As one of the best-selling consoles of all time, the Nintendo Switch has a wealth of first-party titles that make it a must-have for gamers. Unfortunately, when the Wii U and 3DS eShops are discontinued on March 27th, players will lose access to some fantastic Nintendo games that are not available elsewhere. So, we’ve compiled a list of eight games that you should pick up before they’re gone forever.
The Wii U
Xenoblade Chronicles X
Xenoblade Chronicles X, the RPG that stands out as the black sheep of the Xenoblade Chronicles series, is still exclusive to Wii U. The game has a unique style and tone, mech suits, and a plot about humans who crash land on an alien planet after escaping Earth. It also makes ample use of the Wii U GamePad for its detailed map and menus.
Star Fox Zero
Star Fox Zero, developed by PlatinumGames, made a comeback to consoles and relied on the Arwing’s cockpit perspective on the GamePad. This unique gameplay proved to be divisive among players, but it still speaks to Nintendo’s willingness to take risks with its game design.
Nintendo Land
Nintendo Land was a launch title specifically designed to show off the Wii U’s strengths. The game consists of GamePad-driven minigames based on several first-party series, serving as a celebration of Nintendo’s history. Its wide variety of minigames all use the GamePad in distinct ways, several as fun tech demos.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse boasts a beautiful Claymation style and a unique control system. Players direct Kirby by drawing lines for him to roll across on the Wii U GamePad. It’s an intuitively designed and very approachable all-ages game for the Wii U.
The 3DS
Hey! Pikmin
Hey! Pikmin stands out as another black sheep in a critically acclaimed series. This is a side-scrolling adventure platformer where players explore and collect fuel for Olimar’s ship. The game highlights how versatile the Pikmin franchise can be.
Ever Oasis
Ever Oasis blends Zelda-like third-person exploration and combat with the town-management elements of something like Animal Crossing. It’s a wholly distinct and technically impressive experience for the 3DS.
Tomodachi Life
Tomodachi Life is a charming social simulation game that lets players create their very own Mii characters and witness their amusing and unpredictable adventures on a tropical island. It’s a game that’s sure to put a smile on your face with its quirky humor and captivating narrative scenarios. Although it’s currently only available on the Nintendo 3DS, it’s a title that’s well worth checking out and deserves a revival on the Nintendo Switch.
Pokemon X and Y
For fans of the iconic Pokemon franchise, Pokemon X and Y offer an immersive RPG experience that’s both easy to get into and deeply rewarding. Set in the picturesque Kalos region, these games are a fantastic introduction to the series and provide everything that fans have come to love and expect from the franchise. With their richly-detailed 3D graphics and engaging gameplay, Pokemon X and Y are an essential addition to any Nintendo 3DS library.