I've noticed a pattern with Nintendo's in-house release pattern

[KrspaceT]

TheMisterManGuy said:

Regarding the internal teams within Nintendo, I've noticed a pattern with how they release games for Nintendo systems, at least for most of the newer ones. Traditionally, Nintendo makes sure to get it's big titles, IE, ones that can move consoles, out on the system within the first 2-3 years of the platforms life. Nintendo typically starts software development for its next system, about a year or two before it releases. This gives them enough time to prepare launch games, and have some footage ready for future titles to drive up hype for the system. Notice how Nintendo's cash-cows like Mario, Mario Kart, Smash, and Zelda are announced as early as possible for the system. 

Within the first 2 or so years of the platform, Nintendo makes sure the big guns are out as soon as possible. Then once the system sellers are out of the way, smaller teams are then assembled to create more experimental software, or in the case of Zelda, work on a sequel. You notice that as we get further into the life of a Nintendo system, you start the in-house first party releases become a bit more niche and smaller in scope. It especially rings true for their handhelds, after the big budget games teams expended their projects, the smaller teams come in and work on games with a quicker turn around. So while the early period of the 3DS for example, you may see the big Mario, Zelda, and Animal Crossing releases, by year 3 you start to see odd-balls like Miitopia and Happy Home Designer become more common. 

If that format still holds true, the same will probably happen to the Switch. Now that all of Nintendo's system selling properties are out with game releases, the only path now is spin-offs, experimental niche games, plus maybe a big Zelda Sequel. 

The games also have long tails, so they can still help sell even as Nintendo decides that this is the time to release....Ice Climbers Uprising or something.