Launch line-ups for new consoles can be a rollercoaster, and Nintendo knows this all too well with the buzz surrounding the new Switch 2. Armed with some of the most iconic franchises in gaming, Nintendo faces high expectations every time it brings out a new console. With each new release, there’s hope for groundbreaking experiences that transform gaming or inventive twists on the beloved classics fans already adore.
Over the years, Nintendo’s approach has been a mix of both. They revolutionized gaming with the debut of Super Mario Bros. on the NES and later gave the world Wii Sports as a Wii launch title—a seemingly simple game that brought families together in a brand new way. It’s no small feat launching a new console, requiring vast resources and significant time, leading to varied launch line-ups. Here’s a rundown of Nintendo’s home consoles up to the Switch 2.
To simplify things, this list focuses on home consoles and the launch day games available in North America.
### Wii U: The ‘U’ Stands for ‘Unwieldy’
The Wii U boasted a whopping 32 games at launch, boasting an extensive lineup that ensured players had plenty to sink their teeth into. With major third-party titles like Call of Duty and Madden, it seemed promising. Nintendo’s own New Super Mario Bros. U dazzled with its polished take on classic 2D platformers. However, many launch titles were simply re-releases of existing games, and while Mario brought fun, it wasn’t revolutionary. Hidden treasures like ZombiU didn’t get their deserved spotlight, leaving an impression of quantity over quality.
### Nintendo 64: Slim Pickings, Despite a Classic Gem
Faced with competition from Sony’s CD-based PlayStation, the N64 aimed to shake up the gaming scene with its raw power and a game-changer in Super Mario 64. While this title redefined gameplay, propelling players beyond linear paths, the platform’s launch with just two games struggled against PlayStation’s robust library. Despite its innovative edge, the N64’s limited initial offerings couldn’t sustain it against the competition.
### Super Nintendo Entertainment System: Super in Many Ways
In Japan, the SNES, or Super Famicom, had a modest two-game launch, but North America saw a more exciting lineup. Super Mario World, regarded as the height of Mario’s 2D era, introduced enduring characters and inventive mechanics wrapped in enchanting audio and graphics. Along with other hits like F-Zero and Pilotwings, these polished titles established the SNES’s presence strongly, even if the number was modest by today’s standards.
### Nintendo Wii: A Master Class of Motion Controls and Family Fun
The Wii marked Nintendo’s resurgence after years trailing Sony and Microsoft. It defied traditional gaming norms with its unique motion control and bundles of family-friendly features. Central to its success were Wii Sports, which captivated all ages with easy, intuitive motion gaming, and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, offering a darker, more combat-focused adventure fans craved. Though the broader launch games varied in quality, these highlights drew crowds.
### Nintendo Switch: One Game to Rule Them All
The Nintendo Switch’s launch line-up was headlined by the captivating Breath of the Wild. This ingenious Zelda installment upended series conventions while honoring its essence, making it an instant classic with endless replayability. While nothing could eclipse such a profound release, the remaining titles provided a joyful range, mixing classic franchises with vibrant party games.
### Nintendo Entertainment System: It All Starts Here
The NES launch set a benchmark with games that not only captivated players but revolutionized gaming. Extensive variety—from the innovative Super Mario Bros. to the relaxing Duck Hunt or the action-packed Kung Fu—ensured broader appeals. When the NES debuted, it was a rescue mission for a saturated and jaded market. By introducing iconic titles, it cemented a new era in gaming and culture.
Each console launch held its own unique challenges and surprises, proving once again that Nintendo remains a pioneer in the ever-evolving world of gaming.
