Earlier this week, I joined a group of dads and representatives from Nintendo for the latest edition of Nintendo Dads Night — a virtual event where we received a sneak peek at upcoming Nintendo Switch games and a look at some newer releases.
This is the third time that Nintendo has hosted a dad’s night, and each event includes some trivia questions, time to play video games with the other dads, and a fun look at the latest from Nintendo. Here’s a recap of all the surprises and updates that were shared.
The Nintendo Switch Family: A Console for Every Occasion
The evening began with an overview of the Nintendo Switch family. For those of us who’ve been playing Nintendo games for years, the Switch is a familiar friend, but for the uninitiated (or the grandparents buying gifts), here’s how to tell the difference between the Nintendo Switch models:
- Nintendo Switch: This is the classic model, versatile and beloved, perfect for both docked and handheld play. It has a 6.2 inch LCD screen.
- Nintendo Switch Lite: This is the more affordable, portable version that’s great for gaming on the go. It’s a hit with kids who need something to keep them occupied on long car rides.
- Nintendo Switch OLED: This is the newest addition, featuring a larger, brighter OLED screen and enhanced audio. It’s the crème de la crème for those who crave a richer handheld experience.
If your children love playing together on the big screen and enjoy multiplayer games with friends and family, the classic Nintendo Switch is the ideal choice with its versatile docked and handheld modes. For younger kids who prefer gaming on the go or need something more portable, the Nintendo Switch Lite is perfect—it’s lighter, more compact, and easy to take along on car rides or vacations. If you have tech-savvy gamers who crave the best visual and audio experience, the Nintendo Switch OLED offers a stunning display and enhanced features that make every game look and sound spectacular. Each model caters to different styles of play, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every child.
Elevating Play with Nintendo Switch Online
Next up was a highlight of the perks of Nintendo Switch Online, which comes in two flavors: the base membership and the expansion pack. Both tiers of the service offer the ability to play games online with friends and family, along with some additional perks:
- Base Membership: Grants access to a treasure trove of classic games from the NES, Super NES, and the original Gameboy. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many parents, and a delightful introduction to gaming’s roots for the younger generation.
- Expansion Pack: For those who want more (and really, who doesn’t?), the expansion pack includes games from the Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and Gameboy Advance. It also throws in some premium DLCs for popular titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Splatoon 2, making it a sweet deal for dedicated gamers.
Game Announcements That Made Us All Giddy
Nintendo is nothing if not a master of creating excitement, and the game announcements last night were no exception. Here’s a peek at what’s coming to a Switch near you:
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
This beloved classic from the GameCube era has made a grand return to the Nintendo Switch. Known for its charming characters, witty dialogue, and engaging RPG mechanics, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door promises to be a hit with both old fans and new players. If you’re looking for a game that combines humor with heart, this is it.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD
Originally released as Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon on the 3DS, this spooky yet family-friendly title is now available on the Switch. With the inclusion of the ScareScraper multiplayer mode, up to four players can join in the ghost-hunting fun. It’s the perfect game for a cozy family night in, with just the right amount of eerie excitement.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
After more than a decade, a new 2D Mario game is finally here. Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduces the wonder flower, a delightful new mechanic that brings unexpected surprises to each level. With multiplayer support for up to four players, this game promises endless hours of fun and discovery. It’s classic Mario with a fresh twist, and we couldn’t be more excited.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Fans of Breath of the Wild can continue the fun with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This is a direct sequel that expands the world of Hyrule in thrilling new ways. With new abilities and a vast, explorable world that stretches into the skies and underground, this game is an epic adventure that you can play for hours on end.
Nintendo World Championships NES Edition
For those who love a good challenge, the Nintendo World Championships NES Edition offers speedrunning fun based on classic NES games. With both single-player and multiplayer modes, this game is a nostalgic trip that’s sure to bring out your competitive side. Plus, the deluxe physical edition, featuring a gold cartridge and other goodies is the perfect item for long-time Nintendo fans.
Partnered Games and Exciting Collaborations
The Nintendo team also talked about several games from their publishing and development partners:
Star Wars: Hunters
Set in the Star Wars universe, Star Wars: Hunters is a team-based 4v4 battle game that lets you choose from a roster of unique characters. Whether you’re playing as a bounty hunter or an Imperial stormtrooper, this game promises action-packed fun. And with exclusive content for Nintendo Switch players, it’s a must-have for any Star Wars fan.
Minecraft
Minecraft continues to captivate players with its endless possibilities. The Super Mario Mashup pack adds a delightful twist to the classic game, offering 15 tracks and 40 player skins inspired by the Super Mario series. Whether you’re exploring dungeons in Minecraft Dungeons or strategizing in Minecraft Legends, there’s something for everyone.
Lego Fortnite
Lego Fortnite is a survival crafting adventure that combines creativity with chaos. Players can build massive cities, battle creatures, and explore a world made entirely of Lego bricks. It’s the perfect blend of fun and nostalgia, bringing together the best of both worlds.
Hogwarts Legacy
Set in the 1800s, Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world RPG that lets players explore the Wizarding World long before Harry Potter’s time. With a customizable character and rich, engaging gameplay, it’s a magical experience that fans of the series won’t want to miss.
Upcoming Games to Watch
- Tales of the Shire: Live your best Hobbit life in this charming game set in the Shire. Tend to your garden, fish in ponds, and trade with fellow hobbits in a cozy, pastoral setting.
- MLB The Show 2024: The latest installment in the popular baseball simulation series, offering the most realistic and immersive experience yet.
- Animal Well: An intricate pixel platformer that combines beautiful visuals with challenging gameplay.
- Tomb Raider Definitive Collection: Play the original three Tomb Raider games with all expansions and secret levels in one definitive collection.
- Epic Mickey Refresh: Dive into a fantastical world with Mickey Mouse in this remake of the beloved game. Use paint and thinner to shape your adventure and save the wasteland of forgotten Disney characters.
Nintendo Dads Night was a fun reminder of why we love gaming. It’s not just about the high scores or the epic quests; it’s about the moments we share with our families, the laughter, and the sense of wonder that games bring into our lives. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer, there’s something in the world of Nintendo that will make you smile.
