If you love gaming, you’ve probably played a Nintendo game or two. The Nintendo games list is full of awesome titles that have made a huge mark on the industry.
Think Super Mario jumping through colorful worlds or Link exploring Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda. These games aren’t just fun—they’re a big deal for game developers and video game publishers too.
By checking out the Nintendo games list, you can see what makes great game design tick and spot trends that shape game development. Whether you’re a player or someone in game publishing, Nintendo’s catalog has something to teach you.
Nintendo Games List Overview
Let’s dive into what makes the Nintendo games list such a big deal.
Picture this: a sprawling collection of games stretching from the pixelated charm of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to the shiny, hybrid wonder of the Nintendo Switch.
We’re talking consoles like the NES, Super Nintendo (SNES), Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo DS/3DS, and Switch, all loaded with video game genres—from heart-pounding adventures to cozy family-friendly titles.
Nintendo’s moved over 1.39 billion games worldwide as of 2025, which shows they’re not messing around.
The list of Nintendo games list isn’t just a treat for gamers; it’s a masterclass for game developers and publishers. Nintendo’s titles, bursting with clever twists and characters you can’t forget, light a fire under folks making their games.
Take Hollow Knight—its creators at Team Cherry raved about how Nintendo’s Metroid shaped their love for winding, exploration-heavy worlds. When game developers dig into the best Nintendo games, they pick up tricks for hooking players of all stripes.
Meanwhile, video game publishers eyeball the Nintendo games list to catch what game genres are buzzing and where the market’s headed, steering their bets on the next big hit. Nintendo’s magic lies in weaving fun with fresh ideas, making their lineup a shining example for game publishing.
Nintendo Games List by Console Generation
Ready for a trip down memory lane? Each Nintendo console brought games that changed how we play, and here’s a breakdown by generation.
Nintendo Games List for NES and SNES
The Nintendo games list kicked off with the NES and SNES, delivering games that set the stage for gaming.
Super Mario Bros. (1985) made platformers a hit with its tight controls and bright levels. The Legend of Zelda (1986) gave us open-world adventures, and Metroid (1986) mixed exploration with action, sparking the “Metroidvania” style.
These games showed game developers how to keep things simple yet fun. Super Mario Bros. sold over 58 million copies and it’s still a legend today.
Nintendo Games List for Nintendo 64 and GameCube
Next up, the Nintendo 64 and GameCube took gaming into 3D.
Super Mario 64 (1996) blew minds with its open 3D worlds and smooth moves. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) is often called one of the best Nintendo games for its epic story and clever design.
On the GameCube, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (2002) brought a bold cartoonish look that inspired tons of game developers.
These games pushed video game genres forward, showing game publishers the power of taking risks.
Nintendo Games List for Wii and Wii U
The Wii and Wii U introduced new methods to play.
Wii Sports (2006) got everyone swinging controllers, selling over 82 million copies. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008) kept the fun competitive, perfect for parties.
The Wii U had hits like Super Mario 3D World, proving Nintendo’s knack for family-friendly gaming.
These consoles taught video game publishers how to reach all kinds of players with fresh game genres.
Nintendo Games List for Nintendo DS/3DS
The Nintendo DS and 3DS brought gaming on the go with dual screens.
Brain Age (2005) turned learning into a game, while Animal Crossing: New Leaf (2012) lets you build a cozy virtual town.
These titles used the DS’s unique setup to stand out, giving game developers ideas for creative design. The Nintendo games list for these handhelds showed portable games could be just as big as console ones.
Nintendo Games List for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is nailing it with some of the best Nintendo Switch games 2025.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) redefined open-world games with its huge, free-roaming world. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) became a global favorite, selling over 47 million copies.
Plus, the Switch is a home for indie games like Stardew Valley, making it a hotspot for game development. The best games on Nintendo Switch keep the Nintendo games list a go-to for game publishing inspiration.
Must-Have Titles in the Nintendo Games List
Some games in the Nintendo games list are absolute must-haves, whether they sold like hotcakes or won over critics with their brilliance.
Here’s a rundown of the heavy hitters that every gamer, game developer, or video game publisher should know about.
Top 10 Best-Selling Nintendo Games
Nintendo’s biggest sellers show why their game genres connect with many players. Here’s the top 10, based on Nintendo’s data as of March 31, 2025:
| Title | Release Date | Genre | Platforms | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | April 28, 2017 | Kart Racing | Nintendo Switch, Wii U | This racing gem keeps families and friends racing with its slick tracks and wild power-ups. It’s the king of the Nintendo games list for a reason. |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons | March 20, 2020 | Social Simulation | Nintendo Switch | This cozy life sim had everyone building island paradises during 2020’s lockdown, with cute villagers and endless decorating fun. |
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | December 7, 2018 | Fighting | Nintendo Switch | A fighting game packed with characters from Mario to Pikachu. It’s a party favorite that keeps gaming nights lively. |
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | March 3, 2017 | Action-Adventure | Nintendo Switch, Wii U | This adventure redefined exploration with the massive world of the kingdom of Hyrule. |
| Super Mario Odyssey | October 27, 2017 | Platformer | Nintendo Switch | Mario’s hat-throwing journey through vibrant worlds is a 3D platformer that feels like pure joy. |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | November 18, 2022 | Role-Playing (RPG) | Nintendo Switch | Despite some tech hiccups, these open-world Pokémon games hooked players with fresh monsters and freedom. |
| Pokémon Sword and Shield | November 15, 2019 | Role-Playing (RPG) | Nintendo Switch | These Pokémon adventures brought new critters and a Wild Area, making catching ‘em all a blast. |
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | May 12, 2023 | Action-Adventure | Nintendo Switch | A sequel to Breath of the Wild. It adds sky islands and building mechanics for epic adventures. |
| Super Mario Party | October 5, 2018 | Party | Nintendo Switch | This party game brings minigame mayhem. It’s perfect for ruining friendships in the best way. |
| New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe | January 11, 2019 | Platformer | Nintendo Switch, Wii U | A 2D Mario platformer with tight controls and levels that shine. It’s a love letter to classic gaming. |
These numbers come straight from Nintendo’s financial reports, showing how their Nintendo games list dominates with iconic franchises like Mario and Pokémon.
Top Critically Acclaimed Nintendo Games
Not every game sells millions, but some in the Nintendo games list win hearts with stellar reviews and awards. These titles shine for their innovation and polish, inspiring game developers and video game publishers alike.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64, 1998) is a legend, scoring a 99/100 on Metacritic and nabbing multiple Game of the Year awards for its epic story and groundbreaking 3D gameplay.
Super Mario Odyssey (Switch, 2017) earned a 97/100 on Metacritic for its hat-tossing mechanics and colorful worlds.
Metroid Dread (Switch, 2021) grabbed The Game Awards’ Best Action/Adventure Game for its tense exploration and slick controls, blending game genres like survival horror with classic Metroidvania.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch, 2017) also scored a 97/100 and swept awards like The Game Awards’ Game of the Year for its genre-defining open-world design, influencing countless game development projects.
These games show why the best Nintendo games are more than just sales—they’re benchmarks for creativity.
Upcoming and Recently Released Titles in the Nintendo Games List
The Nintendo games list keeps growing with fresh releases and exciting titles on the horizon.
Here’s what’s new and what’s coming for gaming fans in 2025.
New Nintendo Switch Releases
Nintendo dropped some awesome games in 2024 that are must-plays on the Switch.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (September 2024) flips the script by letting you play as Zelda, using a magic wand to create objects and solve puzzles in a vibrant Hyrule. It’s an action-adventure with a 2D-meets-3D style.
Super Mario Party Jamboree (October 2024) is the biggest Mario Party yet, with over 100 minigames and online play, perfect for party game genres.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership (November 2024) brings the brothers back in an RPG with quirky humor and team-up moves, set on a colorful island adventure.
These best Nintendo Switch games 2024 show Nintendo’s still got it, blending classic vibes with new twists.
Most Anticipated Nintendo Games
The Nintendo games list is getting even bigger with 2025’s lineup, especially with the Switch 2 launching in June.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, developed by Retro Studios, is set for a 2025 release (exact date TBD) and promises first-person action with Samus Aran hunting Space Pirates in a polished 3D world.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A, from Game Freak, is slated for 2025 (likely late in the year) and dives into an open-world Kalos region with a focus on Lumiose City’s past, blending RPG and adventure game genres.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, developed by Monolith Soft, hits in 2025 (exact date TBD) with enhanced visuals and an epic open-world RPG story on the planet Mira.
Mario Kart World, rumored for the Switch 2 launch, is generating buzz on X for its potential as a next-gen racer. However, Nintendo hasn’t confirmed details or a developer yet.
These best Nintendo Switch games 2025 have game developers and fans hyped for what’s next in game publishing.
How to Track and Manage Your Nintendo Games List
Keeping tabs on your Nintendo games list can be a game-changer, whether you’re a collector or just trying to tackle your backlog.
From Nintendo’s own tools to third-party apps, here’s how to stay organized and make the most of your gaming adventures.
Using My Nintendo and eShop
Nintendo makes it easy to manage your digital Nintendo games list with My Nintendo and the eShop.
On the Nintendo Switch eShop, you can build a digital library by purchasing games directly, with all your owned titles neatly listed under your account. Just head to the eShop, check your profile, and see every game you’ve bought or downloaded—no hunting through shelves required.
The Wish List feature lets you save best games for Nintendo Switch you’re eyeing, like the upcoming best Nintendo Switch games 2025, and get notifications when they go on sale. You can also access your Wish List via Nintendo’s website for a bigger screen view.
My Nintendo tracks your play activity and lets you earn points for buying or playing games, which you can redeem for discounts or digital goodies.
To do this, go to the Switch’s System Settings, then “Play Activity”, to see how much time you’ve sunk into each title—perfect for gauging your gaming habits.
These tools are simple, free, and keep your Nintendo games list tidy right from your console.
Third-Party Apps and Trackers
If you want more firepower for managing your Nintendo games list, third-party apps like Backloggery or GG App are clutch.
Backloggery is a fan favorite for its flexibility. It lets you manually add games and mark them as Unplayed, Beaten, or Completed. Its Fortune Cookie feature even picks a random game from your backlog to play next, which collectors love.
GG App is sleeker, with iOS and Android support, allowing you to track your best Nintendo games, wishlist, and reviews, plus browse trending titles. It’s like Letterboxd for games, but some features, like list cloning, need a paid membership.
HowLongToBeat is awesome for time management. It lets you log your Nintendo games list and see average completion times—great for picking short games when busy. It also imports Steam libraries, though Switch games need manual entry.
Other options like Gameye or Minimap let you scan barcodes or sync Nintendo accounts for faster setup. These apps add stats, social features, and custom tags to level up your game genres organization.
Nintendo Games List and Game Development Insights
The Nintendo games list isn’t just for playing—it’s a goldmine for game developers and video game publishers looking to crack the code on killer game design and smart monetization.
Nintendo’s titles offer lessons that shape game development and keep fans coming back.
Game Mechanics and Design Lessons from Nintendo Titles
Nintendo’s games are like a masterclass in nailing mechanics that stick.
Take The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as an example. It’s all about exploration, letting you climb anything, glide across Hyrule, and tackle shrines in any order. This freedom, paired with tight physics, inspired open-world game genres like Genshin Impact.
Super Mario Odyssey’s movement is pure magic: Mario’s dives, rolls, and hat-throwing feel so smooth they’ve set the bar for 3D platformers, with game developers praising its responsive controls.
Metroid Dread nails pacing, mixing tense stealth with fast combat to keep you on edge. It blends survival horror and Metroidvania vibes that game development teams study for balance.
These mechanics—exploration, fluid movement, and varied pacing—show how Nintendo crafts the best Nintendo games that feel fresh yet timeless. They give game developers a playbook for engaging players.
Monetization and Marketing Strategies Seen in Nintendo Games
Nintendo’s game publishing game is strong, balancing revenue with fan love. Their monetization skips aggressive microtransactions, focusing on full-game purchases and DLC done right.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate keeps players hooked with $6 character packs, like Sora from Kingdom Hearts, adding value without nickel-and-diming.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons sold 47 million copies by leaning on a one-time purchase model, with a $25 Happy Home Paradise DLC for extra content, keeping fans happy without paywalls.
For marketing, Nintendo leans hard into nostalgia and community. They hype best Nintendo Switch games 2025 with Direct streams, like the Echoes of Wisdom showcase, building buzz on X.
Limited-time events, like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s online tournaments, keep players engaged. Meanwhile, Amiibo figures tie physical collectibles to in-game perks, boosting sales.
Video game publishers take notes from Nintendo’s knack for blending quality games with clever, fan-focused marketing that drives long-term gaming loyalty.
Conclusion
What’s not to love about the Nintendo games list? It’s a nostalgic blast for gamers and it’s a total playbook for anyone in the gaming world.
Whether you’re a game developer dreaming up the next big adventure or a video game publisher hunting for what makes game genres pop, Nintendo’s catalog is packed with lessons on crafting fun that lasts.
From the NES’s pixelated pioneers to the Switch’s open-world epics, these best Nintendo games show how to hook players with heart and smarts.
Here at Gamespublisher.com, we’re obsessed with unpacking these gems. We serve up the scoop on game development tricks and industry trends to keep you in the know.
Dive into our content to stay inspired, whether you’re chasing high scores or shaping the future of game publishing!