The Top First Party DSi Nintendo Games Coming In 2009 And 2010
It’s no secret that the Nintendo DSi has the deepest gaming library among the current generation of video game systems, portable and otherwise. With more than 50 titles released per month for the Nintendo DSi, the system has amassed a list of gaming options that will enthrall even the most veteran of gamers.
It’s also no secret that Nintendo has the deepest library of first party properties, all of which are certified hits. Can you name a Nintendo-produced game that wasn’t critically acclaimed and was a commercial failure?
It comes as a big surprise, then, that there are only a few first party DSi Nintendo games planned for the remainder of the year and for 2010. Most of the first party DSi Nintendo games are even sequels of existing – and established – franchises that have already appeared on older Nintendo DS units.
It seems that Nintendo’s new policy is about providing less competition to the third party developers that have supported the system since its inception.
First party DSi Nintendo games may be few, but each of them is sure to turn the software sales charts upside down when they are released.
What are the first party DSi Nintendo games we should look forward to in 2009 and 2010?
1. Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. A direct sequel to the Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, this first party DSi Nintendo game will be using the same graphic engine as well as the same control scheme that has made its predecessor a genre-defining title. The first Legend of Zelda for the DS was hailed as the game that perfectly utilized all that the system can offer: full stylus control, dual screen optimization, and even microphone support. Spirit Tracks is expected to continue with such innovations. In Spirit Tracks, however, Link will be navigating trains instead of ships. Considering that a sea adventure has been the motif of the past 2 Zelda games, including Windwaker, the new mechanics would be a welcome respite indeed.
2. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story. This first party DSi Nintendo game has a long and storied history. The Mario RPG series started with the Nintendo and Square collaboration for SNES. Square left and Nintendo continued the franchise with critically acclaimed installments like Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door for the Gamecube, Super Paper Mario for the Wii, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga for the GBA, and Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time for Nintendo DS. And the latest game, Bowser’s Inside Story, is expected to be the most memorable of them all as the brothers are set to go back to their plumbing profession… inside Bowser’s body.
3. Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver. Of all the first party DSi Nintendo games, none experienced as much commercial success as the Pokemon series. With a long running anime series, manga series, and toy line based on the franchise, Pokemon has transcended being a Nintendo property and has become a cultural icon. With the handheld games almost always being released in 2 versions, the next pair is scheduled to come our way very, very soon.
Tags: Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo DSi Games, Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver