Best Launch Games On Nintendo Console

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Summary

  • Super Mario Bros. for NES was a groundbreaking launch title that revolutionized video games.
  • Super Mario World for SNES raised the bar with enhanced graphics, music, and levels.
  • Luigi’s Mansion for GameCube brought a unique twist to the Mario IP and gained a cult following.

As someone who has witnessed the evolution of gaming consoles over the past few decades, I can confidently say that Nintendo truly knows how to make a splash with its launch titles. Each new console arrival brings an exciting, innovative game that not only showcases the capabilities of the hardware but also offers hours of immersive entertainment.

Without a doubt, the key factor that often determines the success of any newly launched video game console is its selection of initial games, commonly referred to as “launch titles”. These are the games that new system buyers want to play on day one, so they need to know what exciting software experiences await them at the time of purchase to make it worthwhile.

It’s fortunate that Nintendo takes great care to ensure their video games are top-notch right from release. Whether you’re playing on a home console or handheld device, you can expect high-quality gaming experiences from day one. Known for its impressive lineup of launch titles, Nintendo has produced some truly exceptional games throughout its history. The following are standout examples:

Only one game per console.

Super Mario Bros.

Nintendo Entertainment System

Without a doubt, Super Mario Bros. stands as one of the most significant and impactful video games ever designed. For those fortunate enough to purchase a fresh Nintendo Entertainment System on October 18, 1985, they were treated to an incredible journey right from the get-go, demonstrating to the world that video games could indeed surpass all previous expectations in terms of size, quality, and entertainment value.

Initially, the NES struggled to gain popularity, but things changed when it started offering hit games like “Super Mario Bros 2” and “Super Mario Bros 3.” Despite being released years earlier in North America, “Super Mario Bros” continued to attract buyers, making it a significant factor contributing to the console’s success. However, this wasn’t the case for the Japanese market where the Famicom had been available two years prior, so while “Super Mario Bros” was popular there too, it didn’t serve as a launch title.

Super Mario World

Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Following the immense popularity of the initial “Super Mario Bros.” and the NES, it was only logical for Nintendo to ensure that a “Mario” game would debut with each new console they released. Therefore, when the next generation of consoles emerged, “Super Mario World” quickly established itself as the Super Nintendo’s standout and highly influential launch game.

The “Super Mario Bros” series saw continuous development with each new installment, but “Super Mario World” stood out as something exceptional. The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) technology enabled more intricate pixel art, superior soundtracks, bolder level designs, and advanced power-ups such as Yoshi, a character Shigeru Miyamoto had long envisioned since the initial game. “Super Mario World” was one of the SNES’ most significant system sellers, making it an irresistible draw for consumers eager to purchase the console on its launch day. Moreover, it played a pivotal role in Nintendo’s success during the Console War, helping them outmaneuver the Sega Genesis and its mascot, “Sonic the Hedgehog.

Tetris

Game Boy

In keeping with the custom, the initial release of the Game Boy took place in Japan featuring a fresh Mario game titled “Super Mario Land”. However, unlike Japan, the rest of the world had to wait a bit longer to enjoy it. Additionally, rather than purchasing this groundbreaking handheld console solely for another round of Mario, gamers worldwide were drawn to its included title, “Tetris”, which offered a straightforward and engaging gaming experience.

In the past, Nintendo heavily promoted the Game Boy by associating it with Tetris, as the easy-to-understand yet hard-to-put-down design of Alexey Pajitnov’s classic puzzle game matched perfectly with the new handheld device. What makes this tale intriguing is that the original Tetris was nearly five years old when the Game Boy was released; however, the portability of this console transformed its allure by presenting it in a whole new light.

Super Mario 64

Nintendo 64

Towards the end of the 90s, a significant transformation hit the gaming world as 3D graphics entered the scene, and Nintendo was part of this change albeit slightly later than its contemporaries. However, the delay proved beneficial because when it launched the Nintendo 64, it introduced none other than the groundbreaking game, Super Mario 64, which quickly became one of the most influential 3D video games ever created.

As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the moment when Super Mario 64 graced the Nintendo 64 console. Just as Super Mario Bros. revolutionized gaming on the NES, Super Mario 64 demonstrated the essence of a genuine, fully-realized 3D platformer. This was made possible by the groundbreaking analog sticks that enabled unparalleled freedom of movement.

Super Mario 64 DS was also a launch title for the Nintendo DS.

Luigi’s Mansion

Nintendo GameCube

Nintendo dared to venture into uncharted territory with the release of their sixth-generation console, the Nintendo GameCube. Instead of creating a conventional Mario game, they opted for something entirely unique: an adventure/horror game centered around Luigi. This unusual concept received a somewhat tepid response initially, but it gradually built a massive fanbase.

Despite being known for platforming games, Nintendo, especially the Mario IP, has shown they can innovate and not always stick to the same formula, as demonstrated by Luigi’s Mansion. This game was incredibly creative, unique (though a bit short), and while the GameCube eventually got a traditional Mario title with Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi’s Mansion remains one of the most cherished games in the console’s library, earning two sequels on the 3DS and Switch.

Wii Sports

Nintendo Wii

During the mid-2000s, the Nintendo Wii astonished the gaming community with its innovative motion controls. To ensure people could experience this daring control system enjoyably, easily, and effectively, it was essential for Nintendo to include something in the console package. That’s why they chose Wii Sports, an inspired decision that proved incredibly successful.

Groups of friends or families might gather to enjoy simplified, yet captivating adaptations of well-known sports such as tennis, boxing, golf, and others, thanks to the console’s distinctive motion controls and adorable new characters you can customize called Miis. The game Wii Sports was instrumental in the Wii’s incredible success, and its popularity was so high that it may have been the only exclusive experience some users tried on the console.

Nintendo Land

Nintendo Wii U

Despite not being as captivating or inviting as Wii Sports, Nintendo Land served the same purpose on the Nintendo Wii U as the console’s initial game – demonstrating all the intriguing new capabilities of the eighth-generation system in an engaging and distinctive manner. Unsurprisingly, it turned out to be quite effective. In fact, it was perhaps a bit more successful than intended.

Nintendo Land provided a variety of 12 minigames inspired by popular Nintendo franchises such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, Metroid, and others. Each game featured distinct mechanics and playstyles, with the added bonus of demonstrating the capabilities of the GamePad, a feature that subsequent exclusives didn’t fully utilize. As a result, Nintendo Land remains closely associated with the Wii U, and it is unlikely or extremely challenging to transfer it to the Switch.

The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Nintendo Switch

Back in 2011 when Skyward Sword dropped, us Zelda fans knew we were in for a long wait until the next mainline game graced our home consoles. That moment finally arrived in 2014, but the game was destined for the Wii U. The years stretched on and on, and eventually, it found its way onto the Nintendo Switch, launching side by side with the company’s brand new console, the very same day we welcomed the Switch into our gaming lives.

Instead, the delay in releasing the Nintendo Switch proved remarkably advantageous. This postponement allowed every initial buyer to enjoy The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, an extraordinary open-world adventure packed with countless hours of content, breathtaking visuals, and a deeply moving narrative. What made this experience even more astounding was that it could be enjoyed on a versatile console, capable of functioning as both a home console and a portable device. This dual functionality undeniably played a significant role in the Nintendo Switch’s ultimate success, particularly during its first year. The only lingering query now is: Will the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 debut with a game as ambitious and captivating as Breath of the Wild?

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2024-12-26 03:35