Switch 2’s Launch Has a Superhero-Sized Hole: Why a New Marvel Ultimate Alliance is the Answer

The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally launched, and while its initial lineup is packed with upgraded favorites and promising new exclusives, there’s a glaring absence that the industry can’t ignore: a marquee superhero game. While the original Switch benefited from a variety of comic book titles, from the popular Batman: Arkham Trilogy to the exclusive Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order, the Switch 2’s launch roster is conspicuously lacking a major title from the genre. This creates a perfect opportunity for Nintendo to capitalize on a beloved, dormant franchise that is perfectly suited for the new hardware and its audience. A new Marvel Ultimate Alliance game for the Switch 2 isn’t just a good idea; it’s a necessary one that could fill a massive gap in the console’s library and become a must-have title for years to come.

The last few years have shown that the market for superhero games is more vibrant than ever. Sony’s Marvel’s Spider-Man series has set a new standard for narrative-driven, single-player experiences, while games like Marvel’s Midnight Suns have found success by blending the superhero genre with tactical RPG gameplay. Yet, for all their success, these games have largely focused on single-player experiences. The Marvel Ultimate Alliance series, with its unique blend of action-RPG gameplay and four-player co-op, offers something different—a chaotic, multiplayer-focused adventure that is perfect for a console like the Switch, which is designed for local and online multiplayer. This is a niche that is currently underserved, and a new Ultimate Alliance game would fill it perfectly, providing a different kind of superhero experience that you can’t get anywhere else.

The Perfect Fit for New Hardware and a New Audience

The Nintendo Switch 2’s new hardware is an ideal platform for a new Marvel Ultimate Alliance. The original Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 was a hit on the first Switch, but it was often held back by hardware limitations. The game’s performance could be inconsistent during especially chaotic four-player battles, and its visual design, while beautiful, was constrained by the original console’s capabilities. With the Switch 2’s enhanced graphics and processing power, a new entry could push the boundaries of what is possible. Imagine a new Ultimate Alliance game with a more expansive roster of characters, more detailed environments, and a smooth, consistent frame rate, even in the most intense of battles. This new power would allow for larger, more dynamic fights and could lead to a more polished and enjoyable experience for all players. The Switch 2’s backward compatibility also means that Nintendo could offer a special upgraded version of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, further cementing the franchise’s place on the new console.

Beyond the technical enhancements, a new Ultimate Alliance game is a natural fit for the Switch 2’s social and portable nature. The original series was always at its best when played with friends, and the Switch 2’s improved controllers and larger screen make it a perfect platform for local co-op. The new “GameChat” feature would also be a fantastic addition, allowing players to coordinate their attacks and banter with their teammates in a seamless and immersive way. The game’s pickup-and-play nature is also a perfect match for the console’s hybrid design. Whether you’re playing on the go or docked to a TV, a new Ultimate Alliance game would offer a fast-paced, action-packed experience that is perfect for both short bursts of play and long, marathon sessions with friends. The series’ massive roster and deep character progression also give it a level of longevity that is hard to match, making it a title that players would return to again and again.

A Strategic Move for Nintendo

From a business perspective, a new Marvel Ultimate Alliance is a no-brainer for Nintendo. The original Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 was published by Nintendo themselves, a rare move that showed their commitment to the franchise. The game sold millions of copies and was a major success, proving that there is a huge appetite for a Nintendo-exclusive Marvel title. A new entry would build on that success, and it would also give the company a powerful, exclusive superhero game to compete with titles from Sony and Microsoft. As the gaming world becomes more and more competitive, having a strong portfolio of first-party exclusives is more important than ever. A new Ultimate Alliance game would not only be a fan-favorite, but it would also be a powerful statement from Nintendo that they are serious about their partnership with Marvel and that they are committed to delivering the kind of high-quality, multiplayer-focused games that their audience loves. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.