QSO Media

The cast of WarioWare are shown. Wario is front and centre, in an energetic stance. Around him, many WarioWare characters can be seen. Clockwise from the left, we see Jimmy T, Kat & Ana, Ashley & Red, Lulu, 5-Volt, Doctor Crygor, Mona, Young Cricket, Master Mantis, 9-Volt, 18-Volt, and Orbulon. Behind them, some tropical flowers are seen, and behind the flowers, the backdrop is a nonbinary flag. In the bottom left, text reads: © Nintendo. Image made by QSO Media.

Why Nintendo Needs a WarioWare for the Switch 2

Where’s-a me, Wario? Wah, ah, huh?

The newest Nintendo Direct is here, and as expected, there’s plenty for fans to get their teeth into here. Whether its more footage of Metroid Prime 4, or a bevy of brilliantly obscure new Mario Kart World characters (catch me maining the Moo Moo Meadows Cow), the official livestream had plenty of easter eggs for eagle-eyed Nintendites to check out. Despite some of my reservations, some of the Nintendo Switch 2’s capabilities genuinely impressed me. (Still sticking with my trusty old-school Switch 1 for the time being, though. I’m not paying £75 for the new Mario Kart.)

As always with new console releases, there’s some announcements – or lack thereof – which are bound to disappoint some viewers. Fellow Fire Emblem fans were left in limbo about the long-rumoured Genealogy of the Holy War remake. Despite some prominent gameplay clips of Pokémon Legends: Z-A showing Pinsir’s predicted return, there was little news on the Pokémon front, either. And while Kirby fans had their wish granted with new content galore, there’s a particularly beloved Nintendo franchise that was disappointingly neglected, despite this direct providing a perfect opportunity for it to shine.

I’m talking about WarioWare, of course. The loveably silly series has long been used as a demonstration of new Nintendo tech. WarioWare: Touched! Was a Nintendo DS launch title, and remains one of the console’s best examples of touchscreen controls. WarioWare: Smooth Moves was another launch title, proving to be the fourth best-selling launch title for the Wii, possibly due to how well it introduced players to the console’s motion controls. Even the critically panned WarioWare: Snapped was intended as a flagship title for the DSiWare store (RIP), utilising the at-the-time modern camera technology. Even though I remember that game being janky as hell, it was still a thrill to use the console in a way I never had before.

Naturally, a new WarioWare title would be the perfect chance to show off the Switch 2’s new features. So, why aren’t we getting one?

Think about it: A major feature of the recent trailers for the Switch 2 highlights multiplayer gameplay, whether its through their choices of titles to reveal (Mario Kart World; Drag x Drive), or through the new console features (Game Chat; the Switch 2 Camera and its £50 price tag). A major marketing feature is focusing on playing the console at launch with your friends and family. I may be biased from years of trying to beat my own Smooth Moves personal records, but the WarioWare series is, to me, one of Nintendo’s best multiplayer series.

Furthermore, each previous WarioWare launch title has served as a great way of showing off just what the console can do. Those who played these games at launch will remember the thrill of exploring their console’s capabilities, whether its through using the Wiimote to shave someone’s beard, or using the DS stylus to unroll some toilet paper. With the Switch 2 trailer showing off all-new gameplay features, it’s easy to think of quirky microgames to demonstrate them. Just picture using the new joycons as mice to ski, to aim a turret, to tilt a clove of garlic. Imagine using the console’s microphone to find Jimmy T in a packed-out Club Sugar through calling out to him. Envision using the Switch 2’s camera to strike silly poses for Wario, or perhaps standing still to avoid detection by Ashley and Red. The list is endless.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of Switch 2 titles that I’m sure show off its kit just fine. I’m particularly excited by the possibility of Rhythm Heaven Groove landing there, and as its trailer showed, the rerelease of Super Mario Party Jamboree utilises the console’s new technology well. But do they offer a better experience than I can get on my Switch 1? Perhaps more importantly: is that experience worth the price?

A new WarioWare title might be just the hook Nintendo needs to win people over to their newest console. With certain games being confirmed to have a Switch 1 release, having exclusives that warrant an upgrade may help win people over. Unfortunately, if you’re wanting to do more than just race with Wario, today’s Nintendo direct might be a letdown.

AC is the Head of Written Content at QSO Media. Read more of their articles here.

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