Since the launch of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, fans have been clamoring for a life simulation game akin to The Sims. Despite this ongoing demand, no version of the beloved franchise has been made available on the platform, including from indie developers. With the recent news from EA that The Sims 5 is not in development, Nintendo Switch users may face an even greater sense of disappointment.
While The Sims 4 remains an admirable title in the life simulation genre, complete with numerous expansion packs that enrich the gameplay, the absence of The Sims franchise on the Switch has become a glaring omission. Given the current situation, it is crucial for EA to reconsider and fulfill the expectations of Nintendo Switch owners by porting The Sims 4 along with its extensive content to this popular handheld device.
Demand for a Sims Experience on Switch
The Last Cozy Game Yet to be Ported
While there are many charming experiences similar to The Sims available on the Switch, the absence of the main series is unexpected. The Nintendo Switch is frequently regarded as the ultimate console for cozy experiences, yet The Sims has yet to make its debut. This is especially frustrating for Switch gamers, as The Sims is accessible on both Xbox and PlayStation platforms.
According to Andrew Wilson, CEO of EA, the lack of a Sims title on the Switch stems from the belief that the player base for EA games on this console is limited. As reported by The Independent, Wilson mentioned that many Switch owners also utilize other consoles or platforms for their EA gaming experiences. He stated:
“We have a lot of data that would suggest a great many Switch owners also own a PlayStation 4 or an Xbox One or a PC and very often choose to play the games that we make on those platforms even though they have a Switch and they enjoy a lot of great content on the Switch.”
This reasoning holds some weight. A report from Gamesindustry.biz indicated that 60% of Switch owners also play on a PS4, while 51% have an Xbox One. However, the gaming landscape is shifting, and the Switch has rapidly established itself as a foremost destination for cozy gaming experiences.
The demand for a Sims title on the Switch is unmistakable, as it increasingly appears to be the last major cozy game not yet made available on the platform. EA’s recent decision to port the MySims series to the Switch, although not precisely what fans anticipated, suggests a growing willingness to adapt cozy titles for Nintendo’s system.
Why The Sims 4 is Ideal for the Switch
Time for the Handheld Experience
It’s not an exaggeration to state that The Sims 4 would be a fantastic fit for the Nintendo Switch. The console versions of the game are well-polished, illustrating that the game’s complex controls align seamlessly with a controller interface. Notably, The Sims 4 runs surprisingly well on the Steam Deck, despite lacking official support, offering a glimpse of its potential performance on Switch.
If EA incorporated touch controls to facilitate navigation through the game’s myriad options, it’s plausible that The Sims 4 on Switch could become the definitive version. Admittedly, some adjustments may be necessary to optimize performance for the Switch’s aging hardware. Nevertheless, with the anticipated Switch 2 reportedly boasting capabilities akin to a Steam Deck, these adjustments should be minimal.
Adventurous Nintendo Switch players could experience The Sims 4 at its peak, now replete with a wide array of breathtaking DLC that transforms gameplay. With 89 DLC packs available, including 17 expansive additions that introduce new gameplay dynamics and locations, there’s ample material for newcomers to explore. Imagine the thrill of taking The Sims experience on the move, a luxury that currently only owners of high-end portable PCs can enjoy.
Given the Switch’s success, highlighted by the phenomenal launch of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a cozy life simulation akin to The Sims, it’s unclear why EA has yet to seize this opportunity. Fans appear willing to invest significantly to experience classic titles from The Sims series; even a port of The Sims 3 could attract a positive reception if EA is uncertain about launching The Sims 4 on Switch.
The Future of Sims Games on the Switch
Tailor-Made for Cozy Games
With The Sims 5 off the table, the evolution of the series remains uncertain. However, it is essential that any future titles under The Sims umbrella are prioritized for the Switch or Switch 2. As it stands, The Sims 4 is likely to remain the flagship title, and there’s hope that EA will finally bring it to Nintendo hardware alongside the Switch 2’s launch.
Historically, Nintendo has been home to numerous eccentric Sims spin-offs, some of which outshone the main series in quality. Titles from the mainline series and their related DLC also received separate releases on platforms like the GBA and DS, each offering unique takes on the recognizable gameplay style, complete with distinct settings, characters, and narratives. It’s high time for Nintendo to reclaim its identity as the primary console for The Sims franchise.
With the potential launch of the next-generation Sims games, experiencing these innovations on the Switch 2 could surpass even playing The Sims 4 directly. The Switch has an unparalleled affinity for cozy gaming, evident from frequent announcements about farming life simulations during Nintendo Direct presentations. It’s perplexing that no Sims game has made its way to the Nintendo Switch beyond the MySims bundle; change is overdue.
Sources: The Independent, Gamesindustry.biz, Rens Verhoeven/YouTube
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