Explore the greatest hits from Nintendo’s golden years, spanning the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and GameCube. These iconic titles shaped generations of gaming and still hold up today.

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Tetris – 1984

Platform: Nintendo NES, Game Boy
One of the most iconic puzzle games in history, Tetris delivered endless addictive gameplay with simple yet challenging mechanics. Its NES and Game Boy versions made it a household name and remain timeless classics in gaming.

Super Mario Bros. – 1985

Platform: Nintendo NES
A pioneer of the platforming genre, Super Mario Bros. introduced dynamic levels, power-ups, and secret areas—innovations that laid the foundation for modern video game design.

The Legend of Zelda – 1986

Platform: Nintendo NES
The Legend of Zelda set the standard for action-adventure games with its rich lore, challenging puzzles, and open-ended exploration. It launched one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises.

Contra – 1987

Platform: Nintendo NES
Konami’s run-and-gun shooter Contra was known for its intense difficulty, fast-paced action, and iconic two-player co-op. Its NES port became a cult classic.

Super Mario Bros. 3 – 1988

Platform: Nintendo NES
Returning to its 2D roots, Super Mario Bros. 3 pushed the NES hardware to its limits with new power-ups, intricate worlds, and unforgettable gameplay—a masterclass in platforming.

Final Fight – 1989

Platform: Nintendo SNES
Final Fight delivered nonstop arcade-style beat-’em-up action with memorable characters and gritty urban settings. A definitive title in SNES’s action game lineup.

Super Mario World – 1990

Platform: Nintendo SNES
A launch title for the SNES, Super Mario World introduced Yoshi, expansive level design, and smoother graphics—widely considered the pinnacle of 2D Mario games.

Final Fantasy IV – 1991

Platform: Nintendo SNES
Also released as Final Fantasy II in the U.S., this classic RPG combined deep storytelling, turn-based combat, and emotional character arcs. It remains a genre-defining title.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time – 1992

Platform: Nintendo SNES
An arcade favorite brought home, Turtles in Time let players brawl through time as their favorite Ninja Turtles. Its multiplayer mode and vibrant visuals made it a fan favorite.

Star Fox – 1993

Platform: Nintendo SNES
With revolutionary 3D graphics powered by the Super FX chip, Star Fox redefined rail shooters and wowed players with its fast-paced, outer space action.

Super Metroid – 1994

Platform: Nintendo SNES
Known for its atmospheric world, nonlinear exploration, and refined gameplay, Super Metroid became a cornerstone of the Metroidvania genre.

Chrono Trigger – 1995

Platform: Nintendo SNES
Developed by Square, Chrono Trigger is regarded as one of the greatest RPGs ever made. With time-traveling storylines, memorable characters, and multiple endings, it set the bar for narrative-driven gaming.

Pokémon Red & Blue – 1996

Platform: Nintendo Game Boy
Pokémon Red and Blue launched a global phenomenon. Catching, battling, and trading 151 creatures introduced a new generation to RPGs and multiplayer gameplay.

GoldenEye 007 – 1997

Platform: Nintendo 64
A revolutionary first-person shooter, GoldenEye 007 combined cinematic storylines with multiplayer mayhem. It helped establish console FPS games as a dominant genre.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – 1998

Platform: Nintendo 64
Often called the greatest video game of all time, Ocarina of Time brought 3D adventure gaming to new heights with groundbreaking mechanics and emotional storytelling.

Super Smash Bros. – 1999

Platform: Nintendo 64
This crossover brawler introduced fans to chaotic multiplayer battles between beloved Nintendo characters. Its success launched one of the most enduring franchises in competitive gaming.

Mario Tennis – 2000

Platform: Nintendo 64
With smooth mechanics and arcade-style gameplay, Mario Tennis brought a lighthearted twist to sports games. Perfect for multiplayer fun with friends and family.

Luigi’s Mansion – 2001

Platform: Nintendo GameCube
As a GameCube launch title, Luigi’s Mansion gave Mario’s brother a starring role in a spooky yet charming ghost-hunting adventure.

Metroid Prime – 2002

Platform: Nintendo GameCube
Metroid Prime seamlessly transitioned the series into first-person, offering immersive environments and precise shooting mechanics—critically acclaimed as a top-tier GameCube title.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions – 2003

Platform: Nintendo 3DS
This enhanced re-release blended humorous storytelling with turn-based RPG elements, breathing new life into the Mario & Luigi series with modern visuals and amiibo support.

Metroid: Zero Mission – 2004

Platform: Game Boy Advance
A faithful remake of the original Metroid, Zero Mission featured modern graphics and streamlined gameplay, offering a perfect entry point into the iconic series.

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Final Thoughts

From puzzle classics like Tetris to timeless RPGs like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy IV, Nintendo’s rich legacy of games shaped generations. Whether you’re revisiting these nostalgic titles or discovering them for the first time, this list showcases the best of retro gaming.