Tekken Needs To Come To Nintendo Switch Already
I’m excited for Tekken 8. The latest chapter in the ongoing Bandai Namco fighting series drops this Friday, and based on early reviews, it’s a triumph. Plus the possibilities are endless when it comes to guest characters. Solid Snake? A Marvel character? The sky’s the limit.
But here’s the thing — the Nintendo Switch still has yet to get any love from Tekken.
Which is weird, because a. Bandai Namco appears to love the platform with the many games it releases, and b. wouldn’t it be great to have another feather in its cap for the fighting community?
Now, obviously, Tekken 8 isn’t necessarily the game for the job, because it’s a frickin’ powerhouse. That would be something better left to the Super Nintendo Switch whenever it arrives. But the original Switch shouldn’t be left out in the cold.
And the reason I bring this up is Tekken Tag Tournament 2 for Wii U. The game came out around the launch period of the failed console; and though it was somewhat awkward to play with a gamepad, it was actually a great port. Not only did it deliver all the fighting action we expect from the series, but it also had bonus features that were Nintendo oriented, like a mushroom that actually increased your size. Not kidding.
Plus it had abundant modes and features aplenty, including, yes, Mario and Luigi costumes. You couldn’t go wrong seeing Heihachi doing his best plumber impression. (Missed a good opportunity to say “let’s-a go”, though.
I’m just saying, a port of this game wouldn’t actually be that bad. Infuse more Nintendo goodness, go nuts on the gameplay, and make it a $20 or so release. It’ll fly like hotcakes. Plus it’d make a great announcement at EVO Japan when it happens.
Obviously a port of Tekken 8 wouldn’t do, but there’s nothing wrong with giving a Wii U game a second chance on the platform. Look for what that formula did with the Bayonetta games and Pokken Tournament.
Happy Tekken week, everyone. Hope you enjoy reading and feel free to let me know what you think!
