Nintendo’s Stunning Revival in 2024: Surprising Success without Switch 2
OPINION: Is the Nintendo Switch’s Swan Song a Beating Conquest?
As we eagerly anticipate the rumored arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, it’s hard not to wonder if this year has been the collective swan song for the hybrid console. But, despite the rumors of a new console generation, 2024 has been a remarkable year for the Switch, with a consistent flow of first-party titles and third-party games that cater to different niches.
The Heavy Hitters
Four mainstream titles caught my attention, each with its unique appeal: The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Princess Peach: Showtime!, Mario & Luigi Brothership, and Super Mario Party Jamboree. I’d even go as far as to say that Echoes of Wisdom is one of my top three games of the year, with a gameplay style that revitalizes the series and offers hope for a new future, just like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild did in 2017. I was particularly surprised by how much Mario & Luigi Brothership won me over, with its accessible yet challenging gameplay and cutesy aesthetic.
The "Too Cool for School" Crowd
Nintendo also released a few games with niche audiences in mind: Mario vs Donkey Kong, Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition, and Another Code: Recollection. The latter, a remake of the 2005 point-and-click adventure game, showed a clear understanding of the Switch’s diverse fan base. Games like these might not sell millions, but they speak to the various sub-groups within the Nintendo community.
Games with a Fresh Coat of Paint
Remasters continue to be a staple of the gaming industry, and the Switch had its share, including Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, a lovingly updated version of a classic. I also enjoyed the HD update of Luigi’s Mansion 2, which makes an already excellent game even more enjoyable. These remasters remind us that Nintendo is still behind when it comes to backwards compatibility and retro game availability, making updates like these all the more valuable.
Third-Party Titles Didn’t Miss
The Switch has consistently received a steady stream of third-party games, including Yakuza Kiwami, which is selling "like hotcakes," according to its developer, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. Other notable titles include Balan Wonderworld, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and Stray, with Lego Horizon Adventures making its way to the platform as well.
A Year for the Ages
As we look back on this year, it’s easy to overlook the Switch’s achievements in favor of the upcoming Switch 2. While none of these games quite breached the mainstream like previous titles, it was still a solid output for a console nearing the end of its lifecycle. The Switch still has one big exclusive up its sleeve – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, set to release in 2025 – and it’s had an impressive run so far. When the Switch finally gives way to its successor, I think we can all agree that it’s had a remarkable journey.
