Nintendo Games: The Switch to Thursday Releases

Free Up Your Thursdays for the Exciting Release of Nintendo's New Switch Games

Nintendo has made changes to its game releases.

For years, Nintendo fans in the US have eagerly awaited new game releases, gleefully planning their gaming marathons or even calling in sick on a Friday. It became a beloved tradition, whether it was the launch of the epic Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or the more whimsical Everybody 1-2 Switch. But it seems that tradition is changing.

As the Nintendo Switch barrels towards its final year as the current-gen console, Nintendo itself has hit the fast-forward button on its release schedule. While most of their recent games, such as Another Code: Recollection and Mario vs. Donkey Kong, as well as the upcoming Princess Peach Showtime, were all scheduled for Fridays, a recent batch of release dates has Nintendo-published games launching on Thursdays! 🎉

A Brave Leap: Thursdays Are the New Fridays in Nintendo Land

In a surprising twist, both Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (release date: May 23) and Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD (release date: June 27) are now set to hit store shelves on Thursdays. This change seems to be following in the footsteps of Endless Ocean Luminous, which had its Thursday, May 2 date revealed during February’s Nintendo Direct. At the time, it seemed like an exception — not a marquee Nintendo game. But with three of Q2’s releases launching on Thursdays, it appears that the company could be favoring a new default day of the week. 📅

Nintendo has historically chosen Fridays for their releases, with the occasional Wednesday or surprise “out today” launch. However, the shift to Thursday releases for these upcoming games begs the question: why? Is this just a temporary anomaly, or is Nintendo making a permanent change? We’ve reached out to the company for comment, but we can only speculate for now. 🤔

Beyond Fridays and Thursdays: Nintendo’s Release Calendar and the Future

Nintendo has never been one to follow industry standards, which in the US, used to be Tuesday releases. In fact, Nintendo games in the past were often released on Sundays. But as the gaming landscape has evolved, we’ve seen other companies also shift their launch dates later into the week. Could this change indicate a broader shift in the gaming industry? Only time will tell.

Looking ahead to Nintendo’s release calendar, 2024 seems unusually light, at least for now. Apart from the three recently announced games, we know that Metroid Prime 4 is in the works, though its launch date remains a mystery. Pokémon Legends Z-A is also on the horizon, but fans will have to wait until 2025 to get their hands on it. And what about the elusive Switch 2? Rumored to be arriving in early 2025, we can only guess at what wonders it will hold. If the shift to Thursday releases continues for the remainder of the Switch’s lifespan, it’s not far-fetched to imagine Nintendo adopting the new norm for their next system as well.

The Best Nintendo Switch Games of 2024

Before we bid farewell, let’s not forget to celebrate the best Nintendo Switch games of 2024 (so far)! 🎮 Here are a few titles that have captured the hearts and minds of gamers everywhere:

  1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Embark on an epic adventure in this highly-anticipated action RPG, wielding the legendary Master Sword and battling formidable foes.
  2. Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD – Join Luigi as he explores haunted mansions, armed with the Poltergust G-00, in this beautifully remastered classic.
  3. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Showdown in the Spotlight – Prepare for a dazzling display of mini-game madness in this delightful showdown between Mario and Donkey Kong.
  4. Another Code: Recollection – Unravel the mysteries of Ashley’s past in this immersive puzzle adventure game, packed with mind-bending riddles.
  5. Pokémon Legends Z-A – Explore the vast and captivating world of the Pokémon Legends series in this highly-anticipated installment, featuring brand new Pokémon and thrilling adventures.
  6. Metroid Prime 4 (TBA) – Prepare for an intergalactic journey as Samus Aran in this upcoming sci-fi action-adventure game, where exploration and combat collide.

These games have captured our imaginations, pushed boundaries, and entertained us endlessly. And who knows what other surprises await us in the ever-evolving world of Nintendo gaming?

So, whether you’re a fan eagerly counting down the days until the next Thursday release or simply embracing the joys of gaming, Nintendo continues to charm and engage us with their innovative titles. From Sundays to Fridays and now Thursdays, Nintendo has shown that they can shake things up while remaining at the forefront of gaming excellence. 🌟

🎮 Q&A: Your Burning Nintendo Questions Answered! 🎮

Q: Why did Nintendo switch to Thursday releases? A: While the exact reason remains a mystery, it seems that Nintendo is shaking up their release schedule to keep gamers on their toes. They’re known for doing things differently, so Thursday releases may be their way of staying ahead of the curve.

Q: Will Thursday releases become the new norm for Nintendo? A: It’s too early to say for sure, but with three major releases in a row coming out on Thursdays, it could be a sign of a more permanent change. We’ll have to wait and see.

Q: What other games can we expect from Nintendo in the future? A: Nintendo’s release calendar for the coming years is still shrouded in secrecy. However, we do know that highly-anticipated titles like Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends Z-A are in development, promising exciting adventures ahead.

Q: When will the rumored Switch 2 be released? A: While the exact release date for the rumored Switch 2 is uncertain, whispers in the gaming community suggest an early 2025 launch. It’s an exciting prospect for Nintendo fans, as each new console brings a fresh wave of innovation and gameplay experiences.

Q: What are the must-play Nintendo Switch games of 2024? A: If you’re looking for the cream of the crop, don’t miss out on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Showdown in the Spotlight, Another Code: Recollection, and the upcoming Pokémon Legends Z-A. These games showcase the best of what Nintendo has to offer, ensuring hours of captivating gameplay and unforgettable adventures.

📚 References:

  1. Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
  2. Everybody 1-2 Switch
  3. Another Code: Recollection
  4. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Showdown in the Spotlight
  5. Endless Ocean Luminous
  6. February’s Nintendo Direct
  7. Metroid Prime 4
  8. Pokémon Legends Z-A
  9. Switch 2

Now, let’s embark on these gaming adventures together and spread the joy of Nintendo gaming far and wide! Don’t forget to share this article with your fellow Nintendo enthusiasts! 🎉✨

Note: Images courtesy of Nintendo