2016 it was a very big year Nintendobecause it was the last hurray for Wii U and 3DS. The software continued to be released after 2016, mostly on the 3DS, but things slowed down due to the launch of the Switch in 2017. So did Nintendo celebrate a decade ago with a slew of memorable games?
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Although there were no game-changers in the level The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildthere are still plenty of solid exclusive games worth recalling in 2016, and they are all turning 10 years old next year. Perhaps Nintendo could help celebrate these releases with a port or remaster on the Switch 2, but let's see how 2026 plays out first.
Pokemon Go
Watch out for the cliffs
It may not have come out on a Nintendo console, but Pokemon Go is undoubtedly a huge Nintendo-related game of 2016, proving that the brand had a big reach on mobile devices. On Android or iOS, players could download the app for free and then start catching Pokemon in the real world through augmented reality.
In terms of the cultural zeitgeist, there was no game on any console or device bigger than Pokemon Go in 2016 and continues to grow. Also in related Pokemon news, Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon were released for the 3DS in the same year, and will also celebrate 10 years in 2026.
The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD
Reborn Wolf Link
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was released for the GameCube and Wii in 2006, with this HD version appearing on the Wii U in 2016. Aside from some quality-of-life changes, such as better graphics and cleaner controls, most of the core gameplay remains intact.
In this bizarre tale, Link transforms into a wolf and meets an elf-like girl, Midna, who rides him into battle. Switch fans are still confused that this is the one Wii U game that was never ported to modern Nintendo systems, but maybe 2026 will be, since this is the 20th anniversary of the original game.
Kirby: Planet Robobot
Domo Arigato, Kirby Roboto
Kirby: Planet Robobot was released for the 3DS, and its big trick was right there in the title. Kirby could still vacuum up enemies and fly around, but most of the game took place behind the mech's cockpit.
It is one of the more action tricks Kirby franchise, which was great on the 3DS at the time, a system that needed more action titles. The mech design was cool, the levels were inventive and colorful as always, and overall it was just a positive platformer that deserves more love.
Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam
Too many Marios
Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam was released in 2015, first in Japan for the 3DS before moving to North America in 2016. It's a notable entry for Mario's overall RPG franchise because it combined Paper Mario with Mario and Luigi.
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At its core, it was a Mario and Luigi game, but the titular paper version of Mario joined the brothers in active turn-based battles as a third-party member. While not the best entry in the series, it had its moments and is best remembered by fans as the odd crossover.
Fire sign of destiny
Torn between families
Fire sign of destiny was released on the 3DS in Japan in 2015 in two versions, with both games coming to North America a year later. This was a first for Fire sign series. IN Conquestplayers stay with their adoptive family and fight against their flesh and blood while in the game Birthrightthey remain in their natural family.
Both tactical campaigns are incredibly different, between missions and characters. Later in 2016, a third DLC episode was released that tied the two games together, called Revelation.
Dragon Ball Fusions
Play Fusion Dance
Dragon Ball Fusions belongs to the more forgotten ones Dragon Ball games, but it's also one of the most impressive titles. Instead of being based on one of the anime arcs, Dragon Ball Fusions featured a unique story and game mechanics.
Players can create their character and then engage in tactical battles in a grid-free 3D arena. Characters attack enemies alone, perform combo attacks with nearby allies, or team up with others, creating a wild variety of attacks from the entire cast.
Project X Zone 2
Tactical fighter
Project X Zone 2 was released in 2015 on the 3DS in Japan before coming to North America in 2016. It's the last game in the short-lived series, but features an incredibly wild crossover cast of characters from Sega, Capcom, and Bandai Namco games. Chrom and Lucina z Fire sign of awakening will also appear for Nintendo.
That aside, the game is a grid-based tactical RPG where units can line up in combat while players must build combos to juggle their opponents in the air before their turn ends, similar to a fighting game but with a more tactical feel.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE
Another top idol of Japan
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is another weird crossover game celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, and this one features Persona-like a world based in Japan, filled with lookalike entities Fire sign characters. It was released as a Wii U exclusive in Japan in 2015, came to North America in 2016, and was ported to Switch in 2020.
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In battle, characters can summon their own Fire sign Personas like Chrom or Tharja to attack enemy weaknesses. The overall vibe is pop-heavy between the battle arenas, the music, and the characters trying to compete to become idols. Shin Megami Tensei Fans may remember it Shin Megami Tensei 4: Apocalypse released on 3DS in 2016.
Dragon Quest 7: Fragments Of The Forgotten Past
Again and again
Dragon Quest 7 it was originally released for the PS1 in 2000 in Japan and a year later in North America. 3DS remake, Dragon Quest 7: Fragments of the Forgotten Pdegreeit took a lot longer to reach the west, released in Japan in 2013 and in North America in 2016, but thankfully the latest remake, Dragon Quest 7 Reimaginedwill be shipped worldwide on February 5, 2026.
Ports aside, the 3DS remake was a huge improvement for the game as it made finding time travel tablets less tedious. Also, enemies were now permanently visible, which negated random encounters, making turn-based battles flow better and exploration fairer and less tedious.
Generation of monster hunters
The best in the series
Monster Hunter X was the Japanese title for this 3DS entry in 2015, but the western port in 2016 renamed it Generation of monster huntersand the titles were changed again for the Japanese and Western versions on Switch in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
As the name suggests, it was the best collection of monsters in the world Monster Hunter series as a whole. It still followed traditional zone gameplay, making it one of the most challenging entries for newcomers to the series, but one of the most beloved for longtime fans.
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