Nintendo Doesn’t Cater to Adults, and That’s a Good Thing

by

With excitement building for the arrival of Switch 2, it’s heartening to observe that Nintendo places a strong emphasis on family-oriented games above all else. While there are mature-rated games like Elden Ring destined for their upcoming console, Nintendo continues to develop family-friendly titles suitable for everyone’s enjoyment.

At present, we find ourselves in an era where video games seem to be maturing alongside their players. Titles such as God of War and The Last of Us appear to cater more towards adults, with even popular franchises like Sonic subtly incorporating continuity for the sake of long-term fans, while still maintaining appeal for casual players.

Due to these circumstances, it’s reassuring to know that Nintendo continues to produce many of their games for younger audiences. It’s unlikely that Mario will allude to past adventures from Odyssey, Sunshine, or 64 in his upcoming game, and that’s a positive aspect.

Previously, this criticism has been voiced in various platforms, but the charm of nostalgia no longer holds the same weight as it once did. What was once considered enjoyable homage is now the foundation for entire films, series, and even some video games. A simple glance at Sony’s repeated releases of The Last of Us demonstrates how far things have deteriorated.

It appears that Nintendo has chosen a different path and persists in doing things independently. Their latest Donkey Kong game may share some connections with earlier versions, but players need not concern themselves with continuity when diving into it. Similarly, Mario Kart World allows fans to enjoy their preferred characters while they freely explore the open world or compete against friends.

Growing alongside your fellow gamers doesn’t necessarily mean something negative, it’s worth emphasizing. Although the latest installments of God of War might not offer groundbreaking gameplay, they excel in their storytelling. Similarly, Street Fighter 6 has effectively demonstrated how each character has evolved over time, regardless of whether it follows a narrative. Likewise, Sonic Frontiers doesn’t lose points for referencing its previous games – many fans likely found revisiting those titles meaningful.

While Sony persists in producing cinematic games akin to movies, Nintendo remains steadfast, emphasizing classic gameplay and charming characters. We might wish for Mario to have deeper motivations than just thwarting Bowser, but we don’t require him to be a hardened hero scarred by the world’s trials. We don’t necessarily need to know the backstory of why the Blue Coins in Sunshine affected Mario so profoundly, though that could be more of an intricate gaming detail.

By shunning references to the past and consistently producing games suitable for all age groups, Nintendo stands to gain significantly in the future. While they are not entirely shielded from nostalgia, the ability of each game to serve as a launchpad for multiple franchises is an enduring advantage.

Read More

2025-04-27 14:12