Top Nintendo Switch Launch Games: A Nostalgic Look

The Nintendo Switch, a revolutionary console that seamlessly blends handheld and home console gaming, had a stellar launch back in March 2017. A console is only as good as its games, and the Switch didn't disappoint. Let's dive into the best Nintendo Switch launch games, titles that not only defined the console's early days but also showcased its innovative capabilities. These games, available right from the start, demonstrated the Switch's potential to deliver both immersive, big-screen experiences and engaging on-the-go gameplay. For gamers who picked up the console at launch, these titles were the first taste of what the Switch had to offer, and they set a high bar for the games that followed. Exploring these launch titles is like taking a trip down memory lane for early adopters and a history lesson for newer Switch fans, illustrating the thoughtful decisions Nintendo made in curating a compelling initial lineup. The success of these early games was crucial in building momentum for the Switch, attracting a diverse audience, and establishing the console as a major player in the gaming industry. From innovative new IPs to beloved franchises, the launch lineup was a carefully crafted blend of experiences that catered to a wide range of tastes. The impact of these games extends beyond their initial release, influencing the types of games that would find success on the Switch and shaping the console's identity as a home for both indie gems and AAA blockbusters. Whether you're a long-time Switch owner or new to the platform, understanding the significance of these launch titles provides valuable insight into the console's history and its enduring appeal.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

When we talk about best Nintendo Switch launch games, we absolutely have to start with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Guys, this game wasn't just a launch title; it was a system seller! Breath of the Wild completely redefined the Zelda franchise, offering an enormous open world filled with secrets, challenges, and breathtaking vistas. Forget the linear storylines of previous Zelda games; here, you could go anywhere from the moment you stepped off the Great Plateau. This freedom was revolutionary, encouraging players to explore, experiment, and create their own adventures. The game's physics engine was another standout feature, allowing for emergent gameplay moments that were both hilarious and impressive. Whether you were using a metal weapon to attract lightning, setting fire to a field of grass to create an updraft, or simply rolling a boulder down a hill to take out a group of Bokoblins, Breath of the Wild constantly surprised and delighted. The story, while more understated than previous Zelda titles, was deeply affecting, focusing on Link's struggle to regain his memories and defeat Calamity Ganon. The characters you met along the way were memorable and well-developed, each with their own stories and motivations. The Divine Beasts, massive mechanical constructs that Link had to conquer, provided challenging and satisfying dungeon experiences, each requiring a different approach and strategy. The sense of accomplishment you felt after completing one of these dungeons was immense. Breath of the Wild's impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. It set a new standard for open-world games, influencing countless titles that followed. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and captivating world design made it an instant classic and a must-have for any Switch owner. The game's success also helped to solidify the Switch's position as a serious contender in the console market, proving that Nintendo could still innovate and deliver groundbreaking experiences. Even years after its release, Breath of the Wild continues to be praised and celebrated, and it remains a benchmark for open-world game design. If you haven't played it yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up. You won't be disappointed.

1-2-Switch

Next up on our list of the best Nintendo Switch launch games, we have 1-2-Switch. Now, this one was a bit of a gamble for Nintendo, but it showcased the unique capabilities of the Switch's Joy-Con controllers in a really fun and engaging way. 1-2-Switch is a collection of minigames designed to be played face-to-face, encouraging players to look at each other rather than the screen. This was a deliberate design choice by Nintendo to emphasize the social aspect of gaming and to create a more interactive and engaging experience. The minigames themselves were simple but surprisingly addictive, ranging from quick-draw duels to cow-milking competitions. The key to the game's success was the HD Rumble feature of the Joy-Cons, which allowed players to feel subtle vibrations that simulated the actions they were performing. For example, in the Safe Crack minigame, players had to carefully rotate the Joy-Con to feel the tumblers clicking into place. This tactile feedback added a whole new dimension to the gameplay and made the experience feel incredibly immersive. While 1-2-Switch may not have the depth or replayability of other launch titles, it was a great party game that showcased the Switch's innovative technology. It was also a perfect way to introduce newcomers to the console and demonstrate its unique features. The game's emphasis on social interaction made it a hit at parties and gatherings, and it helped to create some memorable gaming moments. Of course, not everyone was a fan of 1-2-Switch. Some critics felt that the game was too simplistic and lacked long-term appeal. However, its role in demonstrating the Switch's capabilities and its success as a party game cannot be denied. 1-2-Switch was a bold and experimental title that helped to define the Switch's identity as a console that embraced innovation and social gaming. Whether you loved it or hated it, it's hard to argue that it wasn't an important part of the Switch's launch lineup. It highlighted the potential of the Joy-Cons and set the stage for future games that would take advantage of the console's unique features.

Snipperclips: Cut it Out – Together!

Don't overlook Snipperclips: Cut it Out – Together! when considering the best Nintendo Switch launch games. This charming puzzle game was a surprise hit, offering a unique and creative cooperative experience that was perfect for the Switch. Snipperclips stars Snip and Clip, two adorable paper characters who can cut each other into different shapes to solve puzzles. The premise is simple, but the puzzles themselves are often ingenious, requiring players to communicate and collaborate to find the right solution. The game's cooperative gameplay was a major selling point, encouraging players to work together and think creatively. Snipperclips was a great example of how the Switch could bring people together and create shared gaming experiences. The game's simple graphics and charming art style belied its clever puzzle design. Each puzzle presented a unique challenge, requiring players to use their imaginations and think outside the box. Whether you were cutting Snip into a hook to grab a balloon or shaping Clip into a ball to knock over a target, Snipperclips constantly challenged you to find new and creative ways to use your characters' abilities. The game also featured a variety of different modes, including a World mode with increasingly challenging puzzles, a Party mode with competitive games, and a Blitz mode with fast-paced challenges. This variety helped to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging, and it ensured that there was always something new to discover. Snipperclips was a critical and commercial success, praised for its innovative gameplay, charming art style, and cooperative focus. It was also a great example of how a small, independent game could find success on the Switch and become a beloved title. The game's success helped to pave the way for other indie developers to bring their games to the Switch, and it solidified the console's reputation as a platform that embraced creativity and innovation. If you're looking for a fun and challenging cooperative game to play with friends or family, Snipperclips: Cut it Out – Together! is an excellent choice.

Super Bomberman R

Another notable mention in the realm of best Nintendo Switch launch games is Super Bomberman R. Bringing back the classic bomberman gameplay to a new generation, this title offered a nostalgic yet modernized experience. Super Bomberman R featured the classic Bomberman gameplay that fans know and love, with players strategically placing bombs to destroy obstacles and defeat enemies. The game included a Story Mode with a new storyline and characters, as well as a Battle Mode for up to eight players, allowing for chaotic and fun multiplayer matches. The updated graphics and sound design gave the classic gameplay a fresh coat of paint, while still retaining the charm and simplicity that made Bomberman so popular in the first place. The game's Story Mode offered a decent amount of content, with multiple worlds to explore and a variety of boss battles to overcome. However, the real draw of Super Bomberman R was its Battle Mode, which allowed players to compete against each other in a variety of different arenas. The chaotic nature of the multiplayer matches, with bombs exploding everywhere and players frantically trying to avoid getting caught in the blast radius, made for some truly hilarious and memorable gaming moments. While Super Bomberman R may not have been the most groundbreaking or innovative launch title, it was a solid and enjoyable game that provided a fun and nostalgic experience for fans of the Bomberman series. It also helped to showcase the Switch's multiplayer capabilities, allowing players to easily connect and compete with each other. The game's success demonstrated that there was still a place for classic gameplay in the modern gaming landscape, and it paved the way for other retro-inspired titles to find success on the Switch. If you're looking for a fun and accessible multiplayer game to play with friends or family, Super Bomberman R is a great choice.

These best Nintendo Switch launch games were more than just titles; they were the foundation upon which the Switch built its success. Each game, in its own way, showcased the console's unique capabilities and potential, attracting a diverse audience and establishing the Switch as a major player in the gaming industry. Whether you're a long-time Switch owner or new to the platform, these launch titles are worth checking out to understand the console's history and its enduring appeal.