with GTA6 maybe, possibly releasing as early as 2024, it could coincide with the release of the Switch Successor. maybe unintentionally, but it doesn't have to be that way.
GTA5 first launched in 2013 and had a fuckload of updates through its online mode. GTA6 was officially confirmed in September 2022. if I had to guess, I'd say the game started development in 2018 or 2019. it would put it in the prime position to be current gen only, unless the game slipped multiple times to the point we're at now. an XBO/PS5 version would definitely help with a hypothetical Drake version of the game. but people have rather quickly moved on from last gen, making continued production of such versions a waste of time. so I'm gonna assume this game is current gen only.
as for Nintendo, they have proven that they don't need the latest and greatest third party IPs to become the third best selling console of all time after the DS and PS2. but it'd be stupid to not to make a play at said third party games to solidify your position. with FC24 moving to a much more updated version of the game and Call of Duty maybe coming to Drake, that's two of the top IPs bringing the latest and greatest (sorta) Nintendo's platforms. GTA3 Trilogy was an obvious success on Switch so it's not like one can argue the audience isn't there (GTA is casual as fuck and Switch is a casual as fuck system, it just works). the biggest hurdle is that GTA doesn't need Nintendo any more than Nintendo needs GTA. how can Nintendo sweeten the pot to get a port? the obvious route is to open the wallet, but that's not how Nintendo does things. but, they have done physical distribution for GTA3 Trilogy, so they are willing to give goodies if they get something in return that's not just "game on their system".
so, will Nintendo fight tooth and nail for GTA6 day one (or as soon as possible)? or will they just do the usual, "it'd be nice to have you onboard", and nothing more?
GTA5 first launched in 2013 and had a fuckload of updates through its online mode. GTA6 was officially confirmed in September 2022. if I had to guess, I'd say the game started development in 2018 or 2019. it would put it in the prime position to be current gen only, unless the game slipped multiple times to the point we're at now. an XBO/PS5 version would definitely help with a hypothetical Drake version of the game. but people have rather quickly moved on from last gen, making continued production of such versions a waste of time. so I'm gonna assume this game is current gen only.
as for Nintendo, they have proven that they don't need the latest and greatest third party IPs to become the third best selling console of all time after the DS and PS2. but it'd be stupid to not to make a play at said third party games to solidify your position. with FC24 moving to a much more updated version of the game and Call of Duty maybe coming to Drake, that's two of the top IPs bringing the latest and greatest (sorta) Nintendo's platforms. GTA3 Trilogy was an obvious success on Switch so it's not like one can argue the audience isn't there (GTA is casual as fuck and Switch is a casual as fuck system, it just works). the biggest hurdle is that GTA doesn't need Nintendo any more than Nintendo needs GTA. how can Nintendo sweeten the pot to get a port? the obvious route is to open the wallet, but that's not how Nintendo does things. but, they have done physical distribution for GTA3 Trilogy, so they are willing to give goodies if they get something in return that's not just "game on their system".
so, will Nintendo fight tooth and nail for GTA6 day one (or as soon as possible)? or will they just do the usual, "it'd be nice to have you onboard", and nothing more?