Sn3ll

Photo by Ryan Quintal on Unsplash

We’re living in a golden age for gaming, and nowhere is this more evident than with Nintendo’s beloved Switch console. As we eagerly await the next big thing from the Big N – be it a new console or some other revolutionary innovation – the current iteration of their portable powerhouse has been giving us everything and then some. It’s been quite the sendoff year for the Switch, with an incredible lineup of games that have left gamers and critics alike in awe.

From the moment it burst onto the scene back in 2017, the Switch has proven itself to be a game-changer (pun intended). With its unique blend of portability, versatility, and sheer gaming goodness, it quickly won over hearts – and sales records. And while we’ve been spoiled with some incredible titles over the years, 2024 has seen an explosion of creativity and innovation that’s left us all scrambling to keep up.

The Switch Revival

It’s been a wild ride for the Switch in 2024, with some of the most exciting and innovative titles yet hitting store shelves. From remakes and sequels to brand-new IPs, there’s never been a better time to be a gamer – especially if you’re part of the Switch fan club. But what makes this year so special? Is it the sheer variety on offer, or something more?

Main Section 1: The Year in Review

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Super Mario World: Bowser’s Minions
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Pack
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Fall Update

This year has seen some of the biggest and best names in gaming come together to create truly unforgettable experiences. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, a long-awaited sequel to one of gaming’s greatest franchises, was a masterclass in storytelling and world-building – not to mention an utterly breathtaking adventure. Meanwhile, Super Mario World: Bowser’s Minions put a fresh spin on a classic formula, while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Pack continued the tradition of high-octane fun.

Main Section 2: New Horizons and Beyond

• Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Fall Update
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Master Mode
• Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Crown Tundra

Of course, not all the highlights have come from the traditional Nintendo stable. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Fall Update brought a fresh wave of creativity to this ever-popular life sim – complete with spooky decorations and special seasonal activities. And let’s not forget The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Master Mode, which took one of gaming’s greatest adventures to new heights (literally). Meanwhile, Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Crown Tundra offered up an epic expansion for fans of the Pokémon franchise.

Main Section 3: The Indie Revolution

• Stardew Valley
• Cuphead
• Hyper Light Drifter

But the real surprise of 2024 has been the explosion of indie talent on the Switch. Stardew Valley, Cuphead, and Hyper Light Drifter are just a few examples of how smaller developers have managed to create experiences that rival – if not surpass – those from bigger studios. With their unique blend of creativity, charm, and addictive gameplay, these titles have captured hearts and minds in equal measure.

Main Section 4: The Verge’s Favorite Games

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Super Mario World: Bowser’s Minions
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Pack

So what were the Verge’s top picks for this year? In no particular order, we’d have to go with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario World: Bowser’s Minions, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Pack – an incredible trio that shows just how good the Switch can be when pushed to its limits.

Insights and Analysis

The biggest takeaway from this year’s lineup is the sheer diversity on offer. From action-packed adventures like Super Mario World: Bowser’s Minions to life sims like Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Fall Update, there’s genuinely something for everyone – and often in one neat, compact package. Meanwhile, the indie revolution shows that even small studios can create experiences that captivate audiences worldwide.

Of course, this isn’t to say that every game released this year has been a hit – far from it! But as we look back on what’s been an incredible sendoff for the Switch, one thing is clear: gamers are spoiled rotten at present. With an ever-growing library of amazing titles and more innovation in store than you can shake a stick at, there’s never been a better time to be part of this community.

Photo by Samsung Memory on Unsplash

Conclusion

In conclusion, 2024 has been an absolute blast for the Switch – and for gamers everywhere. With its incredible lineup of games, innovative spirit, and sheer gaming goodness on offer, it’s a golden age that we’re all lucky to be living through. So here’s to many more years of Nintendo magic – and may the best console win (just kidding… kind of).