5 Great Nintendo Exclusive Games You Cannot Buy Anymore

5 Great Nintendo Exclusive Games You Cannot Buy Anymore

As a die-hard Nintendo fan who grew up with these iconic titles, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when reminiscing about the games that have vanished into the digital abyss. Among those lost gems, two stand out as particularly poignant: Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky.


Previously, the Nintendo console lineup boasted a unique ecosystem of games and series that stood apart from mainstream consoles like the Switch and its rumored successor. However, in more recent times, these consoles have significantly expanded their third-party game offerings.

This situation is a double-edged sword: Nintendo’s classic consoles, renowned for their exceptional gaming hardware and memorable games, hold a special place in many hearts. However, as they gradually lose significance over time, certain cherished games risk being forgotten or overlooked.

8 Etrian Mystery Dungeon

A Unique Spin On A Well-Liked Franchise

  • Platforms: 3DS
  • Developer: Spike Chunsoft
  • Publisher: Atlus, NIS America
  • Release Date: 2015

Etrian Odyssey has never been Atlus’ flagship title. The Shin Megami Tensei or Persona lines of RPGs have typically done a better job grasping a mainstream audience, but this is in no way a remark on the quality of these games. While new titles are still far in the future, Etrian Odyssey games available today are some of the most unique and interesting exploration-based party builders one can find on Nintendo consoles.

Etrian Mystery Dungeon transforms the established series by giving it a more specialized twist. Instead of being a first-person exploration game, it’s categorized as a roguelike mystery dungeon title, complete with all the characteristic traits that come with this demanding subgenre. For those unaware, these features consist of randomly generated dungeons, a notable jump in difficulty at the start, and losing all collected items upon death. The game also incorporates intriguing base-building mechanics to facilitate exploration, but despite its challenging appeal and unique style, it didn’t achieve sufficient popularity to continue being available on the 3DS eShop.

7 The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess

A Monolithic Title In The Zelda Series

  • Platforms: Wii, Wii U
  • Developer: Nintendo
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: 2006

The game “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” created a massive impact on the gaming world for Nintendo enthusiasts when it debuted. Its darker narrative, faithful to the traditional “Zelda” series, captivated players, and its exceptional quality was evident in virtually every aspect of the game. By both modern and 2006 standards, this level of polish is significant. Before “Breath of the Wild,” it was the highest-selling “Zelda” game, and its influence continues to be felt in the “Zelda” games that are still being developed today.

Regrettably, despite its well-loved and captivating title, it’s challenging to find a copy nowadays. Unfortunately, there’s no Switch port available, and it appears that no remastering project is underway. To add to the disappointment, mainstream retailers no longer stock physical copies. This game, in particular, often sparks debate among Nintendo enthusiasts due to the strong desire for a remastered version to introduce this classic title to contemporary Nintendo console users, as the demand for such an update is exceptionally high.

6 Super Mario Galaxy 2

Chasing Bowser Through Space – This Time It’s Personal

  • Platforms: Wii, Wii U
  • Developer: Nintendo
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: 2010

Titled “Super Mario Galaxy 2,” this game emerged from Nintendo’s renowned Wii series, building upon the stage-based structure of classic Mario games while expanding the action to cosmic proportions, similar to its predecessor. This is a classic 3D platformer from Nintendo that, while not overly complex, is undeniably memorable and engaging. The thrill of spin-jumping and somersaulting through the air as either Mario or Luigi has been an iconic gaming experience for decades, and Super Mario Galaxy 2 successfully delivers on this aspect.

However, the title has grown dim, just like the Wii, and there appears to be no remake on the horizon for enthusiasts of this galaxy-spanning platformer. It undeniably belongs among Nintendo’s masterpiece titles, but alas, _Super Mario Galaxy 2_ will have to live on in cherished recollections for those who missed out on buying it while it was available.

5 Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers Of Sky

A Classic Roguelike Spin-Off To The Franchise

  • Platforms: DS, Wii U
  • Developer: Nintendo
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: 2009

“Few Pokemon games have the depth, sentiment, and maturity that Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky offers. This outstanding title deserves a remake, as it pushes the Pokemon series into a completely new genre. Similar to the less common Etrian Mystery Dungeon, this game retains all the features of the challenging roguelike subgenre, such as losing all items and money upon death, rooms filled with enemies (specifically hostile Pokemon), and the titular mystery dungeons that the protagonist and their partner must traverse.

The game was initially released for the Wii U, but due to poor sales and eventual discontinuation of the console and its digital marketplace, it’s hard to find or play the game today. With most DS hardware becoming obsolete, obtaining a copy of this particular Pokemon game has become nearly impossible for modern players. Yet, for many fans who grew up with this title, it remains deeply cherished as one of those unique Pokemon games that showcased genuine care and creativity in its narrative.

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3 Pokemon Rumble

An Addictive Beat ‘Em Up

  • Platforms: Wii
  • Developer: Ambrella
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: 2009

With the closure of the Wii’s storefront, yet another beloved game, “Pokemon Rumble”, has vanished. This spin-off from the Pokemon series was quite unique in its time, offering an experience unlike any other similar games. Regrettably, subsequent versions (which are also hard to find today) lack some of the original’s appeal and addictive gameplay. The game wasn’t overly complex, but its intuitive controls and distinctive Pokemon game style captivated many players.

Unfortunately, for those seeking a delightful, whimsical Pokemon-centric game, it’s vanished from all digital storefronts. However, a mobile spinoff carries on its enduring legacy.

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2024-09-27 19:34