Pure gameplay magic, innovative game mechanics, and timeless characters.
Leo NakamuraGaming & Culture Editor
Winner
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Overview
Nintendo prioritizes pure game design mechanics over sheer computing horsepower. We evaluated Nintendo games across mechanical creativity, level design, music, pickup-and-play joy, and timeless replayability.
Winner spotlight
№1The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a triumph of physics-based game design. Allowing players to combine any objects using Ultrahand to construct vehicles and weapons, it transformed Hyrule into an endless sandbox of imagination.
At a glance
| Pick | #1 Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch | #2 Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Switch | #3 Super Mario Bros. 3 NES / Switch Online | #4 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Switch | #5 Metroid Prime Switch Remaster | #6 Pokémon HeartGold / SoulSilver Nintendo DS | #7 Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 9.9 | 9.8 | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.6 | 9.5 | 9.4 |
| Story | Masterpiece | Outstanding | Excellent | Great | Great | Good | Good |
| World design | Revolutionary | Brilliant | Excellent | Great | Good | Good | Good |
| Replay value | Endless | Very high | High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Performance | Flawless | Excellent | Great | Good | Good | Good | Fair |
The list
Ordered by overall score across every test. The “best for” note tells you exactly who each pick is for.
1Ultrahand physics construction and sky island sandbox exploration.
Best overallWhy buy
Keep in mind
2Cappy possession mechanics delivering pure 3D platforming joy in every kingdom.
3D PlatformingWhy buy
Keep in mind
3The 2D platforming gold standard that defined Nintendo's design ethos.
2D Platforming gold standardWhy buy
Keep in mind
489 fighters, 110 stages: the ultimate crossover celebration of gaming.
Crossover fightingWhy buy
Keep in mind
5Isolated 3D atmospheric exploration and visor HUD scanning in first person.
Atmospheric explorationWhy buy
Keep in mind
6Two regions (Johto & Kanto), 16 badges, and following Pokémon mechanics.
Peak PokémonWhy buy
Keep in mind
7Deserted island terraforming and peaceful real-time community life.
Cozy life simWhy buy
Keep in mind
Deep dive
| Feature | Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Super Mario Odyssey | Super Mario Bros. 3 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Metroid Prime | Pokémon HeartGold / SoulSilver | Animal Crossing: New Horizons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open world | |||||||
| Co-op mode | |||||||
| Mod support | |||||||
| Accessibility options | |||||||
| Photo mode | |||||||
| Steam Deck verified | |||||||
| Cross-platform | |||||||
| New Game+ |
The verdict
Before you buy
Every game was completed — then replayed. We judge on craft, joy and the pull to boot it up again long after the credits roll, on both controller and keyboard.
A 10/10 for you might be a 6/10 for a friend. Use the 'Best for' notes to match games to your setup, your schedule and your tolerance for a 100-hour campaign.
The winner of our The 7 Best Nintendo Games of All Time ranking is the pick that scored highest across every test — but 'best overall' isn't always 'best for you'. Use the 'Best for' note under each of the seven to match a pick to your budget, your space and your habits. Every entry on this list earned its place; the ranking simply tells you where to start.
Questions
We complete every game's main story and spend at least 20 additional hours exploring side content. Replayability is scored on a second playthrough.
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