A new report suggests that Wii U platformer New Super Marios Bros. U is in development for the Nintendo Switch and the game could be released this year.
Thus far, the Nintendo Switch has had a strong line-up of first-party titles. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey have already helped to shift units of the console, and upcoming titles Let’s Go Pokemon and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are expected to do the same. Nintendo continues to develop more first-party hits in secret, but a new report has brought one of its projects into the limelight.
According to journalist Liam Robertson, one major game headed to the Nintendo Switch is New Super Mario Bros. U. The game was initially released for the Nintendo Wii U back in 2012, but Robertson cites sources within Nintendo Europe that a Switch port of the title is also in development.
Some of the journalist’s sources have suggested that the game could be called New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe and may include the Luigi DLC, as well as some more additional content. There’s no word on what this new content may include, but Robertson’s own speculation suggests that it could be substantial.
As for the game’s release, it’s also suggested that New Super Mario Bros. U could even be released on Nintendo Switch this year. Robertson cites comments made by former Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima back in July 2018, with Kimishima revealing that Nintendo had yet to unveil its full 2018 line-up, but that it would be “powerful.” A Switch port of a platformer starring the company’s most iconic characters would certainly fit that description.
As is the case with any rumor, this report about New Super Mario Bros. U should be taken with a grain of salt. That’s especially the case with reports based on unnamed sources (as opposed to leaks from the company itself). Until Nintendo confirms the game itself, this isn’t a done deal.
But with that said, the report does make some sense. Nintendo has already found success with similar Deluxe ports of Wii U games. For example, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sold gangbusters and succeeded in selling many Nintendo Switch consoles as well. Nintendo will want to replicate that success again with another Deluxe game.
Ultimately, if the game is released before 2018 is over, Nintendo will have a phenomenally strong holiday season. Super Mario Party, Let’s Go Pokemon, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and New Super Mario Bros. U: this covers almost all of Nintendo biggest and most well-known franchises. The company could be on track to hit its target of selling 20 million units this year alone. Watch this space for an official announcement.
