Sometimes the most exciting news that fans can get about a game that’s already out is that the game is coming out again. It sounds silly, but that’s how ports and remasters work. There’s lots of well-loved games out there that have returned in enhanced versions many years after their release. Right now, one major game getting a remaster in this vein isShin Megami Tensei: Nocturne HD Remaster, the third entry in theShin Megami Tenseifranchise. Originally released in 2003 to much acclaim, this is a pretty significant game to be getting new life on new consoles, especiallywithPersonagetting so much attention lately.
However, there’s one detail aboutShin Megami Tensei: Nocturne HD Remasterthat should be food for thought for fans. When this game first came out, it was a PlayStation exclusive like manyShin Megami TenseiandPersonatitles since. WhileNocturne’s remaster will be available on PS4 as one would expect, it’s also going to be released for Nintendo Switch. That’s a big deal, and not just because it will allow the classic title to reach more players. It might be an encouraging sign thatPersonagames –Persona 5in particular – have a steadily increasing likelihood of getting ported to the Switch.
RELATED:How SMT Nocturne’s Remaster Bodes Well for a Persona 3 Remaster
SMT 3: A Promising Development
Shin MegamiTenseihas a relationship with Nintendoas a franchise, although it’s somewhat off and on.Shin Megami Tensei 4was a Nintendo 3DS exclusive, for instance. Still, that was no guarantee that a remaster of any olderSMTgame would arrive on the Switch, especially one that didn’t have anything to do with Nintendo before. That’s why it’s a big deal that this game will be on Nintendo’s console. It indicates there’s a working relationship developing between Atlus and Nintendo where the latter company is showing interest in offering the prior company’s games.
If this remaster is coming to Switch, more ports or remasters could easily follow. The biggest port that Atlus could possibly announce would be the aforementionedPersona 5.Fans have been clamoring for the opportunity to play this game on Nintendo’s flexible console, as have aspiring players that don’t have access to Sony consoles. Even though it doesn’t seem likePersona 5and its expanded editionPersona 5 Royalcould be any more popular and successful than they already are,Atlus could top itselfby striking a deal with Nintendo and getting these games on the Switch. There’s a very vocal player base ready to play it for the first time or all over again, so long as it’s on Switch.
RELATED:What to Expect From Shin Megami Tensei 3 Remaster
Persona 5: Encouraging Signs
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturneisn’t the only gamethat indicates there’s a good relationship between Atlus and Nintendo right now. Fans should also considerShin Megami Tensei5,the newest entry in the series that’s set to release on Switch next year. There’s also thePersona 5follow-up gamePersona 5 Scramble: The Phantom Strikers,which is already available on Switch in Japan and is set for a worldwide release in the future. Clearly, Nintendo is developing a growing interest in this franchise and wants to add them to its roster of games. That should give fans some hope that someday they can replayPersona 5on Switch.
Persona 5on Switchreally seems like a big breaking point that fans are waiting for. Even thoughShin Megami Tenseigames have some history on Nintendo’s consoles, its sister seriesPersonaremains elusive. Side games andSMTgames are encouraging, but there won’t be any doubt about it anymore if all this finally leads to the covetedPersona 5port. Something like that might even mean that all of these games have a permanent friend in Nintendo. Maybe some day fans of these games will seeShin Megami Tensei 6andPersona 6rolling out on next-gen Nintendo consoles.
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne HD Remasterreleases in the west in spring 2021.
MORE:How Persona and Shin Megami Tensei Separated Universes
