Before we begin here is a brief, but sassy, preemptive FAQ:
Q: “What makes a game eligible?”
A: Any game developed by Nintendo OR published by Nintendo and will never be available on any other platform (Banjo Kazooie no, Hyrule Warriors yes. Hotel Dusk? idk but it’s on here anyway). There will be no “well it’s on everything but I associate it with Nintendo” nonsense here. Also, no multi-game compilations, that’s cheating.
Q: “Where is <game>??”
A: Either I haven’t played enough of it or it just didn’t make my personal top-100. More on this here, if you want specifics.
Q: “What’s the formula for determining where a game is ranked?”
A: There isn’t one. It’s literally just how I feel about the game.
Q: “Super Mario World came out in 1991, why does it say 1990 on your list??”
A: I ended up going with the year of whichever territory the game released in first.
Q: “OK so if you’re using the Japanese release date why is the picture of the North American box??”
A: It’s really not that big of a deal.
Q: “I stopped reading after <game> was above/below <game>.”
A: Cool, that’s not a question.
Q: “You just put <game> at <number> to get clicks.”
A: Again, not a question. But this site is not monetized in any way; I actually pay to keep it running so these hypothetical “clicks” mean nothing to me (also, I put the entire list in one post to avoid clicks; sorry if it loads like shit).
Q: “Will this list change?”
A: Inevitably. It changed significantly at least a dozen times in the week I took to write it. I plan to revisit it sometime next year, but we’ll see.
OK, with all that out of the way
The list begins with a game of aquatic intensity
100. Wave Race: Blue Storm (GCN / Nintendo Software Technology / 2001)
It’s not as good as Wave Race 64, but honestly, what is? The dynamic weather and water effects are still pretty impressive today; a great technical showcase for the GameCube’s launch. This was the first GameCube game I bought (a day before the system was released).
99. Ice Hockey (NES / Nintendo R&D4 / 1988)
A simple, charming, pick up and play sports game that’s enjoyable against the computer, but even more fun with a friend.
98. Luigi’s Mansion (GCN / EAD / 2001)
Luigi’s Mansion was not the Mario game fans expected at the GameCube launch, and its “short” 6-8 hour playtime did not endear it to critics of the era. But removed from that context it’s a clever take on the survival horror genre, with incredible visuals and effects. All killer, no filler, it remains my favorite game in the series.
97. Cruis’n USA (Arcade / TV Games Inc. / 1994)
Forget about the disappointing N64 port, Cruis’n USA in the arcade is a ridiculous amount of goofy fun. The vibe is a cross between a greasy diner and the corniest roadside attraction imaginable. The racing itself isn’t on the level of its contemporaries like Ridge Racer or Daytona USA, but there’s really nothing else like it.
96. Pokémon Pinball (GBC / Jupiter, HAL Laboratory / 1999)
It’s not the best video pinball from a technical standpoint, but the charming presentation and collecting metagame go a long way.
95. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (Wii U / EAD, Tantalus Media / 2016)
Twilight Princess is overlong, slow to start, and the wolf sections are tedious. But when it’s good, it’s *really* good, and the Wii U version makes some of the annoying bits less so.
94. Battalion Wars (GCN / Kuju London / 2005)
A clever mix of tactical strategy and third person shooting, Battalion Wars is a unique spinoff from the Famicom Wars series. It’s almost like an extremely charming Tom Clancy game.
93. Wii Fit (Wii / EAD / 2007)
While most Balance Boards now live in basements and thrift stores, there was a time when Wii Fit was a massive phenomenon. It’s clever tech, and while it never became part of my workout routine, I do enjoy some of the minigames.
92. Link’s Crossbow Training (Wii / EAD / 2007)
The best lightgun game Nintendo ever made and my favorite Zelda on Wii.
It is said that you cannot leave the island unless you wake the Wind Fish…
91. Devil World (Famicom / R&D1, Intelligent Systems / 1984)
Miyamoto and Tezuka’s take on maze chase is a surprisingly intense experience, having to not only avoid enemies, but also stay ahead of the deadly maze itself. The religious imagery is kinda sick and most definitely the reason it wasn’t released in the United States until 2023.
90. Pro Wrestling (NES / R&D3 / 1986)
The best of Nintendo’s early sports games, Masato Masuda’s Pro Wrestling is still a ton of fun today. Star Man forever.
89. Yoshi’s Wooly World (Wii U / Good-Feel / 2015)
A charming, gorgeous platformer that in my opinion is the second-best game in the Yoshi series (more on that later in the list).
88. Mario Kart DS (DS / EAD / 2005)
Mario Kart DS was *the* local multiplayer game of choice for my friends and I for probably two solid years. Being able to play a high quality Mario Kart anywhere (sorry Advance) was a revelation.
87. Pokémon Yellow Version (GB / Game Freak / 1998)
Despite its issues, I will always Gen 1, and Yellow is my favorite way to revisit it. But what about the GBA remakes? They’re pretty good, but they don’t have Pikachu’s Beach or Game Boy Printer compatibility.
86. Balloon Kid (GB / R&D1 / 1990)
Expanding on the Balloon Trip mode from Balloon Fight, Balloon Kid is an excellent Game Boy autoscroller that also sports an incredible soundtrack. I don’t remember when I first encountered Balloon Kid, but I’ve been singing its praises for years.
85. Star Fox Assault (GCN / Namco / 2005)
Yet another “not the Star Fox 64 follow-up we were hoping for”, Assault is still an enjoyable and visually impressive shooter. The third-person segments are somewhat clunky, but seamlessly going from a run and gun shooter to flying an Arwing (and vice versa) still rocks today.
The Wind Fish is watching…
84. StreetPass Mii Plaza (3DS / SPD, Good-Feel, Grezzo, Spike Chunsoft, Prope, Arzest / 2011-2016)
Nintendo’s greatest social experiment of all time, StreetPass Mii Plaza caused me to seek connections wherever I took my 3DS. From the simplicity of Puzzle Swap to the more traditional DLC games, it was always a dopamine hit to see that LED light up.
83. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones (GBA / Intelligent Systems / 2004)
While I enjoyed the first Fire Emblem on Game Boy Advance, Sacred Stones is the one that really made me a fan of the series. Intense but fair strategy that kept me transfixed.
82. Mario Party (N64 / Hudson Soft / 1998)
While I’ve dabbled in later entries, the original Mario Party remains my favorite. It was the first digital board game I had really gotten into and was a multiplayer staple for years.
81. Dr. Luigi (Wii U / Arika / 2013)
Released in the Year of Luigi, this version of Dr. Mario changes the somewhat tired formula in an interesting way with L-shaped pills and a handful of new modes.
80. Pilotwings Resort (3DS / Monster Games / 2011)
An under-appreciated highlight of the 3DS launch lineup, Resort lacks the character of previous entries, but is the most playable. If you’re into improving your scores in a variety of challenges, this game might be your jam.
79. Excitebike: World Rally (Wii / Monster Games / 2009)
The ultimate expression of the original Excitebike formula, it’s a damn shame the game is currently in WiiWare purgatory.
78. Donkey Konga (GCN / Namco / 2003)
From the era when plastic instrument rhythm games ruled the living room, Donkey Konga followed DDR and Taiko no Tatsujin, but predated Guitar Hero and Rock Band by years. PROTIP: The Japanese versions have much cooler track lists.
77. 3D Classics Kid Icarus (3DS / R&D1, Arika / 2012)
Arika took a compelling but frustrating NES game and gave it ever so subtle QoL improvements to make it much more playable. I was actually able to finish the game with this version, which greatly increased my appreciation for it.
76. Custom Robo (GCN / Noise / 2004)
The first game in the series to see a Western release, Custom Robo offered a unique combination of building and battling. The story is whatever, but the mech customization and Virtual On-esque combat is a blast.
…Outside the island? What is ‘outside?’
75. Endless Ocean (Wii / Arika / 2007)
The chill serenity of Arika’s Everblue PS2 duology found a fitting place in Nintendo’s Blue Ocean strategy. The single Wii Remote controls work wonderfully for the casual gameplay, and the soundtrack / audio design is transcendent.
74. Hotel Dusk: Room 215 (DS / Cing / 2007)
A noir adventure with visuals seemingly inspired by A-ha’s Take on Me music video? What’s not to like?
73. NES Remix (Wii U / EAD / 2013)
A collection of NES challenges, Remix is both nostalgic and addictive. For a hot minute some friends and I were competing asynchronously for bragging rights after completing challenges, which was a blast.
72. Super Mario Strikers (GCN / Next Level Games / 2005)
More hockey than soccer at times, Strikers captures the feel of hard-hitting Midway arcade sports classics.
71. Mario Kart 64 (N64 / Nintendo EAD / 1996)
In the mid-90s my friend Kevin wrote a letter to Nintendo asking that the next Mario Kart game include hills. Not only did Nintendo deliver hills and more varied terrain in MK64, they also gave us one of the greatest multiplayer experiences ever.
70. F-Zero (SNES / EAD / 1990)
The technical showcase of the SNES launch, F-Zero is a fast-paced, overstimulating, aesthetic delight with sick environments and an even sicker soundtrack.
69. Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters (GB / R&D1 / 1991)
A more gentle take on the Kid Icarus formula, the Game Boy iteration maintains the charm, but loses the punishing difficulty. I finished this years before finally completing the NES game.
68. Kirby’s Epic Yarn (Wii / Good-Feel / 2010)
Deceptively easy, Epic Yarn’s challenge can be found in completionism. But even if you don’t try to collect and unlock everything, this is a breezy yet satisfying platformer that’s one of the best-looking games on Wii.
67. Rhythm Tengoku (GBA / SPD / 2006)
Just seeing screenshots of Rhythm Tengoku was enough to compel me to import a copy. What I got was a wholly unique game both aesthetically and mechanically.
66. Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix (GCN / Konami / 2005)
It’s not the most challenging or robust DDR game, but the Mario wrapper and track list go a long way. It’s a shame we never got more of these.
When you play the Instruments in front of the Egg, the Wind Fish will wake and you will leave this island.
65. Pikmin 3 (Wii U / EAD / 2013)
One of my favorite uses of the Wii U gamepad, Pikmin 3 was the entry that finally got me to understand the love for the series. The Switch 2 version is cool, but loses a bit without the second screen.
64. StarTropics (NES / R&D3 / 1990)
A Zelda-esque adventure with great visuals and challenging (sometimes frustrating) platforming. A product of the late-80s / early-90s in all the best ways.
63. WarioWare: Twisted! (GBA / SPD / 2004)
Maybe the gyro cartridge was a gimmick, but Twisted used it in consistently inventive ways. While pretty much all WarioWare games use unique Nintendo hardware to some degree, Twisted did it best.
62. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS (3DS (obvs) / Bandai Namco, Sora / 2014)
Having a portable, fully-featured Smash game that looked and played great was a revelation in pre-Switch 2014. I played this version more than its console counterpart.
61. Mario Kart 7 (3DS / EAD, Retro Studios / 2011)
After stumbling with the Wii game (imo), 7 was a brilliant return to form. The addition of gliders and kart customization moved the series forward in terms of both portable and console entries.
60. Excitebots: Trick Racing (Wii / Monster Games / 2009)
Absolutely bonkers motion-controlled arcade style trick racing, Excitebots is the best racer on the Wii.
59. Metroid II: Return of Samus (GB / R&D1 / 1991)
One of many black sheep in the series, I have a soft spot for Metroid II. The progression is unique and while still obtuse, it’s more approachable than the original game. It was honestly pretty mind-blowing to have an adventure of this scale on a portable system in 1991.
58. Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition (Switch / Omega Force, Team Ninja / 2018)
Although we now have three of these games, it’s hard to overstate how shocking the announcement of the first Zelda musou was. The original remains my favorite in due to its nonsensical story that serves as a way to cram as much fanservice as possible into the game.
57. Kirby’s Dream Land (GB / HAL Laboratory / 1992)
Short, simple, and easy, Kirby’s debut was a platformer unlike what I was accustomed to in 1992. It has become one of my favorite comfort games, a breezy playthrough that’s done in 30 minutes or so.
56. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest (SNES / Rare / 1995)
The exact opposite of Kirby’s Dream Land, DKC2 is a punishing game. It expands on the original, and the incredible visuals (on a CRT) and music kept me playing despite the moments of frustration.
55. Mario Golf (GBC / Camelot Software Planning / 1999)
In addition to the satisfying, tried and true golf mechanics, the GBC version includes a full-ass RPG that elevates it above all Nintendo’s many high quality golf games.
I wonder, if the Wind Fish wakes up, will he make my wish come true?
54. Kirby’s Adventure (NES / HAL Laboratory / 1993)
Released a few years after the Super Nintendo was on the market, Kirby’s Adventure was the ultimate swan song for the NES in terms of both quality and technical achievement. It also moved the Kirby series forward with a massive amount of stages, minigames, and an expanded moveset, including the introduction of Kirby’s copy ability.
53. Super Mario Odyssey (Switch / EPD / 2017)
While I enjoyed my time with Mario Odyssey, I found the cap mechanic and absurd amount of moons to collect somewhat unsatisfying compared to previous 3D Marios. All that said, some of the setpieces and stages are among the best in the series, and Mario has never controlled better in 3D than here.
52. Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 (DS / iNiS / 2007)
While every Ouendan game (including the Western release, Elite Beat Agents) is great, the second Japanese-exclusive game feels like the most insane and fully-realized vision. I’m not great at rhythm games and none make me feel more inadequate than this series. But it’s a testament to the quality and inventiveness of this game that it keeps me coming back.
51. Donkey Kong Country (SNES / Rare / 1994)
Maybe a bit of a “you had to be there” game, it’s hard to overstate how mindblowing DKC’s visuals were in 1994. I watched the promotional VHS dozens of times and simply could not believe those graphics were possible on my humble SNES. It’s also a fun, funny, game that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Absolutely iconic soundtrack as well.
50. Kirby Air Riders (Switch / Sora / 2025)
Holy recency bias, this game has been out like a week! Yeah, and I can’t stop playing it. Air Riders’ unique modes and mechanics aren’t for everyone, but extremely for the sickos (which I count myself among).
49. Wario World (GCN / Treasure / 2003)
One highlight of the GameCube generation was Nintendo giving other developers like Namco and Sega their franchises and letting them go wild. The most fascinating example of this was when Nintendo gave Wario to Treasure. The result was more of a brawler than platformer that lacked Nintendo polish, but was brimming with inventiveness.
48. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch / EPD / 2017)
Just to be clear: I like this game. It’s a fresh take on the series that redefined open world gaming. The reasons it’s not higher on my list are 1) I don’t really like open world games and 2) I don’t care for the breakable weapons and the game’s take on dungeons. It’s a testament to all the other things the game gets right (aesthetics, multiple approaches to puzzles) that I still put dozens of hours into it despite not loving the core gameplay.
47. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (DS / Game Freak / 2009)
The greatest of Game Freak’s Pokémon remakes, HGSS were full of QoL improvements and the Pokéwalker extended gameplay into the real world, predating Pokémon Go.
46. Super Mario Land (GB / R&D1 / 1989)
Mario’s original Game Boy outing took a turn for the weird, thanks to the mad geniuses of R&D1. The wild locations and incredible Hip Tanaka soundtrack make this one of the most memorable releases in the series. A game I love to run through on a rainy afternoon.
45. Kirby and the Forgotten Land Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World (Switch 2 / HAL Laboratory / 2025)
Forgotten Land was my favorite 3D platformer on the Switch, and then the Switch 2 update made it even better. This is a game I will be returning to for years to come.
44. Super Mario 3D Land (3DS / EAD / 2011)
The first game to justify the technology for me, 3D Land made clever use of the 3DS hardware. I love the tight, compact stages and prefer this game over its console sequel.
43. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES / R&D4 / 1987)
Another black sheep entry in a renowned series, Zelda II is as frustrating as it is compelling. After what felt like years I managed to finish it as a kid, and now enjoy and appreciate its sidescrolling/platforming/RPG weirdness with save states and rewind.
42. Pokémon Snap (N64 / HAL Laboratory / 1999)
A literal on-rails shooter, Snap was one of the biggest surprises for me when it launched. One of the most unique, charming, and replayable games on the N64.
The closer you get to the Wind Fish, the more restless he sleeps.
41. Wave Race 64 (N64 / EAD / 1996)
With “how did they do that?” water effects and solid racing, Wave Race 64 could have done just what it said on the box and still ended up a classic. But EAD added a stunt mode that would become the ultimate asynchronous multiplayer competition on N64 for my friends and I.
40. Bayonetta 2 (Switch / PlatinumGames / 2018)
My favorite character action game of all time, Bayo 2 looks, sounds, and plays great. The set pieces are almost as jaw-dropping as the Nintendo fanservice.
39. Fire Emblem Awakening (3DS / Intelligent Systems / 2012)
The game that famously saved the series, Awakening made the strategic combat far more approachable with multiple difficulty levels. It also added social links, for those who are into that. Personally, I was just happy to have a less-stressful Fire Emblem experience.
38. Animal Crossing (GCN / EAD / 2001)
I was familiar with Animal Crossing (Forest) from reading import coverage of the N64 game, but I had no idea how much I would get into the English GameCube release. From surprisingly clever dialogue to unlockable NES games, I was absolutely obsessed with this game, playing it pretty much daily for months.
37. Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS / Sora / 2012)
With a control scheme only pure Sakurai sickos could love, Uprising isn’t for everyone. And honestly, it wasn’t for me until 5 hours or so in, but I’m glad I stuck with it. The game is absolutely packed with stuff to do, and is the most legitimately funny video game I’ve ever played. No game deserves a Switch 2 remake more than this one.
36. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch / EAD, EPD, 2017)
Through enough paid DLC to qualify as a “live service game,” MK8D has enough characters and tracks to last a lifetime. While not all of these hit for me (I really don’t like any of the Tour tracks), it’s remarkable to have so much Mario Kart in one place.
35. Wii Sports (Wii / EAD / 2006)
The source of all the Wii’s success and all of its problems, Wii Sports was brilliantly intuitive. I have so many strange memories of playing Tennis and Bowling in unexpected settings during this era. It’s unlikely we’ll ever see a phenomenon like this on game consoles again.
34. Advance Wars (GBA / Intelligent Systems / 2001)
While the timing couldn’t have been worse for a lighthearted game about war (it released in North America on September 10th, 2001), Advance Wars managed to find a cult audience. I knew of the Famicom Wars series in Japan, and was ecstatic to finally see an English release, especially with the major visual glow up.
33. Sin & Punishment: Star Successor (Wii / Treasure / 2009)
The greatest pure action game on the Wii. It’s 1) amazing that a sequel to Sin & Punishment got made and 2) heartbreaking that it didn’t sell better. I will champion this game until the day I die.
32. Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia (3DS / Intelligent Systems / 2017)
My favorite game in the Fire Emblem series, Echoes leans heavily on the RPG side of “strategy RPG.” A remake of the 1992 Super Famicom Gaiden, Shadows of Valentia was seemingly an evolutionary dead end for the series twice over, but I’ll always love the exploration and traditional role-playing elements.
31. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (GB / R&D1 / 1992)
6 Golden Coins feels like a cross between the first Mario Land and Mario World. It’s not as unique as the former and not as polished as the latter, but still delivers an excellent Game Boy platforming experience, with some incredible music. But maybe its greatest legacy is introducing Wario. Thank you Mario Land 2.
30. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (Switch / Monolith Soft / 2020)
Massive in scope and full of inventive mechanics, Xenoblade Chronicles was a breath of fresh air in the JRPG genre. I wasn’t terribly interested in video game narratives at this point in my life, but Xenoblade’s setting and story managed to captivate me.
29. Pokémon Black and White (DS / Game Freak / 2010)
For me, B&W are the pinnacle of the Pokémon series. A perfect balance of new and old, QoL improvements and challenge. Also, the story and soundtrack go way harder than anyone could have possibly expected.
28. Super Smash Bros. Melee (GCN / HAL Laboratory / 2001)
While later games in the series added “more,” Melee is Smash perfected to me. All of the 3rd party characters from Brawl and on are cool, but I love this game’s pure focus on celebrating Nintendo.
TO THE FINDER… THE ISLE OF KOHOLINT, IS BUT AN ILLUSION…
27. Super Mario RPG (Switch / Square, ArtePiazza / 2023)
The end of an era, Mario RPG would mark the last console collaboration between Nintendo and Square for a generation. But no better way to end a friendship than with a fun, clever RPG. While I love the SNES original, the surprising Switch remake has become my favorite way to revisit this chocolate and peanut butter turn-based action-RPG.
26. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (N64 / EAD / 2000)
Majora’s Mask is simply the greatest piece of art Nintendo has ever produced. Its otherworldly strangeness and thematic richness is unprecedented from such a “gameplay first” company. While some of its more fussy mechanics related to the three day cycle keep it out of my top Zeldas, it’s the game in the series I respect the most.
25. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (Wii U / EAD / 2013)
It’s hilarious to think of now, but Gamers were Big Mad when Wind Waker was originally revealed. I always loved and defended the art style , but beneath the aesthetics there was a damn good traditional 3D Zelda adventure. I went back and forth but ultimately went with the Wii U version due to the gyro aiming and streamlined elements, but you also can’t go wrong with the GameCube original.
24. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS / EAD / 2013)
If you’re going to make a sequel to one of the greatest games of all time twenty years later, you better not miss. And Nintendo did not miss with ALBW. I was teetering on losing interest in the series when this game released and completely changed up the formula, causing me to fall back in love with the games that were so formative to my appreciation of the medium.
23. Donkey Kong (GB / EAD / 1994)
Donkey Kong is arguably Nintendo’s most important game and this is the best way to play it. And after you play it there is SO MUCH MORE. I thought I was just getting a portable port of the original arcade game (RAD) but as it turns out, DK ’94 contained one of the greatest puzzle platformers of all time (RADDER).
22. Splatoon (Wii U / EAD / 2015)
The most exciting new Nintendo IP since Pokémon, Splatoon got me back into online shooters for the first time since the late-90s. The art, music, and mechanics were fresh in every sense of the word. I loved the integration of the Wii U gamepad, which has made it difficult for me to get as into the Switch sequels.
AWAKE THE DREAMER, AND KOHOLINT WILL VANISH MUCH LIKE A BUBBLE ON A NEEDLE…
21. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GCN / EAD / 2003)
Here it is, my (controversial) favorite Mario Kart game. I adore the driver swap mechanic and the courses are among my favorite in the series. But really, I just have a lot of fond memories playing this game with friends (even last year)! There ain’t no law against sentimentality on these lists.
20. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island (SNES / EAD / 1995)
Is it a Mario game? Is it a Yoshi game? All I know is that it’s among Nintendo’s greatest platformers. This was the first game where “collect everything” really clicked for me; I was happy to return to stages when they looked as good as the ones in Yoshi’s Island.
19. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii / EAD / 2007)
After the disappointing and undercooked Sunshine, Galaxy was a return to form and felt like the true innovative sequel to Mario 64. The game used its theme brilliantly, constantly surprising and delighting with clever visual and mechanical twists.
18. Panel de Pon (SFC / Intelligent Systems / 1995)
I debated between putting Tetris Attack or Pokémon Puzzle League on this list for so long that I just ended up putting the original Panel de Pon here. Regardless of which version you play, this is one of the greatest puzzle games ever made.
17. Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Switch / EPD / 2023)
Like New Super Mario Bros. but with a bit more sauce, Wonder is among the best 2D Mario games. It looks and plays great, and is full of genuine surprises, something that had been missing from 2D Mario for a while. The Switch 2 update is legitimately my most anticipated game of 2026.
16. Tetris DS (DS / SPD / 2006)
While the Game Boy release is the most iconic, DS is the ultimate Nintendo take on Tetris. With all sorts of different modes (some better than others), there is plenty of variety, but I’m still happy to fire it up for a standard game of Tetris with some Nintendo window dressing. You won’t see Tetris DS in any pro tournaments, but for the rest of us, it’s a delightful take on the greatest puzzle game of all time.
Just as you cannot know if a chest holds treasure until you open it, so you cannot tell if this is a dream until you awaken…
15. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii / EAD / 2010)
OK, take what I said about the original Mario Galaxy and imagine MORE and WEIRDER and you get Galaxy 2. Throwing away any pretense of a story, Galaxy 2 is all about consistently inventive ideas and mechanics. I’m looking forward to revisiting this on Switch 2 one of these days.
14. Metroid Fusion (GBA / R&D1 / 2002)
For some, this was the beginning of the end for the Metroid series, after Fusion committed the unforgiveable sin of people talking in a video game. None of that really bothered me, as I was more focused on how much it ruled we got a new 2D Metroid game, and one that incorporated horror elements.
13. Super Mario Bros. (NES / R&D4 / 1985)
It’s hard to overstate the impact of the original SMB, because it’s just so ubiquitous today. Re-released and referenced to death, it’s easy to forget how much fun the game is to play. I still remember seeing SMB for the first time as a child, in the basement of a family friend’s house and being in awe of the game’s seemingly sprawling world. If the conditions are right I can still load up the game and get hints of those feelings.
12. Star Fox 64 (N64 / EAD / 1997)
It’s a game that can be finished in an afternoon, but the more you dig into it, the more you will reveal. The bundled Rumble Pak, like the N64 controller’s analog stick, absolutely blew me away the first time I used it. The 3DS remake is quite good as well, but I gotta have that rumble.
11. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
From the first screenshots of “Zelda 64” in magazines, I was eagerly anticipating OoT, taking each delay in stride. (Well except for the delay that caused me to trade in my N64 for a PS1 so I could play Final Fantasy VII). But eventually I repurchased an N64, and Ocarina of Time did not disappoint. OoT is innovative, cinematic, and the first thing that comes to mind when I think of an “epic” video game.
10. Super Mario 64 (N64 / EAD / 1996)
Playing Super Mario 64 at a demo kiosk in a Toys ‘R’ Us was legitimately one of the most memorable moments of my life. I couldn’t believe this was something real, that I would be able to play in my home one day. When the N64 finally released and I brought the game and system home, it was even more magical as I spent weeks exploring the new 3D frontier.
9. EarthBound (SNES / Ape, HAL Laboratory / 1994)
Now better known for its exorbitant price and inspiring a whole lot of indie RPGs, EarthBound was a revelation for me the first time I played it. I didn’t fully understand the surreal and poignant take on Americana as a kid, but I definitely enjoyed it. And over the years, my appreciation for the game has grown alongside the cost for a cartridge. I’ll likely never own another physical copy of EarthBound, but it’s a game that I’ll never forget.
8. The Legend of Zelda (NES / R&D4 / 1986)
Before I played The Legend of Zelda, I had only a passing interest in video games. After I played it, I was obsessed with the medium. This is the game I’ve played more than any others and one I still believe holds up today if you approach it with patience and a sense of adventure.
7. Metroid Prime Remastered (Switch / Retro Studios / 2023)
I was skeptical of Metroid Prime all throughout its development. I was expecting something solid, yet unremarkable that felt a little bit “off” like Star Fox Adventures. What I got was the Ocarina of Time / Mario 64 of Metroid games, that arguably brought the series into 3D even better than those two classics. It’s a mind-blowing experience on GameCube, and even better on Switch, with improved textures and multiple control options.
6. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES / EAD / 1991)
When I was in elementary school a friend let me borrow an issue of Nintendo Power with a Link to the Past blowout. I put it in my backpack and looked forward to bringing it home to read after school. But as the day dragged on, I could no longer resist and asked to use the restroom. I snuck the issue out of my backpack and into the classroom and read it on my lap at my desk. As a massive Zelda fan, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It was like the original game (my favorite video game), but bigger and more beautiful! As I imagined my time in Hyrule the teacher caught me and confiscated the magazine. Embarrassingly, my mom had to come in after school to get the Nintendo Power from the teacher. It was the only time I ever got in trouble at school. Anyway, A Link to the Past rules.
5. Super Mario World (SNES / EAD / 1990)
Full of fun technical tricks and a sprawling interconnected overworld, Super Mario World was an impressive follow up to Mario 3. Being able to revisit levels to search for secrets completely changed the way I approached the game. Some of the sound effects are forever burned into my brain.
4. Super Metroid (SNES / R&D1 / 1994)
Things I love about Super Metroid:
-The opening
-Revisiting locations from the original Metroid
-Acknowledging Metroid II
-The Crocomire and Draygon boss fights
-The music
-The wrecked ship
-The final battle
-Saving the animals
I could keep going forever, but man, what a game.
3. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (GBA, Wii U, Switch / R&D2 / 2003, 2016, 2023)
Alright, Super Mario Bros. 3 is my favorite Mario game and my favorite platformer of all time. I was a child raised by Nintendo Power and The Wizard, so this was inevitably going to be my take on the “greatest 2D Mario debate.” But in my opinion the best way to play Mario 3 is via the GBA port on Wii U Virtual Console or Nintendo Switch Online, which includes all of the (mostly excellent) e-Reader stages. Or you can just hook up an NES to a CRT TV and play Mario 3 that way. Or play the All-Stars version on SNES. Whatever approach you take, it’s the absolute pinnacle of platformers.
2. Metroid: Zero Mission (GBA / R&D1 / 2004)
I’m not someone who finds the original Metroid “unplayable” today, but I acknowledge that it can feel incredibly obtuse and frustrating (especially if you are a psycho playing on the NES with the password system). Zero Mission is a total reimagining of the original that manages to improve on every Metroid game in the process. Every time I’ve revisited the Metroid series, Zero Mission has crept up a little higher in my rankings, and now stands as the second best game Nintendo has ever made.
The time has come… The Wind Fish awaits…
1. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (GB, GBC, Switch / EAD, Grezzo / 1993, 1998, 2019)
After pining for about a year, in the summer of 1994 I finally got a copy of Link’s Awakening. The day I got it I took my chonky Game Boy outside on our back porch and began playing it in the sun for the best view of the screen. I was absolutely enraptured. I loved the Link to the Past-style gameplay, but I was also picking up on the mystery at the game’s core. Something was off. At some point I started to feel strange. When I played the first Legend of Zelda on the NES it transformed me into a gaming-obsessed indoor kid. Playing Link’s Awakening was probably the longest I had ever been outside in my entire life. My parents just left me to it, excited that I was finally spending time out of doors like a normal 12 year-old. Turns out I was very much not a normal 12 year-old, but a total nerd who had extreme sensitivity to the sun.
I came inside the house, nauseous, feverish, and unable to stop shaking. My mom freaked out and took me to a doctor, where I was diagnosed with sun poisoning. It took me over a week to recover and during that time all I did was play Link’s Awakening (in the house, under a lamp, with plenty of fluids).
While I enjoyed the exploration and the well-designed dungeons, it was the strangeness of the story and the island’s inhabitants that really resonated with me. I didn’t understand surreal art or story twists, but Link’s Awakening gave me both. The game not only solidified me as an indoor kid (and adult), but also sparked an existential sadness in me that I’ve never been able to shake and was formative in developing my emo/goth heart.
Beyond all that, Link’s Awakening is just a kickass video game. It’s briskly paced, well-designed, and doesn’t overstay its welcome. I obviously have a soft spot for the Game Boy original, but the Switch remake (especially when played on Switch 2) is excellent too, and the version I’d recommend for new players because of the QoL improvements.
Link’s Awakening is not everyone’s favorite Zelda entry, let alone their favorite Nintendo game. But I played it when I was twelve, so to me, it’s the best game Nintendo ever made.
BUT, VERILY, IN BE THE NATURE OF DREAMS TO END! WHEN I DOST AWAKEN, KOHOLINT WILL BE GONE… ONLY THE MEMORY OF THIS DREAM LAND WILL EXIST IN THE WAKING WORLD… SOMEDAY, THOU MAY RECALL THIS ISLAND…
Thanks to this FAQ for providing the Link’s Awakening quotes.
Most game cover art photos are from Wikipedia, Nintendo.com, or retailer websites except the Cruis’n pic, which I got from here and the Pokemon Yellow which came from Bulbagarden. The high resolution pics for the top ten came from LaunchBox.
THAT MEMORY MUST BE THE REAL DREAM WORLD…
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