2016 had a very big year for NintendoBecause it was the last hurray for Wii U and 3DS. After 2016 software began to be released, mostly on the 3DS, but things slowed down due to the launch of the Switch in 2017. So, ten years ago Nintendo celebrated a large number of memorable games?
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While there were no game-changers at the level The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildThere are still plenty of solid exclusive games worth remembering in 2016, and all of them 10 years old Next year. Maybe Nintendo can help celebrate these releases with a port or remaster on Switch 2, but let's see how it goes before 2026.
Pokemon Go
Be careful of the cliffs
It has not been released on Nintendo consoles, however Pokemon Go Of course, there is a huge Nintendo-related game from 2016, which proves that the brand has great access to mobile devices. On Android or iOS, players can download the app for free and then start catching Pokemon in the real world through augmented reality.
In terms of cultural zeitgeist, there was no game, on any console or device, bigger Pokemon Go In 2016, and it only continues to grow. Also, in related Pokemon news, Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon It was released for the 3DS in the same year, and will be 10 years old in 2026.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD
Wolf Link Reborn
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Released in 2006 for the GameCube and Wii, this HD version appeared on the Wii U in 2016. With some quality of life changes like better graphics and cleaner controls, most of the core gameplay remained untouched.
This whimsical story involves Link turning into a wolf and meeting an imp-like girl, Midna, who rides him into battle. Switch fans are still surprised that this is a Wii U game that was never ported to Nintendo's modern systems, but the year 2026 will probably be, since it's the 20th anniversary of the original game.
Kirby: Planet Robot
Domo Arigato, Kirby Roboto
Kirby: Planet Robot was released for the 3DS, and its biggest gimmick was in the title. Kirby could still suck up enemies and fly around, but most of the gameplay took place behind the mech's cockpit.
This is one of the more action-heavy gimmicks Kirby franchise, which was great at the time on the 3DS, a system that needed more action titles. The mech design was great, the levels were inventive and colorful as always, and overall, it was just a positive platformer that deserved more love.
Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam
Too many were killed
Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam was released in 2015, first in Japan for the 3DS, before heading to North America in 2016. It's a remarkable entry for the overall Mario RPG franchise because it's combined. The paper was killed with Mario and Luigi.
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At its core, it was Mario and Luigi game, but the paper version of Mario's title joined the brothers in active turn-based battles as a third party member. Although not the best entry in the series, it had its moments, and fans remember it as a unique crossover.
Fire symbolizes luck
Torn between families
Fire symbolizes luck Released in two versions on the 3DS in Japan in 2015, both games are coming to North America a year later. For this was the first symbol of fire series. in victoryPlayers stay with their adopted families and fight against their flesh and blood BirthrightThey live with their birth family.
Both tactical campaigns are incredibly varied between missions and characters. Later in 2016, a third DLC episode was released to tie both games together, said to be the light.
Dragon Ball Fusion
Do a fusion dance
Dragon Ball Fusion One of the most forgotten Dragon Ball games, but this is one of the more impressive titles. Instead of being based on one of the anime arcs, Dragon Ball Fusion Featuring a unique story and gameplay mechanics.
Players can create their character and then participate in strategic battles in a 3D arena without a grid. Characters attack enemies on their own, perform combo attacks with nearby allies, or fuse with others, creating some wild attack variety from the entire cast.
Project X Area 2
A strategic fighter
Project X Area 2 It was released on the 3DS in Japan in 2015 before reaching North America in 2016. It's the last game in the short-lived series, but it features an incredibly wild crossover cast of characters from Sega, Capcom, and Bandai Namco games. From Chrome and Lucina Fire Symbol Awakening Also make an appearance for Nintendo.
Aside from the cameos, the game is a grid-based tactical RPG where units can square up in combat, while players need to build combos to juggle their opponents in the air before their turn ends, similar to a fighting game but with a more strategic feel.
Tokyo Mirage Session #FE
Japan's next top idol
Tokyo Mirage Session #FE Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026 is another unique crossover game, and this one features personality-Like Japan-based worlds, connected to similar entities symbol of fire characters. It was released as a Wii U exclusive in Japan in 2015, made it to North America in 2016, and had a Switch port in 2020.
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In battle, characters can summon them symbol of fire People like Chrom or Tharja to attack the enemy's weaknesses. The battle arena, the music, and the overall vibe between the characters auditioning to be idols is pop-heavy. Shin Megami Tensei Fans might notice too Shin Megami Tensei 4: Apocalypse Was released on 3DS in 2016.
Dragon Quest 7: Fragments of the Forgotten Past
Time after time
Dragon Quest 7 Originally released for the PS1 in 2000 in Japan and a year later in North America. 3DS remake, Dragon Quest 7: Fragment of the Forgotten pastIt took a long time to come to the West, releasing in Japan in 2013 and North America in 2016, but thankfully, the latest remake, Dragon Quest 7 ReimaginedWill ship worldwide on February 5, 2026.
Ports aside, the 3DS remake was a huge improvement for the game as it found tablets for a less tiring journey. Also, enemies now appeared more consistently, which ruled out random encounters, which made turn-based battles flow better and exploration felt better and less tedious.
Monster hunter generation
Best in series
Monster Hunter X In 2015 it was the Japanese name for the 3DS entry, but the 2016 western port renamed it. Monster hunter generationAnd the names were switched again for the Japanese and Western releases in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
As the name suggests, it was the best collection of monsters monster hunter series as a whole. It still followed traditional arena-based gameplay, making it one of the more challenging entries in the series for newcomers, but one of the more beloved for longtime fans.
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