Welcome to another round-up of all the Nintendo games the Pure Nintendo team is playing right now! If you’re looking for gaming inspiration, our latest playlist is here to help.

There’s a lot of love for Pokémon this week, along with a diverse range of big titles like Skyward Sword, Animal Crossing, Splatoon, and Mario Party.

There’s plenty of retro love, too, with Mega Man prominently featured, along with Pac-Man and Banjo-Kazooie. What are we waiting for – let’s find out the games that have been keeping us busy lately.

And don’t forget to let us know what you’re playing at the moment!

Pure Nintendo playlist

Rachel

  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch) – I’m still hanging onto this game. With the new updates that happened a few months ago, I’m doing my best to rearrange my island to make it as perfect as possible. Also, I’m having a blast decorating houses in the Happy Home Paradise DLC.
  • Reverie Knights Tactics (Switch) – As part of a review for Pure Nintendo, I’ve been playing this tactical RPG that was recently released. I don’t typically play games in this genre, but I’ve enjoyed my time with it and had fun with the various characters.
  • Pokémon Shining Pearl (Switch) – I’m making my way through this game now that I’ve beaten Pokémon Brilliant Diamond. This time, I’m playing through the game as a Nuzlocke, which has been both fun and stressful.

Jes

  • Banjo-Kazooie (Switch Online) – Having Banjo-Kazooie home on a Nintendo console again is a dream I never thought I’d see. Happily the game is absolutely as wonderful as I remember. Banjo-Kazooie was always a great platformer and being able to explore it again on Switch has been a blast. I’m working on my 100% playthrough.
  • Mega Man Legacy Collection (Switch) – I’m working my way through the main numbered series again for REDACTED. Mega Man 2 and 3 are definitely the high points, while 5 was the beginning of the “Meh” part of the series. I’m on to Mega Man 6!
  • SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash (Switch) – I played this for review and found myself loving the game so much, I keep coming back to it. It’s a “simple” card fighting game that is super easy to pick up and hard to put down. It’s a classic Neo Geo Pocket game I never played and I realize it’s one that I shouldn’t have missed.
  • Mario Party Superstars (Switch): I really have nothing more I can say besides I have a problem, ok?

Kirk

  • Action Arcade Wrestling (Switch) – Got a preview copy of this ’90s-inspired wrestling game that’s coming to the Switch on February 9. Along with the classic arcade wrestling style, Switch owners will get access to user-generated content from previous releases on other systems, so you’ll be able to download faithful recreations of many of your all-time favorites. Maybe even the Red Rooster?
  • Rise of the Third Power (Switch) – This one hits the Switch on February 10th. It’s a retro-flavored turn-based RPG with a unique, fantastical take on the political climate of Europe in the 1930s. I’ve played many similar games, but this one’s heavy reliance on intelligent use of items and skills helps it stand out. Story/combat balance is good, too, and I’m looking forward to digging deeper.
  • Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD (Switch) – Got this for Christmas, as I may have mentioned. Still working towards completion since I never finished the Wii version, but I have a feeling the motion control boss battles will eventually put me off like last time.

Trev

  • Mega Man Legacy Collection (Switch) – Like Jes, I’ve been playing through these NES classics, conveniently compiled in this Switch collection. I wonder if we have something planned for the 35th anniversary of the franchise?
  • Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 (Switch) – This collection is weaker than the first, both in the number of games included and features. Seriously, where is the rewind feature? If any game could benefit from it, it’s Mega Man 9.
  • RPGolf Legends (Switch) – Yes, this was on my last playlist also. My review is late, but when it comes to RPGs, they deserve a proper amount of playtime.

Kaelyn

  • Splatoon 2 (Switch) – This is always my filler between new games. I love the fast-paced craziness of a good Splatoon match. It’s also the game I’ve played the most on my Nintendo switch since I bought it ;P
  • Final Fantasy VII (Switch) – I haven’t beaten this game in so long. Like so many others, it’s a nostalgia-filled adventure for me, with some pretty cool characters. I beat it for the first time in something like 20 years this weekend and I loved the recently released PS4 remake. I can’t wait for the Pixel remasters to be released!
  • Pokémon Brilliant Diamond (Switch) – I’ve been slowly progressing through this game since it was released. I finally made it to the Elite Four, but since ALL of their Pokémon know the move Earthquake And it’s taking my party out in one hit, I have to figure out a new strategy. Hopefully I’ll have good news next week :D

Jemma

  • Mario Party Superstars (Switch) – Still loving this game, the boards seem somehow fairer than previous entries, since I actually win occasionally. Either way, it’s hard to put down, though I’d love to see some more characters made available via DLC. The stickers are fun though!
  • Vagante (Switch) – I’m playing this roguelike platformer for an upcoming review. It’s certainly challenging, with some fun moments. Stay tuned to find out my final thoughts!
  • Pikmin 3 Deluxe (Switch) – We finished this one on Normal Mode, so we’re giving Hard Mode a crack. This game has such great replayablity, with plenty of side quests and other modes to enjoy between missions, it’s been keeping us busy all month! Bingo Battles are a favorite in this household :)
  • Pac-Man 99 (Switch Online) – I thought I’d give this a try since I really enjoyed the concept of Tetris 99 and Super Mario Bros. 35. Pac-Man 99 is just as fast and furious, and a fun way to compete with players for a few rounds when I’m looking for something quick and easy to to pass the time..
  • Kansei: The Second Turn HD (Switch) – I recently reviewed this visual novel, which sports a neat anime style and some interesting chartacters as you work to solve a mystery.
  • New Super Mario U Deluxe (Switch) – This is the second-most played game in my household for a reason! We keep coming back for more, this weekend we’ve been testing our skills in the Challenges mode. I would like to see more of Mario’s platforming prowess represented on the Switch.