6 Best Nintendo Launch Titles of All Time
Nintendo has a long history of launching their consoles with absolute bangers—and some of them were so good, they helped define an entire generation of gaming. On this episode of Good Playing With You, the crew looked back at the six best Nintendo launch titles of all time—games that not only sold systems, but also left a lasting mark on players around the world.
1. Wave Race: Blue Storm (GameCube)
Wave Race: Blue Storm made a huge splash when the GameCube launched, delivering four-player jet ski chaos that felt ahead of its time. Easy to pick up and play, it quickly became a staple in every GameCube owner’s library. Whether you were navigating waves or launching off ramps, it was pure multiplayer fun—and honestly, we wouldn’t mind a modern update.
2. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem (GameCube)
One of the most overlooked launch titles ever, Eternal Darkness brought psychological horror to Nintendo like never before. Developed by Silicon Knights, it didn’t sell like gangbusters, but its disturbing narrative, mind-bending sanity effects, and immersive storytelling earned it a cult following. The visuals haven’t aged well—but the ambition sure has.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch)
Let’s be honest—no list of Nintendo launch titles would be complete without Breath of the Wild. It’s arguably the greatest console launch game of all time. With its expansive open world, brilliant physics engine, and total reinvention of the Zelda formula, it was a system seller from day one.
4. F-Zero (Super Nintendo)
Blazing fast and brutally addictive, F-Zero brought futuristic racing to the SNES and helped showcase the power of Mode 7 graphics. Between the pounding soundtrack and twitch-reflex gameplay, it was a thrilling and unforgettable introduction to the console.
5. Wii Sports (Wii)
It might have been a pack-in, but Wii Sports was more than just a tech demo—it was a phenomenon. Whether you were swinging virtual tennis rackets with grandma or boxing your best friend across the living room, this game was pure joy. It helped the Wii cross generations and smashed sales records along the way.
6. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (Wii)
Rounding out the list is the surprise entry of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, a launch title for the Wii that offered four-player co-op superhero action. With its Diablo-esque perspective, RPG mechanics, and massive Marvel roster, it gave fans a chance to build their dream team and level up through iconic battles.
These titles didn’t just show off what their consoles could do—they defined the tone of entire eras of Nintendo gaming. Whether you were mastering Hyrule, drifting through Mute City, or swinging virtual tennis rackets, these launch games made it clear: Nintendo knows how to kick things off right.
🎮 Got a favorite Nintendo launch game we didn’t mention? Hit us up and let us know what made your list!
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