The Most Important Nintendo Games Ever

For over five decades, Nintendo has been one of the key pillars of the video game industry, gaining worldwide recognition in the 1980s that has persisted to this day. Responsible for some of the best consoles ever made, as well as many all-time classic games and best-selling franchises, the company has shown no signs of slowing down thanks to recent success with the Nintendo Switch and its successor.

Throughout the decades, some games have stood out as particularly noteworthy. Whether they were recognized as such in that moment or not, they have stood the test of time as the most important releases in the company’s history, thanks to a variety of critical factors, such as creating an entirely new genre or innovating on previous trends. These are some of the most important games Nintendo has produced throughout its history.

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1

Super Mario Bros.

One Of The Most Influential Games Ever Made

Starting with arguably the most important game ever made, Super Mario Bros. both revolutionized and revitalized the ailing video game industry. The highly anticipated console debut of the mustachioed plumber certainly lived up to the hype, innovating in level design and gameplay mechanics, as well as making Mario a household name.

Establishing many hallmarks of the platform genre, the game sold tens of millions of copies and has been remade or re-released on almost every Nintendo console in the decades since. Super Mario is perhaps the most recognizable and iconic multimedia character, and it’s largely thanks to the influence of Super Mario Bros. on the NES.

2

Donkey Kong

Nintendo Becomes A Global Powerhouse

The original Donkey Kong was a smash hit in arcades worldwide, bringing international attention to Nintendo. This debut outing is one of the toughest games in the series, but remains a cultural icon that has been referenced countless times over the years and stands firmly as one of the best arcade games ever made.

Another pioneer of the platform genre, Donkey Kong is said to be the first game to feature jumping as a core mechanic. It also introduced the now iconic characters of Mario (known here as Jumpman) and the eponymous gorilla, as well as Pauline, who has gained more prominence in recent times. Without DK, Super Mario might never have existed.

3

Super Metroid

Pioneering A Genre

It may not be the original, but Super Metroid is the game that kickstarted the series and established many foundations of the metroidvania genre. The alien world of Zebes is perfectly crafted, filling players with a sense of dread through its atmosphere, intricately designed interconnected world, and the feeling of isolation that persists throughout proceedings.

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The gameplay, art design, and music are all timeless, and the game is a major inspiration for modern-day indie classics like Axiom Verge and Hollow Knight. It can be challenging, but not unfair to players, rewarding those who are observant and persistent. The game also encourages exploration with the perfectly paced unlocking of abilities that allow Samus to reach new areas.

4

Mario Kart 64

Setting The Standard For Racing Games

Though not the first in the series, Mario Kart 64 is the game that laid the foundations for the future of the series and established it as a bestseller that anybody can pick up and play. It does contain a few divisive tracks, but it was the first to feature 3D graphics and popularized multiplayer with up to four players enjoying chaotic split-screen action.

Not only did it influence future installments of Mario Kart, but racing and multiplayer games in general, thanks to the focus on social interaction and its simple gameplay mechanics. Modern players tend to find it a little rough around the edges in terms of graphics, but the racing and battle mode gameplay is timeless.

5

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Still One Of The Most Critically Acclaimed Games Of All Time

Perhaps the most influential Zelda game and definitely a pioneer of 3D games in general, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of the most iconic video games ever made. Featuring some of the most intriguing dungeons in the series, it established the formula of the franchise going forward with its sublime storytelling and its blend of exploration with puzzle-solving.

Not only did its primitive 3D open-world captivate audiences at the time, but the revolutionary Z-targeting allowed lock-on combat and other context-sensitive actions, which have since become a staple in many video games. The inclusion of Epona as a rideable mount was also groundbreaking, with horse riding becoming a key component of many historical and fantasy open-world games afterward.

6

Super Mario 64

A Defining Moment For 3D Platformers

Another genre-defining 3D game for the Nintendo 64 is Super Mario 64, the Italian plumber’s first foray into the third dimension. Once again, Mario sets the standard for the platform genre, establishing many core elements from level design philosophy and dynamic camera angles to highly diverse movements with the use of the analog stick.

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Though the camera is difficult to maneuver for players with modern sensibilities, it allowed unprecedented levels of exploration at the time and completely immersed players in the game world. Many 3D platformers follow the blueprint of Super Mario 64 for world and level design, encouraging exploration to find the secrets scattered throughout and containing hub worlds similar to Princess Peach’s Castle.

7

Pokemon Red and Blue

A Major Multimedia Franchise Is Born

Pokemon Red and Blue are Game Boy classics that took the world by storm, spawning multiple sequels, spin-offs, dedicated trading cards, and a popular anime series, among countless other things. Not only did these games introduce the now iconic original 151 pocket monsters, but they also established the core gameplay loop that has remained relatively similar in all subsequent releases.

Rooted in traditional JRPGs, players venture out into the Kanto region, collecting Pokemon, training them in battles, and challenging gym leaders spread throughout the world. Three decades after the initial launch, combined sales of the original games are still by far the most in the franchise, and they are still enjoyable to pick up and play today.

8

Wii Sports

Simple Game With Mass Appeal

Wii Sports

Systems

Released

November 19, 2006

ESRB

E For Everyone due to Mild Violence

It may seem simplistic, but Wii Sports is a major reason for the success of the Nintendo Wii. Packaged with every console, it is one of the highest-selling games of all time, and helped to attract millions of new players to video games with its easy-to-pick-up controls, interactivity, and inclusiveness.

The five sports on offer are all easy to play and have dedicated training modes to improve skills and get a workout in the process, and there is a surprising level of skill required against higher-level AI opponents. Wii Sports was a gateway for many new players thanks to its emphasis on games being fun and bringing together families or friends in local multiplayer.

9

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

A Great Game Improved By Timing

The importance of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is largely down to timing, since it launched during the early days of a worldwide global pandemic when people had to isolate themselves. Many people staved off loneliness by coming together online in ACNH, meeting friends online, exploring their islands, doing activities together, and trading with them.

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Many people at the time chose to host events in the game, like birthday parties, since they could not meet in real life, ensuring a feeling of normalcy during a difficult time. Even without this context, it’s still a highly regarded game that allows players to bring out their creative sides and improve their emotional well-being with wholesome gameplay and vibes.

10

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Innovation In Open-World Design

A launch title for the Nintendo Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild made the hybrid console a must-have thanks to its bold innovations in open-world design. Encouraging exploration with rewards in every direction, whether riding a horse, traveling on foot, or gliding through the sky, Hyrule is incredible and can be freely traversed without limits.

There is also freedom of creativity with each puzzle or problem having multiple potential solutions thanks to Link’s unique abilities, which were enhanced in the sequel Tears of the Kingdom. Multiple open-world games released in the years since have been influenced by BotW, and it is still regarded as one of the best games ever made.

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