Summary
Nintendohas been publishing video games since the medium’s beginnings in arcades in the early 1980s. Today, they are one of the few remaining companies publishing AAA titles and have even recently expanded into the world of animated movies withThe Super Mario Bros. Movie. However, there are lots of games that even their most hardcore fans haven’t played.
Spanning Nintendo’s history from NES to Nintendo Switch, these games may be some fans' favorite Nintendo games. Other Nintendo fans, sadly, have likely not paid them their fair due, despite some of them being gems hidden in plain sight. Whether it’s a spin-off they never heard of or a critically-panned game they disregarded, these examples should be sought out.
Updated on October 6th, 2023 by Geoffrey Martin:This List has been updated to include a video version of the article. The video version details every entry in the piece, showing off each game for readers who have never seen the gameplay in action.
10Earthbound: Beginnings
Earthboundis a niche title in Nintendo’s library, mostly known by the casual fan forthe inclusion of Ness inSuper Smash Bros. Its Japan-exclusive sequel,Mother 3, has also eluded a Western release and has become the subject of meme culture. However, few Nintendo fans pay any respect to the very first title in theMotherRPG franchise.
Debuting on the NES in 1989, simply titledMother, this game laid the groundwork forEarthbound, and many future RPG franchises after it. It’s available on Nintendo Switch Online under the titleEarthbound Beginningsafter being Japan-exclusive for many years, but it certainly deserves the attention of both Nintendo fans and RPG fanatics.
9Secret Of Evermore
Although the SNES’sSecret of Mana,which was released in 1993, is notably one of the most critically-acclaimed RPGs on the platform, Square followed it up two years later withSecret of Evermore. The two games don’t take place in the same universe, but many fans passed up the opportunity to play this game since it wasn’t released in Japan.
For fans ofSecret of Mana,Secret of Evermorecontains a lot of the same aspects that make the original SNES RPG fun: a real-time battle system, multiple playable characters, and art design. However, its in-game world involves players traveling realms based on different time periods, such as the Middle Ages or prehistoric times.
8Donkey Kong 64
AlthoughDonkey Kong 64is the origin of the now-infamous “DK Rap,” lots of Nintendo fans haven’t played the first 3D platformer in theDonkey Kongfranchise. For most fans, theDonkey Kong CountryandDonkey Kong Country Returnsgames showed that Mario’s first antagonist has always been meant to be playable as a 2D platformer.
Nevertheless,Donkey Kong 64has Rareware behind it, the studio that madeBanjo-KazooieandConker’s Bad Fur Day. Though some aspects have aged since it was released over 20 years ago,Donkey Kong 64remains a solid 3D platformer that’ll feel fresh for fans of the genre, though it has yet to be added to Nintendo’s virtual console library.
7Drill Dozer
When it was first released on GameBoy Advance in 2005,Drill Dozerseemed likea promising new IP for Nintendo. The platformer places players in the shoes of Jill, who must operate her Drill Dozer to conquer levels and bosses. The character of Jill even cameoed as an Assist Trophy inSuper Smash Bros. Brawl, which was released in 2007 in Japan.
Sadly,Drill Dozerhas not received any future installments, despite positive reviews among other GameBoy Advance titles. Hopefully, if Nintendo one day adds it to their Nintendo Switch Online catalog, modern-day video game fans will give this title the attention it rightfully deserved all the way back in 2005.
6Wario World
Although the microgame-focusedWarioWarefranchise has kept Mario’s nemesis relevant in the video game world, few know abouthis 3D platformer on GameCube.Wario Worldwas released in 2003, following Wario on an adventure to recover stolen treasure. The gameplay, however, is vastly different thanSuper Mario SunshineandLuigi’s Mansion.
Particularly, Wario gets to use his iconic Shoulder Bash move inWario World, which originated inWario Land: Super Mario Land 3for the GameBoy. Although some critics felt the game was too short, that just makes it the perfect length for Nintendo fans who are curious to see how Wario fared in the realm of 3D platforming.
5Kirby’s Epic Yarn
TheKirbyfranchise has often turned hardcore video game fans away due to being too easy and kid-friendly. That’s especially true ofKirby’s Epic Yarn, a Nintendo Wii title that ups the easiness by featuring no way for players to die or lose all their lives. However, this is what makes the game so enjoyable; it’s a breezy romp through a yarn aesthetic world.
Furthermore, the game is as fun as it gets for a Nintendo game, allowing Kirby to take on many yarn-like forms as he progresses through the game. It even has the capability for a second player, who takes on the role of the just-as-cute Prince Fluff. Overall,Kirby’s Epic Yarnmight be too easy, but who says video games can’t be a walk in the park?
4The Legend Of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
It’s hard to argue that any title inThe Legend of Zelda’s catalog is underrated, but if one was, it would beSpirit Tracks. The Nintendo DS title was released in 2009 and offers one of the most unique stories in theZeldaseries. After Princess Zelda’s body is taken by the evil demon Malladus, Link must team up with her spirit embodying the armor of a Phantom.
Though the game, like anyZeldatitle, had a lot of anticipation prior to its release,it hasn’t had as timeless of an impactas other titles likeBreath of the WildorOcarina of Time. Still, it’s a fun, unique adventure in the land of Hyrule, and even inspired aSuper Smash Bros. for 3DSstage based on the Spirit Train that players ride in the game.
3Xenoblade Chronicles X
The popularity of theXenobladefranchise has exponentially grown in recent years thanks toShulk’s inclusion inSuper Smash Brosand Nintendo’s support of new titles. However, the Wii U open-world RPGXenoblade Chronicles Xsadly passed under the radar for many casual Nintendo fans. For those who haven’t played it, it’s certainly worth the try.
What makesXenoblade Chronicles Xunique to the franchise, aside from its story and setting, is characters get to operate giant mechs that allow them to quickly navigate the open world. Especially for fans who appreciated the freedom ofBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom,Xenoblade Chronicles Xis a diamond waiting to be discovered.
2Kid Icarus: Uprising
For those that have playedKid Icarus: Uprising, they know all too well that it’s one of the best titles on the Nintendo 3DS. Directed bySuper Smash Bros.creator Masahiro Sakurai,Kid Icarus: Uprisingtranslates the Greek mythology-inspired NES title to a 3D rail shooter in the vein ofStar Fox, but its difficult control scheme turned a lot of potential fans off.
Following rumors that the game may be ported to the Switch, it’d be the perfect chance for those who didn’t give it a fair shot in 2013 to try again. The game has the potential for a strong online community with its versus mode, as well as a large fanbase that can grow attached to its lovable and charismatic characters.
1ARMS
Released in 2017,ARMSwas an early original IP for the Nintendo Switch. In the game, players control a boxer with long, spring-like arms battling opponents in a 3D ring. The game sold incredibly well, and even got its own character inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatewith Min-Min, but failed to catch on the waySplatoondid on the Wii U.
However, with more support for an online community,ARMScould have the potential to be Nintendo’s biggest fighting game franchise afterSuper Smash Bros. Perhaps at some point, Nintendo will putenough faith in the series to make anARMS 2, this time with even more characters and appeal to fans who didn’t check it out the first time around.
