Mario & Luigi: Brothership Delights on Nintendo Switch Despite Button Customization Changes

Mario & Luigi: Brothership Launches on Nintendo Switch, Earning Praise Amid Minor Control Adjustments Nintendo has officially launched Mario & Luigi: Brothership on the Nintendo Switch, marking the first original series installment in nearly a decade.

Developed by AlphaDream, this highly anticipated role-playing game arrived on November 7, 2024, and has quickly captured the attention of dedicated fans and new players alike.

The Mario & Luigi series, beloved for its inventive combat systems and quirky humor, continues its tradition of cooperative brotherly action, this time with a nautical twist that sets the stage for a fresh adventure across vibrant seas. Upon release, players have lauded the game's updated visuals, eccentric cast, and imaginative settings.

However, one particular change has sparked notable discussion within the community: the adjustment to button assignments during battle sequences.

Historically, the series allowed players to control Mario using the 'A' button and Luigi with the 'B' button, aligning with long-established muscle memory for veterans of the franchise. In Mario & Luigi: Brothership, while players still initiate many of Luigi's actions with 'B,' a subtle yet impactful shift now requires selecting specific Luigi attacks with the 'A' button before executing them with 'B.' This dual-button approach—in which players navigate Luigi's move list using 'A' and then confirm attacks using 'B'—has led to a brief learning period for returning fans.

Social media reactions from across the gaming community reflect this adjustment, with many longtime followers admitting to occasional missteps as they adapt to the new layout. Despite the minor control curve, reviewers and players have expressed strong enthusiasm for the overall game.

In their review, Nintendo Life declared that the latest entry is "easily the best Mario & Luigi RPG yet," underscoring the successful marriage of classic series elements with innovative enhancements.

The game's debut on Nintendo Switch continues Nintendo's streak of high-quality first-party releases, bolstered by strong support on the eShop and positive reception from the series' fanbase. The Mario & Luigi franchise, originally debuting on the Game Boy Advance in 2003, has become a staple for fans of humorous, accessible RPG adventures.

AlphaDream, the Japanese studio behind the series, has consistently delivered engaging narratives and unique turn-based mechanics.

After a lengthy hiatus in new titles (with recent years focused on remakes), Brothership represents a significant milestone, inviting both newcomers and long-time fans to embark on a whimsical and challenging journey. As the community settles into this latest installment, most agree that while the button change may require some adjustment, it does little to detract from the overall enjoyment of the game's innovative systems, charming writing, and polished presentation.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership stands as a testament to Nintendo and AlphaDream's commitment to evolving beloved franchises while respecting their core player base. Have you sailed into the new Mario & Luigi: Brothership yet, and how have you found the updated button controls on Nintendo Switch? Join the conversation and share your thoughts as the adventure continues to gain momentum on the eShop and beyond.

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