Nintendo will be releasing their brand spanking new console, the Nintendo Switch, on March 3. We won’t lie, we’re impressed with the concept: it’s a home console that can also be used as a portable. That’s enough to hook our interest, but Nintendo won’t be able to sustain that interest if the games suck. Good think that we’re totally pumped about these five new games.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Price: $59.99
- Release Date: March 3, 2017
This entry into Zelda lore was originally set to be released on the Wii U, but will now serve as the Nintendo Switch’s flagship game. The massive and ambitious open world endeavor is said to be the biggest and most expansive Zelda game of all-time.
Breath of the Wild will feature loot drops, crafting, cooking, and other immersive new features. Get excited.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw47_q9wbBE
1-2-Switch
- Price: $39.99
- Release Date: March 3, 2017
Similar to Wii Sports on the Wii and Nintendoland on the Wii U, the Switch will come complete with its own set of minigames. The 1-2-Switch won’t accompany any of the launch editions so it will have to be purchased separately. However, it won’t be as expensive as typical Switch games.
We’re impressed with the variety of selection to choose from including a cowboy-themed duel game, fencing, spell-casting, guitar playing, dancing, and a ton of other really cool minigames. It’s hard to be bored with a handful of different options at your disposal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7p47TOmicQ
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Price: $49.99
- Release Date: April 28, 2017
You can make a strong case for Mario Kart as the greatest video game of all time (cut to 90s kids nodding their heads in agreement). That’s why we’re excited for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The Wii Us Mario Kart 8 was already one of the best racing titles in recent memory and this version promises to be even better.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will feature new characters and courses to choose from, the return of Battle Mode and some really cool multi-player options. There’s also a couple new items and the ability to hold two items at once instead of just one. Yeah, we know repurchasing is a pain, but this might be the rare instance where it’s actually worth it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKlRN2YpxRE
Arms
- Price: $49.99
- Release Date: Spring 2017
Arms will serve as the first all new Nintendo IP for the Switch and boasts an admittedly odd but an intriguing mix of game styles. Imagine a first-person shooter mixed with a boxing game and you’ve got Arms. Extendable arms fire long distance to knock opponents out. Sure, we’re in.
Arms will feature punching, blocking, grabbing, dodging, and a couple super moves. We have no idea how deep the game goes, but it looks like a fun old fashioned sock ’em, rock ’em game and that’s enough for us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7s3UB_8dFM
Splatoon 2
- Price: $59.99
- Release Date: Summer 2017
Not many expected Splatoon to become quite the hit that it did for the Wii U, but we’re happy that it did. Nintendo may be defined by the Marios and Zeldas of the world, but it’s nice to know they’re still capable of creating a great new original character.
The online multiplayer shooter has an enjoyably goofy character design and an intentionally colorful setting thanks to Splatoon‘s twist on the typical shooter game. Rather than bullets, users fire ink at one another which causes damage and provides team upgrades like better speed. Whoever has the most ink wins. Simple but effective.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN4w5D2tzME
