Nintendo has created a dynasty of games with franchises that endure for generations. Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon are brand names recognizable to all and have no signs of waning. Not all beloved Nintendo franchises receive the same level of treatment, however. Some fan favorites have slipped into obscurity quietly at times—sometimes for as odd a reason as their games themselves. Here’s a peek at eight Nintendo franchises that still linger in the hearts of fans but appear fated to remain locked away in the vault.
1. Duck Hunt
If you had an NES growing up, you probably recall the click of the NES Zapper and the maddening laughter of Duck Hunt Dog. Paired with Super Mario Bros., Duck Hunt was an instant classic and a staple of living rooms across the world. But the times are different. Its simplistic light-gun action and hunting theme don’t fit quite as well with current gaming trends, and novelty shooters have fallen out of favor with modern audiences. Duck Hunt’s legacy is relegated to cameos—such as its lighthearted wink in Super Smash Bros—but a full reboot doesn’t seem likely.
2. The Mysterious Murasame Castle
Launched in 1986, this action-adventure classic never left Japan in its initial incarnation, but its protagonist, Takamaru, has generated a low-key cult following through subsequent re-releases and cameo appearances in other games. Quick action and iconic boss battles provided a distinctive hook for the period. Though it has a dedicated fan base and even rumblings of interest from developers such as Suda51, the game’s obscurity and Japan-only origins make a re-remix a long shot. In the meantime, it’s one of Nintendo’s best-kept secrets.
3. Punch-Out!!
In the old days, Punch-Out!! It was one of Nintendo’s largest and most popular titles, whether dodging punches from Glass Joe or taking on Mike Tyson himself. The Wii game was a pleasant and successful return to the ring, but Little Mac has otherwise been relegated mostly to a place on the Super Smash Bros. roster since then. Little Mac has many fans convinced that the newer fighting game ARMS has usurped its territory, which would make a new Punch-Out!! Redundant. Unless Nintendo can come up with a new spin for Little Mac, his boxing gloves might remain hung up.
4. Custom Robo
Custom Robo was a welcome relief for robot enthusiasts everywhere, allowing gamers to construct and fight fully customizable ‘bots. Western gamers finally experienced it with Custom Robo: Battle Revolution for the GameCube, but following the less-than-stellar reception of Custom Robo Arena in 2006, things went dark. Noise has since moved into mobile games, and Nintendo hasn’t indicated a return to the franchise. Unfortunately for the fans who continue to dream of tweaking their ideal robo-soldiers.
5. Eternal Darkness
Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem is frequently cited as one of Nintendo’s greatest risks—a psychological horror game that played tricks with players’ minds unlike any other game. Its sanity-altering effects and adult themes made it stand out from Nintendo’s more wholesome reputation, and fans have long been clamoring for a sequel. Unfortunately, the game’s developer, Silicon Knights, closed up shop in 2014, and though Nintendo retains the rights, there’s no sign they’ll return to this cult classic anytime soon.
6. Nintendogs
When Nintendogs came out on the Nintendo DS, it was a sensation. Children and adults both adored playing with, grooming, and feeding their virtual puppies. Nintendogs + Cats on the 3DS continued the fun but ended the series’ cycle. In a world now saturated with free mobile pet simulators, Nintendo appears happy to let Nintendogs sleep. It’s a perfect example of a hit that was timing-wise but difficult to recreate today.
7. Chibi-Robo!
Chibi-Robo! charmed a niche following on the GameCube with its quaint concept: a little robot doing chores around the house. Its uniqueness shone through, but the series never managed to crossover to a larger market. Subsequent games bogged down with clumsy release plans and poor distribution, and the underwhelming reception of Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash sealed its fate. While Nintendo has moved on, the little robot’s spirit lives on in fans’ memories—and in spiritual successors from its original developers.
8. Earthbound / Mother
Few franchises inspire as much passion as Earthbound—known in Japan as Mother. Shigesato Itoi’s quirky, heartfelt RPGs have left an indelible mark on gaming history. The final installment, Mother 3, was released in 2006, and although there have been constant fan demands, Itoi has stated he’s finished with the series. As he owns a portion of the rights, Nintendo cannot proceed without him. Earthbound will never be forgotten, but until the creator himself has a change of heart, Ness and his friends won’t be taking part in anything new.