Top Nintendo Games: Best Titles for Fans

The Nintendo Switch¹ has changed how we play games. It's a hybrid system that brings new ways to experience gaming. It also has a lot of must-play games that show why Nintendo is a giant in gaming. Let's explore the top Nintendo games that have made a big impact.

Key Takeaways

• Nintendo Switch is a top gaming platform with a wide range of iconic games and great experiences.
• Games like Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, and Metroid have always been top-notch.
• Nintendo is known for its innovation, storytelling, and timeless gameplay. This has won it a loyal fanbase and a great reputation.
• The Switch is great for gamers on the move. It combines home-console gaming with the ease of playing on the go.
• Nintendo's focus on quality and creating memorable games has made it a leader in the industry.

Best Of Nintendo Games

Nintendo's Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda franchises are at the heart of the company's gaming legacy. These series have always given gamers top-notch experiences. They keep fans hooked with their timeless appeal, precise controls, and deep worlds.

The Mario Franchise

The Super Mario games lead in platforming, letting players guide Mario through colorful worlds. Classic enemies and power-ups make the journey exciting. From the first Super Mario Bros. to the latest Super Mario Odyssey, the series never fails to thrill with its adventure and new ideas².

The Legend of Zelda Series

The Legend of Zelda series takes players to the magical land of Hyrule. They play as Link, going on quests to save the kingdom. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild changed the open-world genre with their beauty, exploration, and engaging gameplay².

The Mario and Zelda franchises are key Nintendo experiences. They've made the company a gaming giant. These series offer both classic and new games that attract players of all ages².

 

"The Mario and Zelda franchises are two of the most iconic and beloved gaming series of all time, delivering consistently excellent gameplay and unforgettable adventures."

Super Smash Bros. Masterpieces

The Super Smash Bros. series is a Nintendo favorite, known for its fun multiplayer fights. It brings together some of Nintendo's most iconic characters³. From the first game on the N64 to the latest on the Nintendo Switch, it has always delivered memorable gaming moments³.

Each game in the series has added new characters, modes, and features. This keeps the series exciting³. For example, Super Smash Bros. Brawl introduced Sonic the Hedgehog and Solid Snake. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U added Smash Tour and Special Orders³. The games are known for their great gameplay, fast action, and balance. Each character has unique moves and strategies³.

One special feature is the ability to unlock classic Nintendo games, called "Masterpieces," within the game⁴. These Masterpieces include famous games like Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros., as well as hidden gems like Earthbound⁴. Each game offers a challenge with different time limits and controller options. This lets players experience some of Nintendo's most legendary adventures⁴.

The Super Smash Bros. series is a true Nintendo masterpiece, known for its unforgettable multiplayer moments³. With a wide range of beloved characters, deep strategy, and endless fun, these games keep fans coming back. They have become iconic Nintendo titles³.

Pokemon Games: Gotta Catch 'Em All

The Pokémon franchise has been a hit for over 27 years. It offers a world full of pocket monsters to collect, train, and battle⁵. Games like Pokémon Sword and Shield let players go on exciting journeys. They face tough gym leaders and fill their Pokédex with different Pokémon⁵.

Pokémon Mainline Games

Games like Pokémon Red/Blue and Pokémon Legends: Arceus have won over many players⁵. They mix exploration, strategy, and collecting. This makes for a deep and engaging experience. Check out a wide selection of Pokémon games to find your next adventure⁵.

Pokémon Spin-offs

There are many spin-off games too, each with its own twist⁵. Games like Pokémon Mystery Dungeon and Pokémon GO offer unique ways to play. They make the Pokémon series a must-play for Nintendo fans⁵.

Game	Acclaim	Notable Features
Pokémon Emerald	Praised for its improvements over Ruby and Sapphire	Enhanced visuals, expanded content, and quality-of-life enhancements
Pokémon Conquest	Stood out among spin-off titles	Unique crossover with the Nobunaga's Ambition strategy game
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver	Considered the best Pokémon games ever made6	Faithful remakes of Gold and Silver with enhanced features
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2	Referred to as revolutionary games in the Pokémon franchise5	Introduced significant improvements and new gameplay elements
Pokémon Puzzle League	Commended for its visual appeal and gameplay remembrance of the anime5	Unique puzzle-based spin-off that captured the essence of the franchise

Whether you're new or a long-time fan, there's a Pokémon game for you⁵. The series has a long history of great adventures and memories⁵⁶.

Metroid Series: Intergalactic Adventures

The Metroid series is a key part of Nintendo's games. It offers exciting adventures in space with Samus Aran⁷. The series has given us thrilling gameplay and stories that have made it a favorite among gamers.

Samus's adventures in the metroid universe are unforgettable. They mix action, exploration, and a sense of being alone⁷. The metroid games are known for their innovative gameplay and have set new standards in the gaming world.

⁸ The latest game, Metroid Dread, is a hit with both new and old fans. It features Samus Aran and introduces new modes and features like Boss Rush⁸. There's also a special amiibo pack with Samus and E.M.M.I. enemies for extra perks.

Whether you're new to the series or a long-time fan, the metroid series has something for everyone. It combines exploration, action, and storytelling in a way that keeps players coming back for more. The Metroid franchise is a must-play for anyone who loves Nintendo.

 

"The Metroid series has always been one of Nintendo's most ambitious and genre-defining franchises, and Metroid Dread is a shining example of that legacy."

Game	Release Date	Key Features
Metroid: Other M	7August 31, 2010 (North America), September 2, 2010 (Japan and Australia), September 3, 2010 (Europe)	7Introduced melee attacks, Sense Move dodge, and Overblast special technique. Enemies did not drop items, and health/ammo restoration occurred via Navigation Booths or Concentration technique. Unlockable "Theater Mode" presented a two-hour film of all in-game cutscenes and gameplay footage.
Metroid Dread	8Available for Nintendo Switch	8Features bounty hunter Samus Aran as the main character. Introduces new modes like Rookie Mode, Dread Mode, and Boss Rush. Unlockable Boss Rush mode. Includes Samus and E.M.M.I. amiibo figures with unique in-game benefits.

The metroid series has always been at the forefront of nintendo action games and nintendo adventures⁷. Even with some mixed reviews for Metroid: Other M, the series bounced back with Metroid: Samus Returns in 2017⁷. Now, with Metroid Dread, it continues to be a top choice for gamers.

Kirby Adventures: Delightful Platformers

The Kirby series is a favorite among Nintendo's platformers. It stars the iconic pink puffball⁹. From Kirby's Dream Land to Kirby's Epic Yarn, the games are fun and easy for players of all ages⁹. Kirby can inhale enemies and copy their powers, making the games creative and varied.

Kirby's Dream Land

Kirby's Adventure came out for the NES in 1993, building on the original Kirby's Dream Land on the Game Boy⁹. It had forty-one levels across seven worlds, with lots of features like mini-games and museums⁹. Players could get over 40 Copy Abilities by eating certain enemies, opening up new areas.

The making of Kirby's Adventure began in 1992, aiming to improve on the Game Boy game⁹. Even though the NES was old by 1993, the game was a hit in Japan that May¹⁰.

Kirby's Epic Yarn

Kirby's Epic Yarn came next, with a new look and play style¹¹. It was released on various platforms, including the Wii Virtual Console for $6.99¹¹.

Games like Kirby's Epic Yarn show why the Kirby series is a top choice for Nintendo fans. It offers fun, family-friendly adventures.

Donkey Kong Classics

The Donkey Kong series has a long history, starting with the 1981 arcade game. This game introduced us to the ape and his rivalry with Mario. Donkey Kong Classics was released for the NES™ in 1981. It's a top platformer in Nintendo's collection¹².

Donkey Kong is one of over 100 NES™ and Super NES™ classic games available with a Nintendo Switch Online membership¹³. Other classics include Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Kirby's Adventure™¹³. Donkey Kong Jr. Math is also available for those with a Nintendo Switch Online membership¹³.

Donkey Kong Classics, featuring Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr., came out in the US in October 1988 and Europe in August 1989 for the NES¹⁴. The NES was popular from 1983 to 2003, selling about 62 million units for $100 each¹⁴.

The game Donkey Kong Classics is just 31 kB big and works best with FCEUX¹⁴. You can play it with a keyboard or USB gamepad for the best experience¹⁴.

Donkey Kong Classics is a mix of "Donkey Kong" and "Donkey Kong Jr." for the NES¹². "Donkey Kong" introduced Jumpman, now known as Mario, in 1981¹². The game has three levels where you climb a tower and avoid obstacles to beat the giant ape¹².

"Donkey Kong Jr." has Mario as the bad guy and challenges players to rescue Donkey Kong from prison¹². The game gets harder with each loop, making it more challenging¹².

The game's graphics and sounds match the arcade version¹². It got a 4.8 out of 5 stars from 156 ratings¹². Most users loved the graphics, gameplay, and value, giving it 5 stars¹². A few users had issues, but most enjoyed the game's nostalgic feel¹².

Overall, Donkey Kong Classics is a beloved Nintendo game that still charms fans today¹².

Fire Emblem Titles: Strategic Epics

The Fire Emblem series is a standout in Nintendo's lineup. It offers players deep, strategic role-playing experiences in fantasy worlds¹⁵. With its blend of tactical combat and engaging stories, Fire Emblem games have won over fans¹⁵.

Games like Fire Emblem: Three Houses let players lead a team through turn-based battles. Every choice matters, making the game exciting¹⁵. The series is known for its focus on player choice and character growth. This makes Fire Emblem a favorite among gamers.

Fire Emblem Title	Notable Characters
Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019)	Byleth, Edelgard, Dimitri
Fire Emblem Awakening (2012)	Lucina, Robin
Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade (2002)	Roy
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (2005)	Ike
Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade (2003)	Lyn

Fire Emblem games offer a mix of characters and gameplay styles. From the deep stories of Fire Emblem: Three Houses to the classic battles of older games¹⁵. Whether you're new or a long-time fan, Fire Emblem has something for you.

"The Fire Emblem series has consistently delivered captivating gaming experiences that have resonated with fans."

Animal Crossing Phenomenon

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The Animal Crossing series has turned into a big deal, winning over players with its fun, easy-going life simulation¹⁶. Since the first game, Dōbutsu no Mori, came out in 2001, it has kept players hooked with its open-ended gameplay¹⁶. Players get to build and manage their own virtual worlds¹⁶.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has made a huge splash since it launched in March 2020¹⁶. It became a hit during the pandemic, offering comfort and a way to stay connected¹⁷. This led to a big increase in its popularity and talk about the game¹⁷.

This game has broken sales records for the series, with strong starts in Japan and Britain¹⁷. In the U.S., it was the top-selling game in March 2020 and is now the second top game of the year¹⁸.

Its success comes from its engaging gameplay, where players meet unique animals, decorate their homes, and enjoy various activities¹⁶. It's a fun, stress-free game that appeals to both long-time fans and new players, making it a top Nintendo game¹⁶.

The series has a long history, with each game adding new features¹⁶. From the portable Animal Crossing: Wild World to the mayor role in Animal Crossing: New Leaf, the games have evolved to please their fans¹⁶.

The mobile game, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, also brought the series to mobile, but some fans didn't like its money-making ways¹⁶. Still, the huge success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons shows how much fans love the series¹⁶.

"Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become a dominant force in the gaming industry, captivating players with its charming, laid-back life simulation experience."

Conclusion

Nintendo's vast library of first-party games shows their deep commitment to making iconic, must-play adventures. These games have won the hearts of fans for many years¹⁹. From Mario's timeless adventures to Link's epic quests, Nintendo's games have always brought unforgettable moments and unmatched quality²⁰.

This list of the best Nintendo games is perfect for both long-time fans and newcomers²⁰. It's filled with games that will make you smile, think, and remember the joy of gaming. Nintendo's focus on innovation, storytelling, and timeless fun has made it a leader in gaming. Their ongoing effort to create amazing experiences means the future of Nintendo gaming looks bright.

This collection of top Nintendo games covers everything from classic titles to new hits¹⁹. Whether you're going back to old favorites or checking out new ones, these games show why Nintendo is so beloved. They prove Nintendo's lasting commitment to making games that stand the test of time and technology.

FAQ

What are the best Nintendo games to play?

Nintendo's first-party titles are top-notch, featuring beloved franchises like Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, and Metroid. These games have won fans over for generations. They offer a mix of genres and gameplay styles.

Why are the Mario and The Legend of Zelda franchises so iconic?

The Super Mario games are known for their platforming excellence. Players guide Mario through vibrant worlds. The Legend of Zelda series takes players to Hyrule, where they play as Link to save the kingdom.

What makes the Super Smash Bros. series a Nintendo masterpiece?

The Super Smash Bros. series is all about addictive, chaotic multiplayer action. It brings together Nintendo's iconic characters for thrilling battles.

Why are the Pokémon games must-play Nintendo experiences?

Pokémon has been a fan favorite for years. These games offer engaging RPG experiences. Players go on journeys, face gym leaders, and fill their Pokédex with Pokémon.

What makes the Metroid series a cornerstone of Nintendo's library?

The Metroid series is known for its immersive gameplay and captivating stories. It offers unforgettable experiences with fluid combat and tense exploration.

Why are the Kirby games considered delightful Nintendo platformers?

Kirby games are charming and whimsical, appealing to all ages. Kirby can inhale enemies and copy their abilities, making gameplay creative and varied.

What makes the Donkey Kong series a must-play Nintendo classic?

The Donkey Kong franchise has evolved over time. It offers classic platforming experiences that fans love, from the arcade game to Donkey Kong Country.

Why are the Fire Emblem games considered strategic epics?

Fire Emblem games are strategic RPGs set in fantasy worlds. They blend tactical combat with engaging stories and memorable characters.

What makes the Animal Crossing series a Nintendo gaming phenomenon?

Animal Crossing games are known for their charming life simulation. Players can create their own virtual communities in these games.

Source Links

1. The 22 best Nintendo Switch games - https://www.polygon.com/nintendo-switch/2018/9/4/17549714/best-nintendo-switch-games
2. The 50 Best Nintendo Switch Games - https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/nintendo-switch/the-15-best-nintendo-switch-games
3. Best Super Smash Bros. Games Of All Time - https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/best-super-smash-bros-games-of-all-time
4. Super Smash Bros Brawl - Masterpieces - https://www.serebii.net/ssbb/masterpieces.shtml
5. The 10 Best Pokémon Video Games of All Time - IGN - https://www.ign.com/articles/the-10-best-pokemon-video-games
6. Gotta catch ’em all - https://elestoque.org/2019/10/23/entertainment/gotta-catch-em-all/
7. Metroid: Other M - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroid:_Other_M
8. Metroid™ Dread for Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Official Site - https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/metroid-dread-switch/
9. Kirby's Adventure - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirby's_Adventure
10. Kirby’s Adventure - https://nintendobound.wordpress.com/2016/06/15/kirbys-adventure-review/
11. Kirby's Adventure - https://kirby.fandom.com/wiki/Kirby's_Adventure
12. Donkey Kong Classics (1988) for sale online | eBay - https://www.ebay.com/p/170321478
13. Nintendo Entertainment System™ - Nintendo Switch Online - Nintendo Official Site - https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/nintendo-entertainment-system-nintendo-switch-online-switch/
14. Donkey Kong Classics (NES) - online game | RetroGames.cz - https://www.retrogames.cz/play_1696-NES.php
15. 10 Most Popular Fire Emblem Characters, Ranked - https://www.cbr.com/fire-emblem-popular-characters-ranked/
16. Best Animal Crossing Games Of All Time - https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/best-animal-crossing-games-of-all-time
17. Why Animal Crossing Is the Game for the Coronavirus Moment (Published 2020) - https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/arts/animal-crossing-covid-coronavirus-popularity-millennials.html
18. Why 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Became a Cultural Phenomenon - https://www.howtogeek.com/671064/why-animal-crossing-new-horizons-became-a-cultural-phenomenon/
19. The 15 Best Endings In Nintendo Games (And 15 That Hurt Incredible Games) - https://www.thegamer.com/good-bad-endings-nintendo-games/
20. 50 Best Nintendo Switch Games To Play Right Now (2024) - https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/50-best-nintendo-switch-games-to-play-right-now-2024