Nintendo has had dozens of smash hit games in it’s long and storied history, but some always stand out more than others. These games have the exceptional distinction of being the highest rated game for each respective Nintendo console, going from the NES to the recent Nintendo Switch. Because of their ages, the scores for the NES and SNES games will be taken from ports for the Game Boys Advance. Additionally, the Game Boy and Virtual Boy are left out of the equation. For the latter, it is hard to say if there was a single decent game on it.
Additionally, newer systems will include games that first came out on the respective console. While Ocarina of Time is the highest ranked 3DS game, it doesn’t get the spot on the list because it came out on the N64 first. The company has had its ups and down throughout its long history, but their impact on the medium is undeniable and they are currently riding high on the success of their innovative hybrid console.
10 1988: Super Mario Bros. 3 On The NES (94)
After the somewhat perplexing Super Mario Bros 2, the plumber came back strong to close out a trilogy of games for the NES. Instead of a linear sequence of levels, players navigated a map, giving them some small choice in how to tackle levels.
The addition of power ups spiced up gameplay and the plethora of secrets encouraged exploration. Thirty years later and the game is just as fun as it was upon its release.
9 1991: The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past On The SNES (95)
The third mainline entry follows several cues from the premier title, only with a more focused narrative and livelier world. Striking the perfect balance between exploration and linear design, it manages to direct the player on where to go while never forcing them down a specific route.
Almost every Legend of Zelda title up until The Breath of the Wild followed a similar template, and it is easy to see why.
8 1998: The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time On The N64 (99)
The first three-dimensional Zelda revolutionized the action-adventure game genre, becoming one of the prime reasons to own a Nintendo 64, along with Super Mario 64 and GoldenEye 007.
In a time when developers were still grasping how to properly make games with the added dimension, Ocarina of Time showed the way in every aspect of its design, including combat, level design, and puzzle-solving.
7 2001: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 On The Game Boy Advance (95)
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is one of the highest rated console games of its generation. The gameplay loop is addictive, making completing every level’s goals with each skater a joy. The core gameplay is so smooth, just trying to beat one’s own personal high score is a treat.
Miraculously, Vicarious Visions made a surprisingly faithful port to the Game Boy Advance. Understanding the handheld’s limitations, it puts the camera above the player for an isometric view, but the level design is largely intact. While some of the controls are simplified, the title is immediately recognizable.
6 2002: Metroid Prime On The GameCube (97)
After skipping an entire console generation, fans were stoked for Samus Aran’s return on the GameCube. They weren’t expecting a first-person action-adventure game, but it turned out to be exactly what the series needed. Despite the new perspective, Metroid Prime was a return to all the things fans adored about Metroid; exploration, creepy sci-fi atmosphere, and engaging combat scenarios.
Two sequels came out to similar acclaim, though the Prime series has been out of the spotlight for numerous years. Retro Studios is currently hard at work on Metroid Prime 4.
5 2009: Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars On Nintendo DS (93)
This spin-off of the immeasurably successful Grand Theft Auto franchise was a throwback to the series’ isometric days. While the DS is mainly seen as a handheld for younger audiences, this didn’t stop Chinatown Wars from becoming the platform’s highest-scoring game on Metacritic.
Unfortunately, the demographic may have contributed to its lackluster sales, which is perhaps why the series steers clear of handhelds these days. Because of the reliance on the system’s unique features, the PSP version had to rework several of these mechanics, and it also removed the game’s cel shaded art style.
4 2007: Super Mario Galaxy On The Wii (97)
The Wii’s unique controller perplexed many upon its reveal and remained a challenge for third-party developers throughout its lifespan. Nintendo, however, utilized it perfectly, using it to make Super Mario Galaxy one of the more unique Super Mario platformers.
Good controls aren’t enough, however, and Galaxy’s cosmic-themed levels were all breathtakingly unique worlds filled with wild diversions that keep the player entertained from start to finish. It strikes a fine balance between creative mechanics and old fashioned platforming challenges.
3 2013: Super Mario 3D World On The Wii U (93)
Even though Breath of the Wild has a higher score, we’ll save its praise for the Nintendo Switch release. As the only place to play it, the Wii U is still worth having for Super Mario 3D World.
Taking several cues from the 3DS’s Super Mario 3D Land, 3D World presents smaller levels than a traditional Mario platformer, instead focusing the player’s attention on engaging platforming. Hidden stars in each level still encourage one to keep their eyes peeled while going about the areas, however.
2 2012: Fire Emblem: Awakening On The 3DS (92)
Because of the series’ niche audience, Fire Emblem: Awakening was to be the last entry in the long running franchise. However, its surprise critical and commercial success gave Nintendo a change of heart, leading to more entries which received similar praise.
The tactical-role playing gameplay and permadeath mechanics make every moment of this title heart-pounding, which is just what fans want from the series.
1 2017: The Legend Of Zelda: The Breath Of The Wild On Nintendo Switch
What better way to showcase the innovative console than with the gorgeous Breath of the Wild as a launch title? Taking this journey on the go was a revelation for fans. After a brief introductory segment, player are free to explore Hyrule at their leisure, with every direction uncovering countless secrets and stories.
Some lobby complaints at the lack of narrative and structure, but the story is written through the player’s interaction with the world, creating a different experience for everyone who plays it.
