Unlock Nostalgia: 5 Must-Play Remasters on Nintendo Switch Before the Next Gen!

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In about a month, the Nintendo Switch 2 is set to arrive, and while it may not immediately displace the original Nintendo Switch in every home, its innovative features are expected to make it popular as the first new console from Nintendo since 2017. The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts significant improvements in both quality and speed, offering a smooth 60 frames per second and 4K resolution. Yet, the classic Nintendo Switch remains appealing with its endearing qualities and a wealth of games waiting to be played from its extensive library.

The Nintendo Switch, now more than eight years old, has enjoyed a lengthy lifespan in the gaming market. Unlike the ongoing competition between PlayStation and Xbox for premium gaming, Nintendo dominates as the leader in family-friendly console gaming. This is because it’s the sole platform where Nintendo games can be officially played, and it offers an excellent setting for remastered titles that can be enjoyed on the move. Nintendo has successfully leveraged nostalgia by re-releasing some of its classic games, and other publishers have followed suit, porting their own remasters to the Nintendo Switch.

Without further ado, here are five reimagined games for the Nintendo Switch that you might want to explore before jumping into the next-generation offerings on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

1) Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Purchasing three popular Mario games for the price of one is a fantastic offer when considering Nintendo’s remastering strategy. These titles, including Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy, were all highly-acclaimed games that shone during their respective launches on the N64, GameCube, and Nintendo Wii consoles.

The nostalgia is at its peak when you play all three of these games. Super Mario 64 was pioneering as it introduced 3D adventures for Mario, allowing travel from world to world via paintings. Later 3D escapades expanded on the original concept, incorporating new elements like the F.L.U.D.D. water system or setting Mario in space. To truly appreciate Super Mario Odyssey, one must embark on a journey through these earlier games, skillfully compiled into a single collection for Nintendo Switch players.

As a fellow gaming enthusiast, I’ve got some bummer news: Super Mario 3D All-Stars is nowhere to be found on digital or physical shelves at Nintendo stores anymore. That means snagging a copy of this classic game can only happen through second-hand deals now.

2) Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection

Playing Assassin’s Creed II brings back the joy of nostalgic gaming. In this game, you follow the story and adventures of Ezio Auditore da Firenze. This sequel to the original Assassin’s Creed pays homage to its roots while adding fresh side-quests and activities that avoid feeling repetitive. The scale is just right, ensuring that there are no unnecessary quests.

On the Nintendo Switch, these games (AC2, Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, and Assassin’s Creed Revelations) serve as a nostalgic time capsule for gaming, allowing you to recapture the thrill of past victories. The essence that propelled the Assassin’s Creed series to success is deeply embedded in these titles. Plus, being able to play them on-the-go or snuggling up on the couch to revisit those moments makes it a delightful choice.

3) Metroid Prime

Looking forward to the release of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in 2025 serves as a pleasant nudge that the initial Metroid Prime, remastered for the Nintendo Switch, is an excellent opportunity to reacquaint yourself with the Prime series or discover it for the first time in a fresh light.

In a fresh and straightforward rephrasing, here’s how I would put it:

Metroid Prime is the initial 3D installment in the Metroid series that maintains the classic characteristics of a Metroidvania game, offering an open-ended exploration experience where you must gather essential items to unlock previously inaccessible areas. Metroid Prime first appeared during the GameCube era, but its graphics have been updated to seem as if it was specifically designed for the Nintendo Switch. Over time, its gameplay has remained appealing and relevant for contemporary gamers.

4) The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Without question, if any game has been remastered multiple times, it’s undeniably The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This game has undergone numerous updates to cater to contemporary players due to its exceptional qualities. Its deep lore and engaging narrative, combined with the extensive customization of your character and their skillset, make it a standout choice. Furthermore, the opening scene is renowned for its meme-worthy and iconic status within gaming history.

Since you can play it across various consoles, why opt for the Nintendo Switch? The primary reason is its portability, making it an ideal choice for playing one of the best Elder Scrolls games on the go. Whether in handheld mode or docked, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in this expansive game continuously. Given that the game offers over 200 hours of gameplay, playing it while multitasking with Netflix in the background is a breeze. Moreover, depending on your amiibo collection, there are exclusive items from Zelda: Breath of the Wild that can be unlocked.

5) The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

If you’re seeking a revamped or reimagined classic that deserves more recognition, then I recommend giving The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening a try. Originally launched in 1993 for the Nintendo Game Boy,

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening offers a contemporary reimagining of an iconic game. The mechanics and narrative closely mirror the original version and share similarities with other top-down Zelda games. However, its claymation-style visuals breathe new life into the top-down format, making Link’s Awakening a charming and invigorating modernization that keeps this style of Zelda game appealing to current players, unlike perhaps the more widely recognized open-world RPG Zelda games. Essentially, earlier top-down Zelda games could also benefit from such affectionate updates and graphical enhancements.

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2025-05-26 00:11