Celebrating Yoshi Games: A Comprehensive Look at Nintendo’s Dinosaur Hero on Switch and Beyond

When discussing iconic Nintendo franchises, series such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid often top the list.

Yet, one character who has consistently starred in a variety of engaging titles across generations is Yoshi.

Since his early days, Yoshi has developed a legacy that spans innovative puzzle titles and beloved 2D platformers, delighting fans on every Nintendo console.

Most recently, the launch of Yoshi's Crafted World on the Nintendo Switch captivated both longtime fans and new players with its inventive game mechanics and signature charm. Yoshi, officially named T.

Yoshisaur Munchakoopas, made his first appearance in Super Mario World for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990.

The now-famous green dinosaur, initially envisioned by Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto as Mario’s companion, was realized only once the hardware capabilities surpassed the limitations of the NES.

Despite his sidekick beginnings—often taking comical orders from Mario—Yoshi quickly established himself as a staple in Nintendo’s character roster. Over the decades, Yoshi has appeared in a broad array of Nintendo titles, from mainline adventures to spinoffs like Mario Kart, Mario Party, and Super Smash Bros.

Notably, he featured in games such as Super Mario Sunshine for GameCube and Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Wii.

But Yoshi’s journey as a main character truly began in the early 1990s with innovative puzzle releases. Yoshi’s solo debut came in 1991 with the puzzle game 'Yoshi' (released in Japan as 'Yosshī no Tamago'), developed by the renowned studio Game Freak long before their Pokémon fame.

Shortly after, Yoshi’s Cookie, a 1993 title developed by Bullet-Proof Software, built on the falling-block puzzle craze and brought the character to NES, Game Boy, and SNES audiences. Yoshi's role as a platforming protagonist was cemented with the critically acclaimed Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island (SNES, 1995).

This game saw Yoshi and his colorful clan guiding Baby Mario through imaginative, pastel-styled worlds—attracting praise for its innovative graphics powered by the Super FX2 chip and selling over four million copies globally according to industry sources. Subsequent sequels and spinoffs explored new gameplay and platform features.

Titles like Yoshi's Story (Nintendo 64, 1997), Yoshi Topsy-Turvy (Game Boy Advance, 2004), and Yoshi Touch & Go (Nintendo DS, 2005) showcased Nintendo’s commitment to innovation, often integrating unique hardware capabilities like tilt sensors and touchscreen controls. The franchise’s modern era includes Yoshi's Island DS (2006), the 3DS entry Yoshi’s New Island (2014) developed by Arzest, and the highly regarded Yoshi’s Woolly World (Wii U, 2015), once again developed by Good-Feel.

The latter, praised for its co-op gameplay and creative level design, was later adapted as Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World for Nintendo 3DS in 2017. The latest mainline release, Yoshi's Crafted World, arrived on Nintendo Switch on March 29, 2019.

Developed by Good-Feel, this entry features a charming cardboard craft aesthetic and introduces inventive mechanics, offering a fresh spin while maintaining the series’ signature accessibility and creativity.

Early hands-on previews and critical reviews highlighted the game’s appealing visual style and fun, approachable platforming challenges. From falling-block puzzle classics to lush, multi-layered platform adventures, Yoshi’s games have consistently broadened Nintendo’s release slate and showcased the publisher’s willingness to experiment.

As Yoshi's Crafted World continues to attract players both physically and through the eShop, the franchise remains a testament to Nintendo's creativity and its beloved dinosaur mascot. For the latest news on Nintendo Switch releases and developer insights, stay tuned to our site and consider exploring Yoshi’s rich catalog through Nintendo Direct announcements and the eShop offerings.

Nintendo Yoshi Good-Feel Super Mario World Yoshi's Crafted World Yoshi's Island Arzest Bullet-Proof Software Game Freak Super Mario Galaxy 2 Mario Kart Mario Party Super Smash Bros. Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World Super Scope Nintendo Direct eShop Game Boy Advance Nintendo DS Nintendo 3DS Wii U