All Nintendo Home Consoles Ranked

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Navigating console launch lineups can be quite challenging, particularly for Nintendo following its announcement of the Switch 2. With a treasure trove of beloved video game IPs under its belt, this blessing also brings high expectations from fans and consumers whenever a fresh piece of hardware emerges. A new Nintendo console could mark the beginning of a strong start and innovative ways to enjoy video games, or it might present fresh perspectives on established favorites.

Over the decades, Nintendo has managed to strike a balance between innovation and tradition, releasing groundbreaking games such as “Super Mario Bros.” for the Nintendo Entertainment System, followed by titles like “Wii Sports” which came pre-installed on the Wii. Introducing a new console is no small feat due to the substantial investment of time and resources required for production. As a result, the quality of launch lineups can differ significantly. Here’s a list of Nintendo’s home consoles prior to the Switch 2:

1. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
2. Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
3. Nintendo 64
4. GameCube
5. Wii
6. Wii U
7. Nintendo DS (portable console, but still relevant to the list)

For a straightforward approach, let’s limit our discussion to home gaming systems exclusively and highlight their initial release offerings, specifically focusing on North America.

6. Wii U

The ‘U’ Stands For ‘Unwieldy’

  • New Super Mario Bros. U
  • Nintendo Land
  • SiNG Party
  • Assassin’s Creed 3
  • Batman: Arkham City – Armored Edition
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
  • Darksiders 2
  • Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two
  • FIFA Soccer 13
  • Game Party Champions
  • Just Dance 4
  • Madden NFL 13
  • Mass Effect 3: Special Edition
  • NBA 2K13
  • Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge
  • Rabbids Land
  • Scribblenauts Unlimited
  • Skylanders Giants
  • Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
  • Tank! Tank! Tank!
  • Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition
  • Transformers: Prime – The Game
  • Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper
  • Wipeout 3
  • Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013
  • ZombiU

Speaking quantitatively, the game selection at the Wii U’s debut was unparalleled, boasting an impressive 32 games available right off the bat. This rich array of options guaranteed that gamers would have plenty to engage with on launch day. High-profile titles like “Call of Duty” and “Madden” were part of the third-party offerings, while Nintendo’s own contribution was a top-tier game: “New Super Mario Bros. U”, a sophisticated reinterpretation of the classic 2D platformers that have earned their reputation.

Similarly to how the Wii U console struggled to find its ideal balance, so did its initial collection of games. Many of these games were essentially upgraded versions of titles that had been previously released on other consoles. While New Super Mario Bros. U was enjoyable, it didn’t offer an extraordinary experience. The abundance of titles meant that exceptional games, such as the underappreciated ZombiU, failed to garner the recognition they deserved. Essentially, there was too much quantity without enough quality.

5. Nintendo 64

Slim Pickings, Despite One of the Most Classic and Best Video Games of All Time

  • Super Mario 64
  • Pilotwings 64

In the heart of the ’90s, I found myself standing at a crossroads in the world of video gaming. On one path was Nintendo, steadfastly holding onto their cartridge system and game-focused home consoles. On the other, Sony gleamed with its innovative PlayStation, offering CD-based home entertainment. It seemed like an unequal battle, but Nintendo had a secret weapon: the mighty Nintendo 64, boasting a more powerful console and a groundbreaking launch title that promised to redefine gaming paradigms. For a while, it appeared as though the Nintendo 64 was poised to trounce the competition, but history would ultimately tell a different story, with Sony emerging victorious from this epic showdown.

Super Mario 64 revolutionized not just the way Mario games were experienced, but also the entire video game industry, as it shifted focus from linear gameplay. It’s often hailed as one of the greatest games ever created. Unfortunately, the Nintendo 64 console didn’t fully realize its potential and ultimately lost the competition with Sony for at least two generations. The console’s launch in 1996, with just two games available compared to the numerous titles the PlayStation had by that time, was underwhelming and essentially doomed the console’s future.

4. Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Super In More Ways Than One

  • F-Zero
  • Pilotwings
  • SimCity
  • Super Mario World
  • Gradius 3

It’s important to mention that when the SNES, or Super Famicom in Japan, was first released, it came with just two games. However, a more extensive collection of games was ready for its North American launch, among which was Super Mario World, widely regarded as the best representation of Mario’s 2D adventures. This delightful launch game introduced Yoshi and brought fresh gameplay mechanics, music, and graphics that captivated players back then.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the remaining gems that sealed the deal for this console. F-Zero, with its futuristic racing thrills, was a groundbreaking sci-fi game that left everyone awestruck at first sight. Pilotwings was no less impressive, demonstrating breathtaking aerial acrobatics thanks to the raw power of the SNES. For those who craved more hardcore action, Gradius 3 offered an authentic arcade shooting experience that felt like home. Looking back, it may have been a modest collection compared to today’s standards, but it was a powerful punch of brilliant, polished games that gave the console a strong foothold in the gaming world.

3. Nintendo Wii

A Master Class of Motion Controls and Family Fun

  • Wii Sports (bundled with the console)
  • The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
  • Excite Truck
  • Avatar: The Last Airbender
  • Call of Duty 3
  • Cars
  • Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2
  • Elebits
  • GT Pro Series
  • Happy Feet
  • Madden NFL 07
  • Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
  • Monster 4×4: World Circuit
  • Need for Speed: Carbon
  • Rampage: Total Destruction
  • Rayman Raving Rabbids
  • Red Steel
  • SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab
  • Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz
  • Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam
  • Trauma Center: Second Opinion

Nintendo’s Wii represented a spectacular return to form after years of being outshone by Sony and Microsoft. Breaking convention at every turn, it boasted lower power compared to its contemporaries, an unusual control system, and an array of bonus features such as weather updates, photo storage, and adorable personalized characters – none of which were demanded by consumers. However, it outperformed the competition significantly due to two exceptional games that set it apart from its rivals.

Nintendo catered to its loyal followers for years with “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess,” offering a darker, grittier Zelda game with enhanced combat. On the other hand, “Wii Sports” showcased user-friendly controls that allowed players from ages 8 to 80 to enjoy the game. These titles ignited excitement among consumers, despite the fact that many of the supporting launch games were not works of art.

2. Nintendo Switch

One Game To Rule Them All

  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
  • 1-2-Switch
  • Super Bomberman R
  • Just Dance 2017
  • Skylanders: Imaginators
  • Fast RMX
  • Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
  • Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment
  • Snipperclips: Cut It Out, Together!
  • I Am Setsuna

Clearly, individuals who purchased a Nintendo Switch on its launch day were primarily drawn by the allure of playing “Breath of the Wild.” This game marked a significant creative leap for Nintendo since “Super Mario 64,” redefining the familiar elements of the franchise in an innovative manner while maintaining the essence of the series. In essence, it was a monumental work with high replay value.

When a console debuts with such an exceptional game, there’s little space left for anything else. However, the assortment of titles that accompanied the Nintendo Switch launch, encompassing both physical and digital-exclusive games, offers a delightful variety. This range extends from challenging niche favorites like Bomberman and Shovel Knight to family-oriented party games such as 1-2 Switch and Just Dance 2017, which add a lot of fun and cheer to the collection.

1. Nintendo Entertainment System

It All Starts Here with the NES

  • 10-Yard Fight
  • Baseball
  • Clu Clu Land
  • Duck Hunt
  • Excitebike
  • Golf
  • Gyromite
  • Hogan’s Alley
  • Ice Climber
  • Kung Fu
  • Pinball
  • Stack-Up
  • Super Mario Bros.
  • Tennis
  • Wild Gunman
  • Wrecking Crew

The assortment of games launched for the NES offered unforgettable gaming experiences that revolutionized video gaming, while also providing a diverse selection of genres. For those who found Super Mario Bros. challenging, there was the relaxing option of Duck Hunt. For arcade enthusiasts seeking a beat ’em up, Kung Fu was available. Even those disinterested in these games could relax with sports titles or Pinball. To this very day, many of these games remain enjoyable, and it’s their timeless quality that solidifies the NES as the best.

When Nintendo’s first home console, the NES, was launched, video gaming had reached a low point. Atari had flooded the market with poor quality games which left gamers disillusioned and tired of subpar titles. However, Nintendo’s entry marked a turning point in video gaming history. Famous games like Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt made their way into people’s homes, altering the direction of popular culture for good. Since then, that chapter of gaming has become legendary.

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2025-04-04 03:06