Best-Selling Nintendo eShop Games of 2024: Highlights and Surprises

7 January 2025
Nintendo Switch
10 min.
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Best-Selling Nintendo eShop Games of 2024: Highlights and Surprises

Summary:

In 2024, Nintendo fans were treated to a rich tapestry of new releases and familiar favorites on the Japanese Nintendo eShop. While some titles soared to impressive success due to big names and strong fan bases, others defied expectations and found their way into the spotlight through sheer innovation and addictive gameplay. It’s exciting to see how some games, such as Suika Game, gained massive popularity by simply offering an easy-to-learn yet hard-to-put-down experience. Then there are long-standing series like Dragon Quest, which continued to captivate both longtime players and newcomers with a fresh reinterpretation of a beloved classic. Meanwhile, multiplayer adventures from Overcooked and Overcooked 2 proved irresistible, offering hilarious, chaotic fun that appealed to groups of friends and families across Japan. Watching them secure top spots in the rankings showcased just how much cooperative games can bring people together. Adding to the mix were bold indie offerings like Exit 8, which introduced mysterious worlds that piqued everyone’s curiosity, as well as cartoon-inspired mashups like Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl. Even time-tested franchises such as The Legend of Zelda and Monster Hunter dazzled gamers with fresh angles and new ways to enjoy their favorite series. Together, these releases shaped a remarkable year for gaming on the Switch, giving us a snapshot of how tastes and trends evolve over time, and what might lie just around the corner for Nintendo fans worldwide.

Suika Game: A Surprise Phenomenon

Suika Game grabbed attention across Japan with its addictive gameplay, capturing hearts almost overnight. Despite initially seeming like a simple puzzle challenge, it quickly revealed layers of complexity that enticed players to keep pushing forward. Everyone wanted to compete for the highest scores, so communities sprouted up online to compare tips and bragging rights. Even those who considered themselves casual gamers found it impossible to break free once they started matching and merging the adorable fruit icons. The mechanics were straightforward enough for newcomers, but there was a deeply satisfying sense of mastery involved in making the right choices at the right time. The tension of perfecting a winning strategy or orchestrating the perfect chain reaction made for some seriously gripping moments. It’s not every year that a fresh title emerges to rival well-known franchises, yet Suika Game took center stage and sparked a wave of buzz on streaming platforms. You could argue that its success is proof that originality and accessibility go a long way. Whether players dove in for five-minute bursts or embarked on marathon sessions, Suika Game provided a welcome break from reality and a chance to appreciate the simpler joys of gaming. Who would have guessed that a cute little fruit puzzle would end up dominating the charts?

The Culinary Frenzy: Overcooked and Overcooked 2

These titles brought a chaotic yet strangely rewarding experience to living rooms throughout Japan. The premise is straightforward: run a cartoonish kitchen without letting everything go up in flames. Yet the real magic lies in how players team up (or sometimes clash) to chop vegetables, grill patties, assemble dishes, and meet the constant demands of hungry customers. The challenges escalate with each stage, keeping teams on their toes as they maneuver narrow walkways and dodge hazards. It’s no surprise that Overcooked’s sequel also soared up the eShop’s charts, boasting new levels, fresh chefs, and even more imaginative recipes. A big part of Overcooked’s staying power is that it turns a seemingly mundane task into a hilarious, teamwork-driven frenzy. Moments of confusion—like dropping a plate because someone accidentally opened a moving drawbridge—often lead to bursts of laughter that bring people closer. There’s something undeniably satisfying about successfully coordinating with friends to serve the perfect dish. Overcooked’s popularity underlines the universal appeal of shared experiences, which can be enjoyed together in the same room or via online play. In a year filled with diverse genres, the Overcooked games reminded everyone how exhilarating simple cooperation can be.

Exit 8: Mysterious Indie Adventure

Exit 8 emerged as a sleeper hit that blended puzzle-solving and exploration with a minimalist art style that left a lasting impression. At first glance, the game’s silhouette-based graphics and soft color palette might seem subdued, but the presentation cleverly pulled gamers into a world that felt dreamlike and haunting. Surreal puzzles lined each level, testing players’ logic and observation skills. Along the way, carefully placed clues and cryptic messages teased an underlying narrative waiting to be uncovered. It’s one thing to craft an indie game with distinctive visuals, but it’s another to combine that aesthetic with nuanced gameplay. Exit 8 balanced those elements superbly. By peppering secrets throughout each chapter, the developers encouraged discovery at every turn. In addition, the subtle soundtrack deepened the atmosphere, hinting that something special lay hidden beneath the surface. For many who tried it, the biggest draw was the sense of being immersed in an untold story. The deeper they ventured, the more enthralled they became, fueling their determination to see the credits roll. This mysterious vibe helped Exit 8 stand out among the flashier titles, proving that you don’t need a massive marketing campaign to capture hearts if you nail the sense of wonder.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake: Revisiting a Classic

This beloved entry in the Dragon Quest saga received a fresh coat of paint, making it even more enticing for both nostalgia-seeking veterans and newcomers discovering the series for the first time. By embracing the HD-2D style, the developers skillfully blended retro charm with modern visual depth. Characters looked like classic pixel sprites, yet the environments boasted a dimensional quality that popped off the screen. This melding of old and new provided just the right touch of familiarity and innovation. From its memorable storyline to its turn-based battles, Dragon Quest III has always held a special place in role-playing lore. Fans reminisced about the first time they set out from Aliahan, forging a path through monster-infested territories while gathering an eclectic party of heroes. With this remake, the journey feels fresh again, thanks to updated animations, reorchestrated music, and quality-of-life improvements. The success of this project showed that revisiting a well-loved classic can rekindle the magic while introducing it to a new generation. It underscores why the Dragon Quest series remains a pillar of Japanese gaming culture, beloved for weaving engaging narratives, creative characters, and traditional RPG mechanics that still resonate decades after their debut.

Monster Hunter Rise: Cooperative Hunts and Thrills

Monster Hunter Rise extended the revered formula of battling majestic beasts across sprawling landscapes, yet it introduced new mechanics that kept the experience vibrant. The wirebug system let players zip through the air or quickly evade danger, transforming the dynamic of each hunt. Palamutes, canine companions who joined the fight, added another layer of fun and allowed for speedy travel. By combining these additions with the signature monster-hunting loop—gathering materials, crafting powerful gear, and honing strategies—this installment felt like a big leap forward. It’s hard to deny the community-driven appeal of Monster Hunter. From forming hunting parties with friends to discussing loadout optimizations, there’s a camaraderie that thrives in these games. Monster Hunter Rise tapped into that spirit, earning a place on 2024’s best-seller list. The sense of triumph players feel after toppling a gargantuan foe is exhilarating, and the immediate shift to claiming materials for armor or weapon upgrades satisfies the constant cycle of progress. In Japan especially, Monster Hunter resonates with a wide audience, bridging gaps between seasoned veterans and those just starting out. The thrill of the chase and the excitement of forging your path to greater feats remain as potent as ever.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl: Cartoon Combat

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl united popular characters from beloved cartoon universes, throwing them into frantic battles reminiscent of platform-fighting classics. Seeing SpongeBob square off against fighters like Danny Phantom or Michelangelo from the Ninja Turtles offered a fan-service bonanza, triggering nostalgic vibes that tugged at many hearts. The whimsical stages, each designed after iconic Nickelodeon settings, further fueled the excitement. What makes this crossover so appealing is how it connected different generations of viewers who grew up on these shows, enabling them to engage in playful, outlandish skirmishes. Fast-paced gameplay, unique movesets, and comedic attacks turned every match into a highlight reel of cartoon mayhem. Even players who typically shy away from fighting games found themselves drawn in by the charm of seeing their favorite characters duke it out. The roster choices and balanced mechanics were widely praised, especially for an initial release, and the promise of downloadable content or patches hinted at a bright future. Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl stood as a colorful testament to the power of cross-media synergy and how it can resonate far beyond a single generation.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom: Mythical Exploration

The Legend of Zelda has a storied past, and each installment aims to deepen the series’ lore while offering new ways to explore Hyrule and beyond. Echoes of Wisdom did exactly that by weaving together a compelling narrative with puzzle-laden dungeons and a vast overworld teeming with secrets. Fans anticipated massive revelations about old legends, eagerly deciphering cryptic hints scattered across hidden caves and ancient ruins. The satisfaction of unraveling each puzzle or discovering a brand-new region never gets old for Zelda enthusiasts, who thrive on the franchise’s signature blend of action, strategy, and storytelling. Echoes of Wisdom continued that grand tradition while introducing subtle mechanics to modernize the gameplay. Whether it was small quality-of-life changes—like streamlined menus—or innovative puzzle designs that required a dash of creativity, the game balanced tradition and invention well. Its standing as one of the best sellers in 2024 signified yet another victory for a series that has consistently proven its relevance over multiple decades. As fans reflect on how far the Legend of Zelda has come, Echoes of Wisdom serves as a reassuring sign that the journey is far from over.

Super Mario Party Jamboree: Party Adventures for All

Super Mario Party Jamboree lived up to its name, offering a high-energy experience that made every gathering feel like a colorful celebration. Sporting a variety of zany boards and mini-games, it introduced an element of unpredictability that could help underdogs snatch victories from seemingly unstoppable leaders. That blend of luck and skill fueled endless hilarity—one moment you’re confidently ahead, the next you’re fuming as a random event sends you plummeting. Like many party-style games, it’s a blast when enjoyed among friends, but Jamboree also included new features that kept solo play interesting. The addition of achievements and unlockables motivated players to return, gradually revealing special challenges they hadn’t attempted before. The competitive edge from online play amped up the excitement, letting people pit their skills against opponents around the world. Ultimately, Super Mario Party Jamboree reaffirmed Nintendo’s knack for forging experiences that capture the essence of fun and friendly rivalry, while reminding us that sometimes the luck of the dice can be just as thrilling as well-honed strategy.

Minecraft: Boundless Creativity

Few games have transcended generations and platforms like Minecraft. In 2024, it continued to garner tremendous attention in Japan, appealing to gamers of all ages. The premise remains as open-ended as ever: mine resources, craft items, and build whatever your heart desires. This foundation encouraged players to dream big, shaping entire continents, floating islands, or elaborate contraptions limited only by imagination. Collaborating with friends in multiplayer mode further enriched the experience, sparking creativity through shared construction projects or competitive showdowns. It’s not difficult to see why this title holds a permanent spot in many best-seller lists. Minecraft stands as a testament to the power of user-driven worlds, where the joy lies in forging your path without strict directives or boundaries. Some sought adventure, braving monster-filled caverns and forging epic weapons. Others preferred to focus on farming, city-building, or pixel art. The flexible approach ensures there’s something for everyone. Year after year, Minecraft’s updates breathe new life into the experience, whether through added biomes, creatures, or items. It remains a sandbox of endless potential, reminding us that gaming can sometimes be the ultimate playground for self-expression.

Looking back at these chart-topping games, it’s evident that variety played a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s direction. From puzzle hits like Suika Game to bigger franchise releases such as The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, each offering had a distinct flavor. The success of indie creations like Exit 8 illustrated the continued appetite for original concepts that deviate from the mainstream. Meanwhile, recognized franchises like Dragon Quest proved there’s still a place for nostalgia, provided it’s presented in a way that respects the original magic while embracing modern expectations. Cooperative titles saw a substantial boost, hinting that people craved ways to bond over shared experiences. Whether it was the frantic kitchen mischief of Overcooked or the epic battles of Monster Hunter Rise, these endeavors united players in pursuit of a common goal. Simultaneously, single-player journeys, from classic adventures to open-ended sandboxes, thrived for those who preferred forging their path at their own pace. In essence, 2024 highlighted that the Nintendo eShop is a realm where diverse genres can coexist, each attracting devoted communities and offering compelling reasons for us to keep exploring. As gaming evolves, we’ll likely see more surprising hits emerge and old favorites reimagined, keeping the spirit of discovery alive.

Conclusion

The year 2024 proved that there’s no single formula for success on Nintendo’s digital storefront. Each top-ranking game, whether a brand-new puzzle phenomenon or a remake of a cherished classic, enriched the community in its own way. The thrill of chaotic Overcooked kitchens coexisted seamlessly with the calm, creative vibe of Minecraft. Jaw-dropping hunts in Monster Hunter Rise balanced perfectly with the subtle intrigue of Exit 8. This diversity reflects the strength of Nintendo’s ecosystem, where innovative thinkers, seasoned developers, and playful collaboration fuse to craft experiences that leave lasting impressions. As we close the chapter on another year of memorable releases, we look forward to the surprises that await just around the corner.

FAQs
  • Q1: Which title surprised players the most in 2024?
    • A1: Suika Game took many by surprise, quickly rising through the charts with its addictive puzzle mechanics and charming visuals.
  • Q2: Why do Overcooked and Overcooked 2 remain so popular?
    • A2: Their emphasis on cooperative chaos makes them ideal for group play, blending frantic tasks with a spirit of camaraderie and laughter.
  • Q3: Did Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake attract new fans?
    • A3: Yes, the updated visuals and improved gameplay mechanics drew in nostalgic veterans and newcomers eager to experience a legendary RPG in modern style.
  • Q4: What makes Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl stand out?
    • A4: It brings together iconic cartoon characters in a dynamic fighting platform, offering a blend of nostalgia and entertaining combat for multiple generations of viewers.
  • Q5: How do players stay engaged with Minecraft after so many years?
    • A5: The game’s limitless creativity, combined with frequent updates and community-driven projects, keeps the experience constantly evolving, appealing to both new and veteran players.
Sources
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