/features like Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass, and a confirmation on a proper Pokemon game to come eventually, which was not a surprise to anyone. 2018 fared a bit better, with announcements surrounding Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Octopath Traveler, Pokemon Let’s Go, and Torna ~ The Golden Country surfacing from the event. Could the Switch’s third foray into E3 be its best, most action-packed endeavor yet? Here’s what we think will go down come June 11th!

Evan Bee

I tend to try to enter into E3 with the lowest of expectations, in order to be pleasantly surprised by whatever it is that we end up getting. With that said, this E3 offers us plenty of potentially exciting announcements. Though not many of these predictions are bombshells, if you stick with me this E3, you’re likely to avoid crushing disappointment.

1- Pokemon Sword and Shield Legendaries and new combat mechanic revealed

This one shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, though I do believe that, based on the emblems for Sword and Shield, we will be getting a dog/wolf duo similar to the dragons of Diamond and Pearl, or Black and White. A hot take would be a single legendary whose spirit armor changes depending on equipped item. Yes, we’ve heard rumors of some sort of spirit armor system being utilized for Sword and Shield, and with Game Freak’s recent track record of adding odd, unique, and sometimes stupid in-battle mechanics like Mega Evolutions and Z-Moves to the fold in order to spice things up, this doesn’t seem outside the realm of possibility. Whatever the “gimmick” of Sword and Shield, we’re bound to hear a bit more about it at E3.

2- Town gets a release date

We’re being treated to not two, but three Game Freak RPGs this year, though this new and unique title might have flown under some radars after its initial announcement. Of Game Freak’s offerings, Town seems to be much more of a toss as its intimate setting and bubbly art style brim with personality and charm that could be to the game’s benefit or otherwise. I expect we’ll see a bit more information about this title at E3 and likely a release date, perhaps close to September. The summer months don’t offer extremely profitable launches for video games, and Game Freak likely wants to give Town the best shot it can get.

3- Shin Megami Tensei V makes an appearance

Let’s face it, folks. The dream of Persona 5 on Switch is dead. Accept it, bury it, and come to the realization that it doesn’t matter all that much, because we’re still getting Shin Megami Tensei V. This Switch title was revealed at the initial press conference over two years ago, and it’s getting to the point where news is all but unavoidable. Though it might be surprising to see this game make a full reveal at E3, there will at least be a mention of its arrival, perhaps in early 2020, before getting a more substantial press blowout at a Japanese gaming conference later in the summer or year.

4- Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles gets a release date

Listen. I haven’t been writing articles for the past six months about this franchise just for hype. Well, okay, maybe I’ve been hyping myself up. But with most of Square Enix’s Switch ports finally out of the way, it’s time for Crystal Chronicles to make its grand return to Nintendo consoles once more. We will receive some confirmation for when this delightful dungeon crawler will make its way onto the system, and there will be much rejoicing. Fact.

5- More ports? More ports.

Though not necessarily an exciting prediction to make, it’s still a valid one, as some of my personal favorite titles from 2019 so far have been ported RPGs. Which titles they will be, however, is still anyone’s guess. Perhaps Level 5 will grace us with an updated port of Fantasy Life? Could we see handheld or classic RPGs make their way to the system? Will SEGA AGES continue its onslaught with a revamped version of Phantasy Star II or III? Who knows, but it seems only logical that this titan of a system snags a couple more surprising and unexpected classics from other systems. Maybe people would like Dark Souls 2 and 3 on Switch as well, Namco.

(BONUS) 6- Animal Crossing Switch Canceled

This is perhaps my most anticipated reveal of E3, if only because I long to see others suffer.

Ben Thompson

There’s obviously going to be some overlap here as far as primary candidates though, so I’m going to go off the beaten path a bit on some of my picks in order to make things a bit more interesting. Wishful thinking? Perhaps, but that has never stopped anyone before!

1- Alliance Alive Release Date

I’ll be honest, I know little about this RPG that released last year on the 3DS, but I was “in” from the moment I found out it was similar to SaGa games – a series I’ve been passionate about for many years. Now, let’s just get a release date on paper.

2- Mother 3 Announced

Everybody wants it. Reggie Fils-Aime once said that they were aware of the overwhelming demand for the game to be officially localized. Now is the time! A compilation of all three games would be fantastic, but I realize I’m already going out on a limb here so we’ll save that for another day. Mother 3 – do it.

3- Kingdoms of Amalur Announced

THQ Nordic purchased this dormant IP whilst on their buying spree last year, and I think it is only a matter of time before some sort of announcement is made about it. The good news for Switch owners is that this game is older AND THQ Nordic is quite keen on bringing their many titles to Switch, so I could totally see it happening as long as EA is willing to “play ball.” While a remake/remaster would be nice, I’d settle for a port at the end of the day.

4- Seiken Densetsu Collection Released

A long-time request for old school RPG fans, the localized version of the Seiken Densetsu Collection could pop up this year, and what better time than at E3? Rumors have been circling around this trio of titles ever since the trademark filing deal happened earlier this year. This one is a no brainer, Square Enix, so make it happen!

5- Terraria (Finally) Release Date

Terraria was among the first games to be announced for Switch, yet it still hasn’t dropped even two years later. The development/porting process has been a bit of a struggle it seems, and it looks like preliminary builds have already been sent to Nintendo for evaluation, so it is only a matter of time before this side-scrolling crafter/builder RPG finally makes it way to the Switch.

(BONUS) 6- Animal Crossing Switch NOT Cancelled

Why would you wish this away, Evan? In all seriousness, looking forward to diving into a series I haven’t touched since its debut. The wife might totally dig this one as well.

Rich

1- Persona 5 makes an appearance

I’ll admit I was disappointed P5S was not the switch version but Sega has said they want to increase sales/revenue so a great way is to put Persona 5 on switch. By the time E3 2019 happens, Switch will have surpassed lifetime sales of PS4 in japan, so it makes great financial sense to have Persona 5 on the leading platform in Japan.

2- Mother 3 Announced

Reggie returns for one last appearance in a direct to give us Mother 3, out Fall 2019.

3- Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger is announced and will be coming to switch.

4- Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles

is shadow dropped and out shortly after the direct

5- The Witcher 3

CD Projekt Red announces The Witcher 3 is coming to switch later this year, all DLC will be included.

(BONUS) 6- The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

After the trailer for Link’s Awakening is shown and dated (December 2019), we get a tease for Wind Waker remaster coming to switch in early 2020.