Top Handheld Nintendo Spin-Off Games

Nintendo certainly has a knack for releasing spin-off games from its beloved franchises that sometimes even outshine the originals. Hey! Pikmin, Detective Pikachu, and The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes offer fans unique journeys using Nintendo’s cherished intellectual properties. With titles like Pokemon Trading Card Game, Metroid Prime Hunters, and Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer, these spin-offs have enriched Nintendo’s diverse lineup of games.

While the aim is always to achieve success and rave reviews for a franchise, sticking rigidly to expectations can prevent a property from evolving creatively. Surprisingly, even the traditionally cautious Nintendo has taken leaps with several AAA spin-off projects that, in some cases, might be more captivating than the main series entries.

Whether it involves shaking up conventional genres with Nintendo favorites or experimenting with new multiplayer technologies, Nintendo doesn’t shy away from using its renowned franchises to explore creative frontiers. Hey! Pikmin, for instance, took the charming RTS series into the realm of 2D and portable gaming on the 3DS. Released in 2017, Hey! Pikmin wasn’t just a conversion of the existing 3D gameplay but rather a fresh take utilizing the 3DS’ dual screens—transforming the franchise into an experience that’s lighthearted yet engaging.

Similarly, Detective Pikachu took fans by surprise by offering a mystery-solving adventure set in the world of Pokemon on the 3DS. The game, which debuted in 2016, featured Pikachu not just as a cute critter but as a character with personality, leading to both a Nintendo Switch sequel and a hit Hollywood movie with Ryan Reynolds.

And then there’s The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes, a testament to Nintendo’s innovative take on multiplayer gaming. While other experiments dabble in cooperative and cross-platform adventures, Tri Force Heroes is regarded as a standout experience in multiplayer Zelda games. Released in 2015, it builds upon previous Zelda adventures, boasting charming art and engaging puzzles.

The Mario versus Donkey Kong series, originating from their arcade rivalry, turned this classic feud into a modern puzzle platformer. While it initially struggled to reach commercial success, its intriguing puzzle mechanics have eked out a dedicated following, even leading to remakes like the 2024 release on Switch.

Pokemon enthusiasts have seen the franchise extend beyond its RPG roots with innovations like the Pokemon Trading Card Game on the Game Boy. Released during the height of Pokemania, it skillfully blended card game excitement with handheld gameplay, serving both as an entry-level tool and a fun standalone adventure.

Fans of first-person shooters would remember Metroid Prime Hunters on the DS as a defining moment in handheld gaming. Initially teasing players with Metroid Prime Hunters: First Strike, the full game pushed boundaries with voice chat and online multiplayer, showcasing the DS’s capabilities.

And for those who relish a bit of home design, Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer first allowed players to indulge their creative sides by designing homes for charming villagers. While it wasn’t a commercial powerhouse, its influence carried over to the Happy Home Paradise DLC in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Lastly, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers Of Sky stands as a stellar spin-off success. This game expanded on the Mystery Dungeon formula with an engaging story, offering fans a fresh Pokemon experience diverging from the core series.

These spin-offs are a testament to Nintendo’s ability to think outside the box and opt for innovation, without sidelining tradition, enriching its extensive game catalog along the way.