Punch-out fans shouldn't hold their breath for a new game anytime soon

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Summary

  • Next Level Games probably won't revisit the Punch-Out series anytime soon, as it's considered dead due to sales and stereotypes.

  • Backlash over stereotypes played a significant role in preventing the continuation of the Punch-Out series.

  • Despite being beloved, Punch-Out did not reach the same sales potential as Next Level Games' other titles.

Gaming insider Imran Khan said that Next Level Games probably won't revisit the game Punch Out the series soon, saying that Nintendo's cult classic series is effectively dead. THE Punch Out is one of Nintendo's most niche titles, with the first title released in 1984 for arcades. The series is best known for its home console counterpart, Punch Out by Mike Tyson on the NES in 1987, with many players saying it was one of the most challenging yet rewarding titles on the system. The game then had a sequel on the SNES in 1994, which was closer to its arcade version.

Most fans will probably be familiar with Next Level Games 2009 Punch Out revival, rebooting the series and pitting Little Mac against some really tough and cartoonish fighters. Next level games Punch Out the reboot was both a critical and commercial success, helping to solidify the studio as Nintendo's trusted partner. Next Level Games has since been acquired as a first-party developer for Nintendo, working on games such as The villa of Louis 3 AND Mario Strikers: Battle League. Despite Nintendo being its parent company, there appear to be no plans for a revisit Punch Out anytime soon.

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In a recent ResetEra thread, Imran Khan talked about how he spoke to someone “some time ago” who was involved in the latest Punch Out title from Next Level Games and whether there was a new one in the works. According to the person Khan spoke to, despite the popularity of Nintendo's cult classic series, the amount of backlash Punch Out The opinion received on the characters and stereotypes represented was higher than expected. Apparently the development team was assuring Nintendo that they weren't leaning into bad stereotypes that would earn them a bad reputation. Khan notes that's not the case either Punch Out the team does not want to use stereotypes, but rather cannot “completely cut from the past” without negative reactions. “I guess it's less 'We can't do this without stereotypes so let's not worry!' and more at Warriors of the world The problem is that they can't completely let go of the past without people rebelling,” Khan said. “This and other games from the studio sell about 14 million more copies, so why bother?”

Sales and stereotypes crippled Wii Punch-Out

Khan also comments on the sales of the Punch Out series compared to other titles developed by Next Level Games. While Punch Out on Wii it sold over a million copies, it didn't have the same sales potential as Next Level Games' Mario Forwards AND Louis' Palace spin off. Those stocks in particular outperformed Punch Out furthermore, seemingly dooming it to become another niche Nintendo series.

I guess it's less “We can't do this without stereotypes, so let's not bother!” and more at Warriors of the world problem where they can't completely abandon the past without people rebelling. This and other games from the studio sell about 14 million more copies, so why bother.

Punch Out it is still loved to this day. Some indie games like Thunder ray have strong Punch Out vibes in their gameplay and presentation. Little Mac is still a prevalent character Super Smash Bros. furthermore, debuting in Brawl as an Assistant Trophy and being promoted to a playable fighter on 3DS/Wii U and Final games. The whole ResetEra thread complained Punch OutIt's the fate of many who say Next Level Games did a spectacular job with the 2009 Wii game.

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