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Will Kid Icarus: Uprising Ever Grace the Nintendo Switch? A Deep Dive

The short, somewhat disheartening answer is: probably not, at least not anytime soon. While the Kid Icarus franchise, and specifically Kid Icarus: Uprising, holds a special place in many gamers’ hearts, concrete evidence and statements from key figures like Masahiro Sakurai suggest that a Switch port or sequel is unlikely. However, the nature of the gaming industry is unpredictable, and hope, however faint, remains. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this seemingly grim outlook and explore the possibilities, past and present, surrounding this beloved title.

The Sakurai Factor and Development Hurdles

Masahiro Sakurai, the mastermind behind Kid Icarus: Uprising and the Super Smash Bros. series, has been quite candid about the challenges involved in bringing Uprising to the Switch. In his own words, without a dedicated team readily available, developing a follow-up or even a port “seems difficult.” This sentiment speaks volumes, as Sakurai’s involvement is arguably crucial for maintaining the unique spirit and gameplay that made Uprising so special.

Unique Gameplay and Control Schemes

One of the biggest obstacles to a Switch port is the game’s unique control scheme, designed specifically for the Nintendo 3DS. Uprising combined touch screen aiming with the 3DS’s analog stick for movement, a setup that, while innovative, proved controversial among some players due to comfort issues. Replicating this experience on the Switch, which lacks a dedicated stylus and relies on traditional controllers or motion controls, presents a significant design challenge.

Absence of a Dedicated Development Team

The absence of a dedicated team also poses a serious hurdle. Kid Icarus: Uprising was developed by Project Sora, a studio that was disbanded following the game’s release. Reassembling the original team, or finding a new team capable of capturing the original’s essence, would require significant investment and effort from Nintendo.

Hope Springs Eternal (Maybe?)

Despite the challenges, it’s not entirely impossible. Here are a few scenarios that could lead to a Kid Icarus: Uprising resurgence on the Switch:

Nintendo’s Change of Heart: If Nintendo recognizes a substantial demand for Uprising and is willing to invest the necessary resources, a port or even a remaster becomes plausible. Fan campaigns and consistent expressions of interest could potentially influence their decision.
Creative Solutions to Control Issues: Perhaps a clever redesign of the control scheme, utilizing the Switch’s motion controls or implementing customizable button mapping, could overcome the control obstacles.
A Spiritual Successor: Even if a direct port or sequel is off the table, Nintendo could explore creating a new game that captures the spirit of Kid Icarus: Uprising with a fresh perspective and updated gameplay mechanics. This is also a way to introduce gamers to topics found in the Games Learning Society.

Kid Icarus’ Enduring Legacy

Even without a new release, the Kid Icarus franchise continues to resonate with players, thanks to its charming characters, witty dialogue, and engaging gameplay. Its inclusion in the Super Smash Bros. series helps keep the franchise alive in the public consciousness.

The game’s unique blend of Greek mythology and anime-inspired visuals also contributes to its enduring appeal. The world of Kid Icarus, with its gods, monsters, and heroic angels, provides a rich tapestry for storytelling and world-building.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further explore the world of Kid Icarus.

Is Kid Icarus: Uprising on the Switch? No, Kid Icarus: Uprising is exclusively available on the Nintendo 3DS. There is currently no official version for the Nintendo Switch.
What console is Kid Icarus: Uprising on? Kid Icarus: Uprising was developed for and released on the Nintendo 3DS.
Why isn’t Kid Icarus: Uprising on the Switch? Several factors contribute to this, including the game’s unique 3DS-specific controls, the disbanding of the original development team (Project Sora), and statements from Masahiro Sakurai indicating the difficulty of creating a port or sequel without a dedicated team.
Will there be a Kid Icarus: Uprising 2? Masahiro Sakurai has suggested that a sequel is unlikely, primarily due to the lack of a dedicated development team and the challenges of replicating the original’s gameplay on modern consoles.
Is Kid Icarus in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate? Yes! Pit, Palutena, and Dark Pit are all playable fighters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The game also includes stages, music, spirits, and other elements from the Kid Icarus universe.
Is Smash Bros. canon to Kid Icarus? Given that Masahiro Sakurai supervised the development of both Kid Icarus: Uprising and the Super Smash Bros. series, it’s reasonable to assume that lore-related information presented in Smash Bros. is canon to the Kid Icarus universe.
What mythology is Kid Icarus based on? Kid Icarus draws heavily from Greek mythology. The game is set in a world called “Angel Land,” populated by gods, monsters, and characters inspired by classical Greek myths.
Who is the main villain in Kid Icarus: Uprising? Hades, the God of the Underworld, serves as the primary antagonist in Kid Icarus: Uprising. He plots to conquer the mortal world and overthrow the gods of Olympus.
Why was Mario playing Kid Icarus in Kid Icarus: Uprising? The inclusion of Mario playing Kid Icarus in Kid Icarus: Uprising is a playful meta-reference. It suggests an alternate universe where Kid Icarus, rather than Super Mario Bros., became Nintendo’s flagship 2D platformer.
Is Kid Icarus rare? The original Kid Icarus for the NES is considered relatively rare, especially in sealed condition. According to Heritage Auctions, there are fewer than 10 known sealed copies of Kid Icarus.
How many hours is Kid Icarus: Uprising? The main story of Kid Icarus: Uprising takes approximately 11½ hours to complete. Completionists can expect to spend around 95½ hours to achieve 100% completion.
Who plays Pit in Kid Icarus: Uprising? Antony Del Rio provides the voice for Pit and Dark Pit in Kid Icarus: Uprising and subsequent appearances in the Super Smash Bros. series.
Is Pit from Kid Icarus a Cupid? Pit’s character design and angelic nature draw inspiration from Cupid, the Roman god of love. A character called “Cupit” exists as a sticker in Smash Bros. Brawl and a spirit in Smash Bros. Ultimate.
How old is Pit? In Kid Icarus: Uprising, Pit is portrayed as being approximately 13 years old in angel years and stands about 5’11” tall.
Who is the God of Forge in Kid Icarus: Uprising? Dyntos is the God of the Forge in Kid Icarus: Uprising. He is the creator of the Three Sacred Treasures and most of Pit’s other weapons.

While a Kid Icarus: Uprising Switch port or sequel seems unlikely based on current information and statements from Masahiro Sakurai, the gaming industry is full of surprises. Nintendo could always revisit the franchise in the future, especially if there is enough fan demand. Until then, players can enjoy Kid Icarus: Uprising on their Nintendo 3DS and experience the characters and world through their appearances in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Those interested in learning more about the intersection of gaming and learning can visit GamesLearningSociety.org for additional resources.

Will Kid Icarus: Uprising come to Switch?