After the recent influx of both PlayStation Studios titles coming to Steam, as well as Microsoft shifting focus to PC gaming alongside Xbox, we’ve seen a ton of previously console-exclusive titles re-released for a new audience.
While Nintendo won’t be seen doing a PC shift anytime soon, they’re still willing to release older generation games on new consoles like the Switch (sometimes for too high a price).
Despite both approaches to videogame revitalisation, there are some titles that fans have been asking about for years. Whether stuck on an older console or exclusively on different modern hardware, here are five games that have only ever seen one console release.
Bloodborne
2015, Developed by FromSoftware, released on PS4
Here’s the prime example of the gaming community not getting what they want. For the past ten years, the incessant begging for a Bloodborne re-release hasn’t halted; in fact, at just about every major games show, you’ll see countless comments from fans who can’t handle its PS4 exclusivity. They’re right to demand a wider release too, as Bloodborne is one of FromSoftware’s best games, which is saying something.
This one is so in demand that something must be going on behind the scenes. I find it hard to believe that a remake akin to PS5’s Demon Souls isn’t happening, because Sony has been very willing to port fan favourite PlayStation titles to PC. The Last of Us, Spider-Man, and God of War are a few examples. Despite most of these ports being PS5 remasters, some ports like the aforementioned God of War are PS4 games with PC upscaling. Unless some licensing issue is present, we’ll see this one remastered at some point in the near future. The same probably can’t be said for The Duskbloods, as Nintendo will be way more precious than Sony in terms of console exclusivity.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
2013, Developed by Nintendo EAD, released on 3DS
Seeing how so many classic Zelda titles have been available as part of Virtual Console on Wii/Wii U, as well as the Switch’s Nintendo Classics, it’s a shame that this 3DS entry has fallen between the cracks. A Link Between Worlds is a damn good game, and before Breath of the Wild blew everyone’s socks off, it was the best Zelda title since Wind Waker, which came out eleven years prior. You’d have to ask mega-fans of Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword what they’d think about that take.
Given the recent success of Echoes of Wisdom, it’s clear that the classic, top-down Zelda games are still as beloved as they were in the 90s. If Link’s Awakening can get two rereleases, then surely this game deserves one. Again, as with all Nintendo-developed games, the Zelda series probably won’t ever appear anywhere other than their own consoles, but I think it’s been long enough that this game should be experienced by Switch 2 owners who never owned a 3DS.
Sonic Rush
2005, Developed by Sonic Team & Dimps, released on DS
Sonic Rush is the most underrated game of the entire series. Prove me wrong. For all the flawed but beloved Sonic titles (of which there are many), I’m shocked at how little this truly great game is discussed. Perhaps it’s because it’s a handheld entry and not deemed comparable to a 3D home console entry. Like Link Between Worlds, however, it’s a handheld entry that is better than a number of better-known home console releases.
Rush lives up to its name, being a game that properly utilises Sonic’s trademark speed, allowing players to hurtle through colourful environments at breakneck speed. It introduced Blaze the Cat, had an insane soundtrack from Jet Set Radio composer Hideki Naganuma and deserves to be played by more people. The ability to drop between the top and bottom screens of the DS can easily be changed to transition between layers on the same screen, so I hope that the hardware quirk isn’t why we haven’t seen a release. If not for the chance to play a great game, we need to hear that soundtrack through speakers that aren’t as compressed as the DS.
Poképark Wii
2009, Developed by Creatures Inc., released on Wii
Of all the Pokémon spinoffs, I think the social playground of Poképark Wii gets overlooked too often. While not the most elaborate or impressive use of the Pokémon name, it’s a charming little game that would go over well with the current casual/cosy game crowd.
The game focuses on interacting with other Pokémon and participating in sports trials. While it did get a sequel, Poképark Wii 2: Wonders Beyond, that game is also bound to the Wii. Perhaps they could be bundled together if there ever is a remaster or re-release. Hell, I’ll even take a new Poképark based on the newer generation of Pokémon for Switch 2.
Super Smash Bros. Melee / Brawl
Hear me out. There’s a reason to bring both of these older Smash Bros. titles back for multiple reasons. If we’re talking about Melee, the competitive Smash Bros. scene treats this entry as the most viable game for quality gameplay, often vying for this Gamecube release over the recent Switch entry.
Brawl for the Nintendo Wii, however, offers a gameplay option not available in any other release: The Subspace Emissary. This single-player narrative focus, featuring all characters that were in the Smash Bros. Brawl roster, was an exciting and different approach to the fighting series that we have not experienced since. Sure, World of Light for Ultimate was a single-player option in its own right. But without the pre-rendered cutscenes, epic character introductions and overarching cinematic vision, it doesn’t hold a candle to what was the best part about Brawl. I’d gladly see a re-release of either of these games, but I think Melee would be a more likely choice. Doesn’t mean either will happen any time soon.
