Nightdive Studios Expresses Interest in Remastering Nintendo Classics Amid Cautious Third-Party Approach

Nightdive Studios, renowned for its expertise in remastering classic games such as Turok, Shadow Man, and the Sega Saturn/PlayStation standout Powerslave Exhumed, has emerged as a key player in revitalizing retro favorites for modern audiences.

Led by CEO Stephen Kick, the studio has seen significant acclaim in recent years, particularly for its dedication to preserving gaming history.

However, Nightdive's ambition to collaborate with Nintendo on remastering some of its cherished classics has faced notable challenges. During a recent discussion, Stephen Kick revealed that Nightdive Studios has held several conversations with Nintendo over the years regarding remastering iconic Nintendo titles.

Despite Nightdive being the first studio to release Nintendo 64 games on the Nintendo Switch, these talks have not progressed to fruition.

In a paraphrased statement, Kick noted that Nintendo tends to exercise particular caution when partnering with third-party developers, even after Nightdive’s breakthrough on the Switch eShop: "Nintendo remains consistently hesitant about engaging third-party developers for remastering their games, despite our proven track record." One title close to Kick’s heart is the psychological horror action-adventure Eternal Darkness, originally released for the GameCube in 2002.

Nightdive Studios has publicly expressed its interest in breathing new life into such classics, which could help address concerns raised by fans over limited access to legacy titles, especially amid recent eShop closures.

The conversation around remastering Nintendo’s games gained additional traction following public debates on access to classic content and the ethical ramifications of fan-driven preservation efforts. While Nightdive’s aspirations have yet to be realized, there are signs that Nintendo's approach to third-party collaborations is evolving.

Recent projects like Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp, developed by WayForward, and last year’s critically acclaimed Metroid Dread by the Spanish studio MercurySteam, demonstrate a willingness to entrust external partners with beloved IPs.

These ventures have been well received, providing renewed hope for studios like Nightdive looking to contribute to Nintendo’s storied legacy. As interest in remastered games continues to surge, especially on platforms like the Nintendo Switch via the eShop, many in the industry and fan community are eager to see Nintendo expand its partnerships.

Nightdive Studios’ track record suggests they are well-positioned to faithfully update some of Nintendo’s older, lesser-known titles for modern audiences.

Only time will tell if Nintendo will extend its collaboration to studios with a proven passion for preservation and innovation. Stay tuned to Nintendo Direct and official channels for further updates on remaster partnerships and releases.

Nintendo Nightdive Studios third-party developers Nintendo Classics developers Stephen Kick Eternal Darkness WayForward Advance Wars 1 + 2 Re-Boot Camp MercurySteam Metroid Dread GameCube