Nintendo Releases Most Downloaded Games In May 2021
Proving it's more than just that portly plumber that holds up its house, Nintendo has revealed a list of the most downloaded games in May 2021 - with some firm favourites giving Mario a run for his money. Although 2021 celebrates The Legend of Zelda's 35th anniversary and Pokemon's 25th, we always knew it was going to be a big one for Nintendo.
While Microsoft and Sony have kept themselves busy with rolling out their next-gen consoles and ploughing their efforts into a delayed slate of games like Cyberpunk 2077, Halo Infinite, and God of War: Ragnarok, Nintendo has been quietly chipping away at the competition. Ahead of an official release of the rumoured Nintendo Switch Pro, let's look at what you've been playing on the classic Switch and Switch Lite.
What is the most downloaded Nintendo game of May 2021?
Nintendo has released a list of the 10 most downloaded titles in May 2021 (via Nintendo Life), with some no-so-surprising results. Given the release of New Pokemon Snap on April 30, it's soared to the top of the charts in May 2021. The reimagining of the 1999 photography game has found a whole new generation of fans. With more monster to pap, New Pokemon Snap cashed in on retro nostalgia and the Pokemon anniversary.
Elsewhere, the adorable Miitopia took second place in its debut month. Originally released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2016, the remastered version brought the RPG simulator to the Switch for the first time ever. Finally, April winner Minecraft slipped into third place. Still, considering it's been available on the console since early 2017, that's quite a feat.
In terms of what else makes up the Top 10, the full list is as follows:
- New Pokémon Snap
- Miitopia
- Minecraft
- Among Us
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
- Super Mario Party
- Subnautica
- Stardew Valley
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
What do the most downloaded Switch games in May 2021 mean?
While Pokemon has reached the top this month, it's interesting that Mario still largely reigns supreme. Following the February release of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, there are other "legacy" titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario Party still sitting high. Apart from the upcoming Mario Golf: Super Rush, we don't know what's next for the series staple. With Nintendo officially attending this year's E3 for a 40-minute direct, we're hoping there's a bright future for the Nintendo mascot.
Just missing out on the Top 10 are Pokemon Sword and Shield (in 11th) and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (in 15th). Returning to E3, all eyes are on whether we'll get a closer look at Breath of the Wild 2, and maybe, even get a release date. Alongside this, the Pokecelebrations will continue thanks to Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, as well as the new creation of Pokemon Arceus.
Thanks to new games and new consoles potentially on the horizon, rest assured that the most downloaded Nintendo games list is sure to shift over the next few months. The question is, will Pokemon retain the crown in June?
Images via Nintendo
