Going into 2017 there was a mixture of optimism and scepticism for Nintendo. The Switch had been unveiled, kind of, in late 2016 and we were promised details (including release date, games and price) would come in January. Some scepticism faded when Nintendo delivered these details, and a lot of it was shifted once the console launched in March and came on in leaps and bounds.

In just 9 months Nintendo has managed to shake off the misfortunes that struck the Wii U and delivered a console that is selling well and is getting software support by third parties. The form factor has opened up a range of possibilities to players and developers alike and it has quickly become an indie darling.

The Nintendo 3DS may have turned six this year and has been overshadowed by the Switch, but it is by no means a dead console. This year alone has seen stellar titles such as Metroid: Samus Returns, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Fire Emblem Warriors and much more. While many people thought the Switch would bring an end to Nintendo's dedicated handheld console, Nintendo has gone out of their way to prove them wrong.

We have taken a look back at the last 12 months to look at what Nintendo did well, what we enjoyed and were surprised by and to look forward to 2018 and what we hope will come.

Dean Anderson (Dcubed)

We're almost at the one year mark, but sod waiting! Let's celebrate with an early birthday!

It's pretty crazy to think how things have changed since this time last year.  Back then, Switch had just been revealed with that snazzy looking trailer (you know the one) a couple of months ago and feelings were generally positive around the time.  We had a confirmation of Switch versions of Breath of the Wild (Big surprise...), Splatoon (Port or Sequel!?) and Mario Kart 8 (What's up with the double items!?), as well as what seemed to be a port of Skyrim of all things! (Is it real? Is it a mockup? Who knows!); while the hybrid nature of the console immediately made sense to people around the world, a far cry from the bewildering unveiling of the Wii U.

You too can be a beautiful 20-something girl, making Mario Kart the life of your rooftop party!

But many were still sceptical about the system's chances.  Would it follow in the Footsteps Of Failure that the Wii U had laid before it? Would the hybrid nature of the system be accepted? Or would it be dismissed as an expensive handheld, to be tossed aside in favour of your existing smartphone or tablet? The March release date, typically associated with handhelds, didn't help matters either!

It's all too easy to look back in hindsight and say that the Switch's success was a sure thing; how quickly people forget that the January event was poorly received, especially amongst game developers.  Even Super Mario Odyssey was largely compared to Sonic Adventure by many on its initial unveil, not a flattering look for your brand new console!

So it's on this eve of the new year that I look back on the last 9 months with a sense of awe at how far Nintendo have come.  Who could've imagined that we'd see games like Doom and Rocket League hit the platform within the first year? Hell, we've even seen support from Rockstar of all developers! With their release of L.A. Noire on Switch, it might not be the highest profile release, but it is representative of something that would have been seen as totally impossible just 9 months ago; I know I would never have bet on it!

And that's also something that has really shocked me throughout 2017.  In the face of surprise meteoric success, we haven't really seen accompanying support from Japanese developers, no, instead we have actually seen much more support from their western counterparts! It's still early days, but I have been constantly surprised at how many of the largest Japanese developers have completely failed to capitalise on the platform's momentum and am still surprised at the lack of commitment from most Japanese 3rd party developers not called SEGA or Square Enix.  When even Bethesda, a publisher that has released basically nothing on Nintendo consoles since the NES, is outdoing you, you know you're doing something wrong!

Who could've imagined your Home Menu looking like this a year ago!?

Nintendo's own support has been nothing short of stellar though.  I had my doubts about their ability to keep a consistent cadence of software, given their inability to keep a consistent schedule going on previous platforms, but they have indeed managed to release at least one major 1st party game, at least every 2 months.  They even managed to get Xenoblade 2 out before year's end! Not only could I have never imagined that it could be announced for release within the Switch's first year, I couldn't believe that they got it out without a delay! (though with the issues that it has while running in handheld mode, perhaps it could've done with one).  And while I was personally disappointed with Breath of the Wild, I can't deny the sheer impact it has had on the console's success as a whole.  Nintendo have really pumped out an amazing first year lineup, and I struggle to imagine how they can keep up the pace going forward.

So.  Moving forward into 2018.  What do I want to see? Looking beyond Nintendo's own output for the moment, I really want to see Japan's big 3rd party developers finally pull their finger out.  The Switch is not only the successor to the Wii U, but also the successor to the 3DS,  start treating it like that!  We shouldn't be seeing big games ignoring the platform in their domestic market, it simply shouldn't be happening.  What happened with Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter XX, or even easy ports like Okami HD and Devil May Cry HD Collection is just simply absurd and these developers who aren't supporting the Switch, even with their multiplatform releases, are simply leaving masses of cash on the table.

This simply needs to happen.  I don't care how, it just needs to happen!

As for the West? I really hope that Bethesda gets rewarded for their early support and that others continue to follow in their wake.  While the first year has ended up far better than I ever expected it to from the outset, we still have a long way to go.  Nintendo have made huge strides throughout 2017 in that regard, but I'm still not convinced that they're going to be able to maintain it going forward.  Please prove me wrong!

Going back to Nintendo, they've got a hell of an encore to fulfil and though I know I'll probably regret doubting them here, but I have my doubts about their ability to keep up the current cadence.  We have ports of Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 coming in February, but otherwise, nothing else has a release date.  Sure, we have announcements of a new Fire Emblem, a new mainline Pokémon game and even the unlikely announcement of Metroid Prime 4, but they all have nothing to show for themselves; implying that none of them will be releasing for a whiles to come.  Even the new Yoshi game for Switch was looking a little rough and early during its E3 showing, implying that it's not coming out for a little while still; this leaves just Kirby: Star Allies to fill the release gap.  

With the rumours floating around of a Nintendo Direct coming in January though, it seems that it shouldn't be long before Nintendo show their hand.  If they can come out swinging with their online service, the launch of the Switch Virtual Console and some surprise early 2018 releases, there's a chance that they may be able to prove my doubts wrong.  I'm not asking for much here!

I'd also like to commend Nintendo on their continued support for the 3DS throughout 2017 too.  For a console on its 6th year on the market, its late life support has been nothing short of spectacular, perhaps even more impressive than their support for the Switch itself! With 22 titles published by Nintendo of Europe throughout 2017, nobody can claim that Nintendo's ageing handheld hasn't been treated well! It'll be interesting to see how gracefully they continue to phase out the 3DS, as it transitions to being the cheap, entry-level Nintendo platform for kids.

Speaking of things that nobody saw coming...

2017 has really been a landmark year for Nintendo, for many reasons.  I can only hope that 2018 can continue Nintendo's current winning streak.  The last few years have been a dark time for Nintendo as a company and as a long-time fan, it's thrilling to see them on top of the world again in a way that we haven't seen since the Wii and DS era.  Will we see more new IPs like ARMS? Will we see more games built to take advantage of the unique capabilities of the Switch's Joy-cons? Will we see them be able to continue the consistent software schedule that has been key to their success? I don't know, but I'm gonna have a lot of fun finding out!

Grazza

Whilst 2017 has largely been about Nintendo’s hybrid, its handheld was no slouch either. The 3DS may be getting on a bit, but for me, it definitely had one of its better years. Etrian Odyssey V is, by most measurements, the best so far and certainly the best RPG I’ve played since the fourth entry in the same series. And let’s not forget the excellent Metroid: Samus Returns. MercurySteam did a superb job of improving on the Game Boy original and this remake delivers most of the same satisfaction the very best 2D Metroids offer. Both games easily glide into my Top 10 on the system.

But of course, 2017 belonged to Switch. After many years dividing opinion, Nintendo has worked a kind of alchemy and united fans. It also became a real powerhouse, not only releasing game after game, but also encouraging other companies to do so. And the games felt so right. Whether or not they became my personal favourites doesn't really matter – in fact, I’ve almost been too busy to notice! Nintendo managed to release several huge titles that felt like the step-up fans were waiting to see. Not everyone agrees Zelda is best suited to the open world genre, but Breath of the Wild did at least relish the opportunity to be such an experience, and it did so in stunning fashion. I’d argue Super Mario Odyssey was even better, providing everything a 3D Mario is meant to, with real flair and direction.

Looking forward, it’s very hard to imagine 2018 keeping up anything like the same pace. On the current trajectory, Metroid Prime 4 could be absolutely spectacular, although I do hope they keep the tight design of previous entries. Dragon Quest XI could be positively mind-blowing if it’s anything like VIII, so that’s definitely one to watch. I also hope we see a glimpse of Animal Crossing sooner rather than later, as New Leaf was a magical experience of the rarest kind.

Switch’s eShop has been particularly good, offering a kind of parity with the other consoles. Although there were a number of superb indie titles, such as Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, I think I had at least as much fun with Hamster’s Arcade Archives range, particularly Metal Slug. Switch playing host to my favourite coin-ops of old – Double Dragon, Final Fight, Bad Dudes vs. Dragonninja – would be something of a dream machine for me. If I’m allowed one more indulgence, I hope WayForward creates another Shantae game that’s more in the spirit of Risky’s Revenge or Pirate’s Curse. Either way, Nintendo’s 2017 has certainly been one to celebrate.

Sam C Gittins (S.C.G)

Sam decided to do something a little bit different and has summed up 2017 in a rap. You won't find that anywhere else!

Long live the Switch, long live the Switch
Satisfying that gaming itch.

It came out in March, didn't you know?
The latest console from Nin-ten-do!

With a wealth of games, covering all bases
Starring some of your favourite faces.

It's got Mario, Zelda and even Splatoon
All of those First-Party titles which are surely a boon.

(Long live the Switch, long live the Switch
Satisfying that gaming itch.)

But what of third parties? I hear you cry
To be fair at the start, all hope seemed nigh

We've had Super Bomberman R, from the start
Compared to now though, support is worlds apart

Mario + Rabbids, leading the charge
Now there's Doom and Skyrim, these titles are large

(Long live the Switch, long live the Switch
Satisfying that gaming itch.)

But what of the console? It's the star of the show
Allowing for games on the TV, and also on the go

Use a Joy-Con in each hand, left and right
You can swing punches in ARMS, to your hearts delight

Then when you're done, place the Switch in the dock
Pick up a Pro Controller, and you're ready to rock

(Long live the Switch, long live the Switch
Satisfying that gaming itch.)

On the digital front, there are games aplenty
I personally have just over Twenty

Virtual Console titles might amount to zero
But thanks to Hamster we have Neo Geo

Arcade perfect ports with added layers of polish
Plus online leaderboards with scores for you to demolish

(Long live the Switch, long live the Switch
Satisfying that gaming itch.)

There will be online, which will come at a price
Will it include voice chat? Who knows! But it sure would be nice

More Wii U ports are sure to arrive
Bayonetta 3 confirmed! What a time to be alive

Metroid is coming, Samus will settle a score
In a brand new adventure, titled Metroid Prime 4

(Long live the Switch, long live the Switch
Satisfying that gaming itch.)

But though we're getting ahead, the Switch is selling well
Will it outsell the Wii? That sure would be swell

If you've yet to get one, then you're in for a treat
You'll have a metric tonne of games to beat!

What is yet to come, remains to be seen
But here's to the Switch and all the games of 2017!

(Long live the Switch, long live the Switch
Satisfying that gaming itch.)

(Long live the Switch, long live the Switch
I've got to get back to playing as I'm starting to twitch)

Dennis Tummers (Vileplume2000)

Ah Nintendo, you brilliant sons of a gun, you did it again! After the modest reactions to the GameCube came the Wii. And after the less successful Wii U you reinvent gaming again with the Nintendo Switch. Because yes, 2017 was the year of the Switch. Especially for me, and I must admit that it made me neglect my trusty 3DS most of the year. I love love love the little two-screened machine but must admit that the Switch surpassed it as my main handheld gaming device. I will probably give it one last go by playing Metroid: Samus Returns on it but I am afraid it will be its swan song for me.

The build-up to the Switch's release was amazing, with that little trailer they dropped last year. I didn't reserve the thing since I was not expecting me to buy it so soon, but I caved when I saw it on stock at an online retailer (only 1 left!) and ordered it then and there. I really wanted it for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but it was not out yet so I got The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild. A game I still am enjoying after 90+ hours! Yes, that game is more than worthy of the title game of the year. When I got Mario Kart 8 Deluxe later on you could really feel that there was a buzz going on, when I told people at work about it I needed to bring it in, they wanted to see it for themselves. That of course resulted in a lunch break filled with racing goodness.

I never had a Wii U, so I could freshly enjoy titles such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and my personal GOTY: Splatoon 2. Both of those games are evergreens that I can keep playing throughout the year. I never thought I could get into online gaming this much. Talking about that, here is a shout-out to forum members The Mole and Glen-i for hosting the excellent Mario Kart 8 Deluxe League, thanks guys! Splatoon 2 as I said is my GOTY. After playing the free Splatfest demo I was not convinced, but I thought what the heck and ordered it. And bam! GOTY. That is true Nintendo magic right there.

There were also some sad moments, such as the closing of the wonderful and creative service Miiverse. Many of us spend time posting, commenting and doodling on Nintendo's reaction to a social platform. At first I didn't really miss it, but now I think "dammit, I don't want to post this on Twitter, I want to put it on Miiverse so people who care about gaming can see it!".

But luckily the good outweighs the bad by tons. And I cannot wait to see what Ninty gives us next year. I hope they streamline the Switch even more by some software updates that add themes, more capture options and a better eShop. Game-wise I cannot wait for Metroid 4 to drop, although that will take a bit more time I'm afraid. But at least show us more at E3 of that game! And maybe we can get some more surprises, like a new F-Zero, Donkey Kong or bring us a new Golden Sun (very wishful thinking going on here!). Happy N-E-w Year!

Nick Lone (Nicktendo)

Instead of looking at the whole year and dissecting each month or game in succession, I’ve opted to summarise my thoughts in the form of a list (how original!). A traditional top 5 list it won’t be though, this is just a random collection of my favourite moments of being on the Switch bandwagon in 2017. Ranking my top 5 Switch games is an almost impossible task, simply because I’ve gamed more than I ever have in 2017 and had an immense amount of fun with the Switch and the insane variation of experiences it has offered during its first 9 months on the market.

Nintendo is back

Right from the January “Nintendo Switch Showcase” it was obvious Nintendo had gone through something of a transition. Despite the undoubted groans, which were aimed at 1-2 Switch, and maybe even ARMS, the showcase was solid and convinced me that Nintendo was ready to finally break with the past. Many also thought the launch itself was a bit underwhelming, with only 5 physical games being in stores on day one. I certainly didn’t care though, as I was far too engrossed with Zelda to think about anything else! Once I was done, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe dropped, followed by ARMS and the rest of the genuinely quality software that Nintendo was keeping behind the floodgate. In a complete shift from the slow Wii U and 3DS launches, Nintendo has absolutely killed it with consistently great software releasing almost like clockwork as each month passes.

Hardware for the modern era

Back in the sixth generation, people began to label Nintendo as “kiddie”. The GameCube, for all its tech, power and price-point, especially in comparison to the PS2 was branded “the purple lunch box”. The Wii was an “under-powered waggle-fest” and the Wii U was a “Fisher-price toy”. The original DS and 3DS were never particularly lookers. The Switch on the other hand, looks and feels like a premium piece of kit. It is simply beautiful. The Joy-Cons snap in and out of place with a satisfying click, the Pro Controller melts in your hand and the Switch’s screen is a vast step about any handheld screen we’ve seen from the big N. For the first time in years, Nintendo has released a console that has sex appeal, a console that everyone, from techies to kids, will look at and desire to own. Despite the very valid argument that the Switch is still “under-powered” as a home console, as a handheld it certainly isn’t, and there-in lies the real charm, playing Skyrim, BOTW or DOOM on the go with such ease, is simply something you can’t do with other hardware.

ARMS and Splatoon 2 surprises

Splatoon on the Wii U took Japan by storm. I would have been happy with more of the same while others, understandably, wanted more. I feel Nintendo has struck a good balance between more of the same and improving the original concept. Salmon Run is superb, playing with friends has been streamlined, but not massively improved and the new maps, music and weapons are all fantastic! Two years of promised content means that come June 2019, Splatoon 2 should be the go to competitive game for all Switch owners. Gameplay has been tweaked, weapons balanced and the game genuinely feels like it rewards time, focus and skill. Motion control implementation is superb, and the game simply oozes fun and the typical Nintendo charm. Sure, there’s much more Nintendo could do to bring it up to modern online-shooter standards, but what they’ve done so far hasn’t gone unnoticed. The fact that the game has outsold Mario Odyssey, Zelda and Mario Kart in Japan should solidify Splatoon as a mainstay of the future.

ARMS is another game which follows the mould of Splatoon’s incremental free updates, yet arguably released at the wrong time. While some my point out that the base game was severely lacking in content, the same cannot be said of ARMS v 5.0. 15 characters and stages, a massive selection of arms and a new monthly Party Crash mode in the vain of Splatfests make ARMS a game the demands attention. While it was fairly easy upon first viewing to dismiss it as a Wii Boxing clone made for the casual crowd, ARMS is deceptive in its depth and magnificent cast of characters. Eurogamer placed this as their sixth best game of 2017, and I would struggle to disagree with that. A hugely rewarding and genuinely fun fighter. The online implementation and, in particular, the lobby system in the online party mode is wonderfully Nintendo. Maybe one day I’ll attempt Grand Prix mode on level 6 or 7… don’t be fooled by it colourful looks, ARMS is a love letter to the fighters of yesteryear in its mechanics and strategy. My surprise hit of the year and something I love picking up and playing for an hour or so, before I get my arse handed to me.

Third Party and eShop delights

We’re all aware of the dire straits the Wii U was in when it came to games that weren’t made by or paid for by Nintendo. Luckily, the Switch has cut out a diverging path from those dark days. From spectacular indie games like Stardew Valley, Rocket League and Steamworld Dig 2, the eShop is now something that much more resembles Steam, than the Wii U’s meagre selection of a few indie smash hits. Backed up by the likes of Rockstar and Bethesda who are releasing console ports to a Nintendo system for the first time in years, or even ever, the argument that there is nothing to play simply doesn’t hold any weight anymore. Being able to take all of these games on the go is simply the icing on the cake. If 2017 has been solid for non-Nintendo releases, then 2018 promises to demolish all expectations once the slow-to-start Japanese devs start dropping titles like there’s no tomorrow. My poor wallet.

Breath of the Wild

I don’t have an awful lot to say about this game that hasn’t already been said. I was blown away by this game, and it is easily the greatest gaming experience I’ve had as an adult. We all are guilty of wearing rose-tinted spectacles when we reflect on those memorable gaming experiences of our childhoods, but BOTW made me feel like I was 11 years old again. From the first moment upon leaving the Shrine of Resurrection, right down to delivering the final blow to Ganon, the entire experience was captivating. There was a moment, probably around 80/90 hours when I’d uncovered the entire map and was, in hindsight, too overpowered, where I began to see some of the games flaws more clearly, but every single moment of wonder, exploration and success in combat before that was pure, unbridled joy. An astounding achievement by Nintendo, not only in breaking with tradition, but doing so in such a confident and accomplished manner. I will cherish that first play through for the rest of my life.

So that was what we thought about Nintendo in 2017 and we'd love to hear what your thoughts are on last year. What games did you play and love? Did the Switch surpass your expectations? What do you hope will happen in 2018? Let us know in the comments section below.