Revealing a new console lineup is never a straightforward task, especially when you’re Nintendo, just coming off the buzz of the Switch 2 announcement. This is a company with some of the most cherished IP in gaming history, yet that also means fans have sky-high expectations every time new hardware hits the scene. A fresh Nintendo console heralds the chance to dazzle with groundbreaking gaming experiences or breathe new life into timeless classics.
Over the years, Nintendo has managed to oscillate between these two approaches quite effectively. From the transformative impact of Super Mario Bros. for the NES to the unexpected global frenzy over Wii Sports, bundled with the Wii, their game launches have often redefined the gaming landscape. It’s a substantial commitment, both financially and logistically, to get a console from concept to living rooms, making initial game line-ups a mixed bag in terms of quality. Here’s a rundown of Nintendo’s home consoles leading up to the Switch 2, focusing on North America’s launch line-ups to keep things straightforward.
### Wii U: The ‘U’ Stands for ‘Unwieldy’
When the Wii U hit shelves, it brought with it an impressive list of 32 games available from day one. This quantity offered players an embarrassment of riches in terms of choice. Titles from major gaming franchises like Call of Duty and Madden stood alongside Nintendo’s offering, New Super Mario Bros. U, which added a polished twist to the beloved 2D platformer genre.
Yet, despite the volume, the lineup struggled for impact. Many titles were merely enhanced versions of games already present on other platforms. The exclusives like New Super Mario Bros. U were fun but not breakthrough experiences. Consequently, true gems like the severely underrated ZombiU didn’t get the spotlight they deserved, highlighting an excess of quantity over quality.
### Nintendo 64: Slim Pickings, Despite a Classic
In the gaming crossroads of the mid-90s, Nintendo stuck with cartridges while Sony embraced CDs with its PlayStation— a choice that initially seemed like a slam dunk in favor of Nintendo. The Nintendo 64 arrived strong with Super Mario 64, a launch title that revolutionized gaming with its 3D gameplay, setting a new standard.
However, despite this triumph, the N64 faltered with a mere two-game launch lineup, paling in comparison to the PlayStation’s burgeoning library. Super Mario 64 was indeed brilliant, yet without more companion titles at launch, Nintendo lost ground to Sony, a gap that persisted for generations.
### Super Nintendo Entertainment System: Super in More Ways Than One
The SNES arrived in North America with a more robust lineup than its Japanese launch of only two games, offering titles like Super Mario World, often hailed as the zenith of the series’ 2D adventures. Introducing new elements like Yoshi, it wowed with its innovation in gameplay, audio, and visuals.
Rounding out the roster were memorable titles like F-Zero, which blew players away as a cutting-edge futuristic racer, and Pilotwings, showcasing the SNES’s graphics prowess. Though slender by today’s standards, this selection was filled with high-quality, well-crafted games that firmly set the SNES on its path to glory.
### Nintendo Wii: A Revolution in Motion
Nintendo turned the tide against years of fierce competition from Sony and Microsoft with the Wii—a console that broke convention. Lacking in power but rich in novelty, it featured an odd controller and unexpected features like weather channels and photo albums, yet triumphed spectacularly.
Its resurgence was driven by The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, offering a darker narrative fans craved, and Wii Sports, with intuitive controls everyone could enjoy. Although not all its launch games were hits, these standout titles reinvigorated Nintendo’s appeal to both gamers and non-gamers alike.
### Nintendo Switch: One Game to Rule Them All
No doubt, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was the crown jewel of the Switch’s launch, captivating players with its groundbreaking take on the beloved series. A bold, thrilling reinvention, it reminded players why they loved Zelda and amazed everyone with its depth and replay value.
While Breath of the Wild garnered most of the spotlight, the Switch’s debut lineup also included other delights—a mix of hardcore titles like Bomberman and Shovel Knight and family-friendly fun like 1-2 Switch, blending diverse gaming experiences on one platform.
### Nintendo Entertainment System: Where It All Began
The NES made its mark with an incredible variety of gameplay offerings, from Super Mario Bros., which defined platforming excellence, to the relaxing fun of Duck Hunt. Each game, be it action-packed like Kung Fu or leisurely like Golf, had something unique to offer.
When the NES launched, gaming was at a crisis point, thanks in part to market saturation from lesser-quality titles. Nintendo redefined the industry, filling living rooms with transformative experiences and characters, forever altering the video game landscape.
