Nintendo Switch’s 2024 lineup saw a surprising twist: indie games dominated the highest-rated releases, outshining even Nintendo’s own offerings. Typically, Nintendo dominates the best-of lists with titles like Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. However, 2024 showcased a different trend, with independent developers taking center stage.
According to Metacritic data, indie studios delivered some of the most critically acclaimed Switch games of 2024. Surprisingly, the highest-rated game wasn’t a new release, but the Castlevania Dominous Collection. This compilation of three remastered Nintendo DS Castlevania titles earned an impressive 92/100 aggregate score.
Among the new releases, Animal Well and Balatro both garnered outstanding reviews, achieving a 90/100 rating on Metacritic. These indie titles captivated players with their unique gameplay and artistic styles. Other noteworthy indie releases include Neva and Unicorn Overlord, both scoring 89/100, and Lorelai and the Laser Eyes with an 88/100 rating.
Nintendo’s presence on the best-of list is marked by Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door with an 88/100 score. Other notable Nintendo titles include The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom at 85/100 and Super Mario Party Jamboree at 82/100.
This relatively subdued year for major Nintendo releases may be attributed to the company’s focus on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, anticipated to launch in 2025. This transition is further evidenced by Nintendo’s early 2025 lineup, which includes Donkey Kong Country: Returns HD and Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition.
While 2024 might not have been packed with blockbuster Nintendo titles, it provided a platform for indie developers to shine. This shift in the spotlight highlights the diverse and dynamic landscape of the Nintendo Switch ecosystem. The formal unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to reveal more about Nintendo’s future gaming plans and the highly anticipated titles currently under development.
