Nintendo has countless franchises that it works on, many of which are alive today. The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., and Donkey Kong are household names. These series have seen new games on nearly every platform released by Nintendo. Even lesser-known series have also been shown attention, such as Metroid and Pikmin, with frequent releases. Even F-Zero saw a new game on the Nintendo Switch. However, there are some Nintendo properties that have all but been abandoned, including one that has so much promise and potential. Not only this, but it was most recently directed by one of the most iconic figures in Nintendo’s history.
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It has been 13 years since fans have seen a new game in this series. Since the Nintendo 3DS, it has been in limbo with no sign of a new release on the horizon. While it has never achieved mainstream success, it has always had a devout fanbase and even saw a rise in popularity thanks to Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Director Masahiro Sakurai has expressed interest in Kid Icarus once again, and I’m hopeful that the Nintendo Switch 2 is a chance for the series’ revival.
Kid Icarus Has the Charm and Lore to Thrive Today
Kid Icarus and its sequels appear quite simple on the surface, but the lore beneath is actually quite charming with darker undertones. It stars Pit, who serves the goddess Palutena in a Greek-inspired world. Pit fights against Medusa, a goddess of darkness, and her forces. It offers a creative spin on Greek mythology, with new monsters, gods, and creatures trying to destroy humanity. It had a unique identity when it was released on the NES in 1986, and this created a strong fanbase.
When Kid Icarus: Uprising was released on the Nintendo 3DS, it expanded the lore. It introduced a colorful cast of characters, enhancing the storytelling and bringing in new humor. Lighthearted dialogue felt natural beside the greater conflict between angels, deities, and forces of chaos. It finally felt like the series had found its footing and could potentially stand alongside giants like Zelda and Metroid in terms of world-building.
Fantasy titles have only grown in popularity. Series like Assassin’s Creed and God of War have also shown the appeal of games utilizing folklore. Should Kid Icarus receive a new title today, its mythology-inspired lore and playful personality could turn Pit into an iconic character among Nintendo’s already stellar cast. The Nintendo Switch 2 could be a chance for Kid Icarus to move beyond its past and fly into a bright future.
A Modern Reimagining Could Fix Past Flaws
Kid Icarus and its sequels were not without their problems. The original title was hampered by its hardware and by a more challenging difficulty than was seen on the NES at this time. Likewise, Kid Icarus: Uprising faced similar issues on the Nintendo 3DS. Overly complex controls and a small screen made the title difficult to play for long sessions. But these issues could easily be solved with the Nintendo Switch 2.
A modern reimagining could include dual-stick controls, improved cameras, and enhanced visuals. Even a remaster of Kid Icarus: Uprising could fix the title’s issues and test the waters before a new game is developed. It’s a hybrid mix of on-rails shooting and character action-adventure that could be improved with new mechanics, open environments, and free exploration.
Nintendo could move beyond gameplay as well. Even though storytelling has never been the studio’s strongest aspect, a new Kid Icarus could still modernize the story. A new game could further explore the relationship between Pit, Palutena, Dark Pit, and Viridi. It could flesh out Medusa beyond being evil. Voice acting could further add emotional and narrative depth to the series and help overcome its past shortcomings.
Nintendo Switch 2 Is the Perfect Home for Pit’s Return
The improved power and added functionality of the Nintendo Switch 2 could really bring Kid Icarus to a modern audience. Just the Joy-Cons alone and the impact it has on controls could be a game-changer for the series. Expansive environments, fluid combat, and cinematic visuals are all possible on Nintendo’s best handheld yet. Nintendo could take the massive skies of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and let players soar through them, engaging in aerial battles before seamlessly transitioning to ground battles.
Timing is everything. Metroid Dread brought a lot of love to the series, especially for new fans. Donkey Kong Bananza is the first 3D Donkey Kong game since Donkey Kong 64, and it proved to be a huge hit. Pit and Palutena have appeared in the Super Smash Bros. series, but now is the time to revive Kid Icarus and end the series’ 13-year-long absence.
Part of this is the Nintendo Switch 2’s mainstream audience. A modern title could catapult Kid Icarus among the most popular series. Combined with aggressive marketing and a holiday release, the series could be a hit with younger audiences and adult gamers. Even a polished remaster of Kid Icarus: Uprising could do wonders for the series.
Pit’s adventures have always offered an engaging mix of mythological grandeur, fast-paced action, and an abundance of charm. The Nintendo Switch 2 is the perfect stage to prove Kid Icarus did not fly too close to the sun and can soar even higher.
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