Nintendo Life, one of the leading online sources for Nintendo news and reviews, has published its latest edition of the Mailbox, a monthly feature where readers send in their letters on various gaming-related topics. In this issue, the Mailbox is filled with Switch 2 concepts, legacy revivals, Goemon haiku, and more. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from the Nintendo Life Mailbox – February 2024.
Switch 2 Concepts: What Will Nintendo’s Next Console Look Like?
One of the most popular topics among Nintendo fans is the speculation about the successor to the Switch, the hybrid console that has been a huge hit since its launch in 2017. With rumors swirling about a possible Switch 2 or Switch Pro, many readers have shared their ideas and wishes for Nintendo’s next console.
Some of the common features that readers hope for are:
- A bigger and better screen, with higher resolution, brightness, and refresh rate
- A more powerful processor and graphics card, capable of running games at 4K and 60fps
- A longer battery life and faster charging
- A more ergonomic and durable design, with improved Joy-Cons and kickstand
- A larger and expandable storage space, with support for external hard drives
- A backward compatibility with Switch and previous Nintendo consoles
- A more robust online service, with voice chat, cloud saves, and more games
- A more diverse and innovative software lineup, with new IPs and genres
Some readers also have more creative and ambitious ideas, such as:
- A modular and customizable console, with different parts and accessories that can be swapped and upgraded
- A VR and AR compatible console, with a headset and motion controllers that can immerse players in virtual and augmented realities
- A holographic and 3D console, with a projector and glasses that can display games in three dimensions
- A hybrid and handheld console, with a detachable screen and controllers that can be used separately or together
- A smart and social console, with a voice assistant and a camera that can interact with players and their environment
Of course, these are all just fan-made concepts and wishes, and Nintendo has not confirmed or denied any of them. However, it is always fun and exciting to imagine what the future of gaming might look like, and what Nintendo might surprise us with next.
Legacy Revivals: Which Nintendo Classics Deserve a Comeback?
Another topic that sparks a lot of nostalgia and passion among Nintendo fans is the revival of legacy franchises and characters that have been dormant or forgotten for a long time. With Nintendo celebrating its 132nd anniversary this year, there is no shortage of candidates for a comeback.
Some of the franchises and characters that readers want to see return are:
- F-Zero, the futuristic racing series that has not had a new entry since 2004
- EarthBound, the quirky RPG series that has not been localized outside Japan since 1995
- Star Fox, the space shooter series that has not had a well-received game since 2006
- Kid Icarus, the action-adventure series that has not had a sequel since 2012
- Golden Sun, the fantasy RPG series that has not had a continuation since 2010
- Advance Wars, the strategy game series that has not had a new installment since 2008
- Metroid, the sci-fi exploration series that has not had a mainline game since 2010
- Punch-Out!!, the boxing game series that has not had a new entry since 2009
- Wario Land, the platformer series that has not had a new game since 2008
- Ice Climber, the arcade game that has not had a remake or a sequel since 1985
Some readers also have more obscure and niche suggestions, such as:
- Custom Robo, the robot fighting game series that has not had a new game since 2007
- Chibi-Robo, the adventure game series that has not had a proper game since 2009
- Sin and Punishment, the rail shooter series that has not had a new game since 2009
- The Legendary Starfy, the platformer series that has not had a new game since 2008
- Rhythm Heaven, the rhythm game series that has not had a new game since 2015
- Elite Beat Agents, the music game series that has not had a new game since 2007
- Hotel Dusk, the mystery game series that has not had a new game since 2010
- Trace Memory, the puzzle game series that has not had a new game since 2007
- Drill Dozer, the action game that has not had a sequel since 2006
- Eternal Darkness, the horror game that has not had a follow-up since 2002
These are just some of the examples of the rich and diverse legacy that Nintendo has, and that many fans hope to see revived in some form or another. Whether it is a remake, a sequel, a spin-off, or a crossover, there is always a potential for Nintendo to bring back some of its old gems and delight its loyal fans.
Goemon Haiku: A Poetic Tribute to a Forgotten Hero
One of the most unique and charming letters in this issue of the Mailbox is a haiku poem dedicated to Goemon, the main character of the Ganbare Goemon series, also known as Mystical Ninja in the West. The series is a mix of action, adventure, comedy, and Japanese culture, featuring Goemon and his friends as they fight against various villains and save the day.
The letter, written by a reader named Ebisumaru, who shares the name of Goemon’s sidekick, is as follows:
Oh how I lament! Almost twenty years have passed, Since he was last seen.
International? Not since 1998! Memories held dear.
Relegated to Just a pachinko mascot. Come back, Goemon!
The poem expresses the sadness and nostalgia of a fan who misses Goemon and his adventures, and wishes for his return. The last game in the series was released in 2005 for the Nintendo DS, and the last game to be localized outside Japan was in 1998 for the Nintendo 64. Since then, Goemon has only appeared in pachinko machines, a type of gambling device popular in Japan.
The poem also shows the appreciation and admiration for Goemon and his series, which is known for its humor, creativity, and charm. The series has a cult following among Nintendo fans, who enjoy its colorful graphics, catchy music, quirky characters, and fun gameplay. The series also showcases the Japanese culture and history, with references to folklore, legends, myths, and landmarks.
The poem is a poetic tribute to a forgotten hero, who deserves more recognition and respect. It is also a plea for Nintendo and Konami, the developers and publishers of the series, to bring back Goemon and his series, and to share it with the world. It is a letter that speaks for many fans who love Goemon and his series, and who hope to see him again.
