Luigi’s Mansion at 25: Why Nintendo’s Spookiest Game Is a Must-Play on Switch 2

Nintendo’s Luigi’s Mansion, originally released for the GameCube in 2001, is marking its 25th anniversary as one of the most atmospheric and inventive launch titles in the company’s history. The game put Luigi—not Mario—in the spotlight, tasking him with exploring a haunted mansion armed with the Poltergust 3000 to rescue his brother. Its unique blend of ghost-catching mechanics, puzzle-solving, and playful horror set it apart from other platformers of its era and helped define the GameCube’s identity. Now, with the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, many fans and critics are revisiting the original as a must-play experience, arguing that its charm and design still hold up. The game’s success spawned a franchise, including sequels on the 3DS and Switch, but the original remains a touchstone for creative risk-taking. As Nintendo prepares its next generation, Luigi’s Mansion serves as a reminder of how a single bold idea can shape a console’s legacy.