One of the biggest video game companies that has stood the test of time, Nintendo, has a knack for creating experiences that transcend generations. These games were released several decades ago and still engage players young and old, as their timeless designs have aged incredibly well.
We don’t look at these titles purely out of nostalgia but as proof of where good game design can get you. Whether playing for the first time or diving back in for nostalgia, these 11 Nintendo classics have aged like fine wine and will give you hours of fun.
11) Castlevania
The granddaddy of vampire-slaying games, it set the stage for decades of spooky adventures following the famed Belmont family. Developed by Konami and released in 1986 for the NES, it introduced us to Simon Belmont, armed with his trusty whip, fighting his way through Dracula’s castle.
The game oozed Gothic charm and had some seriously challenging platforming sections that took skill to overcome. The game’s mix of horror, action, and that hauntingly good soundtrack still hits the right notes, making it one of those games that never seems to get old.
10) Kirby’s Adventure
Developed by HAL Laboratory and released in 1993, this NES game gave us the adorable pink puffball the ability to copy enemy powers, which became a defining trait in future games. The story is classic Kirby—he’s on a mission to fix the Star Rod and save Dream Land from darkness.
What makes this game stand out is its creativity and charm. The cute art style, catchy tunes, and surprisingly deep mechanics made it an instant hit, and it’s still a joy to play today. Not to mention the fun level design, endlessly sucking in enemies and spitting them out never loses its charm.
9) Mega Man 3
Dropped in 1990, this Capcom NES title continued the blue bomber’s iconic battles against Robot Masters. This time around, Mega Man not only had to fight Dr. Wily’s creations but also deal with his shady brother, Proto Man.
Mega Man 3 took what worked in previous games and made it even better, thanks to the introduction of the slide mechanic and Rush the Robo-Dog. The music is legendary, and while the difficulty might make you break a sweat, it’s still a blast to revisit. Call this game platforming at its finest.
8) EarthBound
Quirky, strange, and undeniably charming, this title is a cult favorite that, while not an initial hit, has only grown in reputation since its 1994 release. Developed by Ape and HAL Laboratory for the SNES, the RPG is set in a modern-day world rather than a medieval fantasy or space sci-fi, which was pretty unique at the time.
Players guide Ness and his friends as they journey to stop an alien invasion, armed with baseball bats, frying pans, and psychic powers. The game blends humor, emotion, and a funky soundtrack, and despite its humble beginnings, it’s now recognized and appreciated a lot more and is a certified classic by gamers.
7) Super Metroid
Exploration, isolation, and atmosphere—this SNES game delivered all of it and more when it was released in 1994. Developed by Nintendo R&D1, it picks up after the events of Metroid II, with bounty hunter Samus Aran returning to Planet Zebes to retrieve a stolen Metroid larva.
This title in particular is credited with perfecting the “Metroidvania” style of gameplay, with its huge map, satisfying power-ups, and non-linear exploration. The eerie music, intricate level design, and unforgettable boss fights make this one a true classic that only gets better with each playthrough.
6) Chrono Trigger
When you bring together the dream team of Square Enix’s best developers, this is the game you get. Released in 1995, this SNES RPG set the gold standard for time-travel storytelling. The game’s plot sees Crono and his friends jumping through different eras to prevent a global catastrophe.
Its unique combat system (no random battles!), multiple endings, and beautiful pixel art make it a fan favorite to this day. With composers like Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu behind the soundtrack, it’s one of those games that leaves a lasting impression, and it’s one of the finest Nintendo classics ever made.
5) Super Mario 64
Released in 1996 as the flagship title for the Nintendo 64, this Nintendo EAD title was a groundbreaking moment in gaming that took Mario into the third dimension for the first time, and boy, did he make his mark there.
With its open-ended level design and tight controls, players could now run, jump, and fly across sprawling 3D worlds. The castle hub world is still iconic, and each stage offers a unique challenge. It set the blueprint for 3D platformers and continues to wow players with newfound secrets even in 2024.
4) The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
When this Zelda title arrived on the SNES in 1991, it completely changed the action-adventure genre. Developed by Nintendo, this game introduced the concept of two parallel worlds, Hyrule and the Dark World, which players would have to travel between to solve puzzles and defeat Ganon.
It also set the template for many future Zelda games, with its dungeons, gadgets, and overworld exploration. The pixel art still looks great, the music is timeless, and the gameplay is as engaging as ever. It’s a cornerstone of the company’s legacy.
3) Animal Crossing
Before New Horizons stole our hearts during lockdowns, there was the original Animal Crossing on the GameCube, released in 2001. The charming life simulation game lets players move into a village filled with quirky animal neighbors.
There’s no real objective, as you just fish, collect bugs, decorate your house, and pay off your mortgage—doing things you wish you could do in real life, essentially.
While it doesn’t have all the cool features that were added later on like LEGO collaborations and whatnot, it undeniably has a lot of charm with its fun events, the shadiest version of Tom Nook, and hilariously hot-headed residents that were toned down in later entries.
2) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
This 1998 N64 title is nothing short of revolutionary. It was the first The Legend of Zelda game to take the leap into 3D, and it did so masterfully. Playing as Link, you embark on an epic quest to stop Ganondorf from taking over Hyrule, with the help of the titular Ocarina.
The game introduced Z-targeting, which made combat in 3D a bit easier, and its world was vast and full of secrets. If you give it a shot, you’ll understand why the release is still hailed as one of the greatest video games of all time.
1) Super Mario World
At the top of our list is Super Mario World, the quintessential SNES platformer. Released in 1990, this game saw Mario and Luigi set out to save Dinosaur Land from Bowser. It took everything fans loved about previous Mario games and dialed it up, from colorful worlds to new power-ups like the Cape Feather.
And of course, this game introduced Yoshi, everyone’s favorite (or most hated) dinosaur companion. The tight controls, vibrant graphics, and catchy music still hold up, making it a game you’ll want to revisit time and time.
That’s 11 Nintendo classics that are worth giving a shot even decades later. Are there any games you think belong on this list? Let us know which ones and why in the comments below!
