The Best Nintendo Games That Lived Up To The Hype

Summary

Mario Kart Wii excelled with motion controls and new stages, meeting high fan expectations.
Pokemon Black & White 2 was a successful sequel with improved mechanics and additions.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses integrated social sim elements and delivered a compelling, enjoyable game.

Anticipation for a fresh Nintendo game announcement is always electrifying, and over time, certain titles have managed to generate an unprecedented level of buzz before their launch. This could be due to a brilliant marketing strategy or the high expectations set by previous games in the series. There are numerous factors that spark such enthusiasm, although whether they meet these lofty expectations depends on the specific game itself.

Fortunately, there have been several instances where the games developed by Nintendo surpassed fans’ expectations, despite the lofty promises made by the developers. Now, with the launch of Switch 2, it seems like an ideal moment to reminisce about the games from their catalog that truly impressed us due to their ability to match the enthusiasm generated among fans.

8. Mario Kart Wii

Mario Kart Wii Made Good Use Of The System’s Motion Controls

Every time a new Nintendo system comes out, there’s usually an anxious anticipation for the upcoming version of Mario Kart. This wait is often alleviated if it’s released as a launch title. The Wii, with its motion control innovation, sparked great expectations among fans, as they believed that the driving gameplay in Mario Kart Wii would be an excellent match for the system.

The motion controls for many Wii games were not always reliable, but they perform quite effectively in the game Mario Kart Wii, especially when using the wheel accessory that comes with it. Notably, Mario Kart Wii offers a wide array of recognizable characters, as well as several new courses like Coconut Mall and Mushroom Gorge, which have since become favorites among players.

7. Pokemon Black & White 2

An Impressive Sequel That Improved Everything From The Original

Back in the day, I found myself deeply engrossed in the original Pokémon Black and White games – they were top-notch additions to the series, no doubt about it. But when the sequels rolled around, they took nearly everything that made those originals so special and cranked it up a notch. You see, these were the last Pokémon games to use sprites, which gave them a quaint, nostalgic feel reminiscent of the old days, but with a fresh coat of paint thanks to the smooth animations and breathtaking backdrops that made them feel contemporary.

One factor that contributed to the popularity of Black and White 2 is the rich assortment of fresh gameplay elements it introduced. For instance, the Pokemon World Tournament offers players a chance to engage in intense battles against some of the strongest trainers and gym leaders from the franchise’s past. Given the high acclaim for the original Black and White games, many were eagerly anticipating the sequels. It was indeed gratifying to see them not only meet but surpass expectations, with the most significant aspect being that they were genuinely enjoyable to play.

6. Super Mario Galaxy 2

Nintendo Outdid Themselves Yet Again With Their Excellent Sequel To Mario Galaxy

In simple terms, Super Mario Galaxy was a game that innovatively redefined the classic Mario gaming experience, earning its place among fans’ favorites in the series. The captivating blend of interstellar planets, endearing characters, and iconic music suggested a sequel was inevitable. Needless to say, players were eagerly anticipating what new delights Nintendo would concoct next, and how they could possibly surpass the existing quality.

They accomplished this by not only cramming in a multitude of colorful, interactive planets but also integrating Yoshi, who expanded various mechanics and gameplay possibilities. The music remained true to the orchestral essence of the original yet infused some modern tunes for a fresh twist. Beyond that, numerous power-ups were introduced, each feeling uniquely imaginative and practical, as they each have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages to explore during playtime.

5. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Three Houses Integrated Social Sim Elements To Create A Unique Entry In The Series

Fire Emblem: Three Houses. In the build-up to its release, Nintendo unveiled numerous trailers that portrayed the game as a distinctive addition to the series, particularly with the introduction of the Monastery, which blended social simulation aspects seamlessly with the strategic combat system.

Playing Fire Emblem: Three Houses turned out to be an engaging, tough-but-fun experience with multiple campaigns that add to its high replay value. The game received praise for its captivating narrative filled with unexpected twists and heavy themes like classism and discrimination. With effective marketing piquing interest in Three Houses, it’s no wonder the game lived up to and surpassed expectations upon release.

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing Arrived At Just The Right Time To Make Life A Little Easier For Many People

Back in September 2018 during a Nintendo Direct broadcast, there was an announcement for “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.” This news ignited enthusiasm since it meant the comeback of such a beloved Nintendo series. However, it turned out that the game’s release would be delayed to meet the high standards fans had set, and this delay only fueled anticipation as people eagerly awaited the chance to dive into this social simulation game as soon as possible.

Although Animal Crossing was an exceptional addition to the series for offering players extensive opportunities to customize their personal islands, it particularly struck a chord during the COVID-19 pandemic because of its release timing. Inadvertently, this situation deepened people’s bond with the game as they found comfort in exploring its social dynamics and online aspects. These features have been further enhanced over time through updates.

3. Pikmin 4

After A Decade Long Hiatus, Pikmin Made A Grand Return In 2023

Despite its humble beginnings as a small endeavor from Miyamoto on the GameCube, the Pikmin series eventually grew into one of Nintendo’s most financially successful franchises. Unfortunately, Pikmin 3, though generally well-received by critics, was overlooked by many because it was released on the less popular Wii U console.

As a long-time fan of the series, hearing about the upcoming release of Pikmin 4 for the Switch a decade later filled me with pure excitement! It’s not every day that a beloved franchise like this one makes a triumphant return, and I can confidently say that it’s one of the best games on the system. The visuals are nothing short of breathtaking, and the creative environments keep things interesting throughout my playthrough.

The addition of Oatchi in Pikmin 4 has made exploration faster, more rewarding, and a whole lot more fun! From the moment I started playing to the very end, it’s been an enjoyable experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything else.

2. Super Smash Bros Ultimate

A Game That Seemed Too Good To Be True

It would significantly understate the enthusiasm of Nintendo fans that Super Smash Bros Ultimate sparked upon its release. The revelation that every fighter from past Smash games would return in Ultimate, accompanied by some fresh fighters joining the roster for the first time, created such anticipation that it appeared as though the game was almost too good to be real.

Nonetheless, Masahiro Sakurai and Nintendo’s team have truly delivered a game worthy of its title by crafting what can be unquestionably deemed as the definitive edition of Super Smash Bros. This exceptional version is packed with an abundance of content for both solo play and online interaction. Coupled with its smooth operation on the Switch and an eye-catchingly flashy design, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate satisfies all expectations, making it a worthy investment after the wait.

1. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

A Real Game Changer For The Franchise, Which Lived Up To Its Trailers

A dedicated fan of Zelda for years won’t forget the unveiling trailer for Breath of the Wild, where Link marvels at the stunning scenery of Hyrule. From the beginning, Nintendo hinted that Breath of the Wild would delve into the open-world genre, and while the Zelda series had hinted at this concept before, it was the first time it committed to offering players unrestricted freedom to explore any and every corner of the game world without being confined to a predetermined route.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the electrifying build-up for “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.” It was more than just a game; it was a launch title that graced the Nintendo Switch. While there was undeniably excitement for “Super Mario Odyssey,” it was clear that “Breath of the Wild” was the game everyone was yearning to dive into first.

The captivating open-world, populated with eccentric characters who brought life to the land, and the sheer creative freedom it offered made “Breath of the Wild” a standout for many. In essence, it became the crown jewel on the entire Nintendo Switch system for countless gamers like myself.

2025-07-26 07:37