While newer consoles like the Switch or Switch 2, supposedly on the way, have significantly expanded its variety of third-party games, there was a time when the Nintendo family of consoles had a sort of ecosystem of games and series completely separate from other traditional consoles.
This is both a blessing and a curse. Nintendo and its family of consoles are iconic pieces of gaming hardware, with some truly iconic gaming support pieces within them. But as time passes and these consoles become less relevant, there are some titles that have been left by the wayside.
8 Etrian Mystery Dungeon
A unique twist on a highly regarded franchise
- Platforms: 3DS
- Developer: Spike Chunsoft
- Publisher: Atlus, NIS America
- Release date: 2015
Etrian's Odyssey it was never Atlus' flagship title. THE Shin Megami Tensei OR Person RPG lines have typically done a better job gaining a mainstream audience, but this is in no way an observation about the quality of these games. While new titles are still far in the future, Etrian's Odyssey The games available today are some of the most unique and interesting exploration-based party builders to be found on Nintendo consoles.
Etrian Mystery Dungeon, then, it takes this already unique series of titles and gives it an even more niche twist, framing the game not as a first-person exploration title, but as a roguelike mystery dungeon title, with all the features we you can expect from this challenging subgenre. For those who aren't familiar, these features include randomly generated dungeons, a fairly high difficulty spike at the start, and the loss of all items upon death. The game has some interesting base-building mechanics to make exploration easier, but this challenging and addictive title, with its style and vibrancy, sadly didn't do well enough to stay on the 3DS eShop.
7 The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
A monolithic title in the Zelda series
- Platforms: Wii, Wii U
- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release date: 2006
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was a colossal hit in the gaming world for Nintendo fans everywhere when it was first released. The darkest story that stayed true to the classic Zelda the titles drew people in and incredible polish was seen in almost every aspect of the game which, by both modern and 2006 standards, is pretty massive. Before Breath of the wildthis was the best seller Zelda game to this day, and his enormous influence can be felt in Zelda games that are still coming out today.
It's a shame, then, that for such a popular and engaging title, it's quite difficult to find today. There is no Switch port and no remastering appears to be in the works, while physical copies are no longer sold at any mainstream retailers. This is one title in particular that tends to cause a stir among Nintendo fans, as the demand for some sort of remaster to bring this title to a new generation of Nintendo consoles is incredibly high.
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Which Nintendo series needs a reboot?
The last game in the Mario Baseball series was Super Mario Sluggers for the Nintendo Wii in 2008, which means it's been about 16 years since a new entry in what was once a pretty beloved (but short-lived) sports series. It would be a great way to sell the new Nintendo Switch, perhaps alongside a new version of Wii Sports.
6 Super Mario Galaxy 2
Chasing Bowser in Space: This time it's personal
- Platforms: Wii, Wii U
- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release date: 2010
Another incredibly popular title from Nintendo's iconic Wii, Super Mario Galaxy 2 he adopted the stage formula of the classic Mario titles and – like its predecessor – exploded proportions to the final frontier. This is one of those classic 3D platformers released by Nintendo, not among the most complex, but certainly one of the most memorable and engaging. Pirouetting and somersaulting in the air as Mario or Luigi have been one of the most iconic parts of video games for decades, and Super Mario Galaxy 2 stick the landing on that side.
But the title went dark along with the Wii, and no remake seems to be in sight for fans of this cosmic platformer. It's definitely one of the titles in Nintendo's oeuvre, and it's a tough list to be a part of, but unfortunately Super Mario Galaxy 2 it will have to remain in the fond memories of anyone who didn't pick up a copy while it was still on the shelves.
5 Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Sky Explorers
A classic spin-off of the Rogue-style franchise
- Platforms: DS, Wii U
- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release date: 2009
There are few Pokemon games with the emotion, heart and maturity of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky. An incredible title that has been waiting for a remake for a long time, Explorers of the sky takes the Pokemon series to a whole new genre. Like the darkest Etrian Mystery Dungeonthis title maintains all the basics of the challenging roguelike subgenre, losing all items and money upon death, rooms full of enemies (hostile Pokemon, of course) and the mysterious dungeons that the protagonist and his partner must go through.
The game actually received a Wii U port, but the underperforming console and its digital store are gone. The age of the game has essentially reduced the remaining DS chips to non-existent, and there's no viable way to get your hands on the title today. For an entire generation of Pokemon fans, however, the game remains vivid in hearts and minds as one of those special Pokemon games that inserts real thoughts and emotions into its story.
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3 Pokemon Rumble
An addictive fighting game
- Platforms: Wii
- Developer: Umbrella
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release date: 2009
Another victim among the many titles that will disappear from the Wii showcase, Pokemon Rumble was a spin-off title in the Pokemon series utterly unlike anything else at the time, with the Wii title's successors (while hard to grasp today) losing some of the charm and addictive gameplay of this original title. There was nothing too complex about this title, but the easy-to-handle controls and interesting style for a Pokemon game won over many players.
An unfortunate loss for anyone looking for a light and charming Pokemon-centric game, as this title has evaporated from any digital storefront, although a mobile successor continues its legacy.