Fans have a lot of hope for GameCube NSO on Switch 2, especially since Soulcalibur 2 will be one of the subscription’s launch games. While this shouldn’t be exclusive to the next-gen hybrid console, it’s still good seeing Nintendo embrace its past and give gamers more access to these rare titles.
After seeing all the hype surrounding this particular port on the online service, we wonder if Soulcalibur 2 on GameCube NSO can revive the franchise. Bandai Namco hasn’t shown the series much love recently, but more love for this version has us hoping for a revival.
The series getting a proper revival will probably depend on Switch 2 sales, though that’s already off to a strong start. If Nintendo can’t even give their developers a console, it’s clear that pre-orders for the system are going to start strong. We’ll wait and see if sales stay strong throughout its lifetime, especially with more expensive games coming out.
Player numbers will likely play a factor when it comes to a revival, so gamers with the service should play this fighting game immediately. Considering all of the love this announcement has received already, we hope that this translates to player numbers, because these fans could be a loud minority. That could change once the system becomes more readily available and Nintendo incentivizes fans with NSO deals, but we’ll probably have to wait a bit for these.
We do hope that this love for Soulcalibur 2 leads to Bandai Namco re-releasing other entries, maybe even making a new game. There hasn’t been a new entry since Soulcalibur 6, which attempted to be a reboot with guest stars, and that sold decently. However, with the company focusing on Tekken, it seems like the series has been put on ice.
Then again, with all the new hate coming for Tekken 8, this could make Bandai Namco bring this series back.
Now that all fighting games are trying to strike a balance between full-priced release and live-service, we think Soulcalibur’s return could fill that niche well. This game is filled with fan-favorite characters like Ivy, Sophitia, and Taki, while the fast-paced gameplay is still beloved. Unlike other fighters, most fans will be able to pick up an SC game and make their own combos, an approach that’s missed by many.
It’s doubtful that Bandai Namco will bring back their weapon-based fighting game anytime soon, given how focused they are on Tekken 8 and fixing their mistakes. The company’s priority seems to be Tekken, Souls games, and anime tie-ins, not leaving a lot of room for Soulcalibur.
Even with that, Soulcalibur 2’s inclusion in NSO could lead to something for the series. Let’s just hope it’s something cool!