Nintendo makes some of the best games that we’ve seen and that’s for a console that’s not even as powerful as the vanilla PS4. The company’s classics are The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario RPG, Super Mario Odyssey, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Nintendo’s games are known for their vast open worlds, great character backstories, and excellent combat mechanics. Also, the company’s games are frustratingly fun, so you’ll keep playing no matter how many times you lose.
Hence, it is with great pleasure that we review Nintendo’s upcoming exclusives, which also include a Super Mario game. Reviewers at Player.com also predict that some Nintendo Switch exclusives may not even arrive on the console. So, you’ll only be able to play them on Nintendo’s next-gen console, which might not be released until 2025.
Also Similar: Super Mario Bros. Wonder | Expect New Powers and Levels
The 7 Best Nintendo Switch Exclusives You Should Look Out For
2023 was a great year for Nintendo Switch exclusives and we hope 2024 will follow suit. For one, we hope more games will be announced for 2024. If you’re a fan of horror games, you should check out Alan Wake 2 because Nintendo Switch exclusives can never fit in the horror genre. This is mostly because of the cartoonish art style. Is anyone playing Super Mario RPG? Check out the top 10 powers of Mario here. They’ll give you a roadmap to follow when choosing perks.
#1: Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon | Release Date: 2024
This is one of the most anticipated Nintendo Switch exclusives of 2024 and for good reasons. Following the success of the original Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon in 2013, Nintendo is remaking the game. It’ll boast better lighting, smoother animations, and many other quality-of-life features. Originally released for the Nintendo 3DS, the plot revolves around Luigi, Mario’s less popular brother and his standalone adventures. So, you can expect Mario to play a supporting role instead of being the protagonist. The aim is to defeat King Boo and restore peace to Evershade Valley and its ghosts. King Boo believes he’s the rightful ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom and he doesn’t mind invading it with a new army.
To prevent that, you need shards of the Dark Moon, which can be found in different haunted locations. This is the opposite of the previous game, which unfolded in a single mansion. Overall, there are five Dark Moon pieces in the main campaign, while the multiplayer mode plays out in a sixth, exclusive mansion. Along the way, players will encounter a great variety of bosses, such as Poltergeist, Ancient Poltergeist, The Three Sisters, Harsh Possessor, The Brain, Shrewd Possessor, and a few others.
#2: Princess Peach: Showtime! | Release Date: March 22, 2024
Princess Peach: Showtime! Is an upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusive that focuses on Princess Peach. Instead of playing Mario or Luigi as the protagonist, you’ll be controlling Princess Peach this time. The last time that players controlled Princess Peach was more than 15 years ago, in Super Princess Peach. Moving forward, the game’s first teaser was released in 2023, in June 2023’s Nintendo Direct program.
The gameplay is stage-based, taking place at Sparkle Theater, which a Toad belongs to. Soon after getting there, the theatre is invaded by a witch called Grape. Naturally, Nintendo Switch exclusives now offer companion-based experiences. So, Stella, the theatre’s guardian, shares her powers with Princess Peach to vanquish her new nemesis. These powers are transformative, capable of transforming Princess Peach into Swordfighter Peach, Kung Fu Peach, and Detective Peach.
Naturally, each of these powers gives Princess Peach a specific set of skills. If you transform into Swordfighter Peach, you’ll suddenly turn into a master swordswoman who annihilates foes with a rapier. If you turn into Kung Fu Peach instead, you’ll be capable of beating opponents with martial arts.
#3: Metroid Prime 4 | Release Date: TBA
Metroid Prime 4 is one of the few Nintendo Switch exclusives that doesn’t have a release date yet, but the game is currently being developed by Retro Studios. It was announced way back in 2017, when it was still being developed by Bandai Namco Studios for the Nintendo Switch. That said, Metroid Prime 4 is an FPS where players can explore vast worlds with niche enemies to adapt to. Metroid Prime 3’s conclusion was good, leaving little wiggle room for a sequel.
However, we learned that Samus went into hyperspace, so there’s a possibility that gamers will explore a whole new galaxy in Metroid Prime 4. Still, the fear of the unknown is deep so we hope that the developers will learn one or two from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. That is, we’re looking forward to a huge sandbox where exploration is rewarded. Also, we’re looking forward to the myriad of unique weapons we’ll be able to use later on.
According to Retro Studios, the studio aims to “Create compelling environments with an emphasis on environmental storytelling. Work closely with art direction and leads to capture desired goals of look and play space. Develop high-quality environment assets ranging from hard surface to organic models”.
#4: Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince | Release Date: December 1, 2023
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is the earliest game on our list to be released. It’s a tale of revenge in a fantasy world where dragons, monsters, elves, and other magic wielders are the norm. The game starts with Psaro being cursed and unable to harm monsters or any being with their blood in it. Now, he must become a Monster Wrangler to create an army for the sake of world dominance. The closest game to this is Middle-earth: Shadow of War.
Thankfully, gamers will explore beautiful biomes with ever-changing seasons. You’ll travel across rivers of lava, towering cakes, and even ancient ruins on your way to getting back at the people who wronged you. Along the way, you’ll also gain companions, such as Rose, who helps in his bid to collect monsters. Psaros’ defining power is his ability to combine monsters to create stronger offspring. Players who pre-order this game will receive items such as:
- Bonus Ball x1.
- Head Start Set x1.
- Scholar’s Specs x1.
- Stardust Earrings x1.
#5: Mario vs. Donkey Kong | Release Date: February 16, 2024
Mario vs. Donkey Kong is an upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusive that’s coming out in 2024. It’s being developed by Nintendo Software Technology Corporation and published by Nintendo itself. The original game was developed for 2004’s Game Boy Advance so this is a remake. Mario vs. Donkey Kong was announced at the 2023 Nintendo Direct, along with other Nintendo Switch exclusives.
The remake is supposedly getting several upgrades for a better experience. For one, Mario vs. Donkey Kong will be completely rendered in 3D instead of pre-rendered sprites. Also, the cutscenes will now be fully animated, instead of switching between many static frames. Gamers can also expect the same variety of enemies from the previous game in this remake. This includes the likes of Shy Guys, Monchees, RamRams, Tane Pakkun, and Podoboos.
As for the story, it’s still as entertaining as ever. Donkey Kong has stolen the Mini-Marios and it’s up to Mario to rescue them. So, you’ll run, jump, and backflip on your way to rescuing the Mini-Mario toys. Naturally, this is a Mario game, so there are many platform puzzles available to solve, such as spikes, falling bricks, and moving planks. Let’s also remember that Toad will appear as a playable character that players can use during co-op mode alongside Mario. Who knows? We might also explore secret levels similar to the hidden exits in Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
#6: Rift of the NecroDancer | Release Date: Q2 2024
Rift of the NecroDancer is a new rhythm game spinoff where you control Cadence, who is a NecroDancer. She navigates the modern world, fighting rhythmic battles to close rifts that have torn her realm and life apart. You’ll partake in mini-games, rift mode, and boss battles to over 25 beats and soundtracks from Danny Baranowsky and friends. Yes, Rift of the NecroDancer is a 2D game where you eliminate hordes of monsters coming out of a rift. Even though the game isn’t 3D, the lighting, textures, colours, and other visual effects in the trailer are fantastic.
Moving forward, the game will also support mods so players who want to add even more soundtracks and visual effects will have the opportunity. Monsters are also varied and while the majority of them will die with a hit, the gameplay isn’t that simple. Slimes are usually the easiest to kill but sometimes they can take multiple hits before they die. Also, monsters like bats will switch lanes once you hit them for the first time. Finally, skeletons with shields need sun-divided bashes to kill off.
#7: Splatoon 3 – Expansion Pass (Side Order) | Release Date:
Splatoon 3 – Expansion Pass (Side Order) is an exclusive for Splatoon 3 that offers a standalone campaign experience. It’s a single-player DLC where you control Agent 8 who’s trying to save Inkopolis Square. The city has been bleached out and the residents are missing. Your only cue is the Spire of Order, which is floating maliciously above the city.
Worry not! You won’t be alone on your adventures because the Pearl Drone is the best companion you will ever need. It’s equipped with tools such as grappling hooks for escaping tight situations. Also, the monsters in Splatoon 3 – Expansion Pass (Side Order) appear en masse. To meet them, explore the Spire of Order, which is akin to stages. This means that you need to clear the horde in one area to progress to the next one.
This is a Nintendo Switch exclusive so you can also expect many upgrades for altering your playstyle. However, you must clear stages and defeat enemies to earn your upgrades. Ultimately, your goal is to save Inkopolis Square and its residents from whatever danger is lurking around the city.
Our Final Say: Nintendo Switch Exclusives Are Certified Bangers
Nintendo Switch exclusives are masterpieces, regardless of how long you’ve been a fan of the Game Maker. Mario is probably the most popular game character in the world, bringing joy to many homes, friends, and couples. The company and studio behind the game’s success is Nintendo, which produces its Super Mario games exclusively. The same treatment extends to The Legend of Zelda game series. From The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the majority of Nintendo’s exclusives, including all The Legend of Zelda games are developed in-house.
Except for Rift of the NecroDancer, which will also be released for Windows PCs later, every game on the list is being produced by Nintendo’s developers. To cut a long story short, the company’s track record has been impressive to date. So, we don’t see any reason why these upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusives won’t be bangers either. If you’re thinking of pre-ordering any of these games, rejoice! Because you can still cancel the order later if the previews aren’t positive.