Top Nintendo First-Party Games Of 2023: Must-Play Exclusives

Hey Nintendo fans! 2023 was an incredible year for first-party Nintendo games. We saw the release of some amazing titles that really showed off what the Switch is capable of. If you're looking to dive into the best of what Nintendo had to offer, you've come to the right place. Let's break down the must-play exclusives that made 2023 a banner year for the Big N.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Okay, let's be real – no discussion about 2023 Nintendo games can start without mentioning The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This game was an absolute phenomenon, building upon the already stellar foundation of Breath of the Wild. Tears of the Kingdom took everything we loved about its predecessor and cranked it up to eleven. The open world of Hyrule felt both familiar and completely new, thanks to the addition of floating islands in the sky and a vast, mysterious underground realm to explore.

The gameplay innovations were mind-blowing. The new abilities, especially Fuse, Ultrahand, Recall, and Ascend, opened up possibilities we never thought possible in a Zelda game. Fuse allowed players to combine weapons and items to create incredibly powerful and creative tools. Ultrahand let you build vehicles, contraptions, and structures to traverse the environment and solve puzzles in ways that felt truly unique. Recall gave you the power to reverse the time of objects, which was perfect for manipulating enemy attacks and navigating tricky situations. Ascend allowed you to move through ceilings, enabling clever shortcuts and surprise attacks. These abilities combined with the expansive world of Hyrule created a sandbox where player creativity was the only limit. The storyline was gripping, filled with memorable characters and epic moments that paid homage to the rich history of the Zelda series. And let's not forget the music – the soundtrack was absolutely breathtaking, perfectly capturing the sense of adventure and mystery that defined the game. Tears of the Kingdom isn't just one of the best Nintendo games of 2023; it's a contender for one of the greatest video games of all time. If you haven't experienced it yet, seriously, what are you waiting for?

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Next up, we have Super Mario Bros. Wonder, which completely revitalized the 2D Mario formula. After years of relatively safe iterations, Wonder injected a massive dose of creativity and whimsy into the classic side-scrolling gameplay. The introduction of Wonder Flowers was a game-changer. Touching one of these magical flowers transformed the levels in unexpected and delightful ways, turning pipes into giant worms, tilting the entire stage on its side, or even turning Mario and his friends into different creatures.

These Wonder Effects weren't just visual gimmicks; they fundamentally altered the way you played each level. One moment you might be dodging massive boulders falling from the sky, and the next you could be floating through space as a balloon. The sheer variety and unpredictability of these effects kept players constantly on their toes and made every level feel fresh and exciting. Beyond the Wonder Flowers, Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduced new power-ups that added even more depth to the gameplay. The Elephant form, for example, allowed Mario to smash through blocks and spray water, while the Drill form let him burrow underground. These new abilities opened up new paths and strategies, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny of each level. The game also featured a vibrant and colorful art style that was a joy to look at, and the multiplayer mode allowed you to team up with friends for chaotic and hilarious co-op adventures. Super Mario Bros. Wonder proved that even after all these years, the Mario series is still capable of surprising and delighting us. It's a must-play for any fan of 2D platformers and a shining example of Nintendo's commitment to innovation.

Pikmin 4

Don't overlook Pikmin 4, another standout title that arrived in 2023. This game marked a significant evolution for the Pikmin series, making it more accessible and engaging than ever before. For those unfamiliar, Pikmin combines real-time strategy with exploration and puzzle-solving. You control Captain Olimar (or a customizable character in Pikmin 4) and command a squad of adorable Pikmin creatures to overcome obstacles, battle enemies, and collect treasures on an alien planet.

Pikmin 4 introduced several key features that enhanced the gameplay experience. One of the most significant additions was Oatchi, a loyal canine companion who could assist in combat, carry heavy objects, and even be ridden by the player. Oatchi's presence made the game more approachable for newcomers, as he provided extra support and versatility. The game also featured improved controls and a more streamlined interface, making it easier to manage your Pikmin squad and navigate the environment. Night Expeditions were another exciting addition. During these nighttime missions, players had to defend their base from waves of hostile creatures, adding a tower defense element to the gameplay. Pikmin 4 also boasted a charming and visually appealing art style, with detailed environments and adorable character designs. The Pikmin themselves were more expressive than ever, and their unique abilities and personalities shone through in every interaction. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer looking for a unique and engaging strategy game, Pikmin 4 is definitely worth checking out.

Metroid Prime Remastered

Let's not forget the incredible Metroid Prime Remastered. While technically a re-release, the enhancements and improvements made to this GameCube classic were so substantial that it felt like a brand-new game. Metroid Prime was already a masterpiece in its own right, seamlessly translating the 2D exploration and atmosphere of the Metroid series into a first-person perspective. The Remastered version took things to a whole new level with stunningly updated graphics, improved controls, and refined gameplay mechanics.

The visual overhaul was nothing short of breathtaking. The environments were rendered with incredible detail, bringing the alien world of Tallon IV to life in a way that was never before possible. The textures were sharper, the lighting was more dynamic, and the overall visual fidelity was significantly enhanced. The controls were also revamped to feel more modern and intuitive. The addition of dual-analog stick aiming made combat and exploration much smoother and more precise. Metroid Prime Remastered wasn't just a visual upgrade; it was a complete reimagining of a classic game. It allowed a new generation of players to experience the brilliance of Metroid Prime in its best possible form, while also giving longtime fans a reason to revisit a beloved title. If you're a fan of exploration-based action games, Metroid Prime Remastered is an absolute must-play.

Other Notable Mentions

While the titles above were the biggest hitters, there were other notable first-party Nintendo games in 2023 that deserve a shout-out:

• Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe: A delightful remake of the Wii classic, offering charming co-op action and plenty of Kirby's signature copy abilities.
• Fire Emblem Engage: A strategic RPG with a compelling storyline and deep tactical gameplay, featuring a cast of memorable characters.

Final Thoughts

2023 was a fantastic year for first-party Nintendo games, showcasing the creativity and innovation that we've come to expect from the company. From the epic open-world adventures of Tears of the Kingdom to the whimsical platforming of Super Mario Bros. Wonder and the strategic gameplay of Pikmin 4, there was something for every type of gamer to enjoy. And with the stunning Metroid Prime Remastered, Nintendo reminded us of its ability to revitalize classic titles for a new generation. If you own a Switch, make sure you don't miss out on these incredible exclusives. Here's to more amazing Nintendo games in the future!