If you’re an avid gamer, you know that Nintendo’s library of games is one of the greatest of all time. From console classics like Super Mario Bros. to modern hits like Splatoon, Nintendo has produced some of the most memorable and beloved games in history. It’s no wonder then that the company’s library of games is widely considered the best in the business. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the top 10 Nintendo games of all time. We’ll explore the history, mechanics, and lasting impact of each title, as well as discuss why these titles have stood the test of time and remain popular today. Whether you’re a Nintendo fan or just getting into gaming, you’ll find something to love as you explore this list of the greatest games ever created.
Super Mario Bros.
First up on our list is the granddaddy of them all: Super Mario Bros. This classic Nintendo game is the very first to feature the famous Italian plumber, and it has since become the cornerstone of the company’s entire franchise. Released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Mario Bros. is a side-scrolling platformer that lets players control Mario as he traverses the Mushroom Kingdom in order to rescue Princess Toadstool from the evil King Koopa. This game is so iconic that it’s spawned countless sequels, ports, and remakes, which has helped it become the best-selling single video game in history, with more than 40 million units sold. This one-two punch of its recognizable characters and addictive gameplay helped make Super Mario Bros. the most recognizable Nintendo game ever created. It’s a classic that has endured the test of time and remains beloved by gamers of all ages.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Next up on our list is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. This action-adventure game was first released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64 and has since become one of the most popular titles in the Zelda franchise. Like many other Zelda games, Ocarina of Time follows the journey of the hero Link as he travels across Hyrule in an epic quest to stop Ganondorf, the King of the Gerudo tribe, from obtaining the Triforce and using its power to rule the world. This game is often praised for its story, gameplay, and characters, with many critics crediting it for pioneering many of the mechanics that are used in modern gaming. Ocarina of Time is also one of the highest-rated games of all time, receiving perfect scores from many gaming publications. This classic Nintendo game has remained in demand to this day, with many fans picking up re-releases of the game to experience it once again.
Super Smash Bros.
Next up on our list is Super Smash Bros., a series that pits classic Nintendo characters against each other in a wild fighting game. This series first launched in 1999 with the release of Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 64, and it has since become one of the most popular fighting games ever made. During this game, players can choose to control one of 29 Nintendo characters, such as Mario, Wario, or Pikachu, and battle it out to see who can emerge victorious. Super Smash Bros. has since become famous for its frenzied and chaotic gameplay, which has earned it the title of one of the best multiplayer games ever created. With a wide character roster, simple controls, and endless replayability, Super Smash Bros. has become a go-to for Nintendo fans everywhere and has helped make the series one of the most beloved in the company’s history.
Mario Kart
Next up on our list is Mario Kart, a wild and wacky racing game that has become a household name since its first release in 1992. This game is the very first installment in the wildly popular Mario Kart franchise, and it has been ported to countless consoles. In this racing game, players can choose to control one of a number of Nintendo characters, such as Yoshi, Donkey Kong, or Bowser, as they race across a number of themed and colorful tracks. This game has become popular for its simple premise, wild and chaotic gameplay, and popular multiplayer mode, which has made it one of the best racing games ever created. This classic Nintendo game has also become famous for its wide roster of characters, which have expanded over time to include many beloved Nintendo faces. With a wide selection of racers to choose from, Mario Kart has become a cult classic and a must-play for Nintendo fans everywhere.
Donkey Kong Country
Next up on our list is Donkey Kong Country, a side-scrolling platformer game that has become a fan favorite since its initial release in 1994. This game is the fifth installment in the Donkey Kong franchise, and it follows the journey of the Kong family as they work to stop the evil villain, King K. Rool, from stealing their bananas. This game has garnered praise for its vibrant graphics, engaging storyline, and catchy soundtrack, which have helped make it one of the most memorable games ever created. With its release on the Wii’s Virtual Console in 2010, this classic Nintendo game has been reintroduced to a new generation of gamers, and it has become a hit once again among Nintendo fans. Donkey Kong Country has also become famous for its groundbreaking use of pre-rendered 3D graphics, which have helped make this game one of the most visually striking games ever created.
Metroid Prime
Next up on our list is Metroid Prime, a first-person shooter game that has become a fan favorite since its release in 2002. This game is the first installment in the Metroid Prime franchise, and it follows the journey of Samus Aran, a bounty hunter who has become famous for her ability to use a wide range of high-tech guns, missiles, and gadgets. In Metroid Prime, players will control Samus as she travels to different planets in order to destroy the Metroid species once and for all. This game has become famous for its engaging storyline, stunning graphics, and innovative gameplay, which has earned it widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. This classic Nintendo game has also become a must-play for video game fans, as it has helped earn the Metroid franchise a new level of popularity and has helped push the boundaries of what a first-person shooter game can be.
Animal Crossing
Next up on our list is Animal Crossing, a simulation game that has become a cult classic since its initial release in 2001. This game is the first installment in the Animal Crossing franchise, and it follows the daily life of a player-created character who has moved to a village inhabited by friendly animals. In this game, players can do everything from decorating their homes to collecting bugs, earning them money that can be used to purchase items in the village shop. Animal Crossing has become famous for its charming and welcoming atmosphere, as well as the freedom it gives its players. This classic Nintendo game has also become a favorite among many gamers thanks to its ability to connect players in real-time, allowing them to interact and visit each other’s towns. Animal Crossing has since become one of the most popular Nintendo games ever created and has helped make the Animal Crossing franchise one of the most successful Nintendo franchises to date.
Splatoon
Next up on our list is Splatoon, a third-person shooter game that has become a fan favorite since its release in 2015. This game is the first installment in the Splatoon franchise, and it follows the journey of an Inkling, a human-squid hybrid that can only live in a world of ink. In this game, players will control one of 10 Inklings as they travel to various locations, such as a city, an underwater shipwreck, or an abandoned junkyard, to battle against other teams in an effort to spray as much of their color as possible. This game has become famous for its wacky premise and its innovative battle system, which has been praised for
