The Nintendo Switch may be getting older, but that doesn’t mean it’s running out of great games. Nintendo has a history of releasing fantastic games towards the end of a console’s lifecycle, and with over 140 million Switch consoles sold, there’s still plenty of potential for more amazing games to come.
While we eagerly await news of a new Nintendo console, let’s take a look back at some of the late-generation Nintendo releases that have stood out as some of the best games on their respective consoles.
Metroid: Samus Returns for the 3DS is a standout title that was released six months after the Switch launched. The remake of the original Metroid II brought updated mechanics and new features to the classic game, making it a must-play for fans of the series.
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble! for the SNES rounded off the DKC trilogy nicely, offering a non-linear map and updated visuals that still hold up today.
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, playable on the Switch in remake form, is not only a fantastic game but also a historical look at the origins of the Mario role-playing series.
WarioWare Gold for the 3DS is a compilation of popular games from the series, along with new additions, making it a great package for fans of the quirky mini-game series.
Conker’s Bad Fur Day for the N64 stood out as a mature-themed game in a sea of family-friendly titles, offering a unique and humorous experience for players.
Mega Man 5 for the NES may not get as much love as its predecessors, but it still offers a solid entry in the classic series with new gameplay mechanics to keep things fresh.
Kirby’s Adventure for the NES is a vibrant platforming masterpiece that still holds up today, showcasing the pink puffball’s charm and fun gameplay.
Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 for the SNES is a challenging and engaging game that was released towards the end of the console’s lifespan, showing that great games can come at any point in a system’s lifecycle.
As we look forward to the future of Nintendo consoles, let’s not forget the amazing games that have come out towards the end of the Switch’s lifecycle. There’s still plenty of fun to be had with the console we have at home right now, and who knows what other surprises Nintendo has in store for us.
