Switch 2’s Most-Played Games Prove Nintendo’s Ocarina of Time Remake was a Brilliant Move

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A lot of Nintendo Switch fans are hoping to see certain games announced for the upcoming Switch 2. Considering how incredibly popular Animal Crossing: New Horizons was on the original Switch, it’s surprising we haven’t heard anything about a new Animal Crossing game yet. Also unexpected is the absence of news regarding a brand-new 3D Super Mario adventure, as these types of games usually launch alongside a new console.

Nintendo’s approach with the new Switch 2 seems to focus more on updated versions of well-loved games and revisiting classics rather than releasing a flood of entirely new titles right away. We’re seeing this with remakes like the upcoming Star Fox 64 and recent releases such as Pokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green. The remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, highlighted in the latest Nintendo Direct, has also generated a lot of excitement. While some players might prefer completely new games, this strategy could be smart – the Switch’s most popular titles already show that people enjoy playing these familiar favorites.

Switch 2 Gamers Are Revisiting Retro Titles Nearly As Often as Playing New Releases

Playtracker recently shared a list of the most popular games played on the Nintendo Switch 2. The list was published to celebrate the console’s first year and shows what players have been enjoying the most. As expected, Mario Kart World is the most-played game, followed by Donkey Kong Bananza, the first big 3D platformer for the Switch 2. However, the games after that are a bit more unexpected.

Okay, so I’ve been checking out the most played games on the new Switch 2, and it’s crazy how many retro titles are at the top! Nintendo’s really leaning into its classics. While each library has a bunch of different games, so people are spread out, the GameCube library is actually number three on the list! Then you’ve got Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and SNES all landing in spots six through eight. And the original Game Boy library is still hanging in there at number ten. It’s awesome to see so many old favorites getting love!

It seems like many Nintendo fans are more interested in replaying older games than trying out newer ones on the Switch 2. This is likely because the Switch 2 doesn’t have a lot of brand-new, exclusive games yet. However, the popularity of these retro games shows there’s a strong demand for classic remakes. The upcoming remake of Star Fox 64 on June 25th will be a good test of this idea. While people are excited about Star Fox, a remake of a Zelda game would probably be an even bigger success for Nintendo.

Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon Lead the Charge for Nintendo Switch 2

The popularity of older games on the Switch 2 shows there’s still a strong demand for classic Nintendo titles. Looking at the most-played games in its first year gives us a good idea of which franchises are most beloved by fans. It’s no surprise that Mario Kart remains a hit, and the success of Donkey Kong Bananza highlights the need for a new 3D Super Mario game. Pokemon, with releases like Pokemon Pokopia and Legends: Z-A, continues to be a top performer. Other popular titles include Animal Crossing: New Horizons at #9, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom at #12 and #14, respectively.

This confirms that Nintendo fans are eager for new installments of Super Mario and Animal Crossing. However, considering players are still enjoying Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom long after their release, and retro games are so popular, it makes sense Nintendo is prioritizing a remake of Ocarina of Time. Zelda is a huge franchise for Nintendo, second only to Mario, and Ocarina of Time is a particularly beloved classic that taps into the strong sense of nostalgia Nintendo fans have for older consoles.

Honestly, I’m still a little surprised we haven’t seen anything new about Animal Crossing or a new Super Mario game yet. But thinking about it, if most of us Switch 2 owners are going to be playing older games, then making a really great remake seems like the smartest move for Nintendo. It would get more consoles into the hands of fans like me! I was so excited when I finally saw the Ocarina of Time remake reveal, and it’s clear Nintendo knows how to deliver something special.

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2026-06-16 22:18