The iGV Readers’ Top 25 Nintendo Games of All Time
iGV and Nintendo Life collaborated to rank the Top 100 Nintendo games. But they also wanted to know what games the readers thought were the best. Using a “Face Off” tool, games were pitted against each other, and the winners were ranked by win percentage. After thousands of votes, here is the list of the Top 25 Nintendo games, as decided by iGV readers.
25. Mario Kart 64 – 59.0% Win Rate
Mario Kart 64 brought the kart racing fun to the N64 with thrilling tracks and iconic characters. It introduced four-player split-screen, making it a social gaming staple. The blend of racing skill and chaotic items created unforgettable moments, solidifying its place in multiplayer history. Many gamers cherish this classic for its exciting gameplay and competitive spirit, and its nostalgic appeal is undeniable.
24. Super Mario Bros. – 59.2% Win Rate
Super Mario Bros. revolutionized the platforming genre on the NES. Its simple yet challenging gameplay, coupled with iconic level design and memorable music, set a new standard for video games. Players navigated Mario through the Mushroom Kingdom, battling Bowser and rescuing Princess Peach. Its impact is immeasurable, establishing Mario as a global icon and influencing countless games that followed.
23. Pokemon Yellow (Red/Blue) – 59.4% Win Rate
Pokémon Yellow, along with Red and Blue, launched a worldwide phenomenon. Catching and training Pokémon became an addiction for millions. The game’s addictive gameplay, combined with its strategic battle system, captured the imaginations of gamers. Trading and battling with friends added a social dimension, making it a shared experience. Pokémon Yellow specifically allowed Pikachu to follow you on screen, a feature that added to the game’s charm.
22. Donkey Kong Bananza – 61.2% Win Rate
You might be referring to **Donkey Konga** for the GameCube, which features the Konga drums. It provided a unique rhythm-based experience, where players matched beats to the music by hitting the drum controllers. Its colorful visuals and catchy tunes made it a fun party game. The game brought a fresh take on the Donkey Kong universe and rhythm games, appealing to players of all skill levels.
21. Chrono Trigger – 61.2% Win Rate
Chrono Trigger on the SNES is revered as one of the greatest RPGs of all time. Its innovative time-traveling storyline, coupled with a memorable cast of characters and a stellar soundtrack, set it apart. The non-random encounters and multiple endings added depth and replayability. Its influence on subsequent RPGs is undeniable. The game continues to resonate with fans for its engaging story and timeless gameplay.
20. GoldenEye 007 – 61.9% Win Rate
GoldenEye 007 redefined first-person shooters on consoles with its engaging single-player campaign and revolutionary multiplayer mode. Based on the James Bond film, it offered immersive gameplay and a variety of gadgets. The four-player split-screen mode became a social phenomenon. Its impact on console shooters is significant, paving the way for future titles in the genre. The game remains a classic for its groundbreaking design.
19. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – 62.7% Win Rate
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is a cherished Game Boy classic. Stranded on Koholint Island, Link must awaken the Wind Fish to escape. Its charming story, memorable characters, and inventive dungeons set it apart. The game introduced unique elements to the Zelda formula. Its influence on the series is evident, and it remains a favorite among fans for its unique atmosphere and touching narrative.
18. Super Metroid – 62.7% Win Rate
Super Metroid on the SNES is a benchmark for action-adventure games. As Samus Aran, players explore the vast and interconnected planet Zebes. Its atmospheric world, coupled with tight controls and a sense of isolation, created an immersive experience. The game’s non-linear design encouraged exploration and discovery. Its influence on the “Metroidvania” genre is undeniable. Super Metroid remains a seminal title.
17. Super Smash Bros. Melee – 63.4% Win Rate
Super Smash Bros. Melee is a fast-paced and competitive fighting game on the GameCube. Featuring a roster of Nintendo characters, it delivered intense multiplayer battles. Its intricate combo system and deep mechanics appealed to hardcore gamers. The game is still actively played in tournaments around the world. Melee’s legacy endures as a staple in the fighting game community.
16. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess – 65.3% Win Rate
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess brought a darker and more mature tone to the Zelda series. Released on both the GameCube and Wii, it immersed players in a vast world filled with challenging dungeons and memorable characters. Link’s ability to transform into a wolf added a unique gameplay element. Its engaging story and epic scope made it a fan favorite, appealing to players who wanted a more serious Zelda adventure.
15. Metroid Prime (+ Remastered) – 65.6% Win Rate
Metroid Prime successfully transitioned the Metroid series into a first-person perspective. Its immersive world, detailed environments, and focus on exploration created a unique experience on the GameCube. The remastered version enhances the visuals and controls, making it even more accessible to modern players. It remains a remarkable achievement for successfully adapting a classic franchise to a new genre.
14. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask – 66.1% Win Rate
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is a unique and haunting entry in the Zelda series. Set in the doomed land of Termina, Link must prevent the moon from crashing down in three days. Its time loop mechanic, coupled with its dark themes and memorable masks, created a distinct atmosphere. Majora’s Mask stands out for its emotional depth and innovative gameplay.
13. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – 66.1% Win Rate
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive Mario Kart experience on the Nintendo Switch. Its polished gameplay, vibrant tracks, and extensive character roster make it a must-have for any Switch owner. The addition of Battle Mode and improved online play enhance the multiplayer experience. It remains a favorite for its accessibility and replayability, appealing to both casual and hardcore gamers.
12. Super Mario Galaxy 2 – 66.8% Win Rate
Super Mario Galaxy 2 expands on the innovative gameplay of its predecessor with new power-ups, imaginative levels, and a greater sense of adventure. Launching on the Wii, the game sent Mario hurtling through creatively designed galaxies filled with challenges. It remains a highlight of the Wii era for its inventive level design and engaging gameplay mechanics.
11. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – 66.9% Win Rate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate lives up to its name with an enormous roster of fighters from across gaming history. Its refined gameplay, extensive content, and vibrant online community make it a standout title on the Nintendo Switch. The game is the culmination of the series. Ultimate is a celebration of gaming that appeals to both casual and competitive players.
10. Super Mario Bros. 3 – 67.9% Win Rate
Super Mario Bros. 3 is widely regarded as one of the best 2D platformers of all time. Its diverse level design, innovative power-ups, and challenging gameplay set a new standard for the genre. The game’s hidden secrets and clever level layouts rewarded exploration. It remains a timeless classic that continues to inspire and entertain players.
9. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker – 68.4% Win Rate
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is known for its unique cel-shaded art style and expansive ocean setting. Players sailed across the Great Sea, exploring islands and dungeons in search of adventure. Its charming story, memorable characters, and engaging gameplay made it a standout title on the GameCube. The game has aged gracefully with its timeless art style and captivating world.
8. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past – 69.0% Win Rate
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past set the standard for the Zelda series with its expansive world, intricate dungeons, and memorable characters. Its engaging story, challenging gameplay, and iconic soundtrack made it a standout title on the SNES. The game established many of the series’ core elements. A Link to the Past remains a beloved classic.
7. Super Mario Galaxy – 69.6% Win Rate
Super Mario Galaxy revolutionized 3D platforming with its innovative gravity mechanics and imaginative level design. Released on the Wii, it sent Mario hurtling through space in search of Princess Peach. Its vibrant visuals, stellar soundtrack, and engaging gameplay made it a critical and commercial success. Galaxy showcased the Wii’s motion controls in creative ways.
6. Super Mario World – 70.5% Win Rate
Super Mario World introduced Yoshi and expanded on the gameplay of its predecessors with new power-ups and inventive levels. Its accessible gameplay, coupled with its deep secrets and challenging hidden stages, made it a fan favorite. The game’s colorful graphics and memorable soundtrack are classics. Mario World is regarded as one of the greatest 2D platformers ever created.
5. Super Mario 64 – 70.5% Win Rate
Super Mario 64 revolutionized 3D platforming with its open-world design and innovative controls. It remains a landmark title that shaped the genre. Its freedom of movement, coupled with its engaging objectives and hidden secrets, made it a classic. Super Mario 64 set a new standard for 3D game design.
4. Super Mario Odyssey – 71.3% Win Rate
Super Mario Odyssey revitalized the 3D Mario formula with its open-world environments and inventive “Cappy” mechanic. Its creative level design, coupled with its charming characters and engaging objectives, made it a critical and commercial success on the Nintendo Switch. Odyssey recaptured the magic of the series with a fresh and innovative approach.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – 73.2% Win Rate
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom builds upon the foundation of Breath of the Wild with its expansive world, intricate crafting system, and engaging story. Players explore Hyrule with new abilities and tools. Its creative freedom, coupled with its challenging puzzles and memorable characters, made it a standout title on the Nintendo Switch, and a worthy successor.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – 77.1% Win Rate
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild revolutionized the Zelda series with its open-world design, physics-based gameplay, and non-linear structure. Players explored a vast and immersive Hyrule at their own pace. Its freedom of exploration, coupled with its challenging combat and engaging story, made it a critical and commercial success. Breath of the Wild redefined the Zelda experience.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – 77.5% Win Rate
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is widely considered one of the greatest video games ever made. Its immersive world, engaging story, and innovative gameplay set a new standard for 3D adventure games. Its influence on the Zelda series, and gaming as a whole, is undeniable. Ocarina of Time remains a timeless classic for good reason.
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