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Switch Retail Game of the Year - Staff Votes

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo)

It's the double for Breath of the Wild, though the vote count couldn't have been much closer among our staff. Everything has pretty much been said about this one - it's transformed what we've come to expect from Zelda titles, and has won plenty over with its new approaches and ideas for the franchise.

Second Place: Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo)

Third Place: Splatoon 2 (Nintendo)

Fourth Place: Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle (Ubisoft)

Fifth Place: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo)

Switch eShop Game of the Year - Staff Votes

Sonic Mania
Sonic Mania (SEGA)

It's another double, and a pretty comfortable win for this slice of 'new retro'. We feel this was a fantastic release for older Sonic fans seeking a return to the original style and top form, while it's also an excellent game for younger players to experience. Bursting with colour, energy and imagination, it's quite simply the best Sonic game in years.

=Second Place: Stardew Valley (Chucklefish)

=Second Place: Snipperclips - Cut it out, together!

Fourth Place: Rocket League (Psyonix)

Fifth Place: Thumper (drool)

3DS Retail Game of the Year - Staff Votes

Metroid: Samus Returns
Metroid: Samus Returns (Nintendo / MercurySteam)

Rather like in the community vote this was a comfortable winner, courtesy of a relatively quiet year on the 3DS and the high quality of the end result. The first '2D' Metroid in years, it pushes all the right buttons and also adds some intriguing modern flourishes.

Second Place: Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (Nintendo / Game Freak)

Third Place: Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires' Conspiracy (Level-5)

Fourth Place: New Style Boutique 3/ Style Savvy: Styling Star (Nintendo)

Fifth Place: Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions (AlphaDream, Nintendo)

3DS eShop Game of the Year - Staff Votes

Pokémon Gold And Silver
Pokémon Gold and Silver (Nintendo)

When it comes to the winners the community and staff keep agreeing, with these retro re-releases once again seizing the day. Such has been the success of the gen I and II arrivals on the Virtual Console we wouldn't be surprised if there are more to come.

Second Place: Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (Capcom)

Third Place: BYE-BYE BOXBOY! (HAL, Nintendo)

= Fourth Place: Kid Tripp (Four Horses)

= Fourth Place: Blaster Master Zero (Inti Creates)

Overall Game of the Year - Staff Votes

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo)

This vote could not have been closer, with one point separating them in the end. Our staff certainly had a tough time choosing between this and the runner-up, which is a testament to the impact of both games.

Another double winner then, but where does this stand among the great Zelda games? Well, it's undoubtedly in the conversation as the best ever, but there's a flipside to the argument - how do you compare it to predecessors? Such is the ambition of the game and its approach it's difficult to put it directly side-to-side with what came before.

Whatever the case in that debate, most seem to agree that it's a very special game indeed.

Second Place: Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo)

Third Place: Splatoon 2 (Nintendo)

Fourth Place: Metroid: Samus Returns (Nintendo / MercurySteam)

Fifth Place: Sonic Mania (SEGA)


That's it, then, the 2017 Nintendo Life Game of the Year Awards. A big thanks to everyone that took part in voting, and here's hoping for a 2018 of Nintendo gaming that's just as memorable.