The Console-Defining Game Of Every Nintendo System

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Nintendo‘s history goes back further than its popular gaming consoles. In 1983, they launched the Famicom in Japan – a system that became the NES in North America in 1985 – and it was a major success. Since then, Nintendo has consistently been a leader in the video game industry, thanks to its well-known and beloved franchises, enjoyed by gamers even on other platforms.

Looking at the twelve most important gaming consoles, which games were key to their success? Even if some of these games don’t seem as impressive today, their impact was huge. Let’s explore Nintendo’s history, from classics like Mario to more recent hits like Splatoon.

NES: Super Mario Bros.

The System Seller For The NES

Okay, so let’s be real, Super Mario Bros. was a huge deal for the NES. It came bundled with the console, which basically meant everyone instantly knew Nintendo and Mario. It’s not even my favorite Mario game on the NES, but it’s the one most of us played – I even remember my parents trying it out back in the 80s to see what I was so hooked on! Now Mario’s Nintendo’s biggest star and makes them tons of money, and it all started with the NES, even though he actually showed up in arcades first. Seriously, that one game changed everything.

Game Boy: Pokemon Red/Blue

A Late Addition To The Game Boy And Game Boy Color Generations

The Game Boy launched with Tetris, a popular game that many people enjoyed. However, Pokemon Red and Blue truly became a cultural phenomenon towards the end of the Game Boy’s lifespan. Their massive popularity boosted interest in the system, leading to updated versions like the Game Boy Pocket, Game Boy Light, and eventually the Game Boy Color. Similar to Mario, Pokemon became incredibly popular, exceeding all expectations for its developer, Game Freak, and introduced a whole new audience to role-playing games.

SNES: Super Mario World

The SNES Experience In One Perfect Game

Super Mario World was one of the first games released when the Super Nintendo (SNES) came out in both Japan and North America. It significantly changed the classic Mario gameplay by introducing a world map, levels you could replay, and hidden secrets that unlocked even more levels. Many consider it the best of the 2D Mario games and it’s a great game to recommend to anyone new to platformers or video games in general.

Virtual Boy: Wario Land

The Only Good Virtual Boy Game

The Virtual Boy is mostly remembered for the console itself, but if you’re looking for a genuinely good game on it, Wario Land is the one to get. While games like Mario’s Tennis and Jack Bros are okay, Wario Land is a really well-made platformer that cleverly uses the Virtual Boy’s unique 3D effect. Is it worth buying a Virtual Boy just for this game? Probably not, but it’s the only game on the system that even makes you consider it.

Nintendo 64: The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

Worth The Wait On N64

Choosing the most important Nintendo 64 game is open for discussion, but The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time captivated an entire generation like no previous Zelda title. It was the first game in the series to fully embrace 3D, letting players explore a vast world, delve into dungeons, and then completely changing their expectations with its innovative time-travel mechanics. Widely considered one of the highest-rated games ever made, it established a standard for 3D adventure games – a blueprint still used today, even in later Zelda installments.

Game Boy Advance: Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire

A New Generation Of Pokemon On The Game Boy Advance

The Game Boy Advance didn’t have a single, standout game like many other Nintendo consoles. However, if you had to pick one, or really two, it would be Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire.

The Pokémon series is consistently successful on Nintendo consoles, and the third generation of games was a significant advancement. These titles featured improved graphics, a larger variety of Pokémon, and a revamped battle system, making them key developments for the franchise.

GameCube: Super Smash Bros. Melee

The GameCube’s Defining Fighter

The GameCube had a lot of great updates to popular franchises like Mario and Zelda, but Super Smash Bros. Melee truly stands out. Many fans consider it the best game in the series, and it remained popular for years at both casual get-togethers and competitive tournaments. Compared to the original on the Nintendo 64, Melee offered a significantly improved experience with more characters, refined gameplay, better stages, and updated graphics.

Nintendo DS: Nintendogs

The DS Opened The Gate For Casuals

The Nintendo DS aimed to broaden the appeal of handheld gaming, and Nintendogs was a clever way to do it. Different versions of the game featured various dog breeds, eventually leading to a similar concept with cats on the 3DS. Though more of a virtual pet simulator than a traditional video game – players could interact with, groom, and feed their pets – Nintendogs was undeniably a huge success for the DS.

Nintendo Wii: Wii Sports

Playing The Wii With The Family

Wii Sports was a key reason the Wii became so popular. Included with the console, it brilliantly showcased the potential of motion-controlled gaming. The Wii quickly became a hit with people of all ages, and it was often difficult to find in stores. The simple controls in games like bowling and golf were easy to pick up because they mirrored real-life actions. It’s likely the Wii wouldn’t have achieved the same level of success without Wii Sports.

Nintendo 3DS: Find Mii

The StreetPass Games 3DS Games Were Amazing

The 3DS didn’t sell well initially because it was expensive and lacked must-have games, but Nintendo eventually turned things around. Once people bought one, it became a fun companion for travel or events thanks to features like SpotPass and built-in games like Find Mii and Puzzle Swap. Players could create their own Mii characters, and the system would exchange data with other 3DS owners who walked by, unlocking content for simple, enjoyable mini-games. It’s a shame Nintendo hasn’t revisited this unique idea since.

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2026-05-12 18:11