Summary
The Nintendo Switch is a significant milestone in the video game industry. By combining portable and traditional modes, the platform managed to attract the attention of many players, becomingone of the best-selling consoles in history. Much of this is also due to the excellent game library that the hybrid received, with support even from various third parties.
However, Nintendo’s exclusives were the ones that stood out the most in this generation, with consistent and high-quality releases. Additionally, the Nintendo Switch generation was also marked by several franchises gaining more prominence than in the developer’s previous generations, taking full advantage of the hybrid’s potential to secure a place in the hearts of fans.
Despite the mainlinePokemongames not pleasing some players, especially in comparison to previous generations, the franchise still had relative success on the Nintendo Switch. BothSword and ShieldandScarlet and Violetwere sales successes, but the main highlight of the series on the console lies in the spin-offs it received.
Legends: Arceusintroduced something new to the franchise, bringing players to an era where humans did not yet have much knowledge about Pokemon, making significant mechanical changes, especially in captures and battles. Thus, it didn’t take long for the spin-off to become a favorite among fans, leading the developer to work on new releases with the same concept.
Animal Crossing: New Horizonsstood out on the Nintendo Switch, becoming a global phenomenon thanks to its engaging gameplay and welcoming design. The title perfectly took advantage of the Switch’s portable and docked modes, allowing players to customize their islands with freedom and interact with friends intuitively, increasing its popularity.
Even being the only game of the franchise released on the platform so far,Animal Crossing: New Horizonsestablished itselfas one of the Switch’s best-selling titles. The constant content updates, seasonal events, and strong fan community ensured its continued relevance, establishing the franchise as a fundamental pillar in the Nintendo Switch ecosystem.
Metroid Dreadstood out on the Nintendo Switch byoffering an engaging 2D experience, combining classic mechanics with modern level design and other functions. The game, which was originally designed for the DS, was an excellent title, providing players with great graphics and fluid gameplay, being one of the best titles in the Switch library.
Additionally,Metroid Prime Remasteredbrought the acclaimedPrimeseries to the Switch, with graphical improvements and optimized controls that enhance the original experience. The franchise continues to expand withMetroid Prime 4, reinforcing the series' position as one of the great pillars of Nintendo’s exclusive games for the console.
Splatooninitially emerged on the Wii U, bringing an innovative proposal of a shooter focused on ink and dynamic multiplayer modes. The series quickly gained a loyal fan base thanks to its unique style, accessible mechanics, and constant content updates, establishing itself as a distinct franchise within Nintendo’s portfolio.
With the arrival of the Nintendo Switch,Splatoonconsolidated itself as one of the most relevant franchises on the platform. Titles likeSplatoon 2andSplatoon 3took advantage of the console’s hybrid power to offer even richer experiences, with improved online modes, new maps, and varied weapons. This continuous evolution reinforced the series' popularity, making it a fundamental pillar in the Switch’s library and attracting both new players and longtime fans.
AlthoughPikmin 4was announced even before the launch of the Nintendo Switch, it took years for the game to actually be released. In the meantime, the developers took the opportunity to bring the other three main games of the series to Nintendo’s hybrid platform, expanding its presence and enhancing the fans' experience.
With the release ofPikmin 4, the series established itself as one of the most relevant franchises on the Nintendo Switch. The game features refined mechanics and improved graphics, taking full advantage of the console’s potential to offer engaging gameplay and visually impressive experiences, also strengthening the variety of exclusive games the console has.
Even with only one game released on the Nintendo Switch,Super Smash Bros. Ultimateis a milestone for the franchise as a whole. Besides the gameplay improvements, the developers managed to include all the characters that have ever appeared in the series as playable, allowing fans to reunite with their favorite fighters in a single title.
Another great highlight was the selection of additional characters, which brought many surprises from other franchises. Joker fromPersona, Steve fromMinecraft, and Sora fromKingdom Heartswere some of the additions that joined names like Kazuya, Ken, and Terry. This care with the roster helped to consolidateUltimateas the biggest and most ambitious game in the series.
Mario Kart 8achieved some impressive feats, such as being the best-selling game on the Wii U with over 8 million copies sold, but it was on the Nintendo Switch that the full potential of the franchise was explored, with the game reaching over 60 million sales. Additionally, the port of the game to Nintendo’s hybrid platform also added a lot of new content.
From tracks to new characters, it was on the Nintendo Switch thatMario Kart 8became the definitive experience of the series, giving players fluid gameplay, impressive graphics, and a large amount of content to be used. Moreover,the frenetic gameplay and multiplayeralso contributed to the great success that the franchise still has on the console.
After resurfacing on the Nintendo 3DS,Fire Emblembecame one of Nintendo’s most important franchises, consolidating its success on the Nintendo Switch.Fire Emblem: Three Houseswas mainly responsible for this impact, becoming the best-selling game in the series. With a captivating narrative, well-developed characters, and time management mechanics inspired byPersona, the title received critical and commercial acclaim.
BesidesThree Houses, the franchise also expanded its presence on the console withFire Emblem: Engage. Despite presenting the best graphics and gameplay of the series so far, its narrative did not reach the same impact as its predecessor. Spin-offs in the Musou style also contributed to consolidatingFire Emblemas one of the most prominent series on the Switch.
TheSuper Mariofranchise consolidated its prominence on the Nintendo Switch with two of the most acclaimed games in the main series,Super Mario OdysseyandSuper Mario Wonder. Both exemplify Nintendo’s ability to innovate without losing the classic essence, delivering captivating experiences.Odysseybrought open and explorable 3D worlds, whileWonderredefined the formula of 2D games.
Combining creativity and engaging mechanics, Nintendo presented some ofthe best level designs in the series' history. Whether navigating through the vast kingdoms ofOdysseyor exploring the imaginative stages ofWonder, each game offers carefully crafted challenges that highlight the developers' talent, representing the pinnacle of the franchise on the Nintendo Switch.
Despite already being one of Nintendo’s main franchises,The Legend of Zeldagained even more prominence and relevance on the Nintendo Switch. The series' formula underwent major changes, presenting incredible open-world maps and exploration with plenty of freedom and possibilities, where Link can always look for creative solutions.
Moreover, bothBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomwere critical successes, receiving praise from everyone. Fortunately, the two mainline games ofThe Legend of Zeldawere not the only content the franchise received on the Nintendo Switch, as remakes, ports, and even games featuring Zelda herself were produced for the console.
