Nintendo has shaped the video game industry for more than four decades, crafting unforgettable worlds, iconic characters, and genre-defining masterpieces. From the 8-bit era of the NES to the groundbreaking innovations of the Nintendo Switch, the company has consistently delivered experiences that transcend generations. With such a legendary catalog, narrowing down the greatest Nintendo games of all time is no easy task — and yes, some tough cuts had to be made.
This list isn’t just about popularity or sales. It celebrates the titles that redefined what games could be, left a lasting cultural impact, and continue to influence players and developers today. Whether they revolutionized gameplay, storytelling, music, or sheer sense of adventure, these ten games stand as the pinnacle of Nintendo’s legacy. So let’s take a nostalgic journey into the past and relive the magic! So here is the top 10 Nintendo Games of All Time!
10. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (1996)
Before Mario & Luigi, before Paper Mario, this is the RPG that started it all. Super Mario RPG blended Nintendo charm with Square’s RPG mastery to create a whimsical, story-rich adventure unlike anything Mario fans had seen before.
- A unique blend of Mario’s world with traditional RPG mechanics.
- A charming story filled with humor and memorable characters.
- Innovative turn-based combat with interactive timing mechanics.
- One of the earliest RPGs to introduce action-based commands.
- A fan favorite that influenced the Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi series.
9. Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)
More than just a sequel, Melee became a cultural phenomenon. What began as a fun party brawler evolved into one of the most technically demanding competitive fighters ever made. And no doubt its legacy still thrives today.
- One of the most technical and competitive fighting games ever.
- Introduced fast, fluid gameplay with deep mechanics.
- Huge character roster with unique playstyles.
- Still played in competitive tournaments decades later.
- Defined Smash Bros. as a premier fighting franchise.
8. Super Mario World (1990)
A timeless classic that helped define the Super Nintendo era, Super Mario World pushed platforming design to new heights. With tight controls, imaginative worlds, and secret paths galore, it’s a masterpiece that remains endlessly enjoyable.
- One of the best platformers ever, with perfect controls and level design.
- Introduced Yoshi, adding new gameplay mechanics.
- Hidden secrets and alternate paths encourage replayability.
- Bright, colorful visuals that still hold up today.
- Defined what a great Mario game should be.
7. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)
Cinematic, emotional, and boldly darker than its predecessors, Twilight Princess delivered a sweeping adventure that resonated with longtime fans. It blended classic Zelda dungeon design with a gripping narrative and one unforgettable companion: Midna.
- A darker, more mature take on the Zelda series.
- Introduced Midna, one of the most beloved side characters in gaming.
- Epic dungeons and memorable boss fights.
- The transformation into Wolf Link added a unique gameplay mechanic.
- A grand adventure with an emotionally powerful ending.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Few games reshape an entire genre, but Breath of the Wild did exactly that. Nintendo reinvented open-world gameplay through freedom, exploration, and discovery. In return, it turns every hilltop and horizon into an invitation to adventure.
- Redefined open-world exploration with a true sense of freedom.
- Physics-driven gameplay that encourages experimentation.
- Beautiful art style and dynamic weather systems.
- Non-linear design allows players to tackle objectives in any order.
- One of the most influential games of the modern era.
5. Super Metroid (1994)
A masterclass in atmospheric game design, Super Metroid is the blueprint for the Metroidvania genre. Its eerie isolation, layered world, and brilliant progression still influence game developers three decades later.
- Defined the Metroidvania genre with perfect level design and progression.
- Atmospheric storytelling without dialogue, using environmental cues.
- Tight, responsive controls that make movement and combat fluid.
- Huge, interconnected world that encourages exploration and backtracking.
- One of the best examples of game design mastery.
4. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)
When fans talk about “classic Zelda,” this is the game they mean. A Link to the Past refined the franchise’s formula and introduced concepts that would shape not only Zelda’s future but action-adventure games as a whole.
- Defined the top-down Zelda formula and set the standard for future games.
- Introduced the concept of dual-world exploration (Light World/Dark World).
- Perfectly balanced combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration.
- Memorable dungeons with creative mechanics and boss fights.
- One of the best adventure game soundtracks of all time.
- Tight, responsive controls that make every action feel satisfying.
- Still one of the most beloved Zelda games, even decades later.
3. Super Mario 64 (1996)
The leap from 2D to 3D could have gone horribly wrong, but Super Mario 64 stuck the landing with precision. It revolutionized movement, camera control, and level design, setting a new industry standard overnight.
- Defined 3D platforming with its groundbreaking open-world level design.
- Revolutionary movement mechanics give players unparalleled freedom.
- Iconic levels like Bob-omb Battlefield, Whomp’s Fortress, and Tick Tock Clock.
- Perfectly balanced gameplay that feels smooth and rewarding.
- Set the standard for how 3D games handle camera controls and exploration.
- One of the most influential games in history, shaping platformers for decades.
- Still fun and playable today, showcasing its timeless design.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000)
Haunting, emotional, and unlike any other Zelda entry, Majora’s Mask dared to be different. Its time-loop gameplay, mature themes, and deeply personal storytelling left a permanent mark on players and the franchise as a whole.
- A darker, more emotional Zelda story that deals with themes of grief and time.
- The 3-day cycle creates a unique, immersive time-based gameplay experience.
- A living, breathing world where every NPC has their own schedule and story.
- A deep mask system that transforms Link into different beings with unique abilities.
- Some of the best side quests in gaming, including the unforgettable Anju & Kafei quest.
- Haunting, atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the game’s eerie tone.
- A bold, unconventional Zelda game that pushed the franchise into new territory.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
A defining moment in gaming history, Ocarina of Time didn’t just elevate the Zelda franchise. It changed the industry. Its innovations in 3D adventure design, storytelling, and mechanics continue to shape games to this day.
- Revolutionized 3D adventure gaming with its immersive world and Z-targeting system.
- A perfectly crafted balance between exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving.
- Introduced the now-iconic time travel mechanic between Young and Adult Link.
- Memorable dungeons, from the eerie Forest Temple to the mind-bending Water Temple.
- Timeless soundtrack with classics like Zelda’s Lullaby and Gerudo Valley.
- A deeply emotional and engaging story that unfolds beautifully.
- Often considered the greatest video game of all time due to its innovation and impact.
Reflecting on Nintendo’s Greatest Adventures
In the end, narrowing down Nintendo’s legendary catalog to just ten games is no small task. The company has produced countless unforgettable adventures across multiple generations, and yes — this list leans heavily into The Legend of Zelda. That’s not by accident. Zelda has consistently redefined game design, storytelling, and player expectations, earning its place as a dominant force in Nintendo’s history.
That said, it’s important to note that my personal favorite Nintendo franchise has always been Pokémon — yet no Pokémon titles appear here. Why? Because this list isn’t about personal bias or nostalgia alone. It’s about recognizing the games that had the greatest impact on the industry, pushed innovation forward, and stood the test of time in both quality and influence.
Whether you grew up platforming with Mario, exploring Hyrule, battling in Melee, or catching ’em all, Nintendo’s magic lies in its ability to create timeless experiences that speak to every kind of player. And while any Top 10 list will spark debate, one thing is certain — Nintendo’s legacy is built on games that continue to inspire joy, wonder, and imagination decades after their release. Let me know what your top 10 Nintendo games of all time are!
