Capcom's support for the Switch will depend on how well Ultra Street Fighter II performs when it's released for the hybrid console on May 26.
Capcom Evaluating Switch Support
As translated by IGN from an interview with Japanese publication Toyokeizei, Capcom COO Haruhiro Tsujimoto explained that the company's current policy with regard to supporting the Switch is to monitor the "performance" of Ultra Street Fighter II — and only then will it decide what its next move is going to be.
It's not clear if this implies that Capcom will shutter its Switch support entirely suppose Ultra Street Fighter II underperforms or doesn't meet the company's expectations. It's similarly unclear whether Capcom will reassess games slated for the Switch — suppose it has any — if the title proves underwhelming.
That said, Tsujimoto's statement seems to imply that if Ultra Street Fighter II renders a positive performance, Capcom will develop and release more titles on Nintendo's new hardware.
Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers
Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers is set to launch on the Switch come Friday, May 26, a rerelease of the classic 1991 title. It offers new modes, HD visuals, and a couple of new characters. Early reviews for the title are looking positive, with praise given to its multiplayer capabilities, which is further complemented by the Switch's portability.
The game's $40 price point might be a little difficult to accept for some, especially considering that it's basically a rerelease of a game that's more than 25 years old. That said, its portable multiplayer features might just be enough to get gamers onboard.
Nintendo Switch Third-Party Support
The Switch is an unarguable success — launching to much fanfare, consistent demand, and promising prospects. It's Nintendo first true hybrid console after the failed promises of the Wii U, and the company is under pressure to make sure its newest machine doesn't follow its predecessor's footsteps.
Currently, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are two of the Switch's biggest titles, and both are critical and commercial successes. Still, for the Switch to extend its lifespan, it needs third-party titles, a crucial element Nintendo consoles often lacked in the past. But things are looking great, especially as the console stands to attract more third-party developers.
Capcom potentially jumping onboard means that players might soon see titles from franchises such as Monster Hunter, Phoenix Wright, Marvel vs. Capcom, Mega Man, and much more. That now all depends on whether Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers performs well on the Switch based on the company's expectations.
So long story short, if you want more Capcom titles on the Switch, better download Ultra Street Fighter II when it launches, and convince your friends to do the same while you're at it.
Thoughts about Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers? What Capcom titles would you want to see on the Switch in the future? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
