Nintendo, one of the leading companies in the gaming industry, has an extensive catalogue of games that cater to a variety of tastes. From casual, family-friendly games to hardcore RPGs, Nintendo’s versatility is clearly demonstrated through their diverse range of offerings. In Finland, a country with a robust gaming culture, certain Nintendo Switch games have surged in popularity. Here, we’ll explore some of these games and the factors contributing to their popularity.
1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
One of the most popular Nintendo Switch games in Finland, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, was released in March 2020. The timing coincided with global lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the charming life simulation game offered a much-needed escape. The freedom to design their own islands and the ability to visit friends virtually became an appealing and comforting activity for many Finnish gamers.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
An action-adventure game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, has been lauded for its impressive open-world environment and immersive gameplay. It appeals to the Finnish gaming community due to its innovative design and challenging puzzles. Its captivating narrative and the freedom it provides to players to explore the vast Hyrule landscape at their own pace makes it a consistent favorite.
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, an enhanced version of the Wii U’s Mario Kart 8, has been a hit in Finland. The fun, fast-paced racing game is renowned for its multiplayer capabilities, with the ability to play with up to 8 friends locally or 12 friends online. The combination of its accessibility and competitive nature makes it a popular choice among Finnish gamers.
4. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a fighting game featuring a diverse roster of characters from different gaming franchises. The extensive selection of characters and stages, combined with the competitive multiplayer mode, has made Super Smash Bros. Ultimate a standout choice for social gaming sessions.
5. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
The Pokémon franchise has always had a strong following worldwide, and Finland is no exception. Pokémon Sword and Shield, the first main series entries to appear on the Nintendo Switch, offer a new region to explore, new Pokémon to catch, and fresh mechanics to master, providing Finnish Pokémon enthusiasts a thrilling new gaming experience.
6. Splatoon 2
An innovative take on the shooter genre, Splatoon 2, has captivated Finnish gamers with its colorful, ink-splatting chaos. The game promotes teamwork and strategy, with players needing to cover as much territory with their team’s colored ink as possible. The game’s unique mechanics, vibrant design, and lively community have contributed to its popularity.
7. Luigi’s Mansion 3
In this charming and slightly spooky game, players take on the role of the ever-lovable Luigi as he navigates through a haunted hotel to rescue his friends. Luigi’s Mansion 3 has been applauded for its intricate level design, clever puzzles, and the use of Luigi’s Poltergust G-00 for various mechanics. The game’s unique blend of humor and horror has made it a hit among Finnish Nintendo Switch owners.
8. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a tactical role-playing game that offers deep strategy elements and a gripping storyline with branching paths. The game is set in a fantasy world and places you in the role of a professor at a prestigious academy, where you must choose a house and guide its students through battles and life choices. The immersive gameplay and richly woven narrative, along with the opportunity to shape the game’s outcome based on choices made, have contributed to its high ranking among Finnish gamers.
As reported by SuomiTimes.com, these games have not only become popular in Finland because of their engaging gameplay, graphics, and narratives, but also due to the unique social components they bring. Many of these games provide multiplayer features, either locally or online, which foster connections and healthy competition within Finland’s gaming community. The Finnish gaming market is diverse and ever-changing, yet it is clear that Nintendo Switch Pelit (games) have made a significant impact. Whether through racing, fighting, adventuring, or even living a virtual life on a deserted island, these games cater to a variety of gaming preferences and continue to dominate the charts.
