Nintendo reconfirms Switch game release windows: Bayonetta is 2022, Metroid Prime is “TBA”

Maybe that “TBA” will change to “2023” this coming E3?

So Nintendo recently dumped a ton of new financial info on us thanks to their second quarter fiscal year financial report, and as is customary, they stuck a list at the end that details some Switch game release windows. Here’s a quick breakdown for the United States.

As we know, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are good to go for November 19, followed by Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain on December 3, just in time for Christmas. After that, Nintendo’s holiday season is quiet until January 28, when Pokemon Legends: Arceus is out and helps ring in 2022 proper.

From there we have “Triangle Strategy” (Square Enix and their code names!) on March 4, and it’s here that we’re probably getting into “potential delay” territory. We’re also in “window” land right now, as the next scheduled Switch games are Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, both set for “spring 2022.”

Then we go down to the next layer of Switch game release windows: just a general “2022” feel. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, Splatoon 3, Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, and Bayonetta 3 are in this zone, and if the latter three actually hit 2022, it’s going to be a pretty big year for Nintendo. After all, Splatoon 2 and Breath of the Wild are still in the top 10 all-time seller list for Switch, and those fans are eager for something new.

Finally, it’s time to drop into pure unknown territory: “TBA.” Nintendo only has one game listed with this qualifier, and that’s the elusive Metroid Prime 4, which still has a “temporary” name. Maybe we’ll get a trailer, full title, and “2023” window at E3 2022?

Or we could get nothing. I’ll set my expectations accordingly!