7 Retro Nintendo Console Games That Deserve Remakes on the Switch 2

Many great retro Nintendo console games date back to the 1980s. Nintendo sometimes releases remakes of its best retro games with updated graphics, sound, and refined gameplay features. For example, the big N released major remakes like The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Metroid Prime Remastered, and Super Mario RPG for the original Switch. Remakes of classic games from the big N are usually richly appreciated. These are some of the retro Nintendo console games that deserve remakes the most on the Switch 2.

Super Mario World

Super Mario World was the game that perfected 2D platforming on the Super NES after the 8-bit era. This was a Mario platformer with intuitive controls, less linear secret-filled level design, vibrant graphics (for its time), and memorable music. The introduction of Yoshi in Super Mario World was also a defining moment for the Mario series that gave the plucky plumber a dinosaur sidekick who could gobble up enemies.

Super Mario World was for me the best 2D Mario game of Nintendo’s flagship franchise. I would love to see this game given a visual overhaul on the Switch 2. A Super Mario World remake could also include some new secret levels and map areas for players to discover.

Legend of Zelda

The original Legend of Zelda was the game that started the Zelda franchise on the NES during the 1980s. That was a revolutionary game for its time because it was the pioneer of open-world RPGs with an emphasis on exploration and discovery. It was also among the first console games that included a save feature for preserving progression. This was the first Zelda title about saving and discovering Hyrule, making it one of the most historically significant retro Nintendo console games.

There has, in fact, already been a 16-bit Legend of Zelda remake called BS The Legend of Zelda. However, Nintendo only released that title for the Super Famicom Satellaview in Japan. So, it’s about time Nintendo launched a Legend of Zelda remake for all players across the world on the Switch 2.

The Switch 2 could give the original Legend of Zelda a huge graphical overhaul with 3D models on a 2D map, modern lighting, and particle atmospheric effects. Modernized controls and an expanded Hyrule map would make the Legend of Zelda remake a great addition to the Switch 2’s games library.

Zelda: A Link to the Past

Zelda: A Link to the Past perfected the Zelda formula on the 16-bit Super NES of open world exploration, beating dungeons and bosses, and obtaining new items for progression. It was a game with an intuitive design, a rich world, and a deep but accessible story to digest. The most memorable thing about Link to the Past was its Light/Dark World gameplay mechanic that enabled players to jump between two maps for more engaging exploration and discovery. Overall, it is one of the most highly regarded games in the Zelda franchise.

So, why hasn’t Nintendo released a remake of Zelda: A Link to the Past? A Link Between Worlds was a spiritual successor to a Link to the Past, but that was not a remake as Nintendo turned it into a new game. A straightforward reimaging of a Link to the Past with significant new graphical gloss and minimal gameplay refinements on the Switch 2 would be sufficient to satisfy demand.

Duck Hunt

Duck Hunt was one of the launch titles for the NES, designed specifically for the Zapper gun bundled with the console. This was a revolutionary game for its time because of the innovative Zapper gun it was based on. Duck Hunt had simple, yet addictive, gameplay that was tricky to master, rather like the great Tetris game launched at a similar time. Yet, Duck Hunt never became a comparable gaming phenomenon, possibly because of its unique controller requirements.

Light-gun games have gone out of fashion, but it would be great to see a Duck Hunt remake on the Switch 2. Of course, Nintendo would also need to release a new Zapper gun for it. A Duck Hunt remake could include new shooting modes that expand its gameplay, along with revamped visuals and sound. Reviving the legendary perpetually laughing dog from Duck Hunt alone would make a remake worth playing.

Super Metroid

The Super Metroid game for the Super NES is widely rated to be one of the best in its series. It was a game that effectively blended tight gameplay, exploration, and atmosphere within an interconnected world. Although superficially a shoot ’em up, Super Metroid, like others of its series, was more of an action-adventure game that combined platforming, deep exploration, and puzzle-solving. Super Metroid defined the 2D Metroidvania genre for its series.

Nintendo has released numerous Metroid remakes, but not for the genre-defining Super Metroid. It would be great to see Super Metroid re-emerge on the Switch 2 with a remastered graphical style comparable to Metroid Dread, which mixes 3D models with 2D sidescrolling. A Super Metroid remake could also have streamlined controls and modernized movement that incorporates Dread’s 360-degree aiming and slide move.

Super Mario Land 2

Super Mario Land 2 is one of the best retro Nintendo console games for the Game Boy handheld. This game was a big upgrade on the original Super Mario Land formula because it introduced a large world map for players to explore with non-linear level progression. It effectively blended the core mechanics of the original Mario games with a distinct flair from the fabled Nintendo R&D1 development department. Super Mario Land 2 was also the game that introduced Wario to the series.

So, Super Mario Land 2 is certainly another classic Game Boy title that deserves a remake on the Switch 2. A Switch 2 remake could breathe beautiful full color into Super Mario Land 2, much like the Switch revived Link’s Awakening. The Super Mario Land 2 remake could also include new explorable map areas, power-ups, and level content for players to discover.

F-Zero

F-Zero was a futuristic racing game on the Super NES that began a new gaming series, which Mario Kart has admittedly overshadowed throughout much of its history. Nevertheless, F-Zero was a very decent racer with intense speed and innovative Mode 7 graphics on the Super NES. It was a game with cool futuristic aesthetics (partly imitated in the Wipeout PlayStation racer), unique gameplay mechanics, and a groovy soundtrack that set it apart from many racers of its era.

Nintendo released F-Zero 99 on the Switch Online in 2023, which was a battle royale spinoff, rather than a remake, of the original F-Zero game. Good though that was, many fans want to see a true, dedicated remake of the original F-Zero. Aside from having modern, high-definition visuals, an F-Zero remake could incorporate online multiplayer races, new additional circuits alongside the original ones, and revamped physics comparable to GX.

Super Mario Land 2, Super Mario World, Super Metroid, F-Zero, A Link to the Past, Legend of Zelda, and Duck Hunt are among the most fondly remembered retro Nintendo console games. Those retro Nintendo console games could be great remakes on the Switch 2 if the big N gives them the attention they deserve. There are rumors of new Zelda (Wind Waker and Twilight Princess), Metroid, Fire Emblem, and Donkey Kong game remasters for the Switch 2 to be in the works, but Nintendo has not confirmed them.