Summary
- Nintendo has a history of bold innovations in gaming since the 1970s.
- Despite some missteps, they’ve continued experimenting with the Switch exclusives.
- Notable experimental Switch exclusives include Tetris 99, BoxBoy!, and Endless Ocean Luminous.
Nintendo is well recognized for consistently venturing into daring and novel dimensions of gaming since its debut in the video game market during the 1970s. Few businesses have contributed as much to today’s billion-dollar industry, playing a pivotal role in shaping both home console and portable gaming with their groundbreaking ideas.
As a dedicated Nintendo enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on some of their past ventures that didn’t quite hit the mark – like the Virtual Boy, Power Glove, and more recently, the Wii U. However, Nintendo managed to regain their footing spectacularly with the innovative Nintendo Switch. But that doesn’t mean they’ve hung up their experimental hat just yet. The games that are unique to the Nintendo Switch are truly remarkable for their freshness, intelligence, and pioneering spirit.
9. Tetris 99
Tetris Battle Royale
Among the games on this list, it’s hard to overlook Tetris 99, which made quite an impact among puzzle enthusiasts upon its release for the Nintendo Switch in 2019. The classic game of Tetris has long been associated with Nintendo’s success, dating back to when it was included with the original Game Boy way back in 1984.
Initially, the concept of remodeling it to align with the battle royale craze appeared rather abstract, yet the final product surpassed expectations. Nintendo has attempted to replicate that formula using other well-known titles, but Tetris 99 stood out as the most successful.
8. BoxBoy! + BoxGirl!
Side Splitting Puzzle Platformer
HAL Laboratory is one of Nintendo’s reliable collaborators, known for creating iconic franchises like Kirby and the original Super Smash Bros. series. While they have other less famous titles under their belt, their most notable creation is likely the DS-exclusive series, BoxBoy!
The spirited puzzle game, BoxBoy! + BoxGirl!, jumped over to the Nintendo Switch, joining numerous other handheld exclusive titles as it does. In this game, the main characters extend and detach sections of their cubic forms to tackle a sequence of brain-teasing puzzles.
7. Endless Ocean Luminous
Deep Sea Exploration
A relatively unrecognized Nintendo series called “Endless Ocean Luminous” aims for a tranquil and soothing playthrough. The intention here isn’t just to explore, but to immerse you in an environment that is less structured compared to what most gamers are accustomed to.
Our main goal is to capture images of all marine life found in the ocean, much like the game Pokemon Snap but without its mythical features. This peaceful pursuit might appeal to some, though it may not suit everyone’s taste.
6. Little Friends: Cats & Dogs
Virtual Pets
It appears that “Little Friends: Cats & Dogs”, potentially a new installment in the highly profitable “Nintendogs” series, fell short of its intended level of success despite boasting enhanced graphics and gameplay elements.
Similar to its model, “Little Friends: Cats & Dogs” functions as a digital pet simulator. In this game, players can create their perfect pet and then tend to their needs. The gameplay primarily focuses on providing enough food and taking the pets for strolls – not forgetting the fun part of dressing them up in stylish attire!
5. Butto Bird
Animated Aerial Conflict
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Locobit
- Released: June 19, 2024
- Genre: Aircraft Combat Sim
As a fervent admirer, I can tell you that the workings of Butto Bird aren’t overly experimental; it’s more of an inviting dogfighting game that requires deft flying maneuvers and weapon firing. However, where the creators took a bit of a gamble in appealing to their audience was with its outlandish theme and unique artistic flair.
Competitors assume command over a bird adorned with a mini-gun, battling it out across diverse PvP scenarios. The unique charm and personality that Butto Bird brings to the table sets it apart from other games in the genre.
4. 1-2-Switch / Everybody 1-2-Switch
Tech Demo
1-2-Switch was primarily created as a tech demonstration to highlight the console’s capabilities and various creative uses for the Joy-Con controllers. Regrettably, similar to the Wii U, third-party developers often overlooked these unique features, resulting in it being reduced to just a basic party game experience.
Following its release, the game titled Everybody 1-2-Switch, aimed to cash in on the popularity of massive multiplayer games and social media material to enhance play. However, unfortunately, it didn’t succeed in that endeavor either.
3. Arms
Hand-To-Hand Hero Combat
Nintendo harbored great expectations for the release of Arms, debuting it early in the lifespan of the Switch, with aspirations of cultivating a devoted player base comparable to that of Splatoon or even Overwatch. However, despite its unique fighting game mechanics and potential for mastery, it unfortunately did not garner a large enough following.
The community of fighting game enthusiasts largely disapproved of the main mechanics in the game, which were designed around the motion controls of the Nintendo Switch. Despite it being one of the best examples of motion control usage, the innovative approach had already become less popular with the release of the Wii, and sadly, Arms was destined to be another unsuccessful experiment due to this.
2. Battle Calculator
Time Attack Arithmetic
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Blacksmith DoubleCircle
- Released: August 5, 2021
- Genre: Puzzle
In a somewhat unexpected yet unmissable manner, it’s hard to ignore the appeal of Battle Calculator, reminiscent of the iconic British game show Countdown’s number round. Just like in Battle Calculator, players are challenged with swiftly entering an equation that precisely calculates a randomly generated number.
There are two primary gameplay modes: head-to-head, designed for up to four competitors, and a time attack mode where individual players face a tight deadline. This device is equipped with numerous sophisticated mathematical functions and integer support, enabling skilled users to take advantage of swift shortcut keys for a speedy win.
1. Nintendo Labo
Cardboard Constructions
Nintendo Labo isn’t just a groundbreaking experiment with the Nintendo Switch hardware; it’s regrettable that it didn’t capture a wider audience, given its immense potential. The Nintendo-created kits could be constructed into various items such as a fishing rod, a camera, a functioning piano, and even a VR headset, among many other things.
Fans found the design less appealing, but they were awestruck by the incredible accomplishment. What’s most disappointing is the unrealized possibilities, as even Nintendo – known for shielding its fans – invited them to experiment with their own creations. The software enabled players to create their own programs, and it was evident that virtually any homemade accessory could enhance the gaming experience, as demonstrated by the cardboard peripherals.
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2025-01-31 17:35