Top Nintendo First-Party Games Of 2023

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Top Nintendo First-Party Games of 2023

Hey guys! 2023 was a fantastic year for Nintendo fans, with a bunch of amazing first-party titles hitting the shelves. Whether you're into epic adventures, puzzling challenges, or just hanging out with your favorite characters, Nintendo had something for everyone. Let's dive into some of the top first-party Nintendo games that made 2023 such a memorable year for gamers!

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Okay, let's be real – we have to start with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This game was an absolute showstopper, and arguably the biggest release of the year, not just for Nintendo, but for the entire gaming industry. Following up on the monumental success of Breath of the Wild was no easy task, but Nintendo absolutely nailed it. Tears of the Kingdom expands upon the already massive world of Hyrule, giving us even more to explore, discover, and, of course, save.

The gameplay in Tears of the Kingdom is where the magic really happens. Link's new abilities, like Ultrahand, Fuse, Ascend, and Recall, completely change the way you interact with the environment. Ultrahand lets you build insane contraptions, from vehicles to elaborate structures, using almost anything you can find. Fuse allows you to combine weapons and items to create powerful new tools and attacks. Ascend lets you pass through ceilings and reach new heights, and Recall lets you reverse the trajectory of moving objects. These abilities aren't just gimmicks; they're integral to solving puzzles, traversing the landscape, and battling enemies. You'll find yourself constantly experimenting and coming up with creative solutions you never thought possible.

The story is captivating, delving deeper into the lore of Hyrule and the ancient battles against the forces of darkness. The characters are memorable, and the world is filled with intriguing side quests and secrets. Exploring the sky islands and the depths beneath Hyrule adds a whole new dimension to the game. Graphically, Tears of the Kingdom is a marvel on the Switch, pushing the hardware to its limits with stunning visuals and a vibrant art style. It’s one of those games where you can easily lose yourself for hours, just wandering around and discovering new things. If you haven't played it yet, seriously, what are you waiting for?

Tears of the Kingdom isn’t just a game; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to Nintendo’s ability to innovate and create worlds that capture our imaginations. From the intricate puzzles to the epic battles, every moment feels special. It’s a must-play for any Zelda fan and a strong contender for the greatest game of all time. Seriously, this game set a new standard and it will be talked about for years to come.

Pikmin 4

Next up, we've got Pikmin 4, which brought a fresh and delightful twist to the series. The Pikmin games have always been a bit niche, but Pikmin 4 feels like the most accessible and engaging entry yet. You play as a customizable character who crash-lands on a mysterious planet and must team up with the adorable Pikmin to explore, solve puzzles, and rescue other stranded explorers. What’s not to love?

One of the coolest new features in Pikmin 4 is Oatchi, your loyal canine companion. Oatchi can help you carry heavy objects, attack enemies, and even learn new abilities as you progress through the game. Riding on Oatchi's back while commanding your Pikmin squad is incredibly fun and adds a new layer of strategy to the gameplay. The Pikmin themselves are as charming and useful as ever, with different types of Pikmin possessing unique abilities that are essential for overcoming obstacles.

Pikmin 4 introduces Ice Pikmin, which can freeze enemies and water surfaces, and Glow Pikmin, which are used for nighttime expeditions. These new Pikmin types add even more variety to the already diverse Pikmin roster. The game’s environments are beautifully designed, with each area presenting new challenges and secrets to uncover. From lush forests to treacherous caves, there’s always something new to discover.

The Dandori Challenges are a standout feature, testing your ability to efficiently manage your Pikmin and complete tasks within a time limit. These challenges are both fun and rewarding, and they encourage you to think strategically about how to use your Pikmin effectively. The story is lighthearted and engaging, with plenty of quirky characters and humorous moments. Pikmin 4 is a game that’s easy to pick up and play, but it also offers a surprising amount of depth and strategy for those who want to delve deeper. If you're new to the Pikmin series, this is a perfect place to start. It is fun, it is cute, and it is addictive.

Metroid Prime Remastered

Metroid Prime Remastered was a surprise release that took everyone by storm. This game is a complete overhaul of the GameCube classic, bringing it up to modern standards with stunning new graphics, improved controls, and enhanced audio. Playing through Metroid Prime with these enhancements is like experiencing it for the first time all over again.

The original Metroid Prime was a groundbreaking game, seamlessly translating the 2D Metroid formula into a 3D first-person adventure. Metroid Prime Remastered retains everything that made the original great while adding significant improvements. The updated graphics are gorgeous, with detailed textures, improved lighting, and smoother animations. The game looks absolutely fantastic on the Switch, and it’s a testament to the power of skillful remastering.

One of the biggest improvements is the control scheme. While the original GameCube controls were innovative for their time, they could feel a bit clunky by today’s standards. Metroid Prime Remastered offers multiple control options, including dual-stick controls, which make aiming and movement feel much more intuitive. Whether you prefer the classic controls or the new ones, you’ll find a control scheme that suits your play style.

The atmosphere of Metroid Prime is still as captivating as ever. The haunting sound design, the eerie environments, and the sense of isolation all contribute to a truly immersive experience. Exploring the alien world of Tallon IV is a joy, and discovering its secrets and ancient lore is incredibly rewarding. Metroid Prime Remastered is a must-play for any Metroid fan and a great entry point for newcomers to the series. It's a reminder of just how influential and timeless the Metroid Prime series is. It truly shows the love and care Nintendo has for its franchises.

Honorable Mentions

While the above three games were definitely the standouts, there were a few other first-party Nintendo games in 2023 that deserve a shout-out:

  • Fire Emblem Engage: A solid entry in the Fire Emblem series, with engaging tactical gameplay and a compelling story.
  • Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe: A delightful remake of the Wii classic, with enhanced graphics and new gameplay features.
  • Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon: A unique and stylish prequel that offers a fresh take on the Bayonetta universe.

Conclusion

All in all, 2023 was an incredible year for first-party Nintendo games. From the epic adventures of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to the charming exploration of Pikmin 4 and the stunning remaster of Metroid Prime, there was no shortage of amazing games to play on the Nintendo Switch. These games showcased Nintendo's creativity, innovation, and commitment to delivering high-quality experiences for gamers of all ages. Here's hoping 2024 brings just as many amazing Nintendo first-party titles!