Nintendo Switch Launch Games: A 2017 Throwback!

Hey guys! Remember the excitement when the Nintendo Switch first hit the shelves back in 2017? It feels like just yesterday, doesn't it? One of the biggest reasons for the initial hype was the lineup of amazing launch games. These titles not only showed off the Switch's unique capabilities but also set the stage for its massive success. Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit those awesome games that accompanied the Nintendo Switch's grand entrance!

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was undoubtedly the crown jewel of the Nintendo Switch launch. This game wasn't just a launch title; it was a statement. Nintendo was back, and they were redefining open-world adventures. Breath of the Wild threw away many of the established conventions of the Zelda series, offering players an enormous, seamless world to explore. From the moment you stepped out of the Shrine of Resurrection, you were free to roam Hyrule, discover its secrets, and tackle challenges in any order you chose. This sense of freedom was revolutionary and incredibly engaging. The game's physics engine was another standout feature. Players could interact with the environment in countless ways, using fire to create updrafts, cutting down trees to cross gaps, and experimenting with the elements to solve puzzles. This level of interactivity made the world feel alive and responsive. The combat system was also a departure from previous Zelda games. Link had a variety of weapons at his disposal, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Players had to learn to adapt to different enemy types and use the environment to their advantage. This added a layer of strategy and depth to the combat that was both challenging and rewarding. Breath of the Wild's stunning visuals and art style were a perfect match for the Switch's capabilities. The game looked gorgeous both on the TV and in handheld mode. The vast landscapes, detailed environments, and vibrant colors brought Hyrule to life in a way that had never been seen before. The game's soundtrack was equally impressive, featuring a mix of orchestral scores and ambient melodies that perfectly captured the mood of each area. Beyond the main quest, Breath of the Wild was filled with countless side quests, challenges, and secrets to discover. Players could spend hours exploring the world, uncovering hidden shrines, and collecting materials to upgrade their gear. This sense of exploration and discovery was one of the game's greatest strengths, and it kept players coming back for more long after they had finished the main story. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild wasn't just a great launch title; it was a masterpiece that redefined the open-world genre. It set a new standard for Nintendo games and helped to establish the Switch as a must-have console. Its impact is still felt today, and it remains one of the most beloved and influential games of all time.

1-2-Switch

1-2-Switch was a unique and somewhat controversial launch title for the Nintendo Switch. Unlike most launch games that focused on immersive gameplay and stunning visuals, 1-2-Switch was designed to showcase the Switch's innovative Joy-Con controllers and their motion-sensing capabilities. The game featured a collection of mini-games that required players to interact with each other face-to-face, rather than focusing on the screen. This was a deliberate design choice by Nintendo, who wanted to emphasize the social aspect of gaming and encourage players to engage with each other in a fun and interactive way. One of the most memorable mini-games in 1-2-Switch was "Milk," where players had to mimic the action of milking a cow using the Joy-Con controllers. The game used the controllers' HD Rumble feature to simulate the feeling of milking a cow, and players had to carefully control their movements to avoid spilling the milk. This mini-game was often hilarious and surprisingly challenging, and it quickly became a fan favorite. Another popular mini-game was "Quick Draw," where players had to react quickly and draw their imaginary guns faster than their opponent. The game used the Joy-Con controllers' motion sensors to track the players' movements, and the first player to draw their gun and point it at their opponent would win the round. This mini-game was a test of reflexes and timing, and it often led to intense and competitive matches. While 1-2-Switch was praised for its innovative use of the Joy-Con controllers, it also received criticism for its lack of depth and replay value. Many players felt that the mini-games were too simple and repetitive, and that the game lacked a compelling single-player mode. Additionally, the game's price point was considered to be too high for what it offered. Despite its flaws, 1-2-Switch served its purpose as a showcase for the Switch's unique capabilities. It demonstrated the potential of the Joy-Con controllers and their motion-sensing technology, and it helped to introduce the Switch to a wider audience. The game's social aspect also resonated with many players, who enjoyed playing it with friends and family at parties and gatherings. 1-2-Switch may not have been a perfect launch title, but it was certainly a memorable one. It took a risk by focusing on social interaction and innovative technology, and it helped to establish the Switch as a unique and versatile gaming console. Its legacy lives on in the many party games that have been released for the Switch since then, all of which owe a debt to 1-2-Switch's pioneering spirit.

Snipperclips – Cut it out, together!

Snipperclips – Cut it out, together! was a delightful and innovative puzzle game that launched alongside the Nintendo Switch. Developed by SFB Games, this quirky title quickly became a fan favorite due to its charming art style, clever puzzles, and emphasis on cooperative gameplay. Unlike many other launch titles that focused on single-player experiences, Snipperclips was designed from the ground up as a multiplayer game. The game's core mechanic revolved around two players controlling paper characters named Snip and Clip. Each player could rotate and cut their character into different shapes to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. This simple yet ingenious concept led to a wide variety of creative and challenging puzzles that required players to communicate and collaborate effectively. One of the most appealing aspects of Snipperclips was its accessibility. The game's controls were easy to learn, and the puzzles were designed to be approachable for players of all ages and skill levels. However, as players progressed through the game, the puzzles became increasingly complex, requiring them to think outside the box and experiment with different strategies. The game's emphasis on cooperation also made it a great choice for families and friends who wanted to play together. Snipperclips encouraged players to communicate and work together to solve puzzles, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. This made the game a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved. In addition to its puzzle-solving gameplay, Snipperclips also featured a charming art style and a lighthearted tone. The game's characters were adorable and expressive, and the environments were colorful and whimsical. The game's soundtrack was also upbeat and catchy, adding to the overall sense of fun and playfulness. Snipperclips was a critical and commercial success, praised for its innovative gameplay, charming art style, and emphasis on cooperative multiplayer. The game's success helped to establish the Switch as a platform for innovative and unique indie games. Snipperclips also demonstrated the potential of the Switch's Joy-Con controllers, which allowed players to easily play together in a variety of different configurations. Snipperclips – Cut it out, together! was a fantastic launch title for the Nintendo Switch, showcasing the console's versatility and appeal to a wide range of players. Its innovative gameplay, charming art style, and emphasis on cooperative multiplayer made it a standout title in the Switch's launch lineup. If you're looking for a fun and engaging puzzle game to play with friends or family, Snipperclips is definitely worth checking out.

Super Bomberman R

Super Bomberman R was a revival of the classic Bomberman series, launching alongside the Nintendo Switch in 2017. Developed by Konami, this title aimed to bring the classic Bomberman gameplay to a new generation of players while also adding some modern twists. For those unfamiliar, Bomberman is all about strategic bombing. Players navigate maze-like arenas, planting bombs to destroy obstacles and defeat opponents. The catch? You have to be careful not to get caught in your own explosions! Super Bomberman R retained this core gameplay, offering both a single-player story mode and a multiplayer battle mode. The story mode followed the Bomberman Brothers as they battled the Evil Emperor Buggler and his five henchmen. While the story wasn't groundbreaking, it provided a decent backdrop for the classic Bomberman action. The multiplayer battle mode was where Super Bomberman R truly shined. Up to eight players could compete in frantic bombing battles, either locally or online. The game featured a variety of different arenas, each with its own unique layout and hazards. Players could also customize their Bomberman with different costumes and accessories. One of the criticisms of Super Bomberman R was its visual presentation. While the game looked decent in handheld mode, it didn't quite live up to the graphical standards of other Switch launch titles. The environments were somewhat bland, and the character models lacked detail. However, the gameplay was solid, and the game ran smoothly, which was the most important thing. Super Bomberman R also received criticism for its initial price point. Many players felt that the game was overpriced for what it offered, especially considering its relatively simple graphics and gameplay. However, Konami later released several updates that added new content and features to the game, making it a better value proposition. Despite its flaws, Super Bomberman R was a welcome addition to the Switch's launch lineup. It provided a fun and nostalgic experience for fans of the Bomberman series, and it also introduced the franchise to a new generation of players. The game's multiplayer battle mode was particularly enjoyable, offering hours of frantic and competitive bombing action. Super Bomberman R may not have been a perfect launch title, but it was a solid one that helped to round out the Switch's initial offerings. Its legacy lives on in the many Bomberman games that have been released since then, all of which owe a debt to Super Bomberman R's revival of the classic formula.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove wasn't technically a brand-new launch title, but it was a significant addition to the Nintendo Switch's initial lineup. This collection brought together the original Shovel Knight game and all of its expansions into one comprehensive package. For those who missed it the first time around, Shovel Knight is a love letter to classic 8-bit platformers like Mega Man and DuckTales. It features tight controls, challenging level design, and a charming retro aesthetic. Players control Shovel Knight, a valiant warrior who wields a shovel as his weapon of choice. He must embark on a quest to defeat the Order of No Quarter and save his beloved Shield Knight. The game's level design is exceptional, with each stage featuring unique challenges and enemies. Shovel Knight has a variety of moves at his disposal, including his signature shovel drop, which allows him to bounce on enemies and objects. The game also features a robust upgrade system, allowing players to customize Shovel Knight's abilities and equipment. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove included not only the original Shovel Knight campaign but also several expansions that added new playable characters and storylines. These expansions offered a fresh perspective on the game's world and gameplay, providing hours of additional content. One of the things that made Shovel Knight so special was its attention to detail. The game's graphics, music, and sound effects were all meticulously crafted to evoke the feeling of classic 8-bit games. The game also featured a charming story and memorable characters, adding to its overall appeal. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove was a perfect fit for the Nintendo Switch. The game's retro aesthetic looked great on the Switch's screen, and the console's portability made it easy to play on the go. The game also supported local co-op, allowing players to team up and tackle the game's challenges together. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove was a critical and commercial success, praised for its excellent gameplay, charming presentation, and wealth of content. The game helped to establish the Switch as a platform for indie games and retro-inspired titles. If you're a fan of classic platformers, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a must-have for your Nintendo Switch library. Its tight controls, challenging level design, and charming presentation make it a timeless classic. It was a brilliant addition to the Switch's launch and showed that a great game is a great game, no matter when it releases!

So, there you have it! Those were some of the fantastic games that launched with the Nintendo Switch back in 2017. Each of these titles played a significant role in the console's success, showcasing its unique capabilities and appealing to a wide range of players. Whether you were exploring the vast world of Breath of the Wild, engaging in hilarious face-to-face battles in 1-2-Switch, or solving clever puzzles in Snipperclips, the Switch's launch lineup had something for everyone. It's amazing to see how far the Switch has come since then, with a massive library of games and a dedicated fanbase. But it's always fun to look back and remember the games that started it all. What were your favorite Nintendo Switch launch games? Let us know in the comments below!