With Nintendo’s E3 2021 presentation around the corner, Need Nintendo team members Garrett and Tawny discuss major series they anticipate on seeing. Additionally, they share their thoughts on what they hope to see.

The Legend of Zelda

Garrett: Nintendo is likely to kick off their E3 presentation with a focus on The Legend of Zelda’s 35th Anniversary. This will begin with a trailer for the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This will of course be our first look at the game since its initial reveal at E3 two years ago. I am anticipating an official title for the game as well as a release date. The trailer will probably be followed by a few words from Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma, who will announce the 35th-anniversary celebration as well as a Zelda-centric Nintendo Direct in the near future.

Just as Nintendo celebrated Super Mario’s 35th anniversary, it is like to celebrate The Legend of Zelda’s in a similar fashion.

The Breath of the Wild sequel will likely be tied in with the rumored improved Nintendo Switch model. Nintendo typically does not emphasize technical specs when it comes to comparing their new hardware to the old, but I feel like the company has to in order to clearly communicate the differences lest it repeats the confusion that surrounded the Wii U’s announcement. This will require showcasing the new model alongside the others and demonstrating everything that it can do that the older ones cannot. I predict that the new system will launch alongside the next Zelda title.

A mock-up of what the new Switch model logo could definitely not look like.

Pokémon

Tawny: In addition to expecting a good amount of Zelda content, we hope to see a closer look at some of the Pokémon games that were revealed recently. We might get to see some more gameplay of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl past the trailer that was revealed. Hopefully, we’ll be able to see more gameplay of Pokémon Legends: Arceus and its open-world design that’s very refreshing for the series.

While I’m not necessarily expecting it, I’m hoping for a New Pokémon Snap update at E3 2021 as well. Whether it’s an update or DLC, a new location to explore can make a great game even better. A couple of places that didn’t make blatant cameos in New Pokémon Snap were the “Valley” and “Rainbow” locations; they could make a comeback. After what unfolded in the Ruins of Remembrance, we could encounter another legendary Pokémon in space… 

A screenshot of Pidgeot catching Magikarp in New Pokémon Snap.

Super Smash Bros.

Tawny: Lastly, with two character slots remaining in Vol. 2 of the Super Smash Bros. Fighters Pass DLC, many fans anticipate the reveal of a new fighter. Based on the characters that have been revealed so far, I anticipate one of the two characters to be revealed: 

Dante from Devil May Cry

Dante from Devil May Cry 5 with one of his weapons, Dr. Faust.

This cheesy hack-and-slash made its way to the Nintendo Switch in 2019, with the second addition to the series following months after. In 2020, Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition was added to the Switch. Debatably the best game in the series, the Special Edition gives players a slew of extra content, including the ability to co-op in certain parts of the previously single-player game. 

Regardless if you’re a veteran video game player or someone who’s just getting started, Dante is a wild character who’s known for his over-the-top personality. His abilities can be just as ridiculous (check out his styles), and his weapons are no exception. I don’t blame fans for having their reservations regarding his sword fighting, but he’s utilized all kinds of weapons throughout the series. Sure, swords are cool. But I hope Nintendo would take advantage of his pistols, gauntlets, nunchucks, motorcycle, and bat-summoning electric guitar. We might even see Vergil as an echo fighter, considering how some of their weapons are similar. 

Doomguy: DOOM

He’s ready to rip and tear when you are, Nintendo.

While I anticipated seeing Master Chief from Halo in Super Smash Bros., I expect and hope to see Doomguy, or Doom Slayer from the DOOM series. Both characters have long legacies from classic games with multiple entries, but all DOOM games have been on Nintendo consoles – including the Switch. That, combined with Minecraft’s Steve and Alex representing Microsoft to a degree, makes me believe we’re more likely to see Doomguy. His variety of weapons – including the Crucible – would make him an enjoyable addition to the series. (Plus, he can fight with Isabelle.)

With that said, there’s one fighter that I highly doubt I’ll ever see in Super Smash Bros. However, I have hoped since high school that this character and/or his teammates would be added to one of my favorite fighting games. This character is the image of the game that currently ranks among the top five played games on Steam. 

Heavy Weapons Guy: Team Fortress 2

That is Heavy Weapons Guy, and that is his bullet.

This mercenary has a lot of personality, which is represented in his fighting style and arsenal of weapons. Between Heavy’s minigun that costs $400,000 to fire for twelve seconds to his heavy-hitting boxing gloves (no pun intended), his signature weapons are more than enough to depict a theatrically strong fighter. Even tossing his sandvich could be a move. (Normally, he eats this item to gain health. Maybe he could eat half of it first…)

My final thoughts for Heavy would be his Ultimate move: what better way to demonstrate his power than boasting it in style? His power is best shown off when ÜberCharged, both in-game and in Valve’s Meet the Medic video. Being ÜberCharged makes you invincible thanks to the Medic’s standard medigun, which is especially helpful if you’re in a pinch. 

Medic and Heavy: a classic combo ready to take on enemies.

With how many notable characters make up the Team Fortress 2 cast, I can imagine it would be tough to choose which one would make its way into the Super Smash Bros. roster. In my opinion, the “classes” and their fighting styles are too diverse to be echo fighters. But Heavy is the face of the game for a reason; he’s an iconic character that would make a unique but fitting addition to the Super Smash Bros. series. 

Despite the game’s active player base, many members of the community consider its golden days long gone. And while I agree, Heavy would still be beyond fun to play. Would adding him to the roster be the smartest decision? It depends on who you ask. I think Nintendo could have profited from Team Fortress 2’s former glory, but who knows? Maybe they aren’t ready to outsmart bullet. 

We only covered a few Nintendo series out of the many that will be debuted in the company’s presentation this year. What do you expect to see? And what would you like to see? Feel free to share in the comment section below.