WayForward's Journey to Developing Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp on Nintendo Switch

WayForward's Journey to Developing Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp on Nintendo Switch In the landscape of Nintendo Switch game development, few collaborations have delighted fans quite like Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp.

Developed by WayForward and released for the Nintendo Switch, this collection revitalizes the beloved Game Boy Advance tactics series, originally crafted by Intelligent Systems.

WayForward’s role in recreating both Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising has been praised for staying faithful to the originals while modernizing them for a new audience.

The partnership between WayForward and Nintendo, however, was the result of years of patient relationship-building, as revealed in a recent episode of the Fragments of Silicon podcast featuring WayForward’s director, James Montagna. Montagna explained that WayForward’s collaboration with Nintendo was not the product of a single meeting but the culmination of nearly a decade of persistence.

For seven to eight years, the studio made it a priority to connect with Nintendo at every E3, consistently presenting them with fresh proposals and inventive pitches for potential projects.

These meetings were seen as opportunities for both companies to discuss their shared enthusiasm for gaming, exchange ideas, and build a genuine, lasting rapport. “Every year at E3, we would prepare new concepts to pitch to Nintendo,” Montagna shared on the podcast.

“Our aim was to delight and impress, but also to have fun and appreciate game development as both a craft and an art form.

Over time, Nintendo began to look forward to what became known internally as the 'WayForward Meeting.' It became a tradition marked by creative exchange and mutual respect.” This ongoing relationship laid the foundation for WayForward’s involvement with Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp.

When Nintendo decided to revive the Advance Wars series for the Nintendo Switch, they sought a developer who not only appreciated the franchise but also demonstrated a deep passion for games.

“When Nintendo considered bringing back Advance Wars, they asked themselves who could help bring the series to a new generation.

That’s when they contacted us,” Montagna explained. For many team members at WayForward—many of whom played Advance Wars during its original Game Boy Advance run—the request was both humbling and exhilarating.

“The moment Nintendo brought up the idea, we were amazed and thrilled.

It felt like a perfect match, and we were eager to help reimagine Advance Wars for modern players,” Montagna said. Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp launched on Nintendo Switch in April 2023, earning praise for its polished presentation and faithful adaptation.

The title is available digitally via the Nintendo eShop and continues to introduce classic turn-based strategy gameplay to new and returning fans alike.

This milestone not only adds to WayForward's list of achievements but also highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and perseverance in the gaming industry.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch WayForward Advance Wars Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp James Montagna