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Comparing the Launch Games for Every Nintendo Console

Nintendo console hardware

Comparing the Launch Games for Every Nintendo Console

When the NES first arrived in North America in the fall of 1985, few could have predicted that Nintendo would practically single-handedly revive the dying game industry in the US. The success of the NES would kick off a continual upward trend of video games increasing in popularity, eventually paving the way for the medium to become one of the most valuable and profitable forms of entertainment by the 21st Century. Across several generations of console hardware, Nintendo has continued to innovate and inspire, helped in no small part by how well the company approaches the launches of its new consoles, which typically see these new systems arrive with a slew of launch games set to show off the promise of the next generation of Nintendo innovation.

The recent official reveal of the Switch 2 shows that Nintendo still has it when it comes to a console launch. While “launch software” traditionally includes games releasing within 3 months of a console’s official launch date, our comparison of the launch library for each Nintendo console will instead stick to the titles that were ready on Day 1. Additionally, we’ll be focusing on the North American launch titles for each of these systems. We’ll also be focusing primarily on Nintendo’s home consoles instead of including the various handhelds and experimental pieces of hardware (like the Virtual Boy) that the company has released throughout the years.

NES (October 18, 1985)

The NES’ North American launch in the fall of 1985 was limited to specific test markets before the console became available nationwide in 1986. Still, the initial run of software available for the NES is practically a “who’s who” of some of the best early games in the system’s library, with plenty of variety in terms of gaming genres and experiences. Notably, the NES would arrive alongside the Zapper light gun peripheral and the short-lived R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy), which meant the North American launch games for Nintendo’s new system included a few titles specific to those new console add-ons.

  • Total Games — 17
  • First-Party Games — 17
  • Third-Party Games — 0
  • System Pack-In — None (Later, Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt)
  • Killer App — Super Mario Bros.

10-Yard Fight

10-Yard Fight cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Irem
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Baseball

Baseball cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 1, Intelligent Systems
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Clu Clu Land

Clu Clu Land cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 1
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Puzzle
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Duck Hunt

Duck Hunt cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 1, Intelligent Systems
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Sports, Shooting
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Excitebike

Excitebike cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 4
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Golf

Golf cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 2, HAL Laboratory
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Gyromite

Gyromite cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 1
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Puzzle
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Hogan’s Alley

Hogan's Alley cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 1, Intelligent Systems
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Shooter
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Ice Climber

Ice Climber cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 1
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Platformer
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Kung Fu

Kung Fu cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 4
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Beat ’em Up
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Pinball

Pinball cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 1, HAL Laboratory
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Pinball
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Soccer

Soccer cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Intelligent Systems
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Stack-Up

Stack Up cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 1
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Puzzle
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros. cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 4
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Platformer
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Tennis

Tennis cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 1, Intelligent Systems
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Wild Gunman

Wild Gunman cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 1, Intelligent Systems
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Shooter
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Wrecking Crew

Wrecking Crew cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo R&D 1
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Platformer, Puzzle
  • First/Third Party — First Party

SNES (August 23, 1991)

The launch lineup for Nintendo’s first “Next Generation” hardware would need to come out of the gate strong to convince consumers that it was worth picking up a new console incompatible with their existing NES cartridges. Thankfully, Nintendo more than understood the assignment, and what the SNES launch library lacks in quantity, it more than makes up for in quality, including what’s arguably the greatest system pack-in game in the history of the medium.

  • Total Games — 5
  • First-Party Games — 4
  • Third-Party Games — 1
  • System Pack-In — Super Mario World
  • Killer App — Super Mario World

F-Zero

F-Zero cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo EAD
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Racing
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 83% (Generally Favorable)

Gradius III

Gradius III cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Konami
  • Publisher — Konami
  • Genre — Scrolling Shooter/Shoot ’em Up
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 78% (Generally Favorable)

Pilotwings

Pilotwings cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo EAD
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Flight Sim
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 82% (Generally Favorable)

SimCity

Sim City cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo EAD, Intelligent Systems
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — City Builder, Simulation
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 94% (Universal Acclaim)

Super Mario World

Super Mario World cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo EAD
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Platformer
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 94% (Universal Acclaim)

Nintendo 64 (September 29, 1996)

The Nintendo 64 has the unique distinction of having the smallest launch library of any Nintendo system. But like the SNES, the Nintendo 64 more than made up for its lack of variety among its launch games by having one of the most pivotal and revolutionary titles to ever release: Super Mario 64. While it might not seem like much today, Super Mario 64 was practically a revelation at the time of its release, completely shifting the paradigm for how 3D games were designed and proving that we had officially entered a new dimension of gaming.

  • Total Games — 2
  • First-Party Games — 2
  • Third-Party Games — 0
  • System Pack-In — None
  • Killer App — Super Mario 64

Pilotwings 64

Pilotwings 64 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo EAD, Nintendo R&D 3, Paradigm Simulation
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Flight Sim
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 80% (Generally Favorable)

Super Mario 64

Super Mario 64 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo EAD
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Platformer
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 96% (Universal Acclaim)

GameCube (November 18, 2001)

After trailing behind the PlayStation during the 5th generation thanks to its decision to stick to a proprietary cartridge format, Nintendo finally made the move to optical media with its 6th gen hardware, the GameCube, which opened up the floodgates for the system’s launch library. The switch to the miniDVD format meant that there were plenty of third-party games available on day 1 for the GameCube, which was a stark contrast to the relatively skint launch of the Nintendo 64. Notably, from this point forward, Nintendo’s launch strategy for each system would be similar, with fewer first-party titles available on Day 1 but plenty of support from third-party partners.

  • Total Games — 13
  • First-Party Games — 3
  • Third-Party Games — 10
  • System Pack-In — None
  • Killer App — Luigi’s Mansion, Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader

All-Star Baseball 2002

All-Star Baseball 2002 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Acclaim Studios Austin
  • Publisher — Acclaim Entertainment
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 66% (Mixed or Average)

Batman: Vengeance

Batman: Vengeance cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Ubisoft Montreal
  • Publisher — Ubisoft
  • Genre — Action-adventure
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 70% (Mixed or Average)

Crazy Taxi

Crazy Taxi cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Sega AM3, Acclaim Studios Cheltenham
  • Publisher — Sega, Acclaim Entertainment
  • Genre — Racing
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 70% (Mixed or Average)

Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2

Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Z-Axis
  • Publisher — Acclaim Entertainment
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 78% (Generally Favorable)

Luigi’s Mansion

Luigi's Mansion cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo EAD
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Action-adventure
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 78% (Generally Favorable)

Madden NFL 2002

Madden NFL 2002 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — EA Tiburon
  • Publisher — EA Sports
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 90% (Universal Acclaim)

NHL Hitz 2002

NHL Hitz 2002 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Black Box Games
  • Publisher — Midway
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 79% (Generally Favorable)

Pikmin

Pikmin cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo EAD
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Platformer, Puzzle
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 89% (Generally Favorable)

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Factor 5, LucasArts
  • Publisher — LucasArts
  • Genre — Flight Sim, Shooter
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 90% (Universal Acclaim)

Super Monkey Ball

Super Monkey Ball cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Amusement Vision
  • Publisher — Sega
  • Genre — Platformer
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 89% (Generally Favorable)

Tarzan: Untamed

Tarzan Untamed cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Ubisoft Montreal
  • Publisher — Ubisoft
  • Genre — Action-adventure
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 64% (Mixed or Average)

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Neversoft
  • Publisher — Activision
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 91% (Universal Acclaim)

Wave Race: Blue Storm

Wave Race: Blue Storm cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo Software Technology
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Racing
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 80% (Generally Favorable)

Wii (November 19, 2006)

The Wii would end up being a major launch for Nintendo thanks to its unique motion controls and ability to draw in the casual gaming crowd, with the system’s pack-in of Wii Sports doing a fair amount of heavy lifting for the hardware. As such, there weren’t many other first-party Nintendo games available on Day 1 for the Wii, save for the much-anticipated new Zelda game, which delivered on the promise of the GameCube’s E3 demo from years prior that featured a darker, more adult Link, Zelda, and Ganon. Other than its first-party titles, though, the launch games for the Wii were largely middling third-party games with superior versions on other hardware.

  • Total Games — 21
  • First-Party Games — 2
  • Third-Party Games — 19
  • System Pack-In — Wii Sports
  • Killer App — Wii Sports, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender cover and gameplay
  • Developer — THW Studios Australia
  • Publisher — THQ
  • Genre — Action-adventure, ARPG
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 56% (Mixed or Average)

Call of Duty 3

Call of Duty 3 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Treyarch, Exakt Entertainment
  • Publisher — Activision
  • Genre — First-person shooter
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 69% (Mixed or Average)

Cars

Cars cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Rainbow Studios
  • Publisher — THQ
  • Genre — Racing
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 65% (Mixed or Average)

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Spike
  • Publisher — Atari
  • Genre — Fighting
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 76% (Generally Favorable)

Excite Truck

Excite Truck cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Monster Games
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Racing, Driving
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 75% (Generally Favorable)

The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy

The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy cover and gameplay
  • Developer — High Voltage Software
  • Publisher — Midway
  • Genre — Fighting
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 61% (Mixed or Average)

GT Pro Series

GT Pro Series cover and gameplay
  • Developer — MTO
  • Publisher — Ubisoft
  • Genre — Racing, Driving
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 41% (Generally Unfavorable)

Happy Feet

Happy Feet cover and gameplay
  • Developer — A2M
  • Publisher — Midway
  • Genre — Action-adventure
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 48% (Generally Unfavorable)

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo EAD
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Action-adventure
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 95% (Universal Acclaim)

Madden NFL 07

Madden NFL 07 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — EA Canada
  • Publisher — EA Sports
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 80% (Generally Favorable)

Marvel Ultimate Alliance

Marvel Ultimate Alliance cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Raven Software, Vicarious Visions
  • Publisher — Activision
  • Genre — ARPG, Beat ’em Up
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 74% (Mixed or Average)

Monster 4×4: World Circuit

Monster 4x4: World Circuit cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Ubisoft Barcelona
  • Publisher — Ubisoft
  • Genre — Racing, Driving
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 54% (Mixed or Average)

Need for Speed: Carbon

Need for Speed: Carbon cover and gameplay
  • Developer — EA Black Box
  • Publisher — Electronic Arts
  • Genre — Racing, Driving
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 67% (Mixed or Average)

Rampage: Total Destruction

Rampage: Total Destruction cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Pipeworks Software
  • Publisher — Midway
  • Genre — Action
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 46% (Generally Unfavorable)

Rayman Raving Rabbids

Rayman Raving Rabbids cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Ubisoft Montpellier
  • Publisher — Ubisoft
  • Genre — Party
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 76% (Generally Favorable)

Red Steel

Red Steel cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Ubisoft Paris
  • Publisher — Ubisoft
  • Genre — First-person shooter
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 63% (Mixed or Average)

SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab

SongeBob SquarePants: The Creature from the Krusty Krab cover and gameplay
  • Developer —
  • Publisher —
  • Genre —
  • First/Third Party —
  • Review Aggregate Score —

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Blitz Games
  • Publisher — THQ
  • Genre — Action-adventure, Platformer
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 59% (Mixed or Average)

Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam

Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Toys for Bob
  • Publisher — Activision
  • Genre — Sports, Racing
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 69% (Mixed or Average)

Trauma Center: Second Opinion

Trauma Center: Second Opinion cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Atlus
  • Publisher — Atlus USA
  • Genre — Simulation, Visual Novel
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 80% (Generally Favorable)

Wii Sports

Wii Sports cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo EAD
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Sports, Simulation
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 76% (Generally Favorable)

Wii U (November 18, 2012)

The Wii U is mostly remembered as a colossal failure for Nintendo, and looking at the system’s sales figures makes it easy to see why. Surprisingly, though, the Wii U had a phenomenal launch lineup that included a slew of popular third-party games whose Wii U versions actually offered something novel over other console releases thanks to the Wii U GamePad. Still, the lack of strong first-party games at launch was one of several nails in the Wii U’s coffin, which didn’t do enough to distinguish itself from the Wii as a necessary upgrade.

  • Total Games — 26
  • First-Party Games — 2
  • Third-Party Games — 24
  • System Pack-In — None
  • Killer App — New Super Mario Bros. U

Assassin’s Creed III

Assassin's Creed III cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Ubisoft Montreal
  • Publisher — Ubisoft
  • Genre — Action-adventure, Stealth
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 85% (Generally Favorable)

Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition

Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Rocksteady Studios, WB Games Montreal
  • Publisher — Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
  • Genre — Action-adventure, Open-World
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 85% (Generally Favorable)

Call of Duty: Black Ops II

Call of Duty Black Ops 2 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Treyarch
  • Publisher — Activision
  • Genre — First-person shooter
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 81% (Generally Favorable)

Darksiders II

Darksiders II cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Vigil Games
  • Publisher — THQ
  • Genre — Action-adventure, Character Action
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 85% (Generally Favorable)

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two

Epic Mickey 2 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Heavy Iron Studios
  • Publisher — Disney Interactive Studios
  • Genre — Action-adventure, Platformer
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 55% (Mixed or Average)

ESPN Sports Connection

ESPN Sports Connection cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Ubisoft Barcelona, Longtail Studios
  • Publisher — Ubisoft
  • Genre — Sports, Simulation
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 31% (Generally Unfavorable)

FIFA 13

FIFA 13 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — EA Canada
  • Publisher — EA Sports
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 69% (Mixed or Average)

Game Party Champions

Game Party Champions cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Phosphor Games
  • Publisher — Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
  • Genre — Party
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 24% (Generally Unfavorable)

Just Dance 4

Just Dance 4 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Ubisoft Paris
  • Publisher — Ubisoft
  • Genre — Music, Rhythm
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 68% (Mixed or Average)

Madden NFL 13

Madden NFL 13 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — EA Tiburon
  • Publisher — EA Sports
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 75% (Generally Favorable)

Mass Effect 3: Special Edition

Mass Effect 3 Special Edition cover and gameplay
  • Developer — BioWare, Straight Right
  • Publisher — Electronic Arts
  • Genre — ARPG
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 85% (Generally Favorable)

NBA 2K13

NBA 2K13 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Visual Concepts
  • Publisher — 2K
  • Genre — Sports
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 85% (Generally Favorable)

New Super Mario Bros. U

New Super Mario Bros. U cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo EAD
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Platformer
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 84% (Generally Favorable)

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Team Ninja
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Action, Character Action
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 69% (Mixed or Average)

Nintendo Land

Nintendo Land cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo EAD
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Party
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 78% (Generally Favorable)

Rabbids Land

Rabbids Land cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Ubisoft Paris
  • Publisher — Ubisoft
  • Genre — Party
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 52% (Mixed or Average)

Scribblenauts Unlimited

Scribblenauts Unlimited cover and gameplay
  • Developer — 5th Cell
  • Publisher — Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
  • Genre — Platformer, Puzzle
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 73% (Mixed or Average)

Sing Party

Sing Party cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo SPD, FreeStyle Games
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Music, Rhythm
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 60% (Mixed or Average)

Skylanders: Giants

Skylanders: Giants cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Toys for Bob, Vicarious Visions
  • Publisher — Activision
  • Genre — ARPG, Toys-to-Life
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 80% (Generally Favorable)

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Sumo Digital
  • Publisher — Sega
  • Genre — Racing, Driving
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 78% (Generally Favorable)

Tank! Tank! Tank!

Tank! Tank! Tank! cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Namco Bandai Games
  • Publisher — Namco Bandai Games
  • Genre — Shooter
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 45% (Generally Unfavorable)

Transformers: Prime — The Game

Transformers: Prime — The Game cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Now Production
  • Publisher — Activision
  • Genre — Brawler
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 56% (Mixed or Average)

Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper

Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Omega Force
  • Publisher — Tecmo Koei
  • Genre — Hack and Slash, Musou
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 64% (Mixed or Average)

Wipeout 3

Wipeout 3 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Behaviour Interactive
  • Publisher — Activision
  • Genre — Party
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 40% (Generally Unfavorable)

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Blue Byte
  • Publisher — Ubisoft
  • Genre — Exercise, Movement
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 76% (Generally Favorable)

ZombiU

ZombiU cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Ubisoft Montpellier
  • Publisher — Ubisoft
  • Genre — Survival Horror
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 77% (Generally Favorable)

Nintendo Switch (March 3, 2017)

Leave it to Nintendo to go from its biggest commercial flop to its greatest success in a single console generation, with the Nintendo Switch following up the disappointing Wii U to eventually become the best-selling console of all time (an honor previously held by the PlayStation 2 until late 2024). In addition to the Switch’s main hardware pull of being a hybrid console, the system arrived with some excellent first and third-party titles on Day 1, including what many consider to be the greatest and most ambitious game in the Zelda series since Ocarina of Time.

  • Total Games — 9
  • First-Party Games — 3
  • Third-Party Games — 6
  • System Pack-In — None
  • Killer App — The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

1-2-Switch

1-2-Switch key art
  • Developer — Nintendo EPD
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Party
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 58% (Mixed or Average)

Fast RMX

Fast RMX key art
  • Developer — Shin’en
  • Publisher — Shin’en
  • Genre — Racing
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 81% (Generally Favorable)

I Am Setsuna

I Am Setsuna cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Tokyo RPG Factory
  • Publisher — Square Enix
  • Genre — JRPG
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 75% (Generally Favorable)

Just Dance 2017

Just Dance 2017 cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft Pune
  • Publisher — Ubisoft
  • Genre — Music, Rhythm
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 72% (Mixed or Average)

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Nintendo EPD
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Action-adventure, Open-World
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 97% (Universal Acclaim)

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Yacht Club Games
  • Publisher — Yacht Club Games
  • Genre — Action Platformer
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 91% (Universal Acclaim)

Skylanders: Imaginators

Skylanders: Imaginators cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Toys for Bob
  • Publisher — Activision
  • Genre — ARPG, Toys-to-Life
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 72% (Mixed or Average)

Snipperclips

Snipperclips cover and gameplay
  • Developer — SFB Games
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Puzzle
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 80% (Generally Favorable)

Super Bomberman R

Super Bomberman R cover and gameplay
  • Developer — Konami, HexaDrive
  • Publisher — Konami
  • Genre — Action, Puzzle
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 62% (Mixed or Average)

Nintendo Switch 2 (June 5, 2025)

The success of the Switch meant that Nintendo could bide its time before revealing its next hardware upgrade, but it also led to the company being the last major manufacturer to deliver a next-gen console. Thankfully, the official reveal of the Switch 2 and its Nintendo Direct presentation reminded us that it’s still hard not to get excited about a new Nintendo console, and the launch lineup for the Switch 2 is bursting with excellent first and third-party games.

While there’s only one major new first-party game to speak of in the Switch 2’s launch lineup (with the others being either tech demos or enhanced ports), it’s a big one, and it looks to be delivering a serious shake-up to the Mario Kart franchise. Joining Mario Kart World are a slew of titles that couldn’t have run on the original Switch but should look and run great on the next generation of Nintendo hardware.

  • Total Games — 21
  • First-Party Games — 4
  • Third-Party Games — 17
  • System Pack-In — Mario Kart World
  • Killer App — Mario Kart World

Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer

Arcade Archives: Ridge Racer gameplay
  • Developer — Namco, Hamster
  • Publisher — Hamster
  • Genre — Racing, Driving
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 85% (Original, Generally Favorable)

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster key art
  • Developer — Silicon Studio, Cattle Call
  • Publisher — Square Enix
  • Genre — JRPG
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 85% (Original, Generally Favorable)

Civilization VII (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)

Civilization VII key art
  • Developer — Firaxis Games
  • Publisher — 2K
  • Genre — 4X Strategy
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 79% (Original, Generally Favorable)

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition key art
  • Developer — CD Projekt RED
  • Publisher — CD Projekt RED
  • Genre — ARPG
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 86% (Original, Generally Favorable)

Deltarune

Deltarune key art
  • Developer — Toby Fox
  • Publisher — Toby Fox, 8-4
  • Genre — RPG
  • First/Third Party — Third Party

Fast Fusion

Fast Fusion gameplay
  • Developer — Shin’en
  • Publisher — Shin’en
  • Genre — Racing
  • First/Third Party — Third Party

Fortnite

Fortnite key art
  • Developer — Epic Games
  • Publisher — Epic Games
  • Genre — Third-person shooter, Battle Royale
  • First/Third Party — Third Party

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess key art
  • Developer — Capcom
  • Publisher — Capcom
  • Genre — Hack and Slash, Tower Defense
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 84% (Original, Generally Favorable)

Hitman World of Assassination — Signature Edition

Hitman World of Assassination: Signature Edition key art
  • Developer — IO Interactive
  • Publisher — IO Interactive
  • Genre — Stealth
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 85% (Original, Generally Favorable)

Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy key art
  • Developer — Avalanche Software
  • Publisher — Warner Bros. Games
  • Genre — ARPG
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 84% (Original, Generally Favorable)

Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World key art
  • Developer — Nintendo
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Racing, Driving, Open-World
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour key art
  • Developer — Nintendo
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Simulation, Mini-Game Collection
  • First/Third Party — First Party

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition

Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition key art
  • Developer — Koei Tecmo
  • Publisher — Koei Tecmo
  • Genre — Grand Strategy, Real-Time Tactics
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 75% (Original, Generally Favorable)

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 key art
  • Developer — Sega
  • Publisher — Sega
  • Genre — Puzzle
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 80% (Original, Generally Favorable)

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma key art
  • Developer — Marvelous
  • Publisher — XSeed Games
  • Genre — JRPG, Farming Sim
  • First/Third Party — Third Party

Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6: Fighters Edition key art
  • Developer — Capcom
  • Publisher — Capcom
  • Genre — Fighting
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 92% (Original, Universal Acclaim)

Survival Kids

Survival Kids key art
  • Developer — Konami
  • Publisher — Konami
  • Genre — Survival
  • First/Third Party — Third Party

Split Fiction

Split Fiction key art
  • Developer — Hazelight Studios
  • Publisher — Electronic Arts
  • Genre — Platformer, Action-adventure
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 92% (Original, Universal Acclaim)

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition key art
  • Developer — Nintendo EPD
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Action-adventure, Open-World
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 97% (Original, Universal Acclaim)

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition key art
  • Developer — Nintendo EPD
  • Publisher — Nintendo
  • Genre — Action-adventure, Open-World
  • First/Third Party — First Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 96% (Original, Universal Acclaim)

Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut

Yakuza 0 Director's Cut key art
  • Developer — Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
  • Publisher — Sega
  • Genre — ARPG, Beat ’em Up
  • First/Third Party — Third Party
  • Review Aggregate Score — 86% (Original, Generally Favorable)
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