Nintendo has been on top of its game since it became internationally recognized for the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong. While Nintendo released its first console, Color TV-Game in 1977, it wasn't until 1983 that the video game company achieved considerable success due to the debut of the Nintendo Entertainment System. Since the company's beginnings, many video game franchises have been created.
While people may recognize Mario, the plumber with the iconic red hat, some may have never experienced his games. Additionally, people may be able to point out Mario, but are clueless about other Nintendo characters. Though innumerable Nintendo titles have been created, there are a few games players must try.
10
Super Mario 64 Was A Great Introduction To 3D Gaming
First released for the Nintendo 64 in 1996, Super Mario 64 was the first of its kind to feature 3D gameplay in combination with an open world. The spectacular visuals, alongside the usual charm for a Mario title, convinced players to continue returning to this Nintendo 64 game.
Due to its popularity, Super Mario 64 was remade for the Nintendo DS in 2004. Additionally, the game was part of the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection for Nintendo Switch, along with Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Sunshine.
9 Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Sports The Highest Nintendo Metacritic Score
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time holds the record as the highest-rated Nintendo game of all-time, according to Metacritic. Released in 1998, Ocarina of Time is the fifth game in the Zelda franchise. Like Super Mario 64, this beloved Zelda title also incorporated 3D graphics, a first for the franchise.
Ocarina of Time is a common favorite among Zelda fans for its engaging storyline, despite the game's length. The Nintendo title has been re-released on every Nintendo home console since the iQue Player in China. Ocarina of Time was remade for the Nintendo 3DS in 2011.
8
Pokémon Crystal Was Revolutionary For The Pokémon Franchise
Any gamer should consider picking up a Pokémon title, whether new or old. Pokémon Crystal released for the Game Boy Color as the final game of Generation II, after Pokémon Gold and Silver. This title was the first time Pokémon players could select the sex of their character.
Pokémon Crystal also included animated sprites for the first time, and a Battle Tower absent from previous titles. In addition to exploring the Johto region, players can travel to the Kanto region, the setting for the Generation I games.
7
Super Mario Bros. Was Where It All Started
Super Mario Bros. is the 2D platformer that likely introduced many players to the franchise. First released for the Famicom in 1985, Super Mario Bros. is the successor to the 1983 arcade game Mario Bros. Players can either control Mario or his brother Luigi in a multiplayer mode.
The sibling duo must complete several side-scrolling levels to save Princess Toadstool from King Koopa, later known as Bowser. Due to its sheer popularity, Super Mario Bros. remains one of the best-selling video games of all time, with 58 million copies sold worldwide.
6 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Is The Best-Selling Fighting Game Of All Time
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate serves as the fifth installment in the Super Smash Bros. series. This Nintendo title released for the Nintendo Switch in 2018, four years after its predecessor, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, released. Ultimate became the best-selling fighting game of all time, with 28 million copies sold by March 2022.
In total, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has a whopping 89 fighters on its roster. The fighters are either from previous Smash titles, or new faces from either Nintendo or third-party franchises. In addition to the base game, several fighters and stages were added until Oct. 2021.
5
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe One-Upped The Previous Title
In May 2014, Mario Kart 8 was released for the Wii U. Although a newly rebooted version of the game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, found its home on the Nintendo Switch in April 2017. The enhanced Nintendo title became the best-selling Switch game, and also one of the best-selling video games of all time.
Throughout the Mario Kart series, players choose Nintendo characters to participate in kart races. There are various items to use to players' advantage to either boost their speed or hurt their opponents.
4
Metroid Prime Introduced Players To A First-Person Perspective
Metroid Prime serves as the fifth main installment in the Metroid franchise. First released for the GameCube in Nov. 2002, Metroid Prime was the first Metroid game to incorporate both 3D computer graphics and a first-person perspective.
The combination of exciting gameplay and characters reimagined with high-tech graphics convinced new and old Metroid fans to pick up this title. Metroid Prime remains one of the highest-rated games on Metacritic, with various Game of the Year awards under its belt. In 2009, the game was remastered for the Wii.
3
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Is An Open-World Staple
The Legend of Zelda: The Breath of the Wild was a launch title for the Nintendo Switch back in March 2017. It also was the final Nintendo game for the Wii U. If gamers are unfamiliar with open-world titles, Breath of the Wild is a great place to start with its incredible visuals and countless hours of exploration.
Since its release, Breath of the Wild has received a spinoff game titled Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Link's story doesn't stop there, as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is scheduled to release on May 12, 2023.
2 Kirby Fans Really Needed Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby and the Forgotten Land was everything Kirby fans needed and wanted at the same time. This 2022 Nintendo Switch title served as the thirteenth main installment in the beloved Kirby video game series. Kirby and the Forgotten Land was the first game in the series to feature full 3D graphics.
Players must control Kirby alongside a new sidekick named Elfilin to rescue trapped Waddle Dees throughout the New World. In addition to the adorable Elfilin, Kirby can now transform into different Mouthful Modes, including a car and a vending machine. The cute visuals of these modes alone make Kirby and the Forgotten Land a must-buy.
1 Nothing Can Compare To The Hype Of Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Gamers will never forget the cultural phenomenon of Animal Crossing: New Horizons at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This fifth main installment in the Animal Crossing series even replaced social interactions for events like weddings and graduation ceremonies. The game also broke the record for the most digital units sold in a single month. This Nintendo Switch title remains the second best-selling game for the console.
In this Animal Crossing entry, players must transform a deserted island to a crowded paradise by paying off their tremendous debt from the loan shark known as Tom Nook. Its customization options and added DLC updates keep players coming back to their island, even if they have to squash the cockroaches in their house.